Chapter 140 Women’s School Opening 2

Shu Yuwan got up early.

The Emperor was surprised, “It’s rare to see you up earlier than me.”

Suddenly realizing it was the day of the women’s school opening, he said helplessly, “It’s not a big deal, why are you so concerned?”

Shu Yuwan smiled, “I couldn’t sleep.”

The Emperor was diligent and usually rose early to handle state affairs.

Shu Yuwan managed the harem without concubines, so there were fewer tasks. Initially, she would rise early to assist the Emperor, but he always insisted she rest, saying, “Take a little more rest; others can handle these tasks.”

Over time, Shu Yuwan stopped getting up early, and the attendants wouldn’t wake her.

Reflecting on this, Shu Yuwan was grateful it stayed within the Kunde Palace , as she might have been criticized for not being diligent if it had spread outside.

Since she was awake, the Emperor also rose, and Shu Yuwan personally helped him with his morning routine.

The Emperor tried to suppress a smile and, after freshening up, went to attend to state affairs.

After preparing to leave, Qing Dai came in to report, “Your Majesty, Princess Pingyi requests an audience.”

Curious, Shu Yuwan asked as she left the hall, “Pingyi, why are you here?”

“Greetings Empress.”

After paying her respects, Pingyi said, “Empress, I heard today is the women’s school opening. I would like to attend. Could you take me with you?”

Shu Yuwan was surprised. Although Pingyi often visited to chat, she hadn’t discussed the women’s school with her. Mainly because Pingyi wasn’t married yet, and her wedding was approaching, making it unsuitable for her to appear publicly.

She didn’t expect Pingyi to come and ask to visit the women’s school.

Excitedly, Pingyi looked at Shu Yuwan, who hesitated for a moment before smiling, “Of course.”

Pingyi cheered and thanked Shu Yuwan happily, to which Shu Yuwan gently replied, “I should thank you.”

In truth, Shu Yuwan had hesitated for a long time. Upon hearing the news, she was deeply moved. As a princess who had always lived in the palace, the women’s school sounded different and intriguing to her. She really wanted to see it.

When Shu Yuwan arrived with Pingyi, Ning Fei, Mrs. Shu, Tang, Zhou, and others were already there.

Everyone rose and bowed upon seeing Shu Yuwan.

Shu Yuwan quickly asked them to sit and greeted her mother, sisters-in-law, her godmother, lady Changning, and others.

Seeing Pingyi, Princess Changning smiled, “Pingyi is here too.”

Princess Pingyi felt a bit uneasy as she was about to get married soon and shouldn’t be out and about. She carefully explained, “Greetings, Aunt and Empress. The women’s school established by the Empress is for the women facing hardships in the world. Although I am a princess, I am also a woman.”

To her surprise, Princess Changning didn’t blame her but nodded in agreement, saying, “Pingyi has grown up.”

Ning Fei, with a gentle expression, reassured, “Princess, don’t worry too much. There’s nothing wrong with coming to see.”

With the elders not blaming her, Pingyi was relieved.

As everyone gathered, they sat on the balcony, overlooking the inner courtyard of the women’s school.

Shu Yuwan had expected fewer people but was surprised to see quite a crowd below.

Qing He was in the middle of the courtyard, receiving the female students for enrollment. The academy was surrounded by imperial guards, and many commoners gathered outside to watch.

Aunt Chen brought her daughter, Ah Xiang, who was reluctant to come but was persuaded by her mother. Seeing the imperial guards outside, she became nervous and asked, “Mother, why are there so many soldiers?”

Aunt Chen didn’t know what was happening but reassured her daughter, “Don’t be afraid. I heard that the Empress established this women’s school, so these soldiers are here on her orders to prevent any trouble.”

Ah Xiang found it hard to believe that the Empress would send soldiers to protect them. They were just commoners, rejected by their husbands and bringing shame to their families.

As they hesitated, many people bravely entered the school. The receptionist checked their enrollment notices and allowed them in.

Seeing this, Aunt Zhang pulled Ah Xiang forward.

At the entrance, they were greeted by a teacher and a perfumer, who were very gentle. Ah Xiang felt relieved upon seeing their kind demeanor.

By midday, most of the women’s school students had been enrolled, and those who had registered were mostly present.

Shu Yuwan, Ning Wang Fei, Mrs. Changning, Mrs. Wang, Mrs. Shu, and others walked to a high platform outside the balcony.

The eunuch’s voice echoed through the palace.

“The Empress has arrived!”

The bustling school suddenly fell silent as everyone looked up to see a group of elegantly dressed women standing on the high platform.

The leading woman looked dignified and imposing.

Ah Xiang was amazed to see the Empress, the princesses, and the consorts.

Shu Yuwan spoke, “I am delighted that you have set aside your concerns to come to the Lishen Academy. The Emperor personally named this academy, hoping that the students here will learn skills for self-improvement.”

“I understand that everyone has faced challenges. I hope you will learn from the teachers and acquire valuable skills. I believe that with your expertise, someone will appreciate and utilize your talents in the future.”

Upon hearing this, not only the female students in the academy but also the ladies behind Shu Yuwan seemed contemplative.