The Valued Lady is Truly Dominant

Nan Shan supported Song Ci, taking her on a tour of the Charitable School inside and out, pointing out where repairs were needed and what needed to be added, causing Steward Ping and a few junior stewards to tremble as they took notes.

By the time Song Ci finished her tour and was ready to leave, the backs of several people were already damp with sweat.

Madam claimed she was blind, but in reality, she wasn’t at all; she saw small details clearer than anyone and could think faster than anyone.

As Song Ci was about to leave, the sound of hooves could be heard at the front of the Charitable School, and shortly after, someone knocked at the door and entered.

"Oh, look who it is, isn’t it Prince Consort Cui?" Song Ci squinted to see the newcomer clearly and smiled.

Cui Changxiao was also surprised to see Song Ci there and quickly stepped forward, cupping his hands in salute to her: "Madam, I didn’t expect you to be here; what a coincidence."

The stewards also came forward to salute, puzzled as to why this great nobleman would visit this Charitable School.

"You’re the future Prince Consort, with your grand wedding just two months away. Why are you here? Shouldn’t you be in the palace assisting the Emperor with state affairs?" Song Ci was curious as well.

Cui Changxiao replied with a smile, "I just returned from outside the city and remembered you set up a Charitable School here, so I came to take a look. Has it been completed?"

"Indeed, it is completed; once the teachers are assembled, it can start," Song Ci smiled and said. "In fact, I just did a round, and everything is in order. Once those managing the Charitable School are in place, the students can be moved in to acclimate first."

Looking at the neatly arranged new Academy, different from ordinary academies, Cui Changxiao couldn’t help but ask, "May I have a look around?"

"You’re welcome to." Song Ci replied.

Cui Changxiao thought for a moment and added, "If you’re not tired, Madam, please take a seat at the teahouse in the front; I would like to treat you to tea."

Song Ci raised her eyebrows with a smile, "Sure, I’ll be waiting for you in the front then."

...

When Cui Changxiao arrived at the teahouse, Song Ci had already had two cups of tea. As he entered, he bowed deeply to Song Ci: "Madam, this Charitable School is built excellently, practical in every way, without any showiness."

He was referring, of course, to some decorative elements that other academies might use to appear sophisticated, like artificial mountains, running water, and flowers. Sophisticated they may be, but they hardly resemble academies.

But the one Song Ci established only had lush trees planted; there were flowers, too, confined to morning glories climbing the walls and a couple of rose bushes. Instead, there was a large section of vegetable plots and greenhouses for cultivating vegetables, which, according to Steward Ping, required the participation of all teachers and students to ensure self-sufficiency.

There was also a small area resembling a martial arts practice ground for teachers and students to practice boxing and jogging, aiming for well-rounded moral and physical education.

He knew Song Ci’s character was not one to establish a Charitable School for the sake of empty fame; it was only upon truly exploring it that one realized this school considered all aspects. It was said that the blueprints for this school were drawn by someone at Madam’s behest; without her ideas, how could they have been created?

She genuinely wanted to help others and promote goodness.

The Cui family of Qinghe, renowned and noble, specialized in education, and they most admired those willing to educate others.

So, Cui Changxiao’s bow to Song Ci was one of respect.

He respected her, harboring goodwill.

Song Ci burst into laughter and said, "I will gladly accept your praise, but if you ask of me matters I find difficult, I may not be able to help you. So speak, what do you seek?"

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