Legend of the Embroiderer

Chapter 175: Palace School Turbulence 4

Despite resistance from the palace's powerful, Su Mengyao had a clever plan. Knowing that most palace maids loved listening to stories, she decided to personally teach at the academy to spark their interest. Her after-school hours became the stage for her clever plan.

Inside the academy, the palace maids sat neatly on their futons, their faces etched with a hint of weariness. Su Mengyao stepped forward, smiled faintly, and spoke in a soft and clear voice: "Today, I will tell you a story."

The palace maids suddenly became alert, their whispers gradually disappeared, replaced by focused gazes.

Su Mengyao spoke softly and slowly, "Do you know that Emperor Taizong had a maidservant named Xu Hui. She came from a humble background, but with her talent and virtue, she became a virtuous concubine."

"How did Empress Xu Hui do it?" a palace maid couldn't help but ask curiously, her eyes full of anticipation.

Su Mengyao smiled slightly, her tone soft and gentle. "Empress Xu Hui was originally an ordinary maid in the palace, but she was intelligent and fond of reading since childhood. In the palace academy, she was diligent and studious, not only proficient in poetry and literature, but also well versed in etiquette. She used her knowledge to assist Emperor Taizong, earned respect with her virtue, and eventually became a great virtuous concubine."

The maids listened intently, their eyes filled with longing. One young maid murmured softly, "I also want to be like Empress Xu Hui."

Su Mengyao nodded gently, her eyes soft. "If you work hard in the academy now, you will surely become pillars of the palace in the future. The story of Empress Xu Hui tells us that birth doesn't determine everything. As long as you put your heart into it, you can achieve great things."

The maids were deeply moved by her words and nodded in agreement. The atmosphere in the academy gradually brightened, and the initial weariness and resistance were swept away. Su Mengyao, observing this, felt a surge of joy, knowing that their worries had been largely resolved.

"Miss Su, what happened to Empress Xu Hui later?" another palace maid asked.

Su Mengyao smiled faintly. "Empress Xu Hui lived a life of virtue. Not only did she assist Emperor Taizong in governing the country, she also left behind countless stories for future generations. Her story is the best proof that knowledge can change destiny and virtue can earn respect."

The palace maids listened with fascination, their eyes sparkling with longing for the future. Su Mengyao knew that these stories were like seeds planted in their hearts, and would one day take root and sprout.

Outside the school, sunlight filtered through the bamboo forest, casting dappled shadows. Su Mengyao stood at the door, watching the palace maids depart, her heart filled with warmth.

She knew that there was still a long way to go for this reform, but as long as she could arouse the interest of the palace people, there would be hope.

"Yao'er, how is the situation in the school?" Li Zhao's voice came from behind, interrupting her thoughts.

Su Mengyao turned around with a hint of relief in her eyes: "Brother Zhao, they are beginning to like the school. I believe that as long as we persist, the palace will definitely get better and better."

Li Zhao smiled slightly and held her hand: "With you here, I believe everything will go well."

The two smiled at each other, both feeling reassured. They knew that although the road to reform was difficult, as long as they worked together, they would surely see the light at the end of the tunnel.

Just as Su Mengyao was trying to resolve the resistance of the palace maids, a piece of news came from outside the palace - envoys from a neighboring country were about to visit, and the Tang Dynasty would hold a grand court meeting.

The news spread throughout the palace like a gust of wind. For a time, the palace people were talking about it, and the school, which was already a little turbulent, fell into a new tense atmosphere.

Li Zhao's heart sank when he learned of this. He knew that the imperial court was a prime opportunity for the Tang Dynasty to showcase its power and elegance. If the turmoil in the palace academy couldn't be quelled quickly, it would become a laughing stock in front of outsiders, damaging the Tang Dynasty's reputation.

He hurried to the school where Su Mengyao was, pushed open the door, and saw Su Mengyao talking quietly with several palace maids with a gentle smile on her face.

"Yao'er." Li Zhao called softly, with a hint of urgency in his tone.

Su Mengyao looked up when she heard the voice and saw that he looked serious. She knew something was wrong and quickly stood up and asked, "Brother Zhao, what happened?"

Li Zhao sighed and told her everything about the court meeting. "The envoys from the neighboring country will be visiting soon, and the court meeting will be held in half a month. The matter of the palace school must be resolved as soon as possible. We can't let outsiders see the chaos in the palace."

Su Mengyao frowned slightly, her heart tightening. She knew that the court meeting was related to the reputation of the Tang Dynasty and must not be affected by the turmoil in the palace school.

She pondered for a moment, then raised her head with a firm gaze. "I understand. I will expedite the process so the maids can adapt to the academy's pace as quickly as possible. At the same time, we must also make those who oppose it understand that this academy is for the long-term development of the palace."

Li Zhao nodded, a hint of relief flashing in his eyes. He knew that once Su Mengyao made up her mind, nothing could stop her.

He held her hand, his tone encouraging: "Yao'er, I believe in you. If we work together, we will definitely be able to solve this problem."

The two exchanged glances, each feeling reassured. They knew the turmoil at the Imperial Academy was merely a minor setback on the road to reform.

As long as they work together, the future of this palace will be as they wish, ushering in a truly peaceful and prosperous era.

"Your Highness, Miss Su." At this time, a palace maid cautiously stepped forward, holding several newly compiled textbooks in her hands. "These are the school textbooks that were just delivered today. I wonder if they are suitable for you?"

Su Mengyao took the textbook, opened it, and a satisfied smile appeared on her face: "Very good, these textbooks are easy to understand, just suitable for palace maids to study. You have worked hard."

Seeing her so satisfied, the maids felt more confident. They knew how much effort Miss Su and the Crown Prince had put into the academy. Now, with the court meeting approaching, they had to work hard and not bring shame to the Tang Dynasty.

"Your Highness, Miss Su, we will try our best." A palace maid mustered up the courage to speak, with a bit of determination in her voice.

Su Mengyao smiled slightly, her eyes full of relief: "Okay, I believe you."

The atmosphere in the academy gradually became serious and solemn. The palace maids began to study seriously, knowing that this was not only for themselves, but also for the glory of the Tang Dynasty.

Li Zhao and Su Mengyao became even busier. They shuttled around the palace, calming the nervousness of the palace maids and arguing with their opponents.

"This school must not be abandoned halfway," Li Zhao said firmly during a debate with opponents. "The people in the palace are also citizens of the Tang Dynasty. Ensuring that they are well-educated and well-mannered is a blessing for both the palace and the Tang Dynasty."

The opponents were silenced by his words, but they still refused to give in. However, Li Zhao and Su Mengyao did not back down. They knew that although the road to reform was difficult, they would never give up.

The court meeting is approaching, and the turmoil in the palace school is still going on, but Li Zhao and Su Mengyao are not afraid.

They believe that as long as they have faith in their hearts, nothing can stop them from moving forward. And this challenge of internal and external troubles will soon become their new test...