Forced to marry, I picked up a young powerful official

Chapter 238: Killing a chicken with a bull’s knife

This letter was indeed written to Shen Nankui. The writer was named Yang Ze, and he addressed Shen Nankui as "Master Shen" in the letter. The words were full of respect and affection.

Zhang Qiongsi felt warmed as she read the letter. The words "Master" in the letter made her heart excited.

She read the letter several times before handing it back, with a dazed look on her face.

"It's really you..."

"Sister Jones, do you believe it now?"

Zhang Qiongsi held Shen Nankui's hands with both of her own, a trace of regret flashed across her face, "Sister, I'm so sorry that you are so tolerant. I was blind before, and I didn't know that the person I wanted to visit so much was actually right in front of me."

"Paying a visit?" Shen Nankui looked puzzled.

Zhang Qiongsi's face turned slightly red and she lowered her head somewhat embarrassedly.

Hongdou said at this time: "I know, I know, Madam Gu, the person my daughter admires most is the female teacher in Cang County. The daughter once said that this teacher is a heroine. Before, the master received the imperial decree to be transferred to the capital. The daughter wanted to meet the female teacher when she arrived in the capital, but she failed to do so. The daughter had always regretted this, but she did not expect that Madam Gu was the female teacher. This is really-"

"The flood washed away the Dragon King Temple, and one family couldn't recognize the other!"

"Why are you so nosy!" Zhang Qiongsi said lightly, "Go and make a new pot of tea. Use the Jinshan Shiyu tea that my uncle gave me a few days ago. Remember, this tea is delicate, and the water temperature must not be too hot, otherwise it will damage the tea fragrance."

Hongdou smiled and replied, "I understand."

This Golden Mountain Rain was specially given to my daughter by my uncle. I heard that it only costs one tael for a hundred taels of silver in the market, and it is in short supply. My daughter has only drunk it once in the past few days, and even when the eldest son came to ask for it, she was reluctant to give it to him. Now that she is willing to take it out to entertain Madam Gu, she must have let go of all her previous grudges.

Shen Nankui asked with a smile: "Sister, have you figured it out?"

Zhang Qiongsi nodded slightly, "I originally thought that what I said was just castles in the air, but I didn't want to be remembered by my sister. Besides, my sister has a plan in mind. If you don't mind, Qiongsi is willing to serve you."

“It couldn’t be better.”

After a while, Hongdou brought tea, and Zhang Qiongsi personally held the tea and handed it to Shen Nankui.

"Sister, would you like to try this tea?"

Shen Nankui took a sip and praised with a smile: "This Jinshan Shiyu is a famous tea from the south of the Yangtze River. I have heard of it a long time ago, but I have never tasted it. It is indeed fresh and refreshing."

The two drank tea and chatted for a while, and then Zhang Qiongsi asked: "Sister, if we want to establish a women's academy in Yongzhou, how should we proceed?"

Shen Nankui put down the teacup and said slowly, "I originally thought that since the women's academy would not interfere with those academies that rely on imperial examinations, it should not be difficult to set up. It is nothing more than building a venue, selecting teachers, and recruiting students. Except for the recruitment of students, which is still unknown, I can fund the first two myself."

Her businesses were going smoothly and her money was increasing day by day. It was no big deal for her to use some of it to start a school.

"But, you said two very correct things in Yanxia Pavilion that day. The Women's Academy is also an academy in Yongzhou. If it just appeared out of nowhere, people would not accept it and it would be difficult for the academy to survive. Therefore, the best way is to raise funds and run the academy together. Only with contributions will people have hope for the academy and truly recognize it."

Zhang Qiongsi nodded, "That's exactly the truth. Free things are always looked down upon. Only when everyone has contributed will people not give them up easily."

Shen Nankui thought: This is just like Lai'an Academy, the villagers spontaneously raised money to set up the academy, and when the academy was criticized by the world, everyone in Lai'an Town worked hard to protect the reputation of the academy.

"Qiong Si," Shen Nankui smiled slightly, "I have had this idea in mind for many years. Now that you and I have reached an agreement, it is time to start planning. It will be February soon. I want to find a reason to hold a banquet and invite the wives of the major families in Yongzhou to attend. What do you think?"

Zhang Qiongsi was slightly puzzled, "This... shouldn't we ask Gu Zhouzun to come forward and negotiate?"

Shen Nankui smiled and said, "Why use a butcher knife to kill a chicken? It's not the time for him to come forward yet. If he comes out at this time, I'm afraid he will be blamed."

Zhang Qiongsi asked: "If we only deal with those ladies from aristocratic families, can we get money?"

Shen Nankui did not answer but asked: "Qiong Si, I just want to ask you, who is in charge of the Zhang family's accounts?"

"Of course it's my mother."

Shen Nankui said, "Yes, those ladies from noble families are the mistresses of the house, they manage the money and accounts, so it's not a big deal for them to give some money. Besides, our goal is to pull them into the same boat with us, not to empty their wealth."

Zhang Qiongsi burst out laughing, "That's true."

Shen Nankui asked again: "By the way, Jones, do your parents know about your thoughts?"

Of course, it refers to the establishment of a college.

Zhang Qiongsi nodded, "Although I know, but Dad was reprimanded by the previous governor because of me, and later he strictly ordered me not to mention these things again."

"Would you like me to mediate for you?"

Zhang Qiongsi dares to think and speak, has talent and ambition, and has good character. When the academy is built in the future, she will definitely work as a teacher in the academy. Shen Nankui has the obligation to clear the obstacles for her.

Zhang Qiongsi shook her head. "I appreciate your kindness, but it's not necessary. I will go and convince my parents myself."

"Okay." Shen Nankui didn't persuade her any further.

Zhang Qiongsi said, "Don't worry, sister. I will be there to help you on the day of the banquet."

Shen Nankui smiled and said, "Speaking of which, I don't know as much about the situations of the families in Yongzhou as you do. When I draw up the invitation list, I need you to take a look and help me see if there are any changes that need to be made."

"no problem."

As they were talking, Mother Gui suddenly walked in and bowed to the two of them, "Miss, Madam Gu, the table has been prepared, please go over and have your meal."

Zhang Qiongsi stood up after hearing this and said, "Sister, let's go over there."

"it is good."

The two of them walked hand in hand to Mrs. Zhang's yard together.

Mrs. Zhang was surprised to see the two people being so intimate, "Nan Kui, Qiong Er, you..."

Shen Nankui smiled and said, "Aunt, I had a very good chat with Sister Qiong Si. Sister Qiong Si is very smart and intelligent. Once she is pointed out, she will immediately understand. She will not suffer from it anymore."

Mrs. Zhang looked at her daughter with joy, and she nodded. "Mother, I regret that my sister and I met too late. Your words touched my heart. I will not make you worry anymore. And...thank you for your understanding."

"Good good!"

Mrs. Zhang looked very happy and pulled the two of them to sit down.

"I've said it before, you two are of similar age, so you'll definitely get along well. Come on, everyone, take your seats and have a couple of drinks."

……

On February , the dragon looked up.

The usually deserted prefectural government was bustling again today. Horse-drawn carriages drove up to the entrance of the alley, and richly dressed ladies got off the carriages and entered the government office.