The Transmigrated Princess - Chapter 59

Recently, a major event occurred in the capital: the Heshuo Eldest Princess opened a school specifically for young girls from poor families to study.

This stunned the common people. Although the Emperor had already permitted women to study and take the imperial examinations, everyone knew in their hearts that permission alone was not enough. There were no specialized schools for women. Even if wealthy families could afford private tutors, those teachers mostly taught subjects like “Women’s Virtues.”

Most scholars were aloof and proud; finding a tutor willing to teach women the Four Books, the Five Classics, and the way of the sages was no easy task. Yet, these were exactly what the imperial examinations required. Now, the Princess’s actions were truly helping women prepare for the exams, which inevitably caused a public sensation.

Some felt the Princess was genuinely benefiting the people, while others believed that instead of spending so much money on a school for girls, she would be better off spending it on boys. Regardless of the outside chatter, if Xie Zhizhen wanted to do something, she would see it through. However, the issue of finding teachers that the public was so curious about was indeed a significant challenge.

While she understood some of the Four Books and Five Classics, she had only picked up a superficial understanding by listening in when the princes studied.

Gu Qing only learned about Xie Zhizhen’s school from others.

“General Gu and the Eldest Princess truly follow each other’s lead. General Gu strongly advocated for women’s imperial examinations, and not long after, the Princess has already settled the matter of the school.”

Lord Cheng had always held certain prejudices against women. Knowing what Xie Zhizhen had done, he was extremely dissatisfied. However, she was the Emperor’s elder sister, and the Emperor’s affection for her was well-known. Not daring to gossip to Xie Zhibai, he could only take a swipe at Gu Qing.

A school? What school? Zhizhen had never mentioned this to her.

Gu Qing was confused, but she could guess a bit from Lord Cheng’s words. Hiding her confusion, she followed his lead and replied, “To have such a wife is Gu Qing’s fortune.”

Lord Cheng felt as if his punch had landed on cotton, soft and powerless. He froze for a moment then snorted coldly, “I only fear that despite the efforts of the General and the Princess, it will all be for nothing in the end.”

Gu Qing gave a soft laugh, seemingly indifferent. “There is no need for Lord Cheng to worry about that.”

In the modern world, there were many female top scorers in the college entrance exams. Although educational resources were lacking in ancient times, she believed that with proper teaching, they could produce a few female top scholars.

On the way back to the Eldest Princess’s Manor, Gu Qing saw a crowd gathered in front of a school. Upon inquiring, she learned this was the school Xie Zhizhen had founded, and classes would officially begin in three days.

Upon returning to the Manor, Gu Qing saw an unexpected person: Zhou Xianyun. Moreover, it was a Zhou Xianyun who was staring intently at Xie Zhizhen.

Gu Qing suppressed a flicker of unease and asked, “Why are you here?”

Xie Zhizhen’s eyes lit up when she saw Gu Qing return. She walked over quickly and hugged her arm. Zhou Xianyun, who had been watching Xie Zhizhen, naturally noticed the change in her expression, and her eyes darkened.

“Gu Qing!”

Although the two were together all day, they never grew tired of each other. Instead, even a short separation made Xie Zhizhen feel reluctant to part.

Gu Qing stroked the top of Xie Zhizhen’s head. Since she was at home and had not gone out, she wore few hair ornaments, making her hair feel soft and fluffy to the touch. Against her arm, she felt the curves and warmth of Xie Zhizhen’s body. If not for Zhou Xianyun’s presence, Gu Qing would have already kissed that peach-blossom scent.

Zhou Xianyun withdrew her gaze from Xie Zhizhen and faced Gu Qing. Gu Qing felt a sense of hostility from her, though she wasn’t sure if it was just her imagination. “I heard Her Royal Highness is opening a school, so I have come to volunteer as a teacher.”

Xie Zhizhen nodded. Although she had already decided to ask Meng Jing and Gu Qing to serve as teachers, they were still short-staffed. She was very much in favor of Zhou Xianyun’s self-recommendation.

Gu Qing was the one who had brought Zhou Xianyun back, so she knew her capabilities well. However… “Why do you suddenly want to be a teacher?” As far as she knew, Zhou Xianyun was not exactly the altruistic type.

Zhou Xianyun lowered her gaze and said calmly, “Her Royal Highness seeks the welfare of all women. I am but an ordinary person, but I wish to contribute my humble efforts.”

The reasoning was flawless. Had Gu Qing not known her character beforehand, she might have been fooled. But regardless of her motives, as long as Gu Qing was there, she would not let her harm Zhizhen. Everything else was secondary.

“Gu Qing, I have already verified Miss Zhou’s abilities; she is indeed quite good.” Xie Zhizhen spoke up, fearing Gu Qing might reject her. They were in desperate need of teachers, and she genuinely liked Zhou Xianyun.

Hearing Xie Zhizhen’s praise, Zhou Xianyun’s eyes sparkled.

In contrast, Gu Qing looked down at Xie Zhizhen. With her tender smile and anticipation for the future, she seemed more vibrant than ever. Though she felt a bit jealous, Gu Qing could distinguish business from personal feelings. She nodded, giving her approval for Zhou Xianyun’s request.

After Zhou Xianyun left, Gu Qing pulled Xie Zhizhen into a chair, resting her chin on her shoulder and lightly sniffing the faint scent of peach blossoms. Gu Qing loved this posture holding Xie Zhizhen completely in her embrace. With a slight tilt, her cheek could press against Xie Zhizhen’s pulse.

Sensing that something was off, Xie Zhizhen toyed with Gu Qing’s fingertips. Although they had grown up together, Gu Qing’s hands were significantly larger and rougher due to her martial arts training, marked with thin calluses. “What is wrong? I feel like you are in a bad mood.”

Xie Zhizhen counted the calluses on Gu Qing’s hand; there seemed to be one more than three months ago.

Gu Qing opened her mouth but ultimately decided not to mention Zhou Xianyun. Since she wasn’t entirely sure of Zhou Xianyun’s situation yet, she changed the subject. “Why didn’t you tell me?” As Zhizhen’s Prince Consort, she was the last to know.

Gu Qing nuzzled Xie Zhizhen’s neck, feeling the steady thrum of her pulse beneath the fair skin. “If you didn’t have enough teachers, why didn’t you come to me? I may not be able to rank as a top scholar, but I am certainly no unlearned wastrel.”

Xie Zhizhen felt ticklish and tried to pull away with a giggle, but Gu Qing held her firmly from behind. She could only try to stop her with words. “Stop nuzzling! It tickles!”

The faint peach-blossom scent dissipated the nameless displeasure in Gu Qing’s heart. She stopped her movements. “Fine, tell me then. If your answer doesn’t satisfy me, I will be angry.”

With a playful tone, Gu Qing lightly licked Xie Zhizhen’s neck. The faint moisture reminded Xie Zhizhen of a previous moment of passion. Although she was shy, she had to admit she had experienced a pleasure that day unlike anything in her eighteen years of life.

A faint blush colored her cheeks. Xie Zhizhen turned slightly to sit on Gu Qing’s lap, wrapping her snow-white arms around her neck. “I wanted to give you a surprise.” She leaned into Gu Qing’s chest and soothed her softly, “I have to ask others if they are willing, but you are different. Whatever I want to do, you will surely support me, right?”

Gu Qing looked down into Xie Zhizhen’s eyes, which reflected her own image, and was satisfied with the answer. She kissed Xie Zhizhen’s lips. “This is for your praise.”

Xie Zhizhen was somewhat dissatisfied. “Are you praising me or taking advantage of me?”

Gu Qing’s lips curved upward. She leaned in close to Xie Zhizhen’s face, her eyes dancing. “Then, how about Zhizhen praises me with a kiss?”

“I won’t.” No matter who kissed whom, Gu Qing always made it seem like she was the one getting a bargain. Xie Zhizhen would not be fooled.

She stood up and pulled Gu Qing toward the study. “Since you know now, let me tell you the details of the school.” For the past few days, she had been sneaking off to the study to keep it a secret. Now that Gu Qing knew, it was time for her to contribute.

In the study, Xie Zhizhen took out a thin booklet and opened it to show the list of students who would arrive in three days.

Gu Qing was surprised. “Why are there so few students?” She had assumed that a free school would attract many people.

Xie Zhizhen sighed. Her initial thought had been the same, but the reality was the opposite. “Although schooling is free, it requires time and people. Some parents feel that sending a child to school is just wasting a source of labor.” She had learned the term “labor” from Gu Qing.

Gu Qing understood immediately. In many poor families, every person was a laborer. Even if a child was young, they could carry wood or wash dishes. To them, anything was better than sending them to study.

Seeing Xie Zhizhen’s worried expression, Gu Qing reached out to smooth her furrowed brows. “Headmistress Xie need not worry. Leave this matter to me. I guarantee I will bring you more students in three days.”

Xie Zhizhen was used to being called Princess, so this new title was unfamiliar. However, Gu Qing’s promise made her eyes light up. “Really?! Where can you get more students?”

Gu Qing stroked Xie Zhizhen’s head with a mysterious air. “This master has a brilliant plan.”

“However, since Headmistress Xie wants me to be a teacher, shouldn’t I be paid a monthly salary?”

Xie Zhizhen pursed her lips, sensing Gu Qing was up to no good. She whispered, “How… how much silver do you want?”

Gu Qing held Xie Zhizhen’s slender waist and sat her on the desk. Her long fingers traced a path from her waist, past her hip, down her thigh, and finally rested on her calf. Lifting that slender leg to wrap around her own waist, Gu Qing’s lips curled into a beguiling smile. Her voice was low and husky. “This humble servant is untalented, but the family does not lack silver. I only lack, a close companion.”

Her hot breath fanned against Xie Zhizhen’s earlobe, turning it a fiery red.

Support