Chapter 148

Chapter 148

The Wang family, a prominent clan in Jiangnan, hired hundreds of armed escorts just to safeguard the dowry during the marriages of their two principal daughters, indicating the immense size and value of the dowry.

The cart of dowry casually assigned to Rong Tang by Wang Xiuyu, upon inspection, contained treasures of immeasurable value. Upon returning to Yong'an Lane, Rong Tang's first task was to unload and examine these treasures.

He stored vases and fabrics in the storeroom, while ancient books and paintings were arranged in the courtyard on racks to be aired under the early June sun, ridding them of years of accumulated dust and bookworms.

Rong Tang indeed had a penchant for wealth, energetically involved in the task from start to finish, even lending a hand, much to Shuangfu's worry about his young master possibly getting hurt.

However, Rong Tang showed no discomfort; instead, his face was always adorned with a smile.

When Su Huaijing returned, Rong Tang was holding a fan, playfully inspecting his property, his usual air of aloof elegance replaced by the cheerful demeanor of a wealthy young lord.

Su Huaijing paused in his steps, the surprise and displeasure from the rumors he heard at the alley's entrance momentarily subsiding.

Rong Tang, seeing Su Huaijing, brightened up and waved his fan in the air, beckoning him over, "Huaijing, Huaijing, come and see!"

The courtyard was filled with ancient books and paintings, each a rare treasure well-preserved with clear inscriptions. If he were to organize an exhibition and invite scholars from all over, it would surely draw a crowd to their doorstep.

Su Huaijing walked over and casually took the fan from Rong Tang's hand, leisurely fanning him.

The evening climate was pleasant, with the sunset hanging on the horizon, half of the sky adorned with crimson clouds.

Su Huaijing glanced at Rong Tang, whose profile was colored by the sunset, his eyes momentarily darkening, but he refrained from teasing him right away.

He asked, "Are these from your mother to you?"

"I coaxed her into giving them to me!" Rong Tang boasted proudly, not the least bit embarrassed about wheedling gifts from his mother at his age.

Su Huaijing paused and then laughed uncontrollably, "Your mother really spoils you."

Rong Tang hummed twice through his nose, even more proud, "Of course!"

Su Huaijing shook his head with a smile, not saying much else, but then inquired, "What do you plan to do with all these books, Rong Tang?"

Rong Tang’s eyes lit up, turning excitedly to Su Huaijing, "How about donating them to Lin Yuan Academy?"

Su Huaijing was momentarily taken aback, sensing some ulterior motive, "Donate?"

Rong Tang immediately laughed, adding slyly, "In name, it's a donation."

Su Huaijing, realizing the implication, shook his head amusedly, pulling Rong Tang back into the house, listening to him talk at length.

Rong Tang explained, "Lin Yuan Academy is like a living banner in Da Yu, but due to geographical limitations, not all scholars have the opportunity to study there. The academy's dean has close ties with the Ke family. I plan to donate these books in my mother's name and also fund the construction of some rooms and school buildings for them."

Su Huaijing asked, "What does Rong Tang want in return?"

Rong Tang spoke candidly, "Mother possesses great talent and a kind heart. It's truly unfair for her to live in seclusion within the inner chambers. If we ever divorce, she should either stay in the capital under our care or return to her homeland in Jiangnan. But—"

He paused, frowning slightly, "But given the times, a woman returning to her parental home from her husband's, regardless of the reason, always invites idle gossip."

Although Wang Xiuyu is a strong-willed person, who might not take a word or two to heart, over time, these comments could wear her down, leading to depression and self-doubt.

"Do you want to find something for mother to do, Tangtang?" Su Huaijing asked him.

Rong Tang nodded, "Jiangnan is prosperous, and noble families value their children's education. I plan to donate these books and ancient scrolls to Lin Yuan Academy in exchange for their approval for mother to open a branch in Jiangnan, exclusively for female students. Starting with wealthy families, then offering free or subsidized education to the poor, subtly enabling women in the region to become enlightened."

"Enlightenment takes only two to three years. In this era, while women cannot yet hold office, such education can prevent them from living in ignorance and being easily oppressed."

Implementing this idea is challenging. Not only are there societal limitations, but enrolling so many girls for schooling outside their homes also invites public criticism.

But Rong Tang always believed that even idealism isn't merely a daydream. One must act first. Even the slightest change, over time, can make a difference, like how constant dripping wears away stone.

Moreover...

He turned his head, looking towards Su Huaijing.

He always remembered the words Su Huaijing said to him in front of the examination hall, "One day, those watching the announcement board will not only be men in blue robes but also women in silk dresses."

Rong Tang knew the course of history. If in this lifetime, Su Huaijing ascends the throne, he would certainly enact policies to nurture the seeds of hope, allowing them to take root and bloom.

Even if it takes a year, a decade, a century, to change the grand scheme of history, who can say such efforts are utterly futile in a millennium?

And if in this lifetime he still cannot change the outcome, and the world line inevitably collapses...

"He tried his best and can say his conscience is clear."

"Rong Tang's eyes sparkled, reflecting the crimson clouds of a midsummer evening, lighting up like fireflies in his gaze, a sight that touches the heart."

"Su Huaijing's heart trembled violently, almost leaping out of his chest, as if to show Rong Tang how he admired and cherished the man before him."

"Rong Tang met his gaze, then turned away, frowning slightly in hesitation, 'It's just that my mother might not agree with my suggestion, and it's not easy to obtain a branch school accreditation. Ke Hongxue might not help us either—'"

"'He will.' Su Huaijing held Rong Tang's hand, softly but firmly saying, 'I'll talk to Ke Hanying, he will agree. My elder brother had the same wish, he will certainly try to make it happen.'"

"Even without these, there's no specific way to teach. The Ke family, being scholars for generations, inherently value spreading knowledge far and wide. If not for accompanying Mu Jingxu, he would have preferred to find a small village, open a private school, teach during the day, and stroll through the fields at night with his fellow scholars."

"Shedding the image of a carefree playboy, Ke Hongxue lives more freely and composedly than most in this world."

"'If mother disagrees,' Su Huaijing smiled, reassuring Rong Tang's heart, 'Tangtang, don't forget, our cousin is currently a master at Linyuan Academy. If mother doesn't want to take the trouble, we can go to Yingying sister, she's always willing. In the future, we can just take care of mother peacefully.'"

"In front of Rong Tang, he always spoke gently yet firmly, as if no matter how great the difficulty, it seemed solvable to him. Like a gentle breeze brushing by, leaving a trace but not worth worrying about."

"After addressing Rong Tang's concerns, he called out again, 'Tangtang.'"

"'Hmm?'"

"Su Huaijing said, 'Tangtang is kind-hearted, always thinking of the good for the country and people. No matter how difficult or complicated, just think of it and tell me, don't worry or hesitate, don't be afraid or nervous.'"

"'I will do my utmost to help you achieve it,' he said softly."

"Rong Tang told him everything. He originally lived in a very good world, where he could survive without struggle."

"Su Huaijing didn't know what kind of world that was, nor did he wish to let him return. He ought to strive to make this place as close as possible to Rong Tang's homeland, to justify their journey together, doing his best to help him overcome his hardships."

"Su Huaijing smiled, his voice warm and gentle, 'Leave it to me.'"

"Rong Tang's heart trembled, remaining silent for a long time. The fiery evening clouds formed a vibrant backdrop behind them, the scent of ink and paper wafting through the courtyard. Each step they took held meaning, inscribing their story in the book of 'history'."

"After a while, Rong Tang nodded and softly replied, 'Thank you, Huaijing.'"

……

"That night, Su Huaijing did not trouble Rong Tang about the gossip at the alley's entrance."

"He thought, his husband is the kindest Bodhisattva in the world. To satisfy his own desires with obvious rumors out of a moment's jealousy would be utterly inhumane."

"But the next day, the usually diligent Imperial Censor, dressed in his majestic court attire, warmly knocked on the neighbors' doors, handing out red eggs, saying, 'I apologize for the commotion yesterday. My mother-in-law sent a carriage of treasures to ensure our well-being, which may have disturbed you. Please accept these as a small token of our gratitude.'"

"The neighbors, holding the red eggs usually given out only when a lady of the house gives birth, turned redder than the eggs themselves, thanking profusely with blessings before reluctantly accepting them."

"Later, when Su Huaijing returned from his duties, the alleyway gossip had transformed into, 'Wow, the young couple in that house is truly a match made in heaven, such handsome faces and court attire... Ah, so charming! If I were ten years younger, I'd want such a handsome young man at home, just for the pleasure of looking at him!'"

"'Oh, come on, do you even know who they are? One's a court official, the other a prince. You're out of your league. In my opinion, they're a match made by heaven, destined through lifetimes!'"

“……”

"Su Huaijing sat in the carriage, eyes closed, pretending to sleep, his lips curving into an uncontrollable smile. Only Shuangshou, the coachman, bore the brunt of all the gossip, his ears burning red."

"Heaven knows the look Bi Xin gave him when he sneaked those red eggs out of the kitchen..."

"How can my lord be so childish..."

"Eighteen-year-old Shuangshou sighed heavily, feeling he might be many times more mature than Su Huaijing."

"Author's Note:"

"[Emphasis! Bold!!!]"

"Tangtang is, to some extent, an idealist. Having seen the modern world, it's natural for his thoughts to deviate from ancient realities."

"Regarding women's education, it was a noble wish at the time, facing many challenges. However, this isn't the main focus, so I won't elaborate much on it. Mentioning this is just to show that they have the desire to change the world and are willing to strive for it, even if it seems unrealistic, but they will surely achieve some results, not just daydreamers without action."

"The reason for starting with girls from wealthy families can be seen as the rich leading the poor. In a society with low productivity, poor families wouldn't think of educating girls. Social change needs to happen first to influence them, and this isn't meant to be discriminatory."

"In any case, please don't overinterpret this, there's no political agenda. My dears, please don't overanalyze. If you find any part disagreeable, just remind yourself that this is pure fiction, a fairy tale. Don't overanalyze, please!"

"Wishing everyone happiness every day."