The female anchor turned into the dean of an ancient academy

During the first month after the academy expanded, Cen Jiexiao was incredibly busy. With the new students enrolling, the course schedule, and the chaos caused by those "second-generation officials," she wished she had more hands.

"Dean, something bad has happened! Li Xiaoyao and Wang Yong are fighting!" Xiaozhi rushed into Cen Jiexiao's office in a hurry and almost knocked over the hot tea she had just brewed.

Cen Jiexiao straightened herself up, sighed deeply, put down the "Enrollment Brochure 2.0" in her hand, rubbed her brow, and asked, "What's the reason this time? Didn't you get enough of that wooden kite last time?"

"I heard that it was because of the debate about whether Prince Xixiang looked more like a cow or a horse..." Xiaozhi's voice became smaller and smaller. It was obvious that she also thought this reason was ridiculous.

"These bastards!" Cen Jiexiao cursed softly, put down the teacup, and walked quickly towards the scene of the incident.

These "second-generation officials" are a real source of worry. A few days ago, they even got into a fight in class over which restaurant had the better peach blossom wine. The elderly teacher had several of his beards pulled out when he tried to mediate.

When Cen Jiexiao arrived, the two "second-generation officials" were fighting with each other. A circle of students gathered around to watch the fight, but no one stepped forward to stop them.

"Stop! This is outrageous!" Cen Jiexiao roared, and the crowd suddenly quieted down. The two "second-generation officials" who were fighting with each other also stopped.

"Dean, please give us your judgment! This guy actually said that what was written in our Great Zhou's Women's Youth Newspaper was all nonsense, and he also said that Prince Xixiang simply didn't care about the Great Zhou's canonization!" Li Xiaoyao pointed at Wang Yong, who had a bruised face and nose, and said indignantly.

"I didn't! What I said was that Prince Xixiang came here for other purposes. He wants more than just the title from the Great Zhou..." Wang Yong covered his swollen face and defended himself vaguely.

When Cen Jiexiao heard this, she immediately became interested. Although Wang Yong was a well-behaved student, he had a very thorough understanding of current affairs. Perhaps what he said made sense.

"Oh? What do you mean?" Cen Jiexiao asked, and at the same time signaled the students around her to disperse.

Wang Yong saw that Cen Jiexiao did not blame him but was actually interested, so he immediately perked up. He cleared his throat and said, "Prince Xixiang has come this time to request not only an enthronement, but perhaps also to request a marriage with a woman from the royal family of the Great Zhou Dynasty to strengthen diplomatic relations between the two countries."

"What? To marry the princess?"

"What is Prince Xixiang planning?"

The students around were immediately excited and talked a lot.

Cen Jiexiao also frowned. If this was true, then this matter was not just a matter between Xixiang and Da Zhou, but also concerned the royal family's reputation, and was more likely to affect the future direction of Da Zhou.

At this time, a clear voice rang out among the crowd: "In my opinion, Prince Xixiang's visit this time may not be just to ask for the princess' hand in marriage."

The crowd automatically made way for a young girl in a light blue skirt. She was none other than Han Zhengxian's daughter, Han Zhuo. Although she was young, her expression was filled with heroic spirit, and she looked like someone not to be trifled with.

Han Zhuo walked up to Cen Jiexiao, bowed, and said, "Dean, I believe that Prince Xixiang may have other purposes for coming here."

"Oh? What do you think, classmate Xiao Han?" Cen Jiexiao asked with interest.

"Students have learned that Xixiang Prince Xia Chenghao is extremely outstanding in both literary and military strategy, and is a well-known young hero in Xixiang. However, he has not yet officially ascended the throne, resulting in instability in the political situation in Xixiang. Moreover, the core interest of Xixiang at this moment lies in the struggle with Liaodan for control of the Nian River water and grass areas. His claimed friendly diplomatic relations, including respect for the women of the Great Zhou, are actually nothing more than "false feelings"? Moreover, Xixiang has an open folk custom. If he really likes the women of the Great Zhou, even the women of the Great Zhou royal family, he can pursue them openly. Why would he need to use such roundabout means?" Han Zhuo talked incessantly, with a gleam of intelligence in his eyes.

Cen Jiexiao nodded. Han Zhuo's words made sense. If Prince Xixiang really wanted to marry the princess, he could have proposed it openly.

Could it be that... Prince Xixiang has other plans?

"Dean, I dare to guess that the real purpose of Prince Xixiang's visit this time might be... a delaying tactic." Han Zhuo lowered his voice and whispered in Cen Jiexiao's ear, with a hint of solemnity in his tone.

Cen Jiexiao's expression changed. If this was true, then it would be terrible...

The words "delaying tactic" were printed in bold, bold font by Cen Jiexiao in the latest issue of the Women's Youth Daily. The smell of ink, mixed with the early summer heat, permeated the streets and alleys of Kyoto, like a boulder dropped into a calm lake, stirring up ripples.

In the teahouses and taverns, the men and women who usually only discussed cosmetics and family matters now turned into political commentators, arguing with each other about the real purpose of Prince Xixiang.

"This Cen Jiexiao is so bold that she even dares to speak ill of Prince Xixiang's tribute!" A businessman with a mustache and a beer belly said in a pretentious manner, waving a folding fan.

"That's right. Don't you consider your own status? You are just a teacher, yet you dare to discuss state affairs!" A young man in a brocade robe next to him echoed, and did not forget to put a grape in his mouth.

Of course, there are also many people who support Cen Jiexiao, especially those young people who have studied for a few years and have some knowledge, who regard her as an idol.

"I think what Dean Cen said makes sense. The Xixiang people are ambitious and we must be on guard against them!" A young man who looked like a scholar slammed the table indignantly.

"That's right! Our Great Zhou has vast territory, abundant resources and a wealth of talented people. Why should we be afraid of Xi Xiang?" another scholar echoed, his tone full of pride.

For a time, the entire Great Zhou was in an uproar because of an issue of Zhaoyin Academy's newspaper and an editorial by Cen Jiexiao.

When Empress Dowager Li learned of this, she was so enraged that she smashed the teacup in her hand to pieces, splashing tea all over her. She didn't bother to wipe it off. Beside her, a frightened palace maid knelt on the ground, trembling with fear as she was pointed at and used as a punching bag by the Empress Dowager. She roared, "This Sister Cen Xiao is getting more and more presumptuous! I see she's getting even more aggressive!"

Empress Dowager Li had long harbored dissatisfaction with Cen Jiexiao. This woman was like a thorn in her heart, making her unable to sleep or eat. Especially that "Women's Youth Daily," which not only openly advocated for gender equality but even dared to insinuate that she, the Empress Dowager, was interfering in government affairs. This was simply unforgivable!

Empress Dowager Li immediately decided to take this opportunity to get rid of Cen Jiexiao!

However, to Empress Dowager Li's surprise, Chai Zhen seemed unfazed by Cen Jiexiao's "bold remarks." He simply glanced at the newspaper and tossed it aside, saying nonchalantly, "Don't be angry, Your Majesty. Cen Jiexiao is just a woman who writes sensational articles to attract attention. Why bother with her?"