Legend of the Embroiderer

With the careful preparation of Li Zhao and Su Mengyao, the palace middle school finally officially opened in a lively atmosphere.

The school was located in a secluded and elegant courtyard in the palace, surrounded by towering ancient trees and lush bamboo. The breeze rustled the bamboo leaves, and it seemed as if even the air was filled with the scent of books.

The teachers of the school are several highly respected old Confucian scholars in the palace. They are all well-read and familiar with palace etiquette. They are the best candidates to cultivate the moral cultivation of the palace people.

On the first day of the class, the palace maids and eunuchs dressed neatly and sat in an orderly manner in the school.

Su Mengyao was present in person, standing in the lecture hall, looking around at everyone, smiling slightly, with a gentle but firm tone:

"The purpose of establishing this school today is not to restrict you, but to teach you etiquette and how to behave. Within the palace, every word and action affects the reputation of the Tang Dynasty. Only those who are well-educated and well-mannered can gain a foothold in this palace."

She paused briefly, then continued slowly, "You may all come from humble backgrounds, but within this vast palace, each of you harbors a heart deeply rooted in striving for progress and advancement. This academy is like the steps you need to climb to the top. It will help you break free from the constraints and narrowness of this inner court and lead you toward a broader and more expansive world."

Although the palace people still felt a little uneasy and fearful at this moment, Su Mengyao's words were like the warm spring breeze, gently blowing through their hearts.

It is like the fine and silent spring rain, slowly nourishing the land in their hearts and gradually dispelling the heavy haze that lingers there.

At this moment, a young palace maid finally couldn't hold back her emotions anymore and mustered up the courage to ask softly:

"Miss Su, can this school you're talking about really help us change and become better?"

Su Mengyao smiled slightly, her smile as bright and charming as a flower blooming in spring, and her eyes were as gentle as water, as if they could soothe people's hearts:

"Of course. As long as you can devote yourself to it wholeheartedly, in time, you will surely grow into the backbone and pillars of this palace."

Hearing this, the palace maids couldn't help but look at each other, and a glimmer of expectation flashed in their eyes at the same time.

In an instant, the atmosphere in the school, which had been somewhat dull and depressing, gradually became lively.

Seeing this, the respected old gentlemen nodded in approval, and then began to teach knowledge to everyone present meticulously and seriously.

With Su Mengyao's constant encouragement, the palace people's anxious hearts finally settled down. They were no longer as nervous and anxious as they were at the beginning, but calmed down and listened attentively to the teachings of the old scholars.

However, not long after the school opened, a new storm quietly arrived.

The first class at the school was taught by an elderly Confucian scholar. He stood solemnly in the lecture hall, ruler in hand, sitting upright, and began by reciting a classic passage from the Analects.

Although the palace maids tried their best to keep up, most of them came from humble backgrounds and had a weak cultural foundation, so it was inevitable that they would struggle. From time to time, whispers could be heard in the classroom.

"I can't recognize all the words in this book." A little palace maid complained in a low voice, causing her companion beside her to frown.

"Don't talk, or the master might hear you."

Another maid hurriedly tugged at her sleeve, but the young maid couldn't help but grumble, "This school is too hard to endure. I might as well be sweeping the floor in the palace."

At this moment, the old scholar's eyes swept over, and he slammed the ruler heavily on the podium, saying sternly: "The palace school is to improve your cultivation. How can you be so lazy?"

The little palace maid shrank back in fear and lowered her head. Su Mengyao, sitting in the back row, watched with a wave of worry: While this academy was a good thing, the palace maids' foundations were too weak. If they couldn't spark their interest, it would be difficult to sustain.

At the same time, new discussions were heard in the palace. Some old ministers and powerful people in the palace were discussing that this was "not doing their job properly", and some even secretly tried to hinder him.

"Your Highness, although this palace school is well-intentioned, the palace maids and eunuchs are supposed to behave themselves. Isn't it a violation of the rules to let them learn these things now?" An elderly eunuch chief found Li Zhao, his tone full of worry.

Li Zhao smiled slightly, his tone firm: "Master General, the people in the palace are also citizens of the Tang Dynasty. Isn't it a good thing to let them understand etiquette and know when to advance and retreat?"

The head eunuch shook his head and said, "Your Highness, you don't understand. The palace maids and eunuchs are simple-minded to begin with. If we let them learn these things now, I'm afraid they will develop many improper ideas. The rules of this palace cannot be disrupted."

Li Zhao knew that some people were just using this opportunity to oppose the school because they were worried that it would weaken their authority. He knew that the school must not be abandoned halfway.

Su Mengyao also sensed these undercurrents of resistance. She knew that if the palace maids' resistance wasn't quickly resolved, the school would be difficult to continue. So, she decided to personally participate in the teaching to spark the palace maids' interest.

She knew that most palace maids loved listening to stories, so in her spare time, she would tell them stories about the prosperous Tang Dynasty or the inspiring deeds of her predecessors in the palace.

"Did you know that Emperor Taizong had a maid named Xu Hui.

She came from a humble background, but through her talent and virtue, she became a virtuous concubine." Su Mengyao spoke softly, attracting the palace maids' rapt attention.

"How did Empress Xu Hui do it?" a palace maid asked curiously.

Su Mengyao smiled slightly. "She relied on the knowledge she gained in this academy to assist the emperor with her talent and earned respect with her virtue. If you work hard in the academy now, you will surely become pillars of the palace in the future."

The palace maids listened with fascination, their eyes full of longing. Su Mengyao saw this and felt secretly happy, knowing that their worries had been largely untied.

However, 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.

Li Zhao knew very well that this was a great opportunity to showcase the style of the Tang Dynasty, but if the turmoil in the palace school could not be quelled, it would probably cause a joke at the court meeting.

"My beloved, this school matter must be resolved as soon as possible. The court meeting is coming, and we can't let outsiders see the chaos in the palace." Li Zhao said worriedly.

Su Mengyao nodded. "I understand. I will speed up the process and let the palace maids adapt to the pace of the academy as soon as possible. At the same time, we must also let those who oppose it understand that this academy is for the long-term development of the palace."

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.