Legend of the Embroiderer

The imperial court meeting is approaching, and time is running out. The palace is shrouded in a tense and busy atmosphere. Su Mengyao knows that the success or failure of the palace school is not only related to the advancement of reform, but also to the smooth holding of the imperial court meeting.

She decided to personally take charge of the school and teach every day, using her wisdom and patience to inspire the enthusiasm of the palace maids.

Inside the school, the palace maids were dressed neatly and sat neatly on mats, with a hint of nervousness and anticipation on their faces.

Su Mengyao stood in the lecture hall, her eyes gentle yet firm, her voice clear: "You know, the prosperity of the Tang Dynasty was not achieved overnight, but was forged by the wisdom and sweat of countless people. You today are the hope of the Tang Dynasty's future."

The palace maids were deeply moved by her words; their original complaints gradually disappeared, replaced by expressions of concentration.

They began to listen carefully to the inspirational stories told by Su Mengyao, their hearts filled with longing for the future.

"Miss Su, what can we do for the Tang Dynasty?" a palace maid asked softly, her eyes full of expectation.

Su Mengyao smiled slightly, her tone soft but firm: "From today on, you must study hard and equip yourself with knowledge. Only by being well-educated and well-mannered can you gain a foothold in the palace and add luster to the Tang Dynasty."

The palace maids responded in unison: "Miss Su, we will definitely work hard!"

Li Zhao was also making intensive preparations for the court meeting. He personally selected the etiquette officials for the meeting, reviewed the procedures for the meeting, and even personally practiced the etiquette for receiving foreign envoys.

He knew very well that the successful holding of the court meeting was not only related to the reputation of the Tang Dynasty, but also the best display of the results of the reform of the palace school.

Outside the palace gate, Li Zhao, dressed in court robes, stood on a high platform with a sharp gaze, directing the eunuchs to conduct the final rehearsal.

A chief eunuch stepped forward quickly, bowed slightly, and said with a hint of worry: "Your Highness, the etiquette of the court meeting has been rehearsed many times, so there should be no problem. It's just that the palace school..."

Li Zhao smiled slightly and said firmly, "Master General, don't worry. My beloved concubine is progressing smoothly, and the palace maids have begun to adapt to the pace of the school."

The eunuch was slightly startled, then heaved a sigh of relief: "Since Your Highness is so confident, then this old servant is relieved. However, regarding the court meeting, I hope Your Highness will pay more attention."

Li Zhao nodded and turned his gaze to the distance. "The court meeting is a grand event for the Tang Dynasty. It must not be affected by the affairs of the academy. I will personally supervise and ensure that everything goes smoothly."

As night fell, the palace was brightly lit. Su Mengyao reviewed etiquette with the palace maids in the academy, while Li Zhao rehearsed the court proceedings with the eunuchs outside the palace gates.

The entire palace was filled with a tense yet orderly atmosphere, and everyone was working hard to ensure the smooth holding of the court meeting.

"My beloved, I have already made arrangements for the court meeting. As for the school, it's up to you." Li Zhao came to the school in the night and said softly.

Su Mengyao smiled slightly, her eyes full of confidence: "Your Highness, don't worry. The palace maids have made great progress now. They will definitely show the elegance of the Tang Dynasty palace ladies at the court."

The two exchanged a smile, each filled with confidence. They knew that while this reform was difficult, as long as they worked together, they would see the light at the end of the tunnel. And the court meeting would be the best testimony to their efforts.

Just as Li Zhao and Su Mengyao were devoting all their efforts to preparing for the court meeting, the voices in the palace opposing the school reform became increasingly stronger.

Some old officials and powerful people were worried that the school reform would weaken their authority, so they secretly made obstacles and tried to sabotage the reform process.

Li Zhao was reviewing the etiquette flow chart for the court meeting in his study when an old minister in official robes walked in slowly, bowed slightly, and said with a hint in his tone:

"Your Highness, the palace academy is certainly important, but court meetings cannot be neglected either. If the palace maids are distracted by academy matters, I'm afraid there will be chaos at court."

Li Zhao smiled faintly, already understanding the other party's intentions. He put down the scroll in his hand, his eyes calm and firm. "Don't worry, my lord. The palace academy and the preparations for the court meeting are proceeding smoothly. The palace maids have now adapted to the pace of the academy, and the court meeting is also progressing smoothly."

Seeing Li Zhao's resolute attitude, the old minister was unwilling to give in, but he was helpless. He frowned slightly and tried to persuade him a few more times:

"Your Highness, although the palace academy is well-intentioned, the palace maids are inherently simple-minded. If they are allowed to learn too much, I'm afraid they will develop many improper ideas. The rules of this palace must not be disrupted."

Li Zhao shook his head slightly, his tone filled with patience. "Master General, the people in the palace are also citizens of the Tang Dynasty. Isn't it a good thing to let them be well-educated and understand etiquette? Not only will the palace school not disrupt the rules, but it will also make the atmosphere in the palace more upright."

The old minister was speechless after hearing what Li Zhao said and had to bow and leave.

After he left, he thought to himself, "If I can't teach the Crown Prince a lesson at the court meeting, I'm afraid this palace school will only get bigger and bigger."

He returned to his residence, summoned a few of his confidants, and whispered, "The court meeting is approaching, so you must pay close attention. If the palace maids cause any trouble in the academy, they must be reported immediately. We cannot let the prince's academy reforms go unchecked."

The confidants took the order and left. The old minister sat at the table, playing with a jade pendant in his hand, with a gloomy smile on his face:

"Your Highness, the court meeting is a good opportunity. Let's see whether your school is more important or the smooth conduct of the court meeting."

Meanwhile, tensions within the palace grew, with opponents secretly spreading rumors in an attempt to undermine the confidence of the palace maids.

Inside the academy, some palace maids began to whisper, "I heard the court meeting is very important. We've wasted time in the academy. Will something bad happen?"

Su Mengyao sensed the palace maids' uneasiness, and her heart sank slightly. She knew the opponents had already begun to take action. So, she decided to publicly address these rumors in the academy.

"Sisters, the court meeting is certainly important, but the academy is equally important." Su Mengyao stood in the lecture hall, her eyes piercing. "The court meeting is a grand event for the Tang Dynasty, and the academy is for your future. The two are not in conflict, but rather complement each other."

The palace maids were moved by her words and nodded.

Su Mengyao smiled slightly and continued, "At the court, you will represent the elegance of the Tang Dynasty. And the academy is the place where you can demonstrate this elegance. As long as we work together, nothing can stop us."

The palace maids were deeply encouraged by her words, and their original uneasiness and doubts were swept away.

They devoted themselves to their studies again, and the atmosphere in the classroom became focused and enthusiastic again.

"Miss Su is right. We can't let those people succeed." A palace maid said softly, her eyes full of determination.

Su Mengyao smiled slightly, secretly relieved. She knew that the opponents' secret obstruction would not succeed easily.

As long as the palace maids are united, the school reform will surely continue.

Li Zhao was also personally supervising the preparations for the court meeting at the rehearsal ground outside the palace gate.

He stood on the high platform, his eyes sweeping over the busy eunuchs, his heart filled with confidence: "Court meetings and academies, neither can be neglected. The future of our Tang Dynasty depends on both."

The secret obstruction of opponents has made the situation in the palace increasingly complicated. But Li Zhao and Su Mengyao are undaunted. They believe that as long as they work together, nothing can stop them. And the court meeting will be the best testimony to their efforts.