After returning to the capital to farm, the abandoned concubine made a comeback.

Lin Qin couldn't sit still for a moment; she had to find out the truth about Zhizhi Academy.

Her busy figure could be seen in every street and alley of the capital.

In teahouses and taverns, amidst everyday gossip, she discreetly gathered information, attempting to piece together the whole story.

Some say the dean embezzled and accepted bribes, enriching himself; others say he had an improper conduct and a chaotic private life.

The rumors grew increasingly outrageous, but Lin Qin keenly sensed something amiss—these rumors seemed too deliberate and too concentrated.

Back at the Prince's residence, a suffocatingly tense atmosphere filled the study.

"Are you determined to send Mengbao to Zhizhi Academy?" Zhu Ling's voice was low, carrying a hint of barely perceptible anger.

“Yes! The teaching philosophy there is innovative and more beneficial to the child’s future development.” Lin Qin said firmly, without backing down.

"Nonsense! Our family academy has a long history and a strong faculty. How can that newly established school compare?" Zhu Ling slammed his hand on the table, splashing water from his teacup.

"Family academies? They're nothing but old-fashioned pedants who only know how to read books to death!" Lin Qin retorted without backing down. "What our little ones need is a free and open learning environment, not to be bound by those outdated rules!"

"You..." Zhu Ling laughed angrily, "Lin Qin, don't forget, you are a member of my royal family, and Mengbao is also a descendant of the Zhu family!"

"Of course I haven't forgotten! But I haven't forgotten even more that I'm Mengbao's mother!" Lin Qin stood her ground, her eyes sharp. "I care about his future more than anyone else!"

The two were locked in a fierce battle of wits, neither willing to back down. The tension in the study grew increasingly palpable.

"Qin'er, listen to me..." Zhu Ling tried to ease the tension.

"No need for further words!" Lin Qin interrupted him, turning to leave. "My mind is made up!"

"Lin Qin!" Zhu Ling grabbed her wrist. "Are you really going to turn against me for the sake of an outsider?"

Lin Qin abruptly shook off his hand. "Outsider? Zhu Ling, you think too highly of yourself!" With that, she slammed the door shut and left without looking back, leaving Zhu Ling standing there alone, his face ashen.

In the stillness of the night, Lin Qin sat by the window, gazing at the dark night sky outside, her mind filled with countless thoughts.

She had a vague feeling that behind the negative rumors about Zhizhi Academy, there seemed to be a huge conspiracy...

She picked up the documents on the table, her gaze falling on one page, her pupils suddenly contracting, "How could it be him..."

Lin Qin visited the dean of Zhizhi Academy that very night, a highly respected old gentleman.

After a long talk, Lin Qin's doubts gradually dissipated.

It turns out that those so-called "dirt" was nothing more than rumors maliciously spread by competitors.

The old dean took out a thick stack of documents, which were full of evidence fabricated by the other party and records of bribing online trolls.

Lin Qin was dumbfounded; this was even more exciting than a palace drama!

With the truth revealed, Lin Qin felt a great weight lifted off her shoulders, as if a huge mountain had been lifted from her shoulders.

She returned to the palace with light steps, a confident smile returning to her face.

"I knew it! My judgment was right!" she hummed a little tune as she stepped into the study in a cheerful mood.

Zhu Ling was sitting at his desk reviewing official documents when Lin Qin came in. She laid out the investigation results and evidence in front of him and calmly explained the ins and outs of the matter.

Zhu Ling listened attentively, her brows gradually relaxing.

His gaze towards Lin Qin held a newfound respect and affection, and a subtle, ambiguous atmosphere filled the air.

"It seems I misunderstood you." Zhu Ling's voice was low and gentle, with a hint of apology.

"To err is human, to forgive divine!" Lin Qin winked playfully, in a great mood.

"About the baby enrolling in school..." Zhu Ling asked tentatively.

"Of course, I'll go to Zhizhi Academy!" Lin Qin's tone was firm and left no room for doubt.

Zhu Ling smiled helplessly. He knew that once Lin Qin made up her mind, nothing could change it.

He walked to Lin Qin's side, gently embraced her, and whispered in her ear, "Qin'er, you're always like this, making me both love and hate you."

Lin Qin leaned against his chest, feeling his warm embrace, and the corners of her mouth turned up slightly.

This feels great!

However, just as the two were immersed in this sweet atmosphere, a guard rushed in to report: "Your Highness, Your Highness, something has happened! At the shop..."

The guard's hurried report, like a thunderclap, instantly shattered the idyllic atmosphere in the study.

The sweet smiles on Lin Qin and Zhu Ling's faces hadn't faded when they were stunned into silence by the sudden bad news.

"In the shop? What happened?" Lin Qin frowned slightly, a sense of foreboding rising in her heart.

The guard, panting heavily, said, "Your Highness, our newly opened shop in the East Market has been... vandalized!"

"What? Smash the shop? Who's so bold as to dare to mess with me!" Lin Qin's eyes widened, her anger rising rapidly. She had worked so hard to build up her business, and someone actually dared to cause trouble!

Zhu Ling's face also darkened. Before he could speak, Lin Qin had already rushed out of the study.

Watching her departing figure, Zhu Ling shook his head helplessly, knowing that this little girl was definitely about to unleash another powerful move.

When Lin Qin arrived at the shop in the East Market, the scene before her made her gasp in shock.

The tables, chairs, and benches in the shop were smashed to pieces, and the goods were scattered all over the place. The air was filled with a strong smell of gunpowder, and it was a truly appalling sight!

Her hard-earned business has been ruined like this; it's simply unbearable for both her uncle and aunt!

However, that's not the worst of it.

When Lin Qin received the business report from the accountant, her face turned completely dark.

The sales figures on the report plummeted, while the competitors' performance soared. This disparity in performance was nothing short of a blatant provocation!

Lin Qin took a deep breath, trying to calm her anger, her knuckles turning white from the force.

Good grief, this is clearly an attempt to undermine her efforts!

A sharp glint flashed in Lin Qin's eyes. She quickly glanced at the report, and the numbers that made her grit her teeth were like sharp knives, stabbing her heart.

However, she did not prioritize these business attacks. Instead, she calmly put the reports aside and turned to instruct her servants to repair the shop.

"Clean up all the damaged items, replace what needs replacing, repair what needs repairing, and resume business as soon as possible." Lin Qin's voice was still clear, but with an added touch of determination.

As those around her watched her give instructions in an orderly manner, their initial anxiety gradually subsided.

Everyone expected the princess to be furious and throw a tantrum, but her unexpected calmness made her seem even more reliable.

With everyone's help, the shop was quickly restored to its former cleanliness.

Looking at the well-organized shop, Lin Qin felt a slight sense of worry.

She knew that the real challenge had just begun.

Upon returning to the palace, she did not immediately deal with business matters, but instead prioritized her child's school enrollment.

She studied the information about Zhizhi Academy carefully, not missing a single detail, her eyes focused and determined.

Lin Qin did not lose her composure due to the business setbacks; instead, she became even more determined in her initial choice.

Seeing her calm and composed demeanor, Zhu Ling couldn't help but lean closer and pull her into his arms: "Qin'er, don't overwork yourself. I'll handle the shop's affairs."

Lin Qin nestled gently in his arms, a meaningful smile playing on her lips. She looked up at Zhu Ling, her eyes sparkling with confidence, and said softly, "No, I want to handle this myself."

Lin Qin spent the whole night reviewing the information about Zhizhi Academy, feeling as if she had known about it for a long time.

This isn't just an academy; it's practically a cradle of holistic education!

"Teaching according to aptitude" and "learning through play"—isn't this the educational philosophy she's always dreamed of?

She seemed to see her baby growing up healthily in a free and happy atmosphere, and a smile unconsciously crept onto her lips.

She treasured those "ingenious skills" that old scholars scorned, as if she saw hope for the future in them.

what?

You're saying students shouldn't delve into unorthodox or heretical pursuits?

Our ancestors were right: science and technology are the primary productive force!

"My darling, you'll go to school here from now on. Mom promises to make you a well-rounded young person who excels in morality, intelligence, physical fitness, aesthetics, and labor!" Lin Qin hugged the baby and gave him a big kiss on his tender cheek. The baby giggled with delight and clapped his little hands loudly.

Seeing the mother and son enjoying each other's company, the entire palace was filled with a warm atmosphere.

The air seemed to be filled with a joyful atmosphere that said, "Today is another beautiful day."

However, this warm atmosphere did not last long and was dispelled by a sudden gust of cold wind.

Zhu Ling's family, those old fogies who consider themselves a "prestigious family," expressed strong dissatisfaction with Lin Qin's decision.

"This is utter nonsense! How could the descendants of the Zhu family go to such a second-rate, quack academy!" An old man with gray hair was so angry that his beard stood on end. He slammed his hand on the table, making the teacup shake three times.

"The princess's actions are a disgrace to the family and an insult to culture!" another old woman said sarcastically, as if Lin Qin had desecrated her ancestral graves.

A flood of questions and doubts overwhelmed the entire palace.

Lin Qin felt as if she were in the middle of a storm, with a buzzing in her ears, filled with the incessant chatter of those old guys.

"I'd like to see what tricks she can pull!" Zhu Ling's grandmother sneered.

Lin Qin felt the pressure from the Zhu Ling family.

She did not back down at all; instead, her eyes became even more determined, and a confident smile appeared on her lips.

She picked up the teacup on the table, took a small sip, and a meaningful glint flashed in her eyes: "Since you're not satisfied, then let me show you just how right my choice, Lin Qin's choice, really is!"

Lin Qin put down her teacup, stood up and walked outside. "Let's go, let's go meet them."