Fleeing from famine? Not a chance; the divine healer's wife made her fortune.

Chapter 74 Tuition Fee Scandal, Resolving the Dilemma with Emotion

Tuition fee controversy, turning a predicament into an emotional one.

The smile on Su Yunlan's face gradually froze, like a snowflake suddenly falling in spring, fleeting in an instant.

She originally thought that the seeds of knowledge could take root and sprout in the hearts of these simple people, but she did not expect that the vines of greed would instead grow and spread, tightly entwining this land that should have been full of hope.

She took a deep breath, her brows furrowed, and a barely perceptible worry flashed in her clear eyes.

“Aunt Zhao, parents,” Su Yunlan’s voice was still gentle, but with an undeniable firmness, “the children study in the school to enlighten their minds and have a better life in the future. I have never thought of using this to make money. This fee is only to maintain the daily operation of the school.”

Aunt Zhao curled her thick lips, her eyes darting around, and shouted in a loud voice, "Madam Su, that's not right. Look at them, the children can read and do math now, and they can even help with the household accounts. That's real skill! Their tuition should naturally increase along with their abilities!"

The parents behind her echoed her sentiments, chattering away like a flock of noisy sparrows, giving everyone a headache.

The originally joyous atmosphere at the school gate was suddenly disrupted by this unexpected argument, turning the place into a chaotic mess.

The air was thick with tension, like a taut string that could snap at any moment.

Su Yunlan patiently explained, "Gentlemen, my original intention in establishing the school was to give all children the opportunity to read and write, not to make a profit. Now that the school is just starting out, the expenses are huge, and I really cannot afford to bear any more costs."

“Miss Su, you’re not being honest,” a burly man said in a deep voice. “Look at your clothes, what poor family could afford to wear them? I think you just want to make money off us poor people!”

Su Yunlan felt a surge of anger rush to her head, but she suppressed her displeasure and tried her best to remain calm.

"I'm sure everyone knows my situation. My husband and I..."

"Alright, alright, stop with this nonsense!" Aunt Zhao interrupted her impatiently. "In short, there's no room for discussion about adding tuition fees! Otherwise, we'll take the child back!"

A chorus of agreement arose from the crowd, and the parents stepped forward, surrounding Su Yunlan at the school entrance. The cramped space made her feel suffocated.

Just then, a warm, large hand gently rested on her shoulder...

A warm touch came from Su Yunlan's shoulder, and a calming power slowly flowed into her heart.

She turned her head and met Xiao Yuhan's deep gaze.

There was no worry or intention to interfere in those eyes, only silent trust and support.

Su Yunlan felt a warmth in her heart, and a determination to be independent and self-reliant rose in her chest.

She understood that Xiao Yuhan wanted her to solve the problem herself and prove her abilities.

Taking a deep breath, Su Yunlan looked around at everyone, her gaze firm and composed.

"Since everyone has questions about the school's income and expenditure, I will explain it to you in detail." She turned and walked into the school, took out an account book, and spread it out in front of everyone.

"These are the school's accounts. Every income and expenditure is clearly recorded here. Everyone can check them themselves."

The ledger clearly recorded every expense in neat handwriting: the cost of purchasing writing brushes, ink, paper, and inkstones; the expenses for repairing the school; the cost of adding desks and chairs...

Every account is clear and easy to understand.

Some of the parents who had been the most vocal in their complaints quieted down and began carefully examining the account books.

"As you can see, the school's income mainly comes from tuition fees, while its expenses far exceed its income." Su Yunlan pointed to the figures in the ledger, her tone calm yet firm. "To maintain the school's normal operation, I even subsidized a considerable amount of my own savings. My original intention in establishing the school was to provide children with books to read, not to make a profit."

She paused, her gaze sweeping over the faces filled with confusion, doubt, or guilt, before continuing, "I know that some families are indeed struggling financially and unable to afford tuition. In such cases, I am willing to reduce or even waive part of the tuition, ensuring that no child loses the opportunity to receive an education due to financial reasons."

Su Yunlan's sincere words were like a spring breeze blowing through everyone's hearts.

Their initially firm stance began to soften, and their suspicious gaze gradually became gentler.

Looking at the detailed records in the ledger, Aunt Zhao's expression became complicated.

She opened her mouth as if to say something, but then swallowed it back.

A childish voice rang out, breaking the stalemate. "Mother!"

A little girl with pigtails squeezed out of the crowd, grabbed Aunt Zhao's hand, and looked up at her, saying, "Sister Su teaches us to read and write, and she tells us stories. She's so kind to us!"

Looking into her daughter's innocent eyes, Aunt Zhao felt a mix of emotions.

She sighed and finally let go of her resentment.

"Madam Su, I misunderstood you."

Other parents also expressed their understanding and support.

Looking at the scene before him, Su Yunlan was filled with hope.

She knew that the seeds of knowledge had been sown and would one day blossom into magnificent flowers.

"Fifth brother, go and check on those children..." Su Yunlan turned to a figure behind him and said.

Young Master Xiao, gentle and refined, walked up to the children, squatted down, and gently stroked the head of a little boy.

"What's wrong, Little Tiger? Were you scared?"

Little Tiger sobbed and nodded, "Mom...Mom was so fierce just now..."

Young Master Xiao smiled gently, "Your mother was only trying to help you, but her methods were a bit off. Look, the misunderstanding is cleared up now, and everyone is happy, isn't they?"

He took a piece of candy out of his pocket and handed it to Xiaohu, saying, "Here, have a piece of candy. It'll be sweet, just like our future days."

Little Tiger took the candy and burst into laughter through his tears.

The other children gradually calmed down and gathered around Young Master Xiao, chattering away.

The tense atmosphere in the school was replaced by the warmth of family affection.

The children's clear laughter, as melodious as wind chimes, echoed throughout the school.

Sunlight streamed through the window, illuminating their innocent faces and giving them a golden glow.

Su Yunlan was deeply moved by this scene.

She walked up to the children and said softly, "Children, the school is our common home. I hope that everyone can learn happily and grow up healthily here."

She paused, her gaze sweeping over the expectant little faces, and continued, "To put everyone at ease, I've decided to involve parents in some of the school's management, jointly overseeing the use of tuition fees. What do you all think?"

The parents looked at each other and nodded in agreement.

Aunt Zhao also stepped forward and said apologetically, "Madam Su, I was too impulsive just now, please don't take it to heart."

Su Yunlan smiled and said, "Aunt Zhao, I understand how you feel. From now on, let's work together to make the school even better."

A burst of enthusiastic applause erupted from the crowd, and an atmosphere of unity and friendship filled the classroom.

Looking at the hopeful smiling faces, Su Yunlan felt a surge of strength within her.

She knew that everything she did was for these children and for the future of this town.

A gentle breeze blew by, bringing with it a fresh, earthy scent.

Su Yunlan took a deep breath, and a sense of relief welled up inside her as she resolved the difficult problem.

She turned to look at Xiao Yuhan and met his approving gaze.

Suddenly, the sound of rapid hoofbeats shattered the tranquility...

After the tuition controversy subsided, like rain after a long drought, more and more parents recognized Su Yunlan's school and sent their children there.

The school gate was bustling with people.

The children, carrying their little schoolbags, skipped and hopped into the classroom, their clear laughter echoing in the air like silver bells.

The air was filled with the faint scent of ink, mixed with the cheerful laughter of children, creating a vibrant scene.

Su Yunlan stood at the school gate, her elegant dress fluttering gently in the breeze, a gentle smile on her face, welcoming each new student.

The sunlight shone on her, as if gilding her with a golden glow.

Looking at the eager faces of the children, she felt an indescribable sense of accomplishment.

"Madam Su, I'm entrusting my child to you!" A parent handed their child to Su Yunlan, their voice filled with trust.

"Don't worry, I will teach them well." Su Yunlan gently patted the child's head, her eyes filled with love.

After seeing off the last group of students' parents, Su Yunlan turned and walked into the school. Watching the children studying diligently in the spacious and bright classroom, her heart was filled with hope.

She knew that everything she did was for these children and for the future of this town.

However, beneath this thriving scene, an undercurrent is brewing.

As Master Chen watched Su Yunlan's school flourish, he was consumed by jealousy.

He was originally the only teacher in town, but now Su Yunlan has stolen his thunder, and you can imagine how resentful he felt.

He clenched his fists, a sinister glint in his eyes. "Su Yunlan, just you wait! I won't let you be so smug!"

He found a greedy local official, offered him a large sum of money, and conspired to shut down Su Yunlan's school.

Once officials have received money, they are naturally happy to provide services.

He sent people to secretly investigate Su Yunlan's school, looking for any evidence that could be used to frame her.

On this day, Su Yunlan was standing at the school gate, watching the children play happily, her face beaming with a blissful smile.

Suddenly, the sound of hurried horse hooves broke the silence.

A group of soldiers stormed to the school gate. The leading officer dismounted, holding a document stamped with the official seal, and shouted sternly, "Su Yunlan, you are suspected of illegally running a school. We are hereby ordered to shut down your school!"

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