The princess was ordained by Heaven.

Chapter 145 Suddenly Feeling the Vastness of Heaven and Earth

These women wore standard soft armor, their clothes were tailored very neatly, and their black hair was tied up with simple strips of cloth. Their expressions were resolute and their eyes were sharp, so that people who saw them would subconsciously overlook their gender at first glance.

As Zheng Xun and her companions approached, they raised their spears to block their path: "This is a restricted area of ​​the academy; unauthorized personnel are not permitted to approach."

Zheng Xun took out his token and waved it in front of them.

The royal token was very conspicuous, and given her age, her identity was obvious.

"Greetings, Princess Yuanjia!"

Zheng Xun glanced at the markings on their clothing and chuckled, "Are you the Red Eagle Army?"

"Yes!"

A look of relief flashed in Zheng Xun's eyes.

When people learned that Jianyang was preparing to form the Red Eagle Army, very few people were optimistic about her.

Even though the Great Yong Dynasty was considered open-minded, the impression of women was still limited to the two words "domestic affairs".

In most people's minds, what abilities can women possess? How many women are truly capable?

Even in later generations, such prejudices persisted, which gives us an idea of ​​how difficult it was for women to stand out in ancient times.

Now look how well Jianyang has handled the Red Eagle Army matter; I wonder how many people will be slapped in the face.

She smiled and said a few words to them before leading Crescent Moon and Lord Mu into the East Courtyard.

Crescent Moon followed behind with small, quick steps, her eyes shining as she asked, "Red Eagle Army? Is that an army of women?"

Zheng Xun proudly raised his chin: "Yes, it is an army established by our Princess Jianyang, and it only recruits women."

"I've heard of her..."

However, those rumors weren't pleasant; in most people's mouths, Jianyang's reputation was considered undeserved.

However, as soon as Xinyue saw the soldiers under Jianyang's command, she knew that she was truly capable.

That's why she couldn't help but sigh.

Jianyang was of high status, wasn't she? She was admired by many, right? But her only notable battle was the annihilation of the eighteen bandit strongholds entrenched in Yunzhou.

Yes, such a dazzling record is something that many people consider "unique".

Despite Jianyang having fought over a dozen battles, large and small, in Yunzhou, and despite only losing one battle while eliminating a major threat to Dayong, many still say that her official position stemmed from the emperor's favor and her status as a princess.

Of course, she was able to make great strides because of the emperor's support, but does that mean we should deny her abilities?

Thinking of this, Xinyue couldn't help but feel indignant: "I don't know where those good-for-nothings got the courage to talk about Princess Jianyang. I feel sorry for her."

"It's all worth it. With her and us here, things will definitely get better and better."

Zheng Xun looked at her, his tone encouraging, but more so resolute.

Because of the first Jianyang, there was a second Zheng Jiao, and countless Red Eagle Army soldiers.

This is also why Zheng Jiao admires Jianyang so much.

The crescent moon bowed its head, as if lost in thought.

She admitted that she was a little tempted. With so many capable and like-minded sisters, she was sure that things would be better for her in Dayong than in Heguo.

She is different from Lord Mu. She is willing to work for the Brown Kingdom because she has no way out and she is unwilling to give up.

She doesn't mind being used, but she can't accept being constantly powerless and ultimately meeting a tragic end.

If she came to Dayong, she would have more choices.

When the thought of seeking other opportunities arose, I suddenly felt a sense of vastness and openness.

Well, her only concern now is whether Zheng Xun is trustworthy, and what she will use as a pledge of allegiance when she switches allegiance to Dayong.

Master Mu:......

The atmosphere between Zheng Xun and Xinyue became increasingly subtle, and he felt like an outsider.

He certainly knew the reason, and he knew even more about Crescent Moon's decision.

But he had no intention of exposing the Crescent Moon.

He was powerless to save her when she was in deep trouble, and now that she has a better choice, he shouldn't stand on the side of the Brown Kingdom to criticize her.

In truth, he envied Xinyue somewhat, but unfortunately, he was burdened with too many constraints and could not be as carefree as her.

The east courtyard was divided into two courtyards: the front was where the girls studied, and the back was where some women worked.

Yes, the craftsmanship is impressive; this place even resembles a rudimentary factory, with silk reeling, weaving, and embroidery...

There are many positions suitable for women here, and it doesn't matter if you don't know anything, the academy will arrange for a special teacher to teach you.

Zhao Xiulan would collect their produce and sell it. The academy would then take 30% of it for its own operation, and the rest would be theirs.

In this way, if Zheng Xun and Zhao Xiulan ever face a financial crisis, the academy can operate on its own.

Lord Mu stroked his beard and nodded in satisfaction, but his mind worked quickly, and a look of worry immediately appeared on his face.

"Is Dean Zhao in charge of this academy?"

"She is only responsible for grasping the general direction. There are too many things to do, so some of them always need to be delegated."

"The corruption issue..."

The academy was undoubtedly established with good intentions, but over time, it inevitably breeds corrupt elements.

At that time, the academy and the people it houses will become tools for making money...

Zheng Xun: ...

This should have been the biggest problem, but it was precisely this that she was least worried about.

Because she has a cheat code.

Even if the system were gone, her mental abilities were still quite professional. Although they couldn't be as precise as the system's, they were perfectly capable of capturing other people's emotional fluctuations.

Combined with some interrogation techniques, unless one has an extremely strong mentality, one cannot hide anything from her.

Since neither the system nor the superpower could be discussed openly, she simply smiled meaningfully and said, "That's none of Lord Mu's concern."

Lord Mu wisely refrained from asking further questions.

At this moment, Zhao Xiulan, having heard the news, finally arrived late.

She looked somewhat flustered, and when she saw Zheng Xun, she gave a wry smile: "It's my fault for keeping the princess waiting."

Although Zhao Xiulan spoke in an intimate tone, Lord Mu and Xinyue keenly sensed her respect.

They knew Zhao Xiulan's identity; the fact that she had done such a big thing meant that she was no ordinary person. However, her current attitude indicated that she was led by Zheng Xun.

Tsk, this princess seems to be far more complex than she appears on the surface...

Zheng Xun said gently, "It's alright, but what's bothering you?"

"Yes, we've taken on a female student, and her whole family is making a fuss about wanting her to work at the academy."

"Get them out!"

“If they treat them even slightly badly, they will retaliate against that female student.”

"What are you going to do?"

"Princess, don't worry, it's all a small matter and won't be difficult to resolve."

Zhao Xiulan has never been weak-willed; however, she now knows how to use her toughness in the right way.

The reason those people made a fuss was simply because they thought she was kind.

Often, the word "goodness" is associated with weakness and being easily bullied.

She's different. To achieve her goals, she can be gentle and mild-mannered, but if that doesn't work, she also has some power and means.

Zheng Xun looked at her intently: "But why are you still frowning..."

"I just feel a little sad that they would use their own daughter to threaten a complete stranger like me..."

She shook her head: "Never mind that, since you're already here, I'll show you around."

Although the academy looks simple on the outside, it is made with great care in every aspect inside.

Zhao Xiulan watched the construction of the academy from beginning to end, and spoke of everything about it as if she knew it by heart.

Although the academy is large, it is designed primarily for comfort and convenience, and there is really not much to see if you really want to explore it.

Therefore, when Zhao Xiulan spoke to them, she focused on the people here.

She found most of the people here, so she knows their stories.

As Zheng Xun listened to her detailed explanation, his expression grew increasingly gentle.

Zhao Xiulan did a great job; no one could have done it better than her.

After wandering around for a while and returning to the classroom, Zheng Xun finally spoke up: "By the way, I'll have someone send two young ladies over in a couple of days. They're Master Mu's students, and they probably won't be staying at the academy for long. I'll trouble you to look after them during this time."

Master Mu:?

No, when did he say he was going to take on apprentices?

Are they going to force us to buy or sell these things?

He wanted to explain, but Zhao Xiulan spoke first: "I will do my best to fulfill the princess's orders. Please rest assured, princess."

Just then, the gong sounded, and the teacher announced the end of class. The little girls came out of the classroom chatting and laughing.

Upon seeing Zhao Xiulan, they were overjoyed and excited. At that moment, the image of "light in her eyes" became a tangible reality in their eyes.

Most of them were children abandoned by poor families. The food at the academy was good, but they had only been there a short time and had not yet gained weight. However, their smiles were radiant.

"Dean Zhao!"

"Hmm, how are you feeling today?"

"What you said was very interesting!"

"I learned seven words!"

"We even recited poems!"

……

Surrounded by chattering little girls, Zhao Xiulan's smile never faded.

Xinyue pursed her lips: "She treats these children like her own."

Crescent Moon's gaze was somewhat dazed, as if she were looking through them at something else.

If only she could have been born in the Dayong Dynasty...

For a moment, she felt a pang of hatred for her bad luck.

Was God being too cruel to her?

But the next moment, Zheng Xun's voice rang out: "Yes, she had a very beloved child who went astray, and she punished him herself. Now, she has even more children."

Crescent Moon said self-deprecatingly, "Yes, even a speck of dust that the heavens casually shake off becomes an insurmountable obstacle in front of us."

“Xiulan now has her own goals,” Zheng Xun winked at her, then suddenly smiled brightly. “She is doing something great. Xinyue, remember that the past cannot be changed, but the future can still be pursued. I sincerely wish you happiness, joy, and that you find yourself.”

Crescent Moon's thin lips parted slightly, and after a moment, she suddenly smiled: "Yes, I will find myself."

She will no longer be trapped in the past.

She has avenged herself; now she should boldly look ahead and recklessly chase the blazing sun.

Zhao Xiulan chatted with them for a while, then suddenly looked at Zheng Xun and said, "That one is our Princess Yuanjia. The 'Yuan' in Yuanxiu Academy comes from here. This academy was able to be established with the princess's support."

Yuan Jia was also quite famous among the people, and most of these children had heard her legends.

"It's a little fairy!"

"It's our Princess Yuanjia!"

The girls whispered excitedly, but Zheng Xun's demeanor wasn't exactly approachable. The girls felt both longing and some restraint in the face of this unfamiliar woman.

Zheng Xun smiled at them: "Do you like the academy?"

"like!"

"You are the first batch of students in the academy, and you will be the senior sisters of countless younger brothers and sisters in the future. Grow up quickly and study hard. Those who do well will have their names posted on a red list outside the academy. You will be role models for other students in the academy! Your future is bright!"