There is a happy inn in the capital.

Chapter 491 Establishing an Academy

She placed her hands on the table, her gaze sweeping intently over her sisters.

"I plan to build an academy! It will be dedicated to recruiting female students so that they can study properly, learn the classics, and acquire practical knowledge to help them participate in the women's imperial examinations in the future!"

Gu Ziying's eyes lit up, and she immediately agreed: "Great idea! Shu Chen, I have some books in my collection, including classics, histories, philosophical works, travelogues, miscellaneous writings, and collections of poetry and prose. We can donate them to the academy."

Princess Changning crossed her arms and raised her chin.

"Of course, we need to prepare all the books required for the imperial examinations. However, just being able to read by rote isn't enough. I also have some medical books, pharmacopoeias, and even miscellaneous books on agriculture and water conservancy. The principles are all interconnected, and they should be shown these to broaden their horizons."

Liang Yuying said succinctly, "I'll go back to the old treasury of the Liang family and look around. There should still be some military books, strategies, and geographical maps. Although women may not necessarily join the army, it's not a bad thing to know about the general situation of the world and the ways of offense and defense. Bring me whatever you find."

Ye Bingli nodded slightly: "I'll go to the book market and buy some newly published classic commentaries, poetry anthologies, and also some musical scores and art treatises to cultivate my mind and character."

"That's wonderful! You're truly a good sister!" Li Shuchen beamed with joy. "I've already thought of a name for the academy: 'Yuxiu Academy'! A place where beauty and talent converge, we'll cultivate a group of outstanding women, both beautiful and intelligent!"

just do it

The sisters went off separately to search for books, while Li Shuchen locked herself in the inner room of the Three Treasures Hall.

She closed her eyes, her mind stirred slightly, and she concentrated, thinking, "I need books—a large number of comprehensive books that are relevant to this era and also somewhat forward-thinking."

A semi-transparent, extremely simple list appeared in my mind.

The list is categorized into: Classics, History, Philosophy, and Literature (with meticulously annotated editions), Arithmetic and Natural Sciences (basic physics and chemistry), Geography and Natural History (world map, flora and fauna illustrations), Medicine, Agriculture, and Engineering (beginner to advanced), Law and Political Theory (concise case studies), and even biographies of women and basic logical thinking... a wide variety of topics, each with a different price tag.

She practically emptied her "legacy," in exchange for a mountain of books and materials covering an extremely wide range of topics in her conscious space.

These books are made of a special material, resembling paper but not quite, yet their content is perfectly suited to the language and cognitive level of this era, only more concise and accurate.

"First, we'll create the system space. Once the academy is built, we'll figure out a way to 'conjure' it out," she thought happily.

With books in hand, the next step is to build houses.

Li Shuchen hurriedly found the most famous craftsman in the capital, Kong.

"Master Kong! Big business! Help me build an academy! It needs to be spacious, sturdy, with classrooms, a library, teachers' residences, student dormitories, and a large courtyard for activities!" Li Shuchen gestured.

Upon hearing this, the craftsman Kong asked in surprise, "An academy? Miss Li wants to establish a free school? This is a great act of kindness! May I ask which great scholar will be in charge? And which students will be recruited?"

Li Shuchen stood with his hands on his hips, his voice clear and bright.

"As for the presiding officer, that's a secret for now! As for the students—mainly female students! We'll teach them to read, write, and understand principles, so they can take the newly established imperial examinations for women in the future!"

"A girls'...girls' academy?!"

Craftsman Kong was so startled he almost dropped his pipe. Then, as if remembering something, the wrinkles on his face slowly smoothed out, and his eyes lit up.

"Miss Li... are you serious? That imperial notice... is it really allowing young ladies to take the exam?"

“It’s all in black and white, with the official seal, how could it be fake?” Li Shuchen laughed. “Master Kong, I need to build this academy as soon as possible. The materials must be of the best quality, and I will definitely not shortchange everyone on wages! Do you think it’s possible to gather manpower as soon as possible?”

"Yes! Absolutely!" Craftsman Kong slapped his thigh, his face flushed with excitement. "Miss Li, this is a truly meritorious deed! I, Old Kong, dare not speak of anything else, but gathering a group of good craftsmen and laborers is absolutely no problem! You can decide on the wages; everyone will be willing to come once they know it's for building an academy for young ladies!"

The news spread like wildfire

The news that Li Shuchen planned to buy land in the west of the city to build the "Yuxiu Academy" and enroll female students to learn to read and write quickly spread throughout the capital and surrounding towns.

Land purchase, blueprint completion, materials arriving one after another... Before construction even officially started, many people came with their families to inquire, especially those with daughters.

"Mr. Li! My daughter is eight years old, very clever, is she old enough to go to school?"

"Master! My sister is twelve years old. She used to eavesdrop on the private school teacher in the village and can recite several passages of the Thousand Character Classic! Would you like to take her in?"

“Miss Li! My family is poor, but my daughter really wants to study. Does your academy charge tuition? Is it expensive?”

"Mr. Li, my wife is literate. Could she be a tutor? She doesn't need wages, just meals!"

……

Li Shuchen was surrounded by enthusiastic villagers outside the makeshift shed, and his voice was almost hoarse from talking.

"We accept all students! Ages from six to... well, sixteen are all fine! Don't worry about tuition fees, our academy has different levels, and those who are really struggling can apply for reductions or even tuition waivers! As long as the child is willing to learn! We also recruit teachers, and anyone with real talent is welcome to apply!"

She had someone bring over a thick register, and registration began on the spot.

In less than three days, the roster already contained nearly two hundred names! From innocent toddlers to teenage girls, each name carried the heavy hopes of a family.

Craftsman Kong, along with his son and apprentices, watched the bustling scene with great enthusiasm and were filled with energy.

He personally took charge of the project and had extremely high standards for quality.

"Everyone, pay attention! This is where our own daughters and granddaughters will study! Not a single brick or tile can be neglected!"

On the day construction began, firecrackers deafened the sky.

Many families of the girls who signed up sent people to help, carrying bricks and tiles, delivering water and food; the atmosphere at the construction site was as lively as a festival.

Kong, the craftsman, took a moment to find Li Shuchen, who was checking the progress. His dark face showed a hint of embarrassment as he rubbed his hands together.

“Miss Li… um, I… I also have a daughter, she’s ten years old this year. I used to think that it was enough for a girl to learn some needlework, but now… seeing the sparkle in her eyes when she hears about going to school… I… could I sign her up too?”

Looking at the deep expectation in the craftsman's eyes, Li Shuchen nodded firmly without hesitation.

"Master Kong, you are very welcome! You have contributed the most to the academy, and your daughter is one of the first students of our Yuxiu Academy! We will not only accept her, but if she does well in her studies, she might even become a teaching assistant!"

The craftsman's eyes welled up with tears. He thanked him repeatedly, and as he turned back to work, his back was ramrod straight, and the hammer he swung seemed to carry even more power.