When they returned to the Fengchao Mansion, the Asura envoys had already cleaned the two stone lions and placed them outside the main gate.
Feng Fuce pointed out a direction.
Chu Ping couldn’t help but say, "Great, the Wen Mansion suddenly looks much more imposing."
He received a warning glance from Feng Fuce.
Lei Hu stepped forward to report to Bai Zhi’er.
"Your Highness, the scholars have just finished organizing the books. As per the rules, I have also given them the Silver Taels."
"However, there are a few scholars who stayed in the main hall and would like to see Your Highness briefly."
Bai Zhi’er blinked her eyes, "I’ll go take a look."
Feng Fuce watched the little princess trot into the Wen Mansion, not looking away until she was out of sight.
However, as soon as he turned around, he saw Chu Ping wiping the stone lion’s head while secretly observing his expression.
Feng Fuce’s eyes turned cold as he looked at Chu Ping and said, "Do you not want your eyes?"
Chu Ping imdiately lowered his head, but still muttered defiantly.
"The Marquis’s eyes are glued to the Princess without him realizing it, he doesn’t mind his own eyes, but cos to mind mine. Stone lions, don’t you agree?"
He clung to the stone lion, prattling on.
Luckily, Feng Fuce followed Bai Zhi’er into the Wen Mansion, otherwise Chu Ping would definitely have received a beating.
Bai Zhi’er entered the main hall, and several scholars dressed simply but cleanly imdiately paid their respects.
"Greetings, Your Highness. A few of us stayed because we boldly wish to ask the Princess if we can return tomorrow to help further organize the books?"
"So of the classifications can be more detailed. We commoners don’t want any silver, we just want Your Highness’s permission to read for another hour."
Uncle Chen held even more admiration for Bai Zhi’er in his heart.
Everything was just as the little princess had predicted.
Initially, scholars ca to help in order to earn silver.
But the books here with the Princess, most were moved from the imperial library, unseen in the market!
So scholars are so bookish they would rather go without food than miss the chance to read classic works.
Bai Zhi’er sat in the chair, and Uncle Chen imdiately served hot tea.
The little one, earnest and proper, truly exuded extraordinary nobility.
She inquired softly, "Since you wish to read, why not co directly to my Wen Mansion to study? Once you beco disciples here, won’t you be able to read whenever you want?"
"This..." The scholars exchanged glances, showing so difficulty.
They were a bit uneasy, speaking only after a mont, "We commoners are not wealthy enough to dare co to the Wen Mansion, afraid to let down Your Highness’s expectations."
"Money? This has nothing to do with money. I will fund you, allowing you to study for free!" Bai Zhi’er placed the teacup down, speaking clearly.
The scholars nodded and explained, "We commoners understand the Princess’s good intentions, but even if we pass the exams and beco officials, we still have to give gifts and curry favor, it’s incredibly stressful for us."
Bai Zhi’er’s expression suddenly paused.
Officials accepting bribes seed to have beco a trend.
And Bai Zhi’er had long known this, which is why she wanted to cultivate truly good officials who serve the people, to thoroughly change such bad practices.
The little one said earnestly, "If I, the Princess, protect you and promise that as long as you have outstanding achievents and a heart for the people, no one will extort bribes from you, are you willing to co study?"
The scholars were taken aback, looking at each other with contemplative expressions.
At this mont, Feng Fuce entered from the door, saying coldly, "I, the Marquis, will also uphold justice for you, preventing others from oppressing and humiliating you."
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