The Princess of Northern Land
Chapter 688: Joint Calculation(6)_1

Chapter 688: Chapter 688: Joint Calculation(6)_1

"Young Mistress, you’re too thin. It seems that your little one is giving you quite a hard time," said Lin Ziyin with a laugh.

"It’s alright, just that there’s some fuss at night which keeps me up." The young mistress gradually relaxed upon seeing Lin Ziyin’s affable demeanor.

The atmosphere became much lighter as everyone started to converse.

When the later arrivals came, they saw that the Mei family’s mother and daughter-in-law were already sitting intimately with the Princess Consort of the Wang residence.

"The young ladies of the Si, Wu and Luo families greet the Princess Consort." These women, though not late, found the hall already filled with visiting ladies of high status.

The matriarchs of both Si and Wu Families watched Lin Ziyin, being flattered by the surrounding crowd, and marveled to themselves. How true it is that fortunes could change within a decade. Anyone looking at the now sophisticated and sociable Princess Consort could hardly believe she was once a simple country girl.

"Since we’re all here, I have something I want to discuss with the ladies," Lin Ziyin said with a smile to the assembled crowd.

"Please do tell, Princess Consort," a woman chimed in impatiently.

"Lady Ji," Lin Ziyin singled her out.

"Princess Consort, I can be a bit blunt at times - my apologies if I offend," Lady Ji said, a hint of pride and trepidation in her voice. She was known for her impulsiveness and tendency to jump the gun, often becoming the butt of jokes for it.

"There’s nothing to apologize for. Your straightforwardness is a refreshing change - it reminds me of the Northern Land," Lin Ziyin smiled, and continued, "As everyone knows, come next year, the Prince will establish free schools all over the land. All children of the appropriate age should attend these schools where they will learn to read and practice martial arts."

Everyone agreed, nodding their heads. This was not a minor matter, and the men of respective residencies had probably already discussed this at length at home.

"If these schools will have female students, then it stands to reason that they also need female teachers." Lin Ziyin looked around the room, gauging everyone’s reactions, then continued smilingly.

"Whatever the Princess Consort requires, she need only ask," stated the young SMistress of the Si family, expressing her opinion first.

"The Prince and I have discussed this. Since these schools will be freely open to all, the salary for the generally sparse population of educated women will not be very high. I wonder if any of you present here would like to be involved in teaching," asked Lin Ziyin, adroitly bringing up the matter she had been eager to broach.

Murmurs erupted among the ladies and maidens present at this proposal.

Before the chatter could subside, Lin Ziyin dropped another "bombshell," "Any woman who becomes a teacher at these schools will be officially cataloged by the Wang Residence. Their names will be forever recorded in the school’s history."

The room buzzed with louder whispers. Although the Princess Consort hadn’t explicitly spelled it out, everyone understood that the female teachers in these schools would be essentially considered state-appointed officials.

Compared to profit, which none of the ladies and young girls in attendance lacked, they all craved fame.

"Of course, not just anyone can become a teacher at these schools. You have to pass an assessment by the Wang Residence. Preferably, the age of applicants should be between eighteen to forty-five. Apart from knowledge in music, chess, calligraphy and painting, those proficient in female-specific skills such as sewing, cooking and medical skills would be given priority. Successful candidates will also have the freedom to choose their own spouse," The last point caught everyone by surprise. Was the Princess Consort suggesting that unsatisfied women could divorce, and those unmarried could even choose their own husbands?

Upon hearing this, many of the elders immediately decided against sending their daughters and daughters-in-law to teach at these schools.

Marriage decisions should always be in the hands of those senior. It’s absolutely unacceptable for women to start taking charge and turn the societal norms upside down.