Chapter 10

I picked up my mother’s plans for the branch school and the ledger.

I carefully flipped through a few pages.

“Mother, have you ever thought that once the branch school opens, your intentions hidden behind the Benevolent Manor will be exposed?”

My heart tightened. “Besides Nanny Wang, who else knows your identity?”

“If word gets out, in the eyes of the world, you’ll be appearing publicly and running a private school. Not to mention the court-even the Cheng Family could punish you. When those heavy accusations and labels are placed on you, what will you do?”

My mother showed no sign of agitation. “So what?”

Seeing her like this, I grew even more anxious. “If the authorities discover your intentions, it could cost you your head.”

My mother’s face remained utterly calm.

“I know.”

“Then you…” I raised my brows in worry.

“In the past, the things I did were also punishable by death, but someone had to do them. Otherwise, wouldn’t the country be doomed?”

“Besides, after hearing your story, doesn’t it prove even more that it’s worth it?”

“I heard your father say that in the southern coastal cities, there are many blond-haired, blue-eyed people arriving by ship.”

“They have requested to open trade with us.”

My heart sank.

“The dynasty is corrupt, stagnant, and rebellions are breaking out everywhere. If we keep going down this path, it’ll just be the same old road as before.”

My mother looked up, gazing through the window at the children in the next room, their faces full of vitality.

“I don’t want the people here, this land, to endure that kind of suffering again.”

“Even if what I do is ultimately futile, what if I can change just a little?”

My mother’s almond-shaped eyes sparkled.

Suddenly, I understood something, and felt a bit panicked.

“Mother, what exactly are you trying to do?”

My mother withdrew her gaze and looked at me.

“The children of China are full of ambition, daring to change the sun and moon for a new sky.”