The whole family died tragically? The eldest daughter is the most powerful in the capital after her

Gu family.

Lin Ruoxuan was still quietly recuperating. Although her body was gradually recovering, the doubts in her heart had not completely dissipated.

As the days passed, the sound of the wind outside gradually reached her ears.

Whenever there was something that made her question, she would send Hongya and Luqiao to find out what was going on outside.

On this day, when Hongya came back, there was a hint of silence on her face, and it was obvious that she had discovered something.

"Madam, the Zhu family's affairs have caused a lot of uproar." Hong Ya lowered her head and whispered, "The things their family did are really disgusting, especially the Manyue Tower, which was actually controlled by the Zhu family behind the scenes. Many women were forced to be sold to powerful men."

Lu Qiao was listening nearby and also frowned slightly: "Not only does the Zhu family oppress the people, they also collude with some powerful people. They are really crazy."

"These things should be the work of Nan Yuan." Lin Ruoxuan suddenly spoke, staring into the distance outside the window, as if thinking about something, "He has stood up for me more than once, and now he has taken action for my second sister. The Zhu family has done something terrible, so it is not wrong for him to take action."

Hongya and Luqiao looked at each other and nodded secretly in their hearts.

evening.

When Gu Nanyuan stepped into the yard tiredly, he smelled the fragrance of food from afar.

Lin Ruoxuan walked out of the kitchen carrying the last dish. When she saw him come in, she smiled gently, "You're back. The food is ready."

Gu Nanyuan raised his eyebrows, glanced at the dishes on the table, slowed down his pace, and said jokingly: "This doesn't look like it was made by the maids. Madam, are these dishes made by you yourself?"

"That's right!" Lin Ruoxuan put down the dish steadily, raised her hand to tidy up the hair beside her ears, and said with pride, "I made this meal tonight myself. Nanyuan, you have to taste it carefully."

Gu Nanyuan looked up at her, his lips slightly raised, "It's rare for Madam to cook for us personally. But," he approached the table, crossed his arms, and looked at her teasingly, "You are so serious, you don't just want me to have a meal, do you? Do you have any other requests? You might as well say it openly."

Lin Ruoxuan was seen through by him at a glance, and a helpless smile flashed across her face, but she quickly gathered her thoughts and sat down solemnly opposite him: "There is one thing...I need your help."

Gu Nanyuan raised his eyebrows and looked at her seriously: "Madam, please speak frankly. I am all ears."

Lin Ruoxuan lowered her eyes and thought for a moment before looking up at him, her tone firm and gentle: "I want to build a girls' academy."

"Girls' Academy?" Gu Nanyuan raised his eyebrows slightly, feeling surprised by the proposal, but he did not show any objection. "Why did you suddenly think of this?"

Lin Ruoxuan's eyes were firm and her tone was slow: "This incident with the Zhu family made me realize that the reason why many women are bullied and don't even have the chance to struggle is that they don't have any confidence and the ability to survive independently. They can't choose their own path, and they don't know how to fight for a better future."

She paused, a trace of pain flashing in her eyes: "I don't expect to change the fate of all women in the world, but at least I hope to provide an opportunity for those women who are willing to change and need help, so that they can learn some useful skills, have a skill, and survive on their own when necessary."

Gu Nanyuan looked at her, the surprise between his brows gradually dissipated, and there was more appreciation in his eyes: "It sounds like a good idea, but it's not a simple idea. You should know that not just anyone can open an academy. It requires the emperor's approval."

Lin Ruoxuan nodded, her expression calm: "I know, that's why I need your help."

"Besides that, what other plans do you have?" Gu Nanyuan leaned back in his chair, folded his hands, and looked at him with a bit of inquiry. "After all, a women's academy needs to be run for a long time. It's impossible to run it with just enthusiasm."

Lin Ruoxuan's eyes lit up, and her tone was anxious: "The academy is not only to help those women, but also for our future industry."

Gu Nanyuan became more interested after hearing this: "Go on."

"Our current industries, whether it's an embroidery shop, a restaurant, or other businesses, ultimately need reliable people to manage them. Outsiders are ultimately untrustworthy, and the talents we train ourselves are the most reliable." Lin Ruoxuan spoke slowly and logically, "My idea is that the academy not only teaches cultural knowledge, but also practical skills, such as the basic knowledge of embroidery, accounting, and management. After they graduate, they can directly enter our industry to work."

"This way, we will not be short of manpower, and the women will also have a skill. More importantly, most of these women are of clean backgrounds and are much more loyal than outsiders. In the long run, it will only benefit us."

After listening to this, Gu Nanyuan nodded slightly, looking serious: "It is indeed a sound plan. If it can be implemented, this academy will not only help them, but also help ourselves, but..."

He paused, his eyes turning darker, "The establishment of the academy requires not only the emperor's approval, but also a considerable amount of money. Have you considered these expenses carefully?"

Lin Ruoxuan chuckled, her eyes firm, "You don't have to worry about this. We will temporarily keep a portion of the income from the industry for the operation of the academy. In addition, I will find a few trustworthy maids to temporarily take on some of the teaching work, so that we can save the cost of hiring outsiders to teach."

"Moreover, after the academy is opened, when the girls have completed their studies and started working, they can withdraw a small portion of their income and return it to the academy to maintain its daily expenses."

Gu Nanyuan looked at her with admiration in his eyes: "I didn't expect you to be so thoughtful. If this plan succeeds, it will really kill two birds with one stone."

Lin Ruoxuan's face was full of expectation: "So, I would like to ask you to submit the academy's petition to the emperor. If you are willing to help, I believe this will be successful."

Gu Nanyuan hesitated for a moment, then nodded slightly: "I will try my best, but I can't guarantee you whether it will succeed or not."

Lin Ruoxuan smiled happily, with a look of gratitude in her eyes: "As long as you are willing to help, I am already very grateful."

At this time, Shi Lei walked in: "Prince, Madam, Mr. Wang and Mrs. Wang are here. The Master and the Mistress invite you over."

Just at this time, Gu Nanyuan finished his meal and took Lin Ruoxuan to the front yard.

As soon as Mrs. Wang saw Lin Ruoxuan, she immediately stood up and walked quickly towards her.

She held Lin Ruoxuan's hand tightly, her voice trembling slightly: "Ruoxuan, this time, thanks to you fighting for Yanqing, I really don't know how to thank you."

Seeing Madam Wang's eyes slightly red, Lin Ruoxuan felt sad and hurriedly comforted her softly, "Aunt, please don't say that. I feel very guilty about my second sister's matter. Although I tried my best, in the end, I still..."

Her voice was choked with sobs, and her eyes were slightly wet. "I still couldn't save her and the child. In the end, the Zhu family killed two people."

When Mrs. Wang heard this, tears welled up in her eyes. She covered her mouth with a handkerchief and sobbed, "Yanqing...what a miserable life!"

Lord Wang saw this and slowly stood up, sighing, "Ruoxuan, this is not your fault, and no one can stop it. Yanqing has been stubborn since she was a child. We didn't want her to marry Zhu Kang at first, but she insisted on marrying him, saying that she really loved Zhu Kang and was willing to give everything for him."

He shook his head, his eyes filled with pain, "It's a pity that she chose the wrong person and believed in the wrong love. If it weren't for this painful lesson, I'm afraid there would be more women who would follow in her footsteps. Although Yanqing is no longer with us, her experience can be regarded as a wake-up call for other women."

After he finished speaking, Lord Wang gave an order and several servants came into the front hall carrying several large boxes of gifts.

The vermilion boxes were neatly placed aside, and golden ornaments and precious brocade could be vaguely seen in the wooden boxes. It was obvious that these things were of great origin.

Lord Wang smiled and pointed at the box: "Ruoxuan, these are a little gift from your aunt and I. They are not worth much, just a token of our gratitude. You have worked hard for Yanqing this time, and your aunt and I really have no way to repay you."

Lin Ruoxuan smiled politely and said gently, "Uncle, you are too kind. I am just trying my best. I am deeply sorry about what happened to my second sister. I feel really bad."

"Yes, Yanqing is a child with a tragic fate." Lord Wang sighed softly, his eyes showing a bit of sadness, and then changed the subject, his expression became more serious, "But the matter has passed, the dead are gone, and we who are still alive must continue to move on."

Hearing this, Lin Ruoxuan frowned slightly, but did not speak, and just stood aside silently.

Lord Wang picked up the teacup, blew on the tea leaves gently, and continued, "Your aunt and I have thought about Zhu Kang's matter this time. Since Yanqing is gone, we don't plan to pursue it any further. After all, Zhu Kang has paid a price, and we can't keep harping on it and hurt the harmony between the two families."

When Lin Ruoxuan heard this, her heart suddenly tightened and disbelief flashed in her eyes, but she quickly suppressed her emotions and turned to see Gu Nanyuan's reaction.

Gu Nanyuan's face darkened slightly, and his slender fingers tapped the armrest of the chair from time to time. He was also very dissatisfied with what Lord Wang said.

His tone was a little cold: "Uncle, these words are really unpleasant to hear. Second sister is your biological daughter. In Zhu Kang's eyes, her life is not even as good as grass. Now you say you will not pursue it?"

Lord Wang had a hint of embarrassment on his face, but he soon forced a smile and said, "Nanyuan, in this world, harmony brings wealth. Although Yanqing's matter is heartbreaking, she is gone after all, and we elders have to consider the family. No matter what, the Zhu family is a well-established family. If the two families get too estranged, it will not benefit anyone."

Lin Ruoxuan couldn't help but speak at this moment, with a tentative tone in her voice: "Uncle, are you saying that you and the Zhu family will continue to interact?"

"Of course." Lord Wang nodded, speaking with a matter-of-fact tone, "Although the Zhu family made some mistakes this time, they still have several branches supporting the family business. After all, Zhu Kang has not collapsed. Instead of completely tearing each other apart, it is better to ease the relationship as soon as possible and save some face."

Lin Ruoxuan just felt a chill in her heart, pursed her lips and said nothing.

Gu Nanyuan's expression became more and more ugly, and his tone was a little sharp: "Uncle, Yanqing's body is still warm, but you are still thinking about reconciling with her murderous enemy? This kind of mind is really admirable."

Lord Wang was choked and his face froze for a moment, then he explained in a low voice: "Nanyuan, you are young and hot-tempered, you don't understand these things. In the officialdom, sometimes relationships are more important than blood feuds. Besides...besides, Zhu Kang already knows he was wrong."

"Do you know you're wrong?" Gu Nanyuan sneered, his brows tinged with mockery, "Uncle, do you really think so, or is there something else you're hiding? It's better to just say it out loud so that everyone won't speculate."

Lord Wang's expression changed slightly, and his eyes flickered: "Nanyuan, what do you mean by this?"

Gu Nanyuan stood up and slowly walked to Lord Wang, looking down at him with a sharp tone: "My meaning couldn't be clearer. The Zhu family has blood on their hands. They forced women of good families into prostitution, opened brothels, and even secretly traded in people. These crimes have long been exposed. Uncle, as an official appointed by the court, you have close contacts with the Zhu family. I am a little curious, are you also involved in the Zhu family's shady business?"

Lord Wang could no longer sit still, beads of sweat kept dripping down his forehead, his hands were tightly gripping the teacup, his knuckles turned white.

"Nanyuan," he raised his head and looked at Gu Nanyuan, forcing a smile on his face, "Uncle didn't do anything illegal. I just... I just felt that Yanqing had already gone, so why should the two families become enemies because of this? Although the Zhu family was wrong, things had already happened..."

"Uncle." Gu Nanyuan interrupted him, his voice cold and deep, "This is no longer about Second Sister. This is about the Zhu family forcing women into prostitution and trafficking people. If you have nothing to do with the Zhu family, why were you so eager to excuse them just now?"

Lord Wang's face froze, and he shook his head hurriedly: "I'm afraid that you are young and impetuous, and you might overdo things... You still have to be cautious about such a big thing!"

Gu Nanyuan stared at him coldly, his eyes as sharp as a knife, and he exposed him mercilessly: "Uncle, are you really just afraid that the two families will become enemies, or are you afraid that the Wang family will also be implicated? If you are not telling the truth, I can only order a thorough investigation of the Wang family to see if the Wang family is involved in these activities of the Zhu family."

As soon as these words were spoken, the color on Lord Wang’s face instantly faded.

He stood up in panic and waved his hands repeatedly: "Nanyuan! No! The Wang family absolutely did not participate in those unscrupulous things! I... I can swear to heaven!"

Gu Nanyuan looked deep and sneered, "Swear? Uncle, do you really think I will believe you? The Zhu family dared to act so boldly because they were backed by power. If you have nothing to do with them, why do you feel so guilty?"

Lord Wang looked ashen. He struggled for a while and finally whispered, "The Wang family really didn't do anything so unscrupulous. It's just... it's just that I invested in the Zhu family's casino and lent some money through the Zhu family's eldest wife. Apart from that, there is nothing else!"

Gu Nanyuan frowned, a hint of coldness flashed in his eyes: "Casino? Usury?"

Lord Wang's voice became lower and lower, his tone full of regret: "It was someone from the Zhu family's eldest branch who approached me and said that this kind of business would make money quickly and without any risks. I was confused for a moment and just... I agreed."

Gu Nanyuan's fists clenched and cracked. "A moment of confusion? Uncle, as an official appointed by the court, you actually participated in such crooked things? Now the emperor has ordered a thorough investigation of the Zhu family. Do you know what will happen to the Wang family if these shady activities are uncovered?"

At this time, the wife of the Duke of Zhenguo could not help but speak, with uncontrollable anger in her tone: "Brother-in-law, I always thought you were a responsible gentleman, but now I hear you say these words, it is simply unbelievable! As an official appointed by the court, instead of thinking about benefiting the people, you are actually involved in lending money at high interest? How many people will be ruined by this!"

Mrs. Wang's face turned pale and she hurriedly explained, "Sister, I don't know about these things! The master never told me. If I had known earlier, I would have stopped him!"

"You don't know?" The wife of the Duke of Zhenguo laughed in anger. She stood up suddenly and pointed at Lord Wang and said, "Every business of the Zhu family is costing lives. Your Wang family actually colluded with such people and still wanted to come to our Gu family to beg for mercy? It's ridiculous!"

Lord Wang was speechless after being scolded. He could only lower his head and dare not respond.