The female anchor turned into the dean of an ancient academy

Chapter 242 Beauty, since ancient times

A few days later, Li Shanggong found out through various sources that Cen Jiexiao was not only talented, but also proficient in the art of medicine. She had developed a magical ointment that could make the skin as delicate and smooth as a baby's, and even reduce the wrinkles on the face, just by applying it lightly on the face.

"Hmph, they are just some trivial tricks, just a deception, and you dare to show them off?" Although Li Shanggong said with disdain, she was secretly surprised in her heart. Although she was over fifty years old, she still loved beauty and naturally hoped to stay young forever. If this Cen Jiexiao really had such a magical ointment, she would get it at all costs!

After making up her mind, Li Shanggong decided to go to Zhaoyin Academy in person to find out what was going on.

On this day, Li Shanggong brought two maids and arrived at the gate of Zhaoyin Academy in a sedan chair.

She was wearing a dark purple palace dress, a gold hairpin on her head, and had a serious face. She looked majestic without even getting angry. One could tell at a glance that she was a noble lady from the palace.

Seeing the visitor was extraordinary, the gatekeeper did not dare to neglect him and hurried forward to ask, "Madam, may I ask who you are..."

"Go and announce that Li Shang Gong from the palace is here to visit." Li Shang Gong gave the order lightly.

When the guard heard that it was a distinguished guest from the palace, his face suddenly became a little nervous. He nodded quickly and ran in to report.

Soon, Sister Cen Xiao heard the news and rushed over, going out to greet them in person.

"I am Cen Jiexiao, your humble servant, honored to meet Lady Li." Cen Jiexiao bowed slightly and saluted.

Li Shanggong nodded secretly in her heart. It seems that Cen Jiexiao is really capable. No wonder the emperor looks at her differently.

"There's no need to be so polite, Dean Cen." Li Shanggong smiled slightly, her tone friendly. "I've come here on the orders of the Empress Dowager to visit Dean Cen and tour Zhaoyin Academy."

"So it was the Empress Dowager who sent you. I'm so sorry, so sorry!" Cen Jiexiao warmly welcomed Li Shanggong into the academy.

As Li Shanggong walked, she observed the surrounding environment calmly. She saw that although Zhaoyin Academy was not big, it was decorated very elegantly. There were lush flowers and trees in the courtyard, rockery and flowing water, and there was a quiet and elegant bookish atmosphere everywhere.

"Dean Cen, your academy is quite unique." Li Shanggong exclaimed in admiration.

"Thank you for your praise, Lady Li. I just made some random designs." Cen Jiexiao said modestly.

Led by Cen Jiexiao, Li Shanggong visited every corner of the academy and praised the academy's teaching philosophy and school model.

However, when she saw the women who were studying the "beauty and skin care" course, a trace of disdain and contempt flashed in her eyes.

"President Cen, this is what you call a 'beauty and skincare course'?" Li Shanggong pointed at the women, her tone tinged with sarcasm. "I thought it was some profound knowledge, but it turns out to be just some boring women's stuff."

Cen Jiexiao naturally heard the contempt in Li Shanggong's tone, but she didn't get angry. Instead, she smiled slightly and said calmly, "Li Shanggong, you're wrong. Everyone loves beauty. Although 'beauty and skin care' isn't a profound science, it can enhance women's confidence and charm, making them love life more. Isn't that a good thing?"

Upon hearing this, Li Shanggong was secretly surprised. This Cen Jiexiao was so young, yet so sharp-tongued, which made her look at her with a new respect.

"Hmph, you're quite the talker," Li Shang Gong snorted. "But, I still say the same thing: 'Beauty and skincare' is just some trifling trick, not worthy of public display. If you truly possess the ability, you should teach women the arts of music, chess, calligraphy, painting, poetry, and song. These are the true arts of learning!"

Cen Jiexiao knew that Li Shanggong was deliberately making things difficult for her, but she didn't back down. Instead, she smiled and said, "Li Shanggong's teachings are correct, and I have learned my lesson. However, I believe that 'beautification and beauty' are not in conflict with the arts of music, chess, calligraphy, and painting. The two complement each other and can make women more perfect."

Seeing Cen Jiexiao so confident, Li Shanggong felt even more displeased. She was about to open her mouth to refute, but suddenly she smelled a faint fragrance. The fragrance was fresh and elegant, refreshing, and she couldn't help but take a deep breath.

"What is this fragrance? It smells so good?" Li Shanggong asked curiously.

Sister Cen Xiao smiled slightly and said, "This is a perfume I developed. It's called 'Ningzhi Yulu'. It has the effect of whitening and nourishing the skin and reducing wrinkles."

As she spoke, she took out a small and exquisite porcelain bottle from her sleeve and handed it to Li Shanggong. "If Li Shanggong doesn't mind, you can try it."

Although Li Shanggong had some complaints about Cen Jiexiao in her heart, she was a woman after all, and a woman who loved beauty. Faced with the legendary "Ningzhi Yulu" that could keep people young forever, she naturally found it hard to resist.

So she took the porcelain bottle, opened the cap, and sniffed it gently. She immediately felt refreshed, as if she were ten years younger.

"What a nice fragrance!" Li Shanggong couldn't help but exclaim in admiration. Then, she raised her head and stared at Cen Jiexiao with burning eyes, "Is this 'Ningzhi Jade Dew' really as magical as you said?"

Sister Cen Xiao smiled slightly and said, "Hearing is believing, seeing is believing. Lady Li, why not try it yourself and you will know what I said is true."

Seeing Cen Jiexiao's confidence, Li Shanggong felt a little shaken. After thinking for a moment, she said to the maid beside her, "Go get a basin of clean water."

The maid took the order and hurried to fetch a basin of clean water.

Li Shanggong took the basin, put her hands in the water and washed them carefully. Then, she took the towel handed to her by Cen Jiexiao and gently wiped the water droplets off her hands.

After doing all this, she carefully took the "Ningzhi Jade Dew" handed to her by Cen Jiexiao, poured out a little, and gently applied it on her face.

"How is it? How do you feel?" Cen Jiexiao asked with a smile.

Li Shanggong did not say anything, but closed her eyes and carefully felt the touch of the "Ningzhi Jade Dew" melting on her face.

"Hmm..." Li Shanggong hummed softly, a hint of enjoyment on her face. "This ointment is so moisturizing, and it also has a light cooling feeling. It's so comfortable!"

She opened her eyes, walked to the bronze mirror, and looked at her face carefully.

"This..." Li Shanggong widened her eyes in surprise, unable to believe what she saw.

I looked at myself in the bronze mirror. My skin was white and translucent, like a peeled egg. The fine lines at the corners of my eyes had also faded a lot. I looked several years younger!

"This...how is this possible?!" Li Shanggong was so shocked that she couldn't speak. She repeatedly touched the corners of her eyes in disbelief, as if to confirm this miraculous change.

"This 'Ningzhiyulu'... is it really so magical?!" Li Shanggong's voice trembled with excitement. She turned around abruptly, staring at Cen Jiexiao with burning eyes. "Dean Cen, how... how on earth did you do it?"

Cen Jiexiao smiled slightly and said, "Li Shanggong, this 'Ningzhi Jade Dew' is carefully crafted by me based on ancient recipes and combining them with my own secret recipes. The formula cannot be made public for the time being."