mtl008 Chapter 241 Women’s Nature
Chapter 241 Women’s Nature
After returning to Zhaoyin Academy, Cen Jiexiao immediately summoned Yu Lan and Lu Qingyun to discuss countermeasures.
"Although Li Lingxuan is not cunning, she is still on the Queen Mother's side. She pretends to be amiable on the surface, but actually every word she says is sarcastic and disgusting!" Yu Lan said angrily, wishing she could rush to the princess's residence and slap Li Lingxuan a few times.
"Yu Lan, calm down," Sister Cen Xiao soothed. "Li Lingxuan is just a pawn of the Queen Mother. The real mastermind behind this is still the Queen Mother."
"So what should we do now?" Lu Qingyun asked.
A hint of understanding flashed across Cen Jiexiao's eyes, and a playful smile curled up the corners of her mouth: "Since the Queen Mother is so worried about her appearance, then we should cater to her wishes and give her a generous gift."
Time flowed like water, and in the blink of an eye, several days had passed. Under the auspices of Cen Jiexiao, Zhaoyin Academy launched a novel course: "Beauty and Skin Care." The launch of this course was like a pebble dropped into a calm lake, stirring up a thousand waves and quickly creating a craze in Linkang Prefecture.
Upon hearing the news, the female students at the academy were thrilled, like bees to the scent of flowers, flocking to sign up, and the classes were always packed. When the news spread throughout the city, even the usually pampered ladies couldn't contain their curiosity. They lowered their status, brought their maids and servants, and flocked to Zhaoyin Academy in an endless stream, eager to explore the magical properties of this legendary "beauty and skin care" class.
This course was, of course, a masterstroke orchestrated by Cen Jiexiao. She was deeply acquainted with the concerns of women of that era, knowing that appearance was paramount for women, even the high-ranking Empress Dowager. Thus, Cen Jiexiao seized this opportunity to impart her modern beauty knowledge and makeup techniques to these ancient women without reservation.
Of course, she hoped that through this course, she could gradually get closer to the Queen Mother and explore her true thoughts and intentions.
As expected, the Empress Dowager, with her numerous and well-informed contacts, quickly heard about the "Beauty and Skin Care" class. Initially, the Empress Dowager dismissed the course as mere frivolous girlish activity, unworthy of mention. However, as more and more noble ladies raved about the course, some even reporting glowing complexions that made them appear ten years younger, the Empress Dowager began to waver.
One day, the Empress Dowager was resting in her chambers. Concubine Chu combed her graying hair and whispered, "Your Majesty, I've heard that a new academy has recently opened in the city, called Zhaoyin Academy. They've got a new course called 'Beauty and Youth'. It's said that this course teaches secrets for maintaining beauty and eternal youth. Even the ladies in the palace are secretly inquiring about it."
The Queen Mother looked at her aging face in the mirror and couldn't help feeling a little depressed.
"I'm old too," the Queen Mother put down the teacup in her hand and gently stroked the wrinkles at the corners of her eyes, her tone revealing a hint of helplessness and sadness, "How can I have the energy to learn those things anymore?"
She sighed softly, her gaze drifting out the window, as if she saw the years passing before her eyes. Her once youthful appearance gradually blurred, leaving only the crow's feet at the corners of her eyes and the increasing number of silver hairs on her head, mercilessly reminding her of the ruthlessness and passing of time.
Seeing this, Concubine Chu hurried forward to comfort her, "Your Highness, what you said is true. You are the Queen Mother of the Great Zhou Dynasty, the mother of the nation. Who in this world is more qualified to remain youthful forever than you?"
As she spoke, she picked up an ivory comb and gently combed the empress dowager's gray hair. Her tone was gentle and flattering. "Besides, the old saying is right, 'Women dress to please themselves.' Even if you don't think about yourself, you should think about all the women in the Great Zhou. You are their role model!"
The Queen Mother was moved when she heard this. Yes, she was not only the Queen Mother of the Imperial Palace, but also the Queen Mother of the people of the Great Zhou! Her every word and action was related to the reputation and future of the Great Zhou. If she was gloomy and unhappy all day long, wouldn't she be a laughing stock for the people of the world?
Thinking of this, the Queen Mother couldn't help but feel a little moved. She put down the teacup in her hand and asked, "Are you serious? Does Zhaoyin Academy really have a secret recipe that can restore my youth?"
Seeing the Empress Dowager's interest, Concubine Chu was secretly delighted and quickly said, "How dare I, an old servant, deceive the Empress Dowager? This is absolutely true! I heard that Dean Cen of Zhaoyin Academy, who is well versed in the art of medicine, has developed a magical ointment. Just apply it lightly on the face and it will make your skin as smooth and delicate as a baby's, and even reduce wrinkles!"
The Queen Mother was even more moved after hearing this. She pondered for a moment and asked, "Is the news accurate?"
Consort Chu observed the Queen Mother's expression and saw that she was interested in the secret recipe for "beauty and nourishment." She struck while the iron was hot and said, "Your Majesty, why don't you have Consort Li go to Zhaoyin Academy to find out for herself? If it's really as miraculous as the rumors say, then it's not too late to make plans."
The Queen Mother pondered for a moment, then slowly nodded and said, "Alright, let Concubine Li go in person and make sure she thoroughly investigates all the facts. She must report every word truthfully, without concealing a single detail."
"I obey your command." Chu Shanggong responded respectfully.
However, the Queen Mother had other plans. Although she was quite tempted by the secret recipe for "beautifying and nourishing the complexion," she was reluctant to reveal it easily. After all, as the Queen Mother, she held a high position, so how could she easily show her preferences? Moreover, the Zhaoyin Academy was currently under the control of Sister Cen Xiao, and the details were unknown. If there was any trickery, wouldn't she be deceived?
After much deliberation, the Queen Mother decided to send Li Shanggong to investigate first. She would make a decision after she had a clear understanding of the situation. So, she sent a message to Li Shanggong in Linkang Prefecture, ordering her to go to Zhaoyin Academy to find out the truth.
This Li Shang Gong was a close confidant of the Queen Mother and was deeply trusted by her. The Queen Mother sent her to Zhaoyin Academy this time, which shows how seriously she took this matter.
After receiving the order, Li Shanggong did not dare to delay and immediately arranged to go to Zhaoyin Academy.
She has always been jealous of Cen Jiexiao's talent and popularity, and she was eager to find something to hold against her so that she could report to the Queen Mother and take the opportunity to suppress Cen Jiexiao.
"Hmph, a young girl, still wet behind the ears, dares to show off her skills in front of the Empress Dowager?" Li Shanggong snorted coldly, a sinister glint in her eyes. "I want to see what you are capable of, to dare to show off like this!"