The backdrop can also be propped up.

Chapter 359 Escaping the Huang Mansion 25

While Huang Muyan and the others were packing their luggage, Xu Qinying and Zhou Hefang had already found Wang Shi and expressed their desire to leave.

Hearing that the two were about to leave, Wang tried to persuade them to stay. Xu Qinying thought this was just Wang being polite, so she said to Wang again, "Things have been rather unsettled lately. We'd better leave as soon as possible. If we leave too late, something might happen on the way."

Unexpectedly, Madam Wang then said, "Why don't you two stay here for a few more days? We need to prepare for the master's funeral soon, and we can't get any cars available. Besides, we recently heard that the Red bandits have reached the vicinity. Why don't you two stay here for a few more days?"

"We're so sorry to bother you here," Xu Qinying said. "Please, Madam, prepare a carriage for us so we can leave as soon as possible."

"Sigh, you two should stay," Wang said with a sigh. "And while you're at it, try to persuade my youngest daughter."

"What's wrong, Miss Huang?" Zhou Hefang asked curiously, and then Xu Qinying bumped her waist lightly.

However, Xu Qinying's movements were very subtle, and Wang Shi did not notice the small interaction between the two.

Wang sighed and continued to complain to Xu Qinying and Zhou Hefang: "My daughter doesn't come home for days on end, and I, as her mother, am really worried."

“There’s nothing we can do about it,” Xu Qinying replied. “Miss Huang has to study at the school. I was a student there myself, and it is indeed very far from your residence.”

"However, Miss Huang is intelligent and loves reading. If she continues her studies, she will surely achieve great things."

“What’s the use of studying these days?” Wang sighed again. “The imperial examination system has been abolished, and the emperor has fallen from power. Studying only puts you in danger. Isn’t that a losing proposition?”

“How can you think like that?” Zhou Hefang opened his mouth to refute, but Xu Qinying gave him a look, so Zhou Hefang had to swallow all the words he wanted to say and listen to Xu Qinying continue talking to Wang Shi.

“Studying is not just about passing exams and serving the emperor. If everyone studied for that purpose, how could history have produced so many admirable scholars and patriots?”

“When people read books, their horizons broaden, and they can see the world more comprehensively.” Xu Qinying looked at Wang, who was sitting in the main seat, and said, “What’s more, the Examination Yuan has now announced that women can also enter government jobs through the exam. I talked with Miss Huang yesterday. She has great ambitions and is wholeheartedly dedicated to serving the country. She is a good girl. Let her go and make her own way.”

“The world outside is so volatile these days, and there’s no peace anywhere. If she stays at home with me keeping things under control, I can protect her to some extent.” Wang was not satisfied with Xu Qinying’s answer. She hoped that Xu Qinying would agree to persuade Huang Muyan to stay.

“Miss Huang is thoughtful, kind-hearted, and passionate. Mrs. Wang, what she needs is not to be confined at home and protected. She can make a name for herself and might even protect the Huang family.” Xu Qinying continued to insist on her idea. “Mrs. Wang, since you are worried about Miss Huang, why not have a heart-to-heart talk with her?”

"Moreover, in ancient times there were female generals like Qin Liangyu who protected their country and were recorded in history books with their own biographies. Miss Huang has the idea of ​​serving the country, so why stop her and let her miss the opportunity to be remembered in history?"

Wang remained silent—it was clear that the two people in front of her were not going to try to persuade Huang Muyan to stay.

So Wang Shi ended the conversation and tilted her head. Upon seeing this, her personal maid Wu Chou immediately reached out to massage Wang Shi's head.

Wang closed her eyes, waved in the direction of Xu Qinying and Zhou Hefang, and said, "You two should go back to your rooms and rest first. The carriages and horses cannot be arranged in the next two days. I will inform you when they can be arranged."

Hearing this, Xu Qinying knew that she really wouldn't be able to leave the Huang residence for the next two days, so she said, "Alright, thank you for your trouble, Madam Wang. We'll be staying at your residence for a few more days."

"We're going back to our room now, madam. Please take care of your health."

After saying this, Xu Qinying left with Zhou Hefang.

Wang Shi sat in her armchair, tilting her head as Wu Chou gave her a head massage. The other maids were also doing their own things, trying not to make a sound so as not to disturb Wang Shi's peace and quiet.

As Wuchou was massaging, he heard his master, whom he had served for several years, sigh deeply.