The Valued Lady is Truly Dominant

The steward Ping sat up straight and paused for a moment when Song Ci mentioned her intentions.

”The Madam wishes to establish a Charitable School?”

Song Ci nodded and said, ”This year, the natural disasters have been severe. Countless poor families have been displaced. It is fortunate when a family remains together, but for those children who have lost their parents and become orphans, many end up as little beggars. Seeing this pains my heart. If I can do something for them, it won’t be in vain that I came into this world.”

Upon hearing this, Steward Ping stood up and bowed deeply to Song Ci, sighing, ”Madam, you have a benevolent heart and great righteousness.”

Song Ci waved her hand with a smile, saying, ”Our Song Family rose from humble beginnings, step by step, achieving what we have today. Now, as we prosper, giving back to this world is a kind of blessing. Our Song Family has established a Charitable Hall, which operates under the name of the Prime Minister’s Mansion, and there is also Cixi Hall. Although they offer free consultations and distribute medicine, there’s ultimately a goal of profit.”

She paused for a moment as Steward Ping interjected, ”Although Cixi Hall is a business of the mansion, because of its free consultations and medicine distribution, it has garnered quite a reputation outside.”

”This business, I shall not concern myself with. We are still talking about the Charitable School,” Song Ci said. ”This Charitable School originates from my idea. I don’t wish to operate under the mansion’s name, so no public silver shall be used. After living most of my life, I have private savings, and since I can’t take it with me, why not use some to establish this Charitable School? All its expenses will be funded from my private accounts.”

Steward Ping remained silent for a while, then asked, ”Madam, your intentions are commendable, but regarding the regulations for the Charitable School, do you have any thoughts?”

”That’s why I’ve asked you to come,” Song Ci laughed gently. ”Jiang, the Grand Steward, oversees many affairs, especially during this time when the disaster has yet to dissipate. Even my eldest frequently requires his assistance, so I won’t trouble him with this minor matter.”

”Madam, this is a noble undertaking. How could it be a minor matter?” Steward Ping praised.

”Oh, you think it’s a noble undertaking. If entrusted to you, could you manage it well?”

Steward Ping felt a surge of emotion, promptly stood up, and said, ”Madam, if you honor this servant with your trust, I am deeply grateful. As you said, this is a noble deed that brings blessings. Though I may be inadequate, given the opportunity, I am willing to devote myself fully, helping the poor and needy with all my might.”

He knelt down, beating his chest, and said, ”This servant is willing to serve Madam with the utmost loyalty.”

”No need to kneel so hastily; stand up and speak,” Song Ci said, ”I wish to establish this Charitable School seriously. Since it will accommodate orphans, the location must be large, and the buildings must be solidly constructed. After all, it’s a school, and these are children, so safety is paramount. Thus, the first step is to find a location for the Charitable School, where housing and classrooms can be built. We need to secure a location first.”

Steward Ping pondered for a moment and asked, ”If I may ask Madam, are there any requirements for the location? Should it be in the East City or the West City?”

”The land and buildings in the East City are expensive, with many dignitaries present, so it’s not very suitable. If there is a large space, it can be somewhat remote without issue. Even if it’s on the outskirts of the city, it doesn’t matter; what’s most important is that there’s ample space. If there are no buildings, we can construct them ourselves.”

”If construction is required, there are currently many refugees in the city. As long as they are provided silver, or even just food, hiring them as craftsmen will likely result in completion within a month,” Steward Ping said with a smile.

Song Ci nodded, ”That’s what I was thinking as well. You should go and find a suitable place first, and we can discuss the specifics of the regulations later. Consider the regulations on your own as well.”