And it was not just Meng Jiyao who had put thought into it. All the students at the Girls' School had contributed their finest ideas to create a truly beautiful outfit.
This was the students' way of thanking Shen Shixu. They had nothing else to give him, so they could only express their gratitude with something made by their own hands.
Since the Girls' School had been established, many women had found a whole new world for themselves.
The daughters of officials had broadened their horizons and were no longer confined to the inner courtyards. They had started businesses of their own, working with girls from ordinary families.
One side provided money and connections, while the other provided ideas and labor.
They knew that even with things changing now, they could not raise women's standing to equal men's overnight. But they could take it slowly.
For now, they wanted to prepare a fallback for themselves and the women who came after them. Having that fallback gave them confidence, so that when they faced unfair treatment in the future, they could follow their hearts without reservations.
Entering court as officials was impossible for the moment, but doing business and pursuing other occupations were still options, so they had started businesses.
Unexpectedly, their businesses had done very well. They sold goods for women, genuinely considering their customers' needs from a woman's perspective.
Whether it was clothing, jewelry, rouge, or face powder, their products were all immensely popular.
Some people had seen their shops thriving and tried to cause trouble, but those girls had powerful backers. They were hardly people anyone could bully.
Besides working in the shops, the girls from ordinary families also held shares in them. This had been Shen Shixu's suggestion.
Having shares strengthened their sense of unity. The shops