In this world, it wasn't just merchants who were driven by profit. Who wasn't? Although Shen Qing's earlier speech, coupled with the endorsements from the Chen and Yang families, had convinced many that women could rise to prominence just like men, few would ever have an opportunity like the one Lady Yu Xiang had. The imperial examinations were still open only to men, barring women from participating. Did this mean that every ambitious woman was expected to follow Lady Yu Xiang's example—disguising herself as a man to enter the imperial court?
That was, of course, impossible.
Without a clear path forward, few people were willing to send their daughters to the Jingguo Academy, no matter how many approved of Shen Qing's motives for founding it.
