Her Graceful War Song by Summer's Blaze

Chapter 1226

"Kylie wasn't always this foolish," Victoria remarked as she rose from the dining table, moving to the carved cherrywood armchair. She was pleasantly full, and the chair's firm support felt just right.

"She used to be quite clever. When a clever person suddenly becomes foolish, it's often because they're too entangled in their own schemes. They can't see past their own interests. And for those interests, they think any sacrifice is justified, no matter who pays the price." "Mom, your words are absolutely correct," Salvador agreed, nodding.

Victoria gestured for him to sit and then asked, "What are your thoughts on the current admissions policy for the women's academy?"

Salvador replied thoughtfully, "I think it's a good idea. It gives the common folk the impression that they aren't so far removed from the nobility. It might even ease some of the discontent among them."

He naturally spoke with the broader picture in mind. As for whether it offered women a chance to broaden their horizons, he cared little for such details.

"And do you believe the scholars from everywhere will rise in protest because of this?" she pressed.

Salvador chuckled. "Why would they? Some scholars don't take it seriously and look down on it, thinking women aren't smart enough and that the women's academy is just a joke. Others believe women are capable of learning and understanding. Those scholars tend to be broader-minded and might even support such efforts.

"But the most crucial point is this-women aren't allowed to take the national examinations. So, they pose no threat to the scholars' ambitions. Besides, if any scholar causes a ruckus, they risk losing their own eligibility to sit for the exams. Apart from a few bitter cynics, who would gamble their future over this?"

The excuses she gave me earlier were clearly meant to deceive,

especially Kylie. She usually afforded her some

ruined the reputation of others. Salvador knew that Victoria wasn't happy that Kylie had gotten away with only being under house arrest. She had been looking for a reason to punish Kylie further, and the latter had practically handed

"That gives Kylie her confidence. I won't interfere in other matters, but there are two matters she must never touch: the foundation of the kingdom, and

understand. I'll have a word with

all but ruined. "Mr. Young no longer holds the same respect he once had, and his position has fallen sharply. Mr. Young was your teacher, and he has done much for you. Also, the Young

coming from the Quinton family, even if they cause no harm for the next ten or twenty years, trouble will eventually arise. Pruning a few of their overgrown branches would benefit both the Quinton family and the court

was a

But when a family became too large, it was hard to control everyone. When some members of the

would be unreasonable to others would seem perfectly fine to them, and some things that should be normal

do you think the Quinton family would do?" Victoria said slowly,

humility and restraint were based on the assumption that Connor would become Crown Prince. If the Quinton family continued to grow in power, the decision of who to name as Crown Prince would, in

your brother

can act as a counterbalance to the Quinton family, while you can secure your position and maintain balance between the two sides. A truly wise ruler doesn't need to fear either side.

herself. She had never spoken