Chapter 1042

The scholars submitted their articles, but Jacob rejected them outright, without even showing them to Rafael. The scholars' dismissive attitudes and lingering prejudice against the workshop made them reluctant to issue a clarification.

"Submit them again tomorrow," Jacob instructed indifferently. "If they're still unsatisfactory, don't bother returning."

"Sir, you're a scholar yourself," one scholar retorted, gritting his teeth. "Now that you've gained power, why are you making things so difficult for other scholars?"

Jacob replied simply, "It's a pity you weren't born a woman. Perhaps then you'd understand the hardships your mothers face."

"What does the workshop have to do with women? It's a place for discarded wives," another scoffed.

Jacob's expression darkened. "If there are discarded husbands, they can go there too."

The scholars froze. "Discarded husbands? Such talk is absurd!"

Jacob looked at them scornfully. "Oh, really? Why wouldn't there be discarded husbands? Are all men in this world so virtuous, so much better than women?"

"Men face hardships," one argued. "They build careers, support their wives, and raise children. What doesn't a man do?"

Jacob shot back, "And what doesn't a woman do?"

The scholars stared in shock.

"There's only one day left," Jacob continued. "If I don't have satisfactory articles by tomorrow, forget your future. Go back to farming, sell your articles, or let your wives sell their embroidery. Perhaps they'll support you until your hair turns gray; then you can kick them out."

Jacob gestured for Travis to escort them out. Swinging an iron rod menacingly, Travis shouted, "You crawled out from under a woman's skirt, studied for a few years, and now act high and mighty, insulting your mothers? I hate ignorant, ungrateful people who don't stand up for others or understand life's hardships. All you do is criticize! Did your education go to the dogs? If you can denounce corruption, come talk to me, and I'll cheer you on!"

Though they despised Travis's crudeness, the scholars couldn't retaliate and fled in disgrace.

The next day, they dutifully submitted their articles. This time, Jacob was satisfied. They addressed the hardships and helplessness of women, acknowledging Skye Embroidery's original intent—that not all cast-out women were wicked, and even those who erred deserved redemption. The articles also addressed the lack of options for abandoned women, raising the question: Should abandoned women be denied the right to live?

However, the scholars were reluctant to sign their names and affix their seals. When Jacob saw their hesitation, his patience snapped.

"Mr. Mullen!" he called.

Footsteps sounded outside. Before Travis entered, the scholars signed and sealed their articles, eager to leave. By the time Travis arrived with his iron rod, they were already scrambling out the door.

Securing the articles only partially solved the problem. The situation at Ironridge Estate required thorough investigation. The public believed Jessica guilty of heinous crimes: plotting to harm the marquis's child, intolerance of concubines, and servant abuse. The servant abuse charge caused widespread outrage, striking a chord with many poor families whose children were sold into servitude. Fortunately, Violet and Claire soon returned with their findings.

Violet immediately reported to Carissa, "It was Giles. He orchestrated the maids and servants to spread rumors about Jessica's behavior at Ironridge Estate. I found a maid who confessed, after some persuasion, that most stories were fabricated. Jessica never mistreated them; they were all Emma's servants."