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?”  Victoria let out a soft laugh. “Such simple reasoning. How could Kylie fail to grasp it? The excuses she gave me earlier were clearly meant to deceive, as though I’m some fool easily placated by hollow words.”  Salvador’s expression grew serious. Victoria rarely showed such disdain for someone, especially Kylie. She usually afforded her some measure of respect, at least outwardly.  Kylie had meddled with Gracewood Women’s Academy and had 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 her the perfect opportunity.  “The Quinton family is large and well–established, with deep, far–reaching connections.” Victoria continued, her voice calm but firm. “That gives Kylie her confidence, I won’t interfere  +25 BONUS  Chapter 1226  in other matters, but there are two matters she must never touch: the foundation of the kingdom, and the women’s academy and workshop. She mustn’t interfere with either of them, not by so much as a hair.”  “I understand. I’ll have a word with her,” Salvador replied solemnly.  Victoria paused briefly before continuing, “Since we’re speaking openly as mother and son, allow me to say a bit more. After the incident with Ms. Young, even though General Farrell came forward to propose, the Young family’s reputation has been 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 family has remained loyal and upright–such pure loyalty is rare and invaluable.  “You should look to the Young family for promising young talents to cultivate. Otherwise, the Quinton family will continue to grow unchecked, commanding the loyalty of nearly all the  scholars in the realm.  “If more than half the court ends up 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 as a whole.”  This was a concern Salvador himself had pondered often. The Quinton family was unquestionably loyal for now, and their older generation often taught their younger members to stay humble and modest. But when a family became too large, it was hard to control everyone. When some members of the family swelled with pride, others naturally followed suit.  Many things that would be unreasonable to others would seem perfectly fine to them, and some things that should be normal would seem unreasonable to them.  “If–heaven forbid–the eldest prince doesn’t become Crown Prince, what do you think the Quinton family would do?” Victoria said slowly, voicing Salvador’s deepest fear.  The Quinton family’s current 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 essence, fall into their hands  “Use your brother wisely,” Victoria advised. “He 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. You simply need to know how to use them.”  Victoria finally said the words she had always kept to herself. She had never spoken in favor of Rafael before because, at that time, Salvador was wary of him.  Now, however, the Quinton family loomed like a colossal beast, If there was no one to control them, relying solely on the king’s power to suppress them would only create a dangerous standoff between the Quinton family and the throne, leading to mutual destruction  It would be far better to release another tiger into the field. The two tigers wouldn’t need to  +25 BONUS  Chapter 1226  clash. Their mere presence would create a balance, ensuring that both sides remained committed to preserving the stability of the throne while trying to prevent the other side from growing stronger.  With a few simple words, Victorià had cut through Salvador’s hesitation and brought clarity to a matter he had long struggled to resolve.