On the first day of lessons, the three Lan sisters were dressed uniformly in round-collared thin satin gowns of fruit green, embroidered with apricot-yellow floral branches on the chest, paired with plain white Cloud Silk Skirts. Each wore a Jade Lock pendant on their chest and a dazzling golden necklace around their neck, adorned with intricate Necklace Patterns and delicate gold filigree pendants.
"This golden necklace is quite lovely. It must have cost our Old Madam dearly. I must go thank her properly later," Molan said to Minglan with a smile. As it was the first day of lessons, Old Mrs. Sheng had instructed them to go early to the family school, so the morning greetings were waived.
"It is pretty, but the weight is nothing special. I already have a golden necklace that weighs over ten taels," Rulan said dismissively. Changbai, who was flipping through a book nearby, shot her a displeased glance.
"Over ten taels? Wouldn’t that weigh your neck down? No wonder I’ve never seen you wear it. I feel this necklace is already quite heavy," Minglan murmured, rubbing her neck.
"Sixth Sister’s Jade Lock is of exceptional quality. It looks like Seed Jade from the Kunlun Mountains in the Western Regions," Changfeng remarked, examining Minglan’s Jade Lock closely.
Molan had already noticed the Jade Lock earlier. Seizing the opportunity her brother’s comment provided, she went over to examine Minglan’s Ribbon Tie closely. The lock was made of lustrous white jade with a faint hint of emerald green. As the light shifted, it revealed hues reminiscent of yellow jadeite. The entire piece was finely textured, elegant, translucent, smooth, and flawless. "Truly exquisite jade. I’ve never seen jade of such fine color before," she praised.
Secretly envious, she thought, "This jade is even superior to mine. If I had been accepted into the Longevity and Peace Hall, this jade would have been mine." Recalling Old Mrs. Sheng’s rejection, she couldn’t help but feel a surge of resentment.
Rulan, who didn’t know much about jade, had been staring fixedly at the jade on Molan’s chest since entering the classroom. Remembering Madam Wang’s admonitions, she had restrained herself. But now that everyone was discussing jade, she couldn’t hold back. "Sixth Sister, you should be careful. Fourth Sister has taken a liking to your jade. If she goes to Father, sheds a few tears, and acts coy, your jade might end up in her pocket."
Changfeng frowned and turned away to read his book. Molan flushed with anger and retorted, "What do you mean by that, Fifth Sister? Are you implying I make a habit of snatching my sisters’ belongings?"
Rulan caught the warning look Changbai shot her and remembered the palm strikes she had received. Softening her tone, she said slowly, "I didn’t mean anything. I just saw Fourth Sister’s Jade Lock and had some foolish thoughts. There’s no need for you to take it to heart."
Minglan immediately turned to look at the Jade Lock on Molan’s chest. It was also a piece of fine, warm white jade, but what made it particularly rare was the varying shades of ink-black coloration, perfectly balanced. At first glance, it resembled an ink-wash landscape painting, and Minglan couldn’t help but marvel inwardly. Molan said indignantly, "It’s true this jade was originally sent by the Wang family. Father gave it to me because the ink hues matched my name. After that, he immediately asked around to find a top-quality Hibiscus Jade that would suit you even better. Why are you still not satisfied?"
Rulan gave a fake smile. "I don’t know much about jade, but I do know that it was a gift from my maternal uncle, sent with his heartfelt intentions."
Molan responded with a feigned smile. "Fifth Sister, have you forgotten? He is my maternal uncle as well!"Rulan gritted her teeth and glared at Molan, but didn't dare mention anything about legitimate or illegitimate birth again. At that moment, Changbai coughed heavily and whispered, "The teacher is coming." Everyone immediately sat up straight.
Sure enough, with the sound of footsteps, Zhuang Xiansheng entered from the back hall, passing around the screen.
...
"Most scholars today study for the imperial examinations. There's nothing wrong with wanting to become an official to benefit the world when successful. But what happens after passing the exams? With narrow vision and dull speech, how can one maintain a long career in officialdom? Even if promoted, they would eventually fall. Studies must be solid, with ample knowledge in one's belly, then success will come naturally."
Zhuang Xiansheng knew his target students well and understood their purpose for studying. Therefore, he directly taught the Four Books and Five Classics, using supplementary materials from classics, histories, philosophies, and collections while incorporating many past examination questions. Since nearly all his students participated in imperial examinations, he had numerous success and failure cases. He would use certain essays as examples, pointing out strengths in good ones and deficiencies in failed ones.
This clear-targeted, well-organized teaching method immediately made Minglan respect this ancient scholar. She had always thought ancient Confucian scholars were somewhat hypocritical—clearly studying for official positions while pretending it was for moral cultivation. But Zhuang Xiansheng made no secret of it: "In ancient times, those who wished to illustrate illustrious virtue throughout the kingdom first governed their states well. Wishing to govern their states well, they first regulated their families. Wishing to regulate their families, they first cultivated themselves. Wishing to cultivate themselves, they first rectified their hearts... With hearts rectified, they cultivated themselves; with selves cultivated, they regulated families; with families regulated, they governed states well; with states well governed, the kingdom was made tranquil. Learning isn't just about a few essays or poems—it's comprehensive cultivation and practice. To stand firm long-term, one must study solidly!"
Changbai and Changfeng sat in the front row. Boys at this age were growing rapidly, and Sheng Hong's genes were good. Though little Changdong at the end couldn't be judged yet, both young men had upright postures. The three girls in the second row were also elegant and well-mannered, their every movement quite proper. Though still young, two already showed signs of becoming beauties. Zhuang Xiansheng smiled while stroking his sparse beard, nodding repeatedly. Well, this was pleasing to the eyes. At his age, with these old bones, he was somewhat distant from the concept of "man" and didn't need to avoid suspicion with female students.
There were six students total in the family school with one teacher, while several maids and servants waited outside in the veranda to serve tea and add firewood. Throughout history, classes have always included an unavoidable step—recitation, and the kind with swaying heads.
Whether you already had everything memorized backwards or not, you had to sway your neck, bob your head, slightly squint your eyes, and draw out your tone while reciting line by line. You had to recite with feeling, with charm, and with infinite profundity. Molan felt this movement didn't look good when girls did it and always refused. Rulan would feel dizzy after a couple of sways and would stop. Anyway, Zhuang Xiansheng never bothered with them.Only Minglan deeply appreciated the benefits of this activity. The circular motion of shaking her head just happened to relieve the stiffness in her neck from bending over to write and do needlework. After a few shakes, her shoulders and neck immediately felt much more comfortable. Minglan finally understood how ancient scholars could study for ten years in harsh conditions without developing cervical spondylitis. Thus, she put even more effort into shaking her head and reading aloud, which caught Zhuang Xiansheng's attention twice that morning.
Zhuang Xiansheng had strict rules and did not allow servants inside, so tasks like grinding ink and replenishing paper had to be done by the students themselves. The others managed fine, but Changdong, being young, had small hands that could barely hold the ink stick steadily. Coincidentally, he was seated behind Minglan.
Hearing the constant flustered noises from behind, Minglan felt she ought to lend a hand. Seizing a moment when Zhuang Xiansheng wasn't looking, she swiftly turned around and neatly swapped the inkstone she had prepared with the one on the desk behind her. It was a perfectly executed move, both decisive and deft. By the time Zhuang Xiansheng looked up, Minglan was already seated properly, grinding ink with her wrist poised, looking very earnest and focused.
Zhuang Xiansheng's small eyes flickered, and he continued the lesson. Minglan breathed a sigh of relief. Then, a soft, mouselike voice came from behind: "...Thank you, Sixth Sister."
Minglan didn't turn around but nodded slightly to acknowledge it.
Because of this camaraderie, the next day when Young Master Dong came to pay respects at Longevity and Peace Hall, he secretly tugged at Minglan's sleeve by the door. Wriggling his small body and clasping his little fists, he expressed his gratitude. After hesitating for a long time, Minglan looked down at Changdong, who was a head shorter than her, and found the height difference quite satisfying. Patiently, she asked, "What is it, Fourth Brother? You can tell your sister."
Encouraged, Changdong stammered out his predicament. He was neither the legitimate heir nor a favorite. Concubine Xiang had been Madam Wang's maid, and if even her mistress was illiterate, how could she be any different? By the age of five, Young Master Dong still hadn't received any basic education. Listening to Zhuang Xiansheng's lessons was like listening to a foreign language—both agonizing and humiliating. "Eldest Brother... taught me a few characters before, but then he had to prepare for exams, and I didn't want to bother him... Sixth Sister, I..."
He seldom interacted with others, was timid, and spoke haltingly.
Minglan softly murmured in understanding, pondering whether it was better to stay uninvolved or to help others. Glancing up, she saw Changdong's timid little face, filled with hope and longing, yet carefully restrained, as if afraid of rejection.
Minglan's heart softened with compassion. Peeking inside, she saw Old Madam speaking with Madam Wang. Realizing there was still some time before classes began, she led Changdong into the Pear Blossom Alcove. Rummaging through a small, intricately carved pearwood table with the "Eight Immortals Paying Homage" design, she found a Red Tracing Book and handed it to Changdong. Gently, she said, "This is what Old Madam gave me to practice writing. I haven't used this one—it's still new. You can start with this. You're young, so there's no need to rush. Learning just ten characters a day would already make you very clever. From now on, I'll assign you a few characters every day before class. You can memorize them while listening to Zhuang Xiansheng's lesson. How does that sound?"
A broad smile spread across Changdong's little face, and he nodded vigorously, repeatedly thanking her. Seeing his overwhelming gratitude, Minglan thought of her own young nephew back home, who had four or five adults coaxing and pleading with him just to go to school. Suddenly, she felt a pang of sorrow.That day, she taught Changdong five characters on the spot, demonstrating the starting and ending strokes of each brushstroke. Changdong widened his eyes to watch, mustering all his effort to memorize them one by one. Then during the lesson, he practiced writing by tracing over the red-printed copybook. After finishing the tracing, he repeatedly practiced on rice paper. By the end of the lesson, when Minglan looked back, those five characters had already taken quite decent form.
"Young Master Dong is truly clever. Father will surely be pleased when he finds out," Minglan said with a beaming smile, gently patting Changdong's soft head.
Changdong's small face flushed bright red with delight.
Minglan had initially thought young children lacked persistence. To her surprise, from then on, Changdong arrived half an hour early every day for morning greetings, taking the opportunity to learn characters from Minglan. The problem was, Minglan was a sleepyhead who always rose at the last possible moment. Countless times, Danju had nearly resorted to splashing water on her face to get her up. This new routine was truly torturous.
"Sixth Sister, I'm sorry, so sorry! You should sleep well. It's all my fault for coming too early. I'll wait outside for you..." Hearing Minglan was still in bed, Changdong halted by the doorway and said anxiously, his small body already turning to flee. Danju caught him in her arms, made him stay, and shot a reproachful look toward the bed curtains where Minglan clung stubbornly to her quilt. With Cui Mama smiling wryly by the bedside and Xiao Tao squinting by the washstand, Minglan felt her scalp prickle with embarrassment and honestly got up.
A four or five-year-old child, at an age when they should be sleepy and unaware, little Changdong nevertheless had the determination to rise before dawn to learn characters. Had he been born into a modern single-child family, his elders would likely have been so overjoyed they'd set off firecrackers and burn incense all night. Out of respect for such admirable dedication to learning, Minglan couldn't bear or feel right about making a little child wait. Grumbling inwardly but gritting her teeth, she had no choice but to wake up early every day.
"Remember, strokes go from left to right, top to bottom. Start the brush against the grain, lift it with a breath at the end. When making downward and upward strokes, slowly raise your wrist so the brush tip looks graceful..." Minglan sat side by side with little Changdong before the kang table, demonstrating stroke by stroke. Cui Mama entered from outside carrying a small black lacquer tea tray with floral carvings, on which were two small lidded white porcelain cups painted with colorful flowers.
"Thank you, Cui Mama. I've troubled you. It's all my fault for making you take such pains," Changdong said with a reddened face as he took one of the cups Cui Mama offered, thanking her softly. Originally, while staying with Madam Wang, he hardly dared to venture out and only spoke with Concubine Xiang all day, often not managing more than a few sentences. But after these days of learning from Minglan, not only had his character writing improved, but his speech had also become more fluent.
"Amitabha, my young master, what are you saying! It's thanks to you coming that we can even get our young lady out of bed without a Herculean effort!" Cui Mama laughed, shooting a mock scowl at Minglan. Minglan pretended not to hear, lowering her head to blow on her own lidded cup. Cui Mama then turned to Changdong, "Fourth Young Master, drink up quickly. This is Sweet Tea brewed with newly supplied monk fruit and plum powder with brown sugar. It moistens the lungs, warms the stomach, perfect for mornings, and whets the appetite for breakfast."
Changdong held the cup with both hands and took a sip. His small mouth, warmed by the drink, turned rosy, and his fair cheeks puffed out as sweetness spread to his heart. Shyly, he said, "It's truly delicious, thank you, Mama... But coming here every day like this, you're spending too much. There's no need for this in the future, I don't need to drink..." His voice grew softer as he spoke.Cui Mama chuckled, "The fourth young master is teasing us. What expense is a little tea? If you came every day, Mama would serve you tea daily! I just wonder how long your sixth sister's patience will hold..."
As she spoke, she cast a smiling glance at Minglan, who inwardly sighed. Which book claimed that traveling back in time to become a young lady meant one could sleep in? What a deception!
Outside the pear blossom cabinet, Danju was packing Minglan's book bag and bamboo basket containing writing brushes, ink, paper, and inkstones. Xiaotao assisted nearby and asked naively, "Sister Danju, it's nice that the fourth young master visits, but our young lady is truly exhausted. Look at her, yawning incessantly. I'd rather let her sleep more. Why doesn't she teach the fourth young master in the afternoon instead?"
Danju, with her delicate features, made a gesture to seal her lips and whispered, "Let's avoid trouble! Among so many young masters and ladies in this mansion, comparisons breed discontent. Old Madam has a difficult time too—as a grandmother, she must be fair to all. Our young lady is fortunate to be raised under Old Madam's care, and even that was due to the pretext of Consort Wei's passing. Yet, there's no end to the envy and gossip! Some flatter openly but slander in secret, making a fuss over even an extra needle or thread. Thankfully, our young lady is broad-minded and never dwells on such trivial matters.
If she grows closer to the fourth young master now and lets him frequently come and go from Longevity and Peace Hall, it would only stir more trouble. But the fourth young master does seem pitiful, and our young lady can't just ignore him. Even Old Madam pretends not to know. Teaching him a few characters during morning greetings is the perfect arrangement."
Xiaotao was silent for a long moment, her freckled face suddenly somber. "...Sister Danju, our young lady is so kind and never argues with her sisters. Just because Old Madam pities and favors her a little, why is there so much trouble?"
Danju smiled gently. "Don't worry too much. Most inner households are like this; it's not unique to our mansion. At least we have the master and Old Madam keeping order, so it's relatively peaceful. You came from a farming family, used to freedom and simplicity, and never knew these twists and turns. You'll get used to it. And don't be afraid of them either—kindness invites bullying. We must uphold our dignity when needed, or else losing our face is minor compared to disgracing our young lady."
Xiaotao nodded earnestly and resumed her work, then suddenly added, "Oh, and I must remind those four 'greens'—they're not to gossip about our young lady teaching the fourth young master!"
Danju covered her mouth with a laugh, imitating Minglan's manner as she said playfully, "Very good, very good. You've extrapolated from one example—you're teachable indeed."
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