Attending Classes

Accompanied by the steward Shi Zhenghe, Shi Fuxin and his family explored the inner city of the capital on three separate occasions. Once they became familiar with the area, they decided not to have the steward accompany them anymore.

"The restaurants in the capital are too expensive. Even a simple meal at a tavern costs several taels of silver. At this rate, we'll end up spending all our money in no time," complained Shi Dinghao, looking at their dwindling funds.

Shi Fuyin chimed in, "The prices should be more reasonable in the outer city."

Shi Dinghao shook his head, "Still, it's not much cheaper. I've decided. We won't dine out anymore."

Looking at their father, Shi Dinghao, Shi Fuxin asked, "Father, the family allowance we receive from the estate, how much is it?"

Gold Moon, their mother, replied, "Your father and I receive ten taels each per month, and each of you children receives two taels."

"Only two taels?" Shi Dinghao frowned, finding the amount meager.

Shi Fuyin couldn't help but remark, "Dinghao, do you realize that just a while ago, we would have been content with a few dozen wen? Now you're complaining about two taels of silver?"

Shi Dinghao protested, "It's not the same. Back then, we didn't spend money on so many things. We could save all our money, but now, with so many expenses in the capital..."

"Let me tell you, even in the estate, when we ask the servants to run errands, we have to tip them. Each tip is several dozen wen, and with two taels of silver, how many tips can we afford?"

The issue of money troubled not only the children but also their parents, Shi Zhenghe and Gold Moon. Upon their return to the estate, they had received a sum of two hundred taels of silver in a letter from the Jiang residence, along with the savings they had accumulated. Altogether, they had around a thousand taels.

In the past, a thousand taels would have been considered a significant amount, but back in the estate, it proved to be inadequate.

Shi Dinghao sighed, "Well, I guess I won't ask the servants to run errands for me anymore. I'll do things myself."

Shi Fuxin nodded in agreement, "Instead of being frugal to the point of stinginess, you should think about how to earn more silver."

Shi Dinghao countered, "How? We'll be starting school at the estate soon, and we won't have many chances to leave the premises."

After discussing it with his siblings, Shi Zhenghe informed them that they would begin attending the estate's school on the first day of the tenth month.

Shi Fuxin suggested, "There are always more solutions than difficulties."

Shi Dinghao said, "But the shops in the capital are expensive. If we start a business, the initial investment would be significant. Do we have enough money for that?"

Shi Fuxin fell silent. Most of her funds were invested in the Godly Farmer Hall. Unless the hall started making money and Uncle Shang sent silver from the countryside, they wouldn't have much capital.

Seeing their concerns, Shi Zhenghe said, "Alright, you two focus on your studies. I'll take care of earning money."

Shi Fuyin and Shi Dinghao immediately grinned, admiring their father. "Sure, Father. You're the best."

Shi Zhenghe chuckled.

On the first day of the tenth month, after paying their respects to the elderly master and mistress, Shi Zhenghe and Gold Moon went their separate ways, leaving Shi Dingxuan and his siblings to their own devices.

Shi Dingxuan, Shi Fuxin, and Shi Fuyin headed to the estate's school. When they were about to enter the classroom, Shi Dingxuan reminded them, "If you encounter that family, try to get along peacefully. Don't let your emotions be stirred by comparisons."

Shi Fuyin nodded, reassuring him, "I'll watch out for Fuxin."

Shi Fuxin added, "Don't worry, we won't waste our precious time on insignificant people." With that, she entered the classroom confidently.

Seeing this, Shi Fuyin promised her brother and followed Shi Fuxin into the classroom.

The estate's school provided comprehensive education for the young ladies. Apart from reading and writing, they also learned arithmetic, needlework, and various arts such as music, painting, and flower arrangement.

Upon their arrival, maidservants guided Shi Fuxin and Shi Fuyin to the classroom. "Third Miss, Sixth Miss, Master Qiao has instructed me to guide you to the classroom."

Qihua Pavilion was the second courtyard, and the maidservant directly led the two of them to a room in the first courtyard's west wing.

Shi Fuxin noticed some commotion coming from the east wing and saw a few girls around her age peering out of a window. As they entered the empty west wing room, she couldn't help but ask, "Aren't we attending class with the others?"

The maidservant chuckled, "Master Qiao said that the two young ladies have just arrived and aren't familiar with the progress of the other girls. He wants to assess your knowledge first."

Shi Fuxin and Shi Fuyin understood; the teacher was concerned that they might not know anything and would lag behind if they attended classes with the others.

"Alright, we understand. You can leave."

Once the maidservant left, Gold Moon and Fuxin placed the box of books on the two desks in the room and then left as well.

"Sister, do you think Teacher Qiao looks down on us or is he worried about us feeling embarrassed?" Shi Fuxin asked.

Shi Fuyin pondered for a moment, then replied, "I think he's more worried about us feeling embarrassed. The estate's girls start their education at the age of six, so their knowledge is probably quite advanced. We've only just started studying, so we're lacking in comparison. Teacher Qiao's approach is for our benefit."

Shi Fuxin didn't confirm or deny this. While arranging the writing materials, she said, "Having this separate space to ourselves, it seems Teacher Qiao intends to provide individual instruction. It's not bad."

Shi Fuyin smiled, "Indeed, it's quite good." It would save them a lot of trouble. However, she wondered if this was Teacher Qiao's idea or Grandmother's.

On the other side, in the east wing, Shi Fuyin sat next to Shi Fulin, whispering quietly while waiting for Shi Fuxin and Shi Fuyin to arrive. However, to their surprise, the two of them headed to the west wing instead.

Shi Fuyin looked astonished, "They're not attending class with us?"

Shi Fulin looked equally puzzled, "I don't know."

Shi Fuyin speculated, "I think I know why. They probably don't know anything since they're from the borderlands. If they attended class with us, they might slow down our progress."

"For the sake of two people, affecting all of us? Teacher Qiao wouldn't do that," Shi Fulin refuted.

Shi Fuyin nodded, "Exactly."

Shi Fulin looked disappointed, "It's a pity. I wanted to see what they looked like."

Shi Fuyin remarked, "They're just two dark spots, even darker and rougher than the maids in the estate."

Shi Fulin widened her eyes, "Really? Does that mean they're quite ugly?"

Shi Fuyin paused, "They're not exactly ugly, just a bit dark. If you're really curious about their appearance, you'll probably see during the break."

Shi Fulin nodded and returned to her seat.

Soon, it was time for the second class. Everyone returned to the classroom.

This time, Teacher Qiao assigned homework to the girls in the east wing before coming to the west wing.

Seeing Teacher Qiao, Shi Fuxin and Shi Fuyin quickly stood up, "Greetings, Teacher."

Teacher Qiao nodded and took a seat at the teaching desk. After gesturing for them to sit down, he asked, "I didn't come during the last class. What were you both doing?"

Shi Fuyin stood up and answered, "Teacher, I was reviewing passages from the Four Books."

Teacher Qiao raised an eyebrow, "You're already studying passages from the Four Books?"

Shi Fuyin nodded, "While we were in Rong City, we followed a lady who taught us, and coincidentally, we were studying passages from the Four Books."

Teacher Qiao nodded, then proceeded to ask Shi Fuyin several questions.

She answered each question and also added her own insights.

Teacher Qiao nodded occasionally, "You have a deep understanding of the passages from the Four Books. Well done." He motioned for Shi Fuyin to sit down and then turned his attention to Shi Fuxin.

Shi Fuxin hurriedly stood up, "Teacher, I was practicing calligraphy."

Teacher Qiao requested, "Show me what you've written."

Shi Fuxin placed the paper with her written characters on the teaching desk.

After inspecting her work, Teacher Qiao nodded with satisfaction, "Your cursive script is elegant, but some parts still lack fluency."

Shi Fuxin smiled, "Rest assured, Teacher, I will continue to work on it."

Teacher Qiao inquired, "So, where are you in your studies?"

Shi Fuxin answered, "I've also reached passages from the Four Books."

Teacher Qiao then proceeded to ask Shi Fuxin several questions, and she answered each one.

At this point, Teacher Qiao fell silent for a moment before speaking again, "I originally thought that you both hadn't studied much, which is why I had you attend class in the west wing. But since you've already reached passages from the Four Books, and your progress isn't much different from the other girls, I think you can attend class in the east wing starting tomorrow."

Upon hearing this, Shi Fuxin raised her hand immediately.

Surprised, Teacher Qiao paused, realizing that Shi Fuxin had something to say. He asked, "What is it?"

Shi Fuxin said, "Teacher, my sister and I don't need to go to the east wing. We learn very quickly, and if we join the others, we might slow them down."

Teacher Qiao thought to himself, "That's overconfidence."

Seeing that Teacher Qiao was looking at her, Shi Fuyin quickly responded, "We will follow Teacher's arrangement."

Teacher Qiao's expression softened, "While reading and learning are important for young ladies, social interaction should not be neglected. Shutting oneself in to study is not advisable."

"Let me tell you, I teach only in the morning. We cover reading and arithmetic. If you want to learn other subjects like music, chess, painting, and calligraphy, you can come to me. As for incense burning and flower arrangement, I'll arrange those intermittently."

"The afternoon classes will be taught by Lady Qi Qiao. She will focus on teaching you feminine skills such as weaving, sewing, embroidery, patchwork, appliqué, fabric collage, paper-cutting, and dyeing. All of you will need to learn these skills in the second courtyard."

During the class, Teacher Qiao didn't teach Shi Fuyin and Shi Fuxin much academically. Instead, he chatted with them, inquired about their experiences on the borderlands, and discussed the differences between the capital and the borderlands.

After the class concluded, both sides were quite satisfied.

Active student participation, along with Teacher Qiao's willingness to clarify doubts, resulted in a perfect interaction.

At the end of the morning classes, after the students had left, Teacher Qiao went to the second courtyard to have lunch with Lady Qi Qiao.

"How are the new girls?" Lady Qi Qiao asked with a smile.

Taking a sip of tea, Teacher Qiao sighed before responding, "They are much better than I anticipated. The younger one, in particular, is quite sharp. She's able to grasp onto any topic and redirect the conversation to the points she's interested in."

"I originally thought I could steer the conversation, but in the end, I found myself divulging a lot to them."

Lady Qi Qiao arched an eyebrow, "It seems you hold a high opinion of those two sisters."

Teacher Qiao smiled, "You'll see for yourself when you meet them this afternoon."

Lady Qi Qiao remained skeptical, "I believe they are good girls and intelligent, but learning feminine skills requires a certain aptitude."

Teacher Qiao agreed with this sentiment. Some people might excel in academics but fail miserably in feminine skills.

Yixiang Hall.

Upon seeing Shidingxuan return from class, Old Lady Shi promptly had a meal prepared. During the meal preparation, she smiled and asked, "Are you getting used to attending the academy?"

Shidingxuan and Shifuyin nodded, "Everything is going well."

Shifuxin added, "Teacher is especially good; she patiently answers all our questions."

Shidinghao chimed in, "My classmates are also treating me well; they're looking out for me."

Old Lady Shi's expression turned slightly strange. Shiling and Yinjie's responses were somewhat expected, but the younger ones...

Teacher Qiao was known for being reserved. She even had a word with him to ensure he treated all her grandchildren the same. Patient? How could that be believable?

And as for Jiulang, others were looking out for him? That was even more bizarre. She was most concerned that others might gang up on Jiulang, and yet they were looking out for him?

After finishing lunch with some lingering doubts, Old Lady Shi waited until Shizheng and his family had left before summoning An Mama to inquire.

An Mama returned quite swiftly.

"You're saying that Xinxin and Teacher Qiao were engaging in conversation with each other?" Old Lady Shi's face was full of astonishment.

An Mama smiled and nodded, "Indeed, Teacher Qiao said it herself. She mentioned that Xiaoli is exceptionally quick-witted. Teacher Qiao was caught off guard and only regained her composure after class."

Old Lady Shi fell silent for a moment, then mused, "And Jiulang, what's the situation on his end?"

An Mama's expression turned somewhat amused, "Our Ninth Lord is quite sociable. He greets everyone as soon as he enters the classroom, exuding warmth. He treats everyone like close friends, making everyone respond with smiles."

Old Lady Shi chuckled, "That Jiulang of ours!" She paused for a moment and continued, "Shiling and Yinjie are steady, Xinxin and Jiulang are quick-witted. These four children each have their own strengths."

After the afternoon break, Shi Fuxin and Shi Fuyin returned to Qihua Pavilion for the women's skills class. This time, they went directly to the second courtyard.

Lady Qi Qiao didn't separate them from the rest of the girls; everyone gathered in the east wing room.

"Hello, everyone. I am Shi Fuxin."

"Shi Fuyin."

"Greetings to all!"

Both of them greeted the others with grace, then found empty seats in front of an empty embroidery pavilion.

Upon learning that Shi Fuxin and Shi Fuyin were attending class today, Shi Fufan, the elder sister of Shi Furao, came over out of concern, fearing a potential conflict between her sister and the two newcomers. When she caught sight of Shi Fuxin and Shi Fuyin, a glint of curiosity flashed in her eyes.

The other girls were all curious about the newcomers, but none of them took the initiative to approach. Shi Fuxin and Shi Fuyin didn't mind; they were too busy marveling at the embroidery pavilion in front of them, examining the various colored threads.

Their demeanor was poised and confident. These weren't the wild girls from the borderlands who struggled to fit in. Their gracefulness surpassed even the pampered girls of the prestigious Shi Residence and their own clan.

As Madam Qi Qiao entered, she noticed that all the students were glancing at Shi Fuxin and Shi Fuyin. Following their gaze, she looked at the two newcomers from the Shi Residence.

The elder one had a pair of alluring phoenix eyes, and her posture was as upright as a chrysanthemum swaying in the wind.

The younger one had a round face, round eyes, a playful charm mixed with cleverness, like a vivid and vibrant peach blossom.

They were indeed better than she had imagined.

Without wasting time, Madam Qi Qiao called Shi Fuxin and Shi Fuyin over, demonstrating the basics of embroidery stitches. Afterward, she let them practice on their own.

Once Shi Fuxin and Shi Fuyin began practicing, Madam Qi Qiao moved on to observe the embroidery of the other girls, correcting their mistakes one by one.

Feeling that the basic stitches were too simple and becoming bored, Shi Fuxin continuously lifted her head to watch as Madam Qi Qiao provided guidance to the others.

She noticed that Madam Qi Qiao seemed particularly fond of a girl who appeared to be around fifteen or sixteen. After a moment's thought, Shi Fuxin quietly asked Shi Fuyi, who was sitting next to her, "Elder Sister, who is that person?"

Shi Fuyi, who was diligently embroidering, was taken aback by Shi Fuxin's question. After a moment's pause, she responded, "Shi Fuzhi."

Upon hearing the name, Shi Fuxin realized who it was.

The eldest daughter of the Shi family.

Shi Fuxin asked another question, "And who is Shi Furao?"

Shi Fuyi gave her a puzzled look. They weren't particularly familiar, so why did Shi Fuxin keep asking her questions?

"Next to Linjie."

Shi Fuxin looked in the direction indicated, memorizing the names of the Shi family's two daughters. She smiled and thanked Shi Fuyi, "Thank you, Elder Sister."

"No whispering!" Madam Qi Qiao glanced at Shi Fuxin and Shi Fuyi, then continued explaining double-sided embroidery techniques to Shi Fuzhi.

Shi Fuxin, not wanting to waste time and energy on practicing the simple stitches, projected her focus outward. She "watched" as Madam Qi Qiao taught Shi Fuzhi double-sided embroidery, learning by observation.

After spending about a class's worth of time with Shi Fuzhi, Madam Qi Qiao moved on to observe the embroidery of the other girls.

When she reached Shi Fuxin's seat, Madam Qi Qiao's eyebrows raised in surprise.

On the white silk, a round and red pomegranate burst into view, executed with double-sided embroidery.

Although it wasn't fully filled in, the image was vivid and lifelike.

"Did you embroider this?" Madam Qi Qiao was somewhat shocked.

Shi Fuxin nodded.

Madam Qi Qiao asked again, "Have you learned embroidery before?"

Shi Fuxin shook her head, "This is my first time."

Madam Qi Qiao's expression turned serious, "You're so young, yet your vanity is already so strong. You dare to lie to me right in front of my eyes!"

Hearing this, Shi Fuxin became irritated, "Why would you say I have a strong vanity? What basis do you have to accuse me of lying?"

Shi Fuyin quickly stood up, "Madam, I can vouch for my sister. She truly is embroidering for the first time. We haven't had the opportunity to learn this before."

Madam Qi Qiao looked at Shi Fuyin, then back at Shi Fuxin, still wearing a skeptical expression.

Shi Fuxin's face turned sour, "Madam, you have to believe that there are geniuses in this world. Just because you haven't seen one doesn't mean they don't exist."

Embroidery requires keen observation, focus, and skilled hands to create lifelike pieces. The key lies in the details. With her psychic ability, Shi Fuxin was like a cheat code when it came to perfecting those details.

Madam Qi Qiao suppressed her emotions. Seeing that the sisters didn't appear to be lying, she decided not to press the issue further. However, she didn't comment on her slightly excessive accusation earlier. She simply moved on to the next person after Shi Fuxin.

Shi Fuxin glanced at her, but chose not to say anything. She continued to embroider the pomegranate, lost in her thoughts.

As this scene played out, the onlookers had various expressions.

Shi Fuzhi glanced at the pomegranate embroidered by Shi Fuxin, then back at her own work. Her gaze dimmed slightly.

She still remembered the verdict she received from the National Women's Academy when she applied: "Your embroidery skills are quite good, but compared to those with true embroidery talent, you lack a certain spirit."

This could be interpreted as her embroidery being the result of diligent practice, lacking vitality and realism, not enough to truly capture attention.

Despite the roughness of the embroidered pomegranate, it had captivated her attention.

Was this the so-called "spirit"?