Chapter Twenty-One: Bonds of Affection

The moon set and the sun rose; the pitch-black night was shrouded by orange sunlight, and the rooster next door crowed at the break of dawn. A whole night had passed in the blink of an eye.

Xu Ruojin had stayed up yet another night.

Rubbing her sore eyes, she cared little whether she now bore a pair of dark circles. Her heart was utterly defeated by reality.

Who could tell how many kinds of fragrant herbs lay hidden in a tiny sachet? She had burned the midnight oil under lamplight, trying to distinguish them all night long, but in the end could only recognize four or five varieties. The rest were a complete mystery to her.

“If only I could have finished my third-year experiments and experienced my senior-year internship before becoming what I am now!”

Xu Ruojin sighed inwardly, mumbling to herself. The gap between books and reality was too wide; theory and practice were worlds apart. She could only resign herself to fate.

As soon as Spring Grass opened her eyes, she saw Second Miss sitting in a chair, lost in thought.

Knowing she had stayed up all night again, Spring Grass held back her usual nagging and instead fetched a basin of cold water, then hurried to the kitchen for breakfast.

Though Second Miss appeared gentle and amiable to others, Spring Grass knew better than anyone the tenacity that ran in her veins.

If not for living together day in and day out, Spring Grass would never have imagined that a young lady from an official’s family could live like this.

There was always an indomitable strength about Second Miss.

She never admitted defeat. Though she wasn’t one for many words, her diligence and perseverance had sparked hope in Spring Grass’s long-numbed heart, which had already resigned itself to their lot.

Xu Ruojin was not given to sentimental lament, nor did she have time to wallow in self-pity.

Since she had failed, she would simply set the sachet aside for now and put it away.

After washing her face, she tidied her clothes and waited for Spring Grass to return with breakfast. After they ate, she glanced over her books one more time, then hurried off with Spring Grass to attend lessons.

Upon entering Xu Zimo’s courtyard, Forsythia snorted coldly, turned away, and ignored them.

Xu Ruojin couldn’t be bothered to mind her and simply took her books and assignments to the study. Xu Zimo was reciting his lessons in silence. Upon seeing Xu Ruojin, he didn’t greet her with his usual enthusiasm but merely glanced at her from the side.

Xu Ruojin recalled Madam Huang’s private conversation with Xu Zimo yesterday...

Seeing her younger brother’s odd behavior today, she figured Madam Huang must have said something to him.

A faint bitterness rose in her heart. She was an outsider here—why force herself to blend in with the family?

Still, the abrupt change left her somewhat melancholic. Only a few days ago, she could still joke and laugh freely with her little brother.

Did it have to be this way, so out of place?

She had no leisure to dwell on it; Teacher Wang had already arrived.

The siblings handed in their assignments. Teacher Wang scolded Xu Zimo as usual and made him rewrite his work.

Then he called Xu Ruojin aside and said, “You’ve practiced recitation and calligraphy long enough. As a young lady, you won’t be taking the imperial exams. From today onward, I’ll teach you about the customs and manners of various regions—listen closely, and practice your writing as you see fit. That’s all I can teach you.”

“Thank you, Teacher Wang. This will help me even more,” Xu Ruojin replied sincerely, delighted. What vexed her most these days was knowing nothing of her surroundings. Barely acknowledged by her family and confined to the courtyard, she felt more foolish by the day.

From one cage to another—how could life be anything but dull?

Teacher Wang nodded in satisfaction and, after a pause, began to lecture on the customs and history of the Great Wei Kingdom.

“The Great Wei Kingdom is vast, bordering the Seven Li Kingdom to the east, the desert to the north, the sea to the south, and wilderness to the west. Zhonglin County lies slightly north within Wei, a fertile and prosperous land...”

The morning lesson passed quickly. Xu Ruojin listened with relish, eager for tomorrow to come so she could hear more.

As he left, Teacher Wang tossed her a copybook of the Analects. “No more recitation, but you must still practice your characters. You’re self-disciplined—copy one essay twenty times each day. I’ll check tomorrow.”

“Yes, thank you, Teacher Wang.”

Xu Ruojin received the copybook, her heart brimming with excitement as she saw him off.

Though Teacher Wang said nothing outright, Xu Ruojin could sense his care for her.

He might not teach her formally, but he already recognized her exceptional ability to learn. With the Analects copybook, she could practice her calligraphy and memorize passages as well, asking for clarification in private if needed.

By teaching her about local customs and geography, he was broadening her horizons. He might not allow her to address him as ‘Sir,’ but his expectations for her were likely higher than for Xu Zimo.

Xu Ruojin carefully put the copybook away, her joy still visible on her face.

As she turned, a wave of warmth suddenly rushed over her, and she nearly bumped into someone. Looking up, she saw it was Xu Zimo.

“Second Sister,” Xu Zimo mumbled awkwardly, scratching his head.

Xu Ruojin regarded him. “What is it? Do you need something?”

“Well... I came to apologize.”

A flush of embarrassment crept over Xu Zimo’s chubby cheeks. “Second Sister, I didn’t mean to—but yesterday I lied to Madam Huang. It’s not really my fault... I was just scared of getting beaten by Father. You don’t know how harsh his punishments can be.”

“Uh, what exactly happened?” Xu Ruojin blinked, confused. This wasn’t what she’d imagined at all.

Could it be that her younger brother’s awkwardness today had a different reason?

Wasn’t he their mother’s darling—how could he fear a beating?

Xu Zimo gritted his teeth and confessed, “Yesterday Madam Huang asked how I was doing in my studies, and about you too. I... I said you weren’t learning as well as me, that your calligraphy was ugly, you were dumber than me, and couldn’t recite, so Teacher scolded you... I really didn’t mean it, Second Sister, please don’t be angry. I’m sorry.”

Xu Ruojin stared in surprise, then burst out laughing.

Remembering how Madam Huang had questioned her yesterday while Xu Zimo kept darting glances at her, she finally understood...

Madam Huang was truly sly—she’d interrogated Xu Zimo and then tested her as well.

“I’m not angry,” Xu Ruojin replied, her smile warm and genuine.

Xu Zimo’s small eyes widened in delight. “Really? You’re not mad, Second Sister?”

“I’m not mad. How could I let you take a beating for me? From now on, just say I’m dumber than you. I really am dumber than you.”

Her words left Xu Zimo stunned for a moment, then he grinned broadly, showing all his teeth, and stuck out his chubby thumb. “Second Sister, you’re the best!”

“Pinky swear—it’s our secret. If anyone leaks it, they won’t get away with it.”

Xu Ruojin extended her pinky; Xu Zimo immediately hooked his around hers. The siblings shared a knowing smile, sweeping away yesterday’s awkwardness and bringing them even closer.

As Xu Ruojin was still smiling, she caught a glimpse of Forsythia peeking from the corner behind the house before disappearing again.

Her heart clouded over briefly, but she quickly reconsidered. Forsythia was just a maid destined for marriage elsewhere—she wouldn’t stir up trouble over this, would she? The one she’d offend wouldn’t be herself, but the Third Young Master...