Chapter Thirty: The Lesson

Xu Ruojin never expected she would have to change tutors.

Just a few days ago, she was still filled with heartfelt gratitude for Tutor Wang, who had devised a special study plan just for her, allowing her to gain ample information.

But who could have foreseen that a quarrel between Madam Yang and Tutor Wang would result in the tutor refusing to set foot in the Xu household again?

Xu Zimo was now sent to the county school every day, while her father hired a governess to instruct her at home.

This governess had an unusual background.

In her youth, she had served in the palace, and after leaving, was invited by the Marquis of Loyal Valor’s household to instruct the young ladies there.

When Lady Liang married, the governess accompanied her as part of her dowry to the Liang household. After so many years of unwavering loyalty, Lady Liang treated her with even greater respect than her own mother.

What puzzled Xu Ruojin, however, was how such a renowned and esteemed governess came to be employed in their home. Even if Madam Yang had not intervened, even with her magistrate father’s connections, the Liang family would hardly have felt compelled to oblige.

Could this have something to do with that cold-faced man?

But he had saved her, not the other way around—Liang family’s actions were truly baffling.

It wasn’t just Xu Ruojin who found this hard to comprehend; even Xu Yaohui felt things had gone too smoothly.

Initially, he thought it would be difficult to establish ties with the Liang family, and had racked his brains to find the most prominent lady in Zhonglin County to make the introduction. To his surprise, as soon as the matter was mentioned, Lady Liang immediately agreed.

Not only that, but she instructed the governess not to accept any payment, saying only that she should do her utmost to help.

Upon receiving the news, Xu Yaohui prepared several large chests of gifts to express his gratitude at the Liang residence. Lady Liang did not stand on ceremony, accepted the gifts, exchanged a few pleasantries, and then politely saw him out.

Later, upon discreet inquiry, Xu Yaohui learned that it was not his own position that had made this possible. Rather, Lady Liang was using this as a means to warn the Zhang family.

Zhang Zhongheng had caused quite a scene at the Liang household a few days prior, though no one knew how it ended.

Judging by Lady Liang’s current attitude, it was clear she had formed a grievance with the Zhangs.

Xu Yaohui felt a twinge of regret, but after some thought, decided it mattered little.

If the Zhangs looked down on their lowly background, what could they say now, with such a distinguished governess instructing them?

Though there were some old grievances between the Yan and Liang families as well, hiring a governess alone would not draw any blame.

Thinking of Ruojin, Xu Yaohui instructed his longtime attendant, Chen Cai, “Go and fetch Ruojin for me, I have something to tell her.”

When Xu Ruojin heard her father recount the governess’s background, she wasn’t sure whether to feel pleased or worried.

She was pleased because this governess was even more esteemed, and perhaps she could gain further advantages from her.

She was worried, because though the governess was knowledgeable, whether she would truly teach her depended on their future interactions.

Xu Ruojin valued true learning far more than borrowed prestige.

She believed that only by growing strong herself could she walk through life in peace.

“…Having such a governess is a great fortune for you. You must study diligently—who knows how many eyes are watching you. Do you understand?”

Xu Yaohui did not mention the tangled grievances between the families, speaking only of the governess’s background. His emphasis made Xu Ruojin take it very seriously.

“I never expected to be taught by such a governess. I am truly surprised, but I understand, Father—I will not let you down, nor bring disgrace to our household.”

“The marriage with the Zhangs will be settled soon. You won’t be able to stay at home much longer. We have only you three siblings. In these days, while you study, don’t forget to spend time with your brothers. Once you’ve left the Xu household, it won’t be so easy to meet. Your mother and I are getting old; we’ll depend on you all in the future.”

Xu Yaohui had called Xu Ruojin in for a private talk—this was the real reason.

His eldest was working at the county yamen, his youngest was still a child. Though the youngest wasn’t fond of studying now, with the right guidance, he might yet make progress.

Forming an alliance with the Zhangs was, apart from his own career, all for the sake of the children.

Even if the youngest never amounted to much, with an elder sister to protect him, he would still enjoy a prosperous life.

Xu Ruojin understood her father’s words. Hesitantly, she ventured, “I have the will, but I fear Mother…”

“I’ll speak to her myself. That’s enough—I’m tired. You may go. If I need you, I’ll call for you.”

Xu Yaohui was in no mood to say more, and Xu Ruojin had no intention of lingering. As she left the study, she saw Madam Yang glaring at her with a sullen face.

Madam Yang shoved her aside, entered the study, closed the door firmly, and would not let Xu Ruojin come near.

From within, the muffled sound of Madam Yang’s endless complaints could be heard. In the distance stood Nurse Huang; Xu Ruojin did not linger, not wanting to be suspected of eavesdropping. Smiling, she went over to greet Nurse Huang.

“Second Miss, you truly are fortunate. But a woman’s fortune ultimately depends on a man. Take my advice—keep Master Zhang content, and your days will be comfortable.”

Nurse Huang was referring to the verbal spat between Xu Ruojin and Zhang Zhongheng the last time they met.

“I understand what you’re saying. I won’t make that mistake again.”

Xu Ruojin’s perfunctory response made Nurse Huang curious. “So, what did you and Master Zhang talk about that day?”

“We were getting along fine, but then someone mentioned my mother… I just felt indignant.”

Xu Ruojin seemed unable to say more, and fearing Nurse Huang would press further, added, “It’s getting late—I should prepare everything for tomorrow. I wouldn’t dare offend such a distinguished governess; I’m actually a bit nervous.”

“There’s no need to be nervous. If you were already perfect, you wouldn’t need a governess, would you?”

“You always know how to put one at ease.”

“Take care, Second Miss.”

Nurse Huang had been somewhat suspicious of Xu Ruojin’s words, but seeing her expression was genuine, she decided to keep her doubts to herself for now, pondering whether to mention any of this to Madam Yang later.

It wasn’t that Xu Ruojin was a good actress—she simply had no qualms about casting aspersions on Zhang Zhongheng.

After all, he had never thought highly of her family, so her words could hardly be called slander.

She didn’t want to speak further with Nurse Huang; she simply disliked being interrogated.

That sensation was a naked humiliation—especially coming from a mere attendant of Madam Yang’s.

Xu Ruojin was actually looking forward to meeting the governess the next day. She had a strong premonition that everything would change, and that change would begin tomorrow!

When Lady Zhang heard that Lady Liang’s governess was to instruct Xu Ruojin, she was so furious she couldn’t finish a single meal that night.

Relying on the Zhang family’s status in Zhonglin County, she had always been regarded as the most prominent lady by all the local households.

But ever since the Liangs had been demoted here, Lady Liang had become the talk of every gathering.

Though Lady Liang kept to the inner chambers and was seldom seen, the admiration and praise she received grated on Lady Zhang.

So what if she was born to a marquis’s family?

Now the Great General Wei Yuan was a disgraced criminal, and the family was lucky their heads hadn’t been cut off—they had nothing to brag about.

When Zhang Zhongheng heard this news and saw the birth date and hour of Xu Ruojin that Madam Yang had left on the desk, an image of Xu Ruojin surfaced in his mind.

Graceful in bearing, with such a strikingly beautiful face that once seen, one could never forget.

But this was not a woman to be easily cowed by a few words—especially with that look of hatred in her eyes, which pricked him to the core.

If he wanted to conquer her, there were only two ways.

Either make her his woman, or see her dead.