Chapter 4: Peach Blossom Soup

This night was filled with an indescribable springtime radiance, and when they went to pay respects to Madam Shen the next day, Mrs. Pei was a quarter of an hour late. However, even though the message was delivered by Master Shen, Mrs. Pei kept it in her mind and naturally urged them even more than usual.

Zhuang Zhou dreamed of a butterfly, and it is just so

This is akin to parents in later generations taking their children to visit Peking University and Tsinghua University, instilling aspirations in them at an early age

Master Shen smiled and said, "Today, it can only be a case of the wife singing and the husband following."

Master Shen San lazily leaned against one side, flipped through the scroll in his hand, and upon seeing the curious expressions of the two girls, he spoke: "The Songjiang Girls' School and the Yuren Academy are separated by just a wall, one is on the front hill and the other on the back hill. You must not run around later; it would not be good if you ended up at the Yuren Academy."

Although Pei was indifferent to everything, she maintained a consistent demeanor in front of the two girls. Each had four personal maids and a nurse, while the remaining young maids did not require much attention. As for Shen Caiwei's childhood nurse, Wang, she had long been dismissed to the outskirts due to her arrogance stemming from age. By Shen Caiwei's side were Lu Jiao, Lu Yi, Lu Ju, Lu Xiu, along with Nurse Liang. By Shen Caiheng's side were Hong Shao, Hong Yi, Hong Zhi, Hong Yu, along with Nurse Xu. By Shen Caiwei's side were Lu Jiao, Lu Yi, Lu Ju, Lu Xiu, along with Nurse Liang. By Shen Caiheng's side were Hong Shao, Hong Yi, Hong Zhi, Hong Yu, along with Nurse Xu

Shen Caiwei let out a soft "oh," contemplating the possibility of visiting in the future, feeling quite yearning in her heart

Pei was quite anxious: "I see that Second Miss is like a little adult, diligent in her studies and sensible. Not only can she recite several books fluently, but she also understands their meanings very well. On the other hand, Third Miss spends all her time playing, has no interest in reading, and is about to start school soon. What should we do about that?" The more she thought about it, the more worried she became, and she couldn't help but nudge Master Shen. "Alas, what if she fails to get into the girls' school in the future? The Pei family and the Shen family hardly have anyone who hasn't been admitted to a girls' school!"

Pei was originally a carefree person, and initially worried that her daughter might be slow-witted and unable to keep up due to her relationship with Shen Caiwei. However, after seeing her daughter learn well, she acted as if nothing had happened and let her go freely with her books.

Speaking of the elder brother, Master Shen San also wore an expression of admiration and nodded in agreement

Since the establishment of women's education by Empress Guanglie, our dynasty has consistently advocated for women's education. Consequently, there are numerous women's schools available for girls from ordinary families. However, girls from families like the Shen and Pei families only consider the four major women's schools: Kyoto Women's School, Songjiang Women's School, Hengchuan Women's School, and Jialing Women's School. For them, if they cannot gain admission to these four schools, it is preferable to invite a tutor to teach at home rather than settle for those ordinary schools. However, girls from families like the Shen and Pei families only consider the four major women's schools: Kyoto Women's School, Songjiang Women's School, Hengchuan Women's School, and Jialing Women's School. For them, if they cannot gain admission to these four schools, it is preferable to invite a tutor to teach at home rather than settle for those ordinary schools

Ultimately, the person who decided on the arrangement of this small girl's room was still the Pei family, which is why the room is equally splendid and luxurious. However, as the occupant is different, over time it has also changed somewhat from its original state.

The woman in green and the green chrysanthemum came over to help her remove her heavy outer garment, and then handed her a semi-transparent porcelain bowl with cloud patterns, filled with osmanthus and lily soup, which was also of excellent color. She gently advised, "It is still hot, have a little to warm yourself up first." After a moment's thought, she asked, "Miss, will you practice your calligraphy today?"

Shen Caiheng was placed on the floor covered with thick blankets, and the ground beneath her feet was soft. She spoke, "Madam is tired and needs to rest for a while, so I have returned."

Pei Zihuan is the cousin of the Pei family, with the given name He, and Zihuan is his courtesy name. He is the cousin of the Pei family and the biological elder brother of the Princess of Ruyang. For some unknown reason, he suddenly left the capital and came to Songjiang Academy to teach. Lady Pei is also an interesting person; although she has to stay at home to take care of her in-laws, she brought her young son along, merely stating that it was for her husband to look after him while he attended the educational institution.

In her previous life, she had never been as serious about the college entrance examination; now, reflecting on living another lifetime, it is naturally different

However, this time they ultimately could not go to the first floor of the sky. It is uncertain whether it was due to their good fortune, but upon arriving at the foot of the mountain, they coincidentally encountered Pei He, the cousin of the Pei family, returning from outside. Pei He is indeed a legendary busy person, and since they had the rare opportunity to meet, they decided to go together to Pei He's residence to chat for a while

"What is this?" Just as Master Shen San was sipping his tea, he nearly choked on it at what Pei said.

Pei is a naive and easily appeased person who does not take charge, while Master Shen is a genuine and good-natured head of the family. Old Madam Shen, on the other hand, is someone who does not manage affairs and is solely devoted to pampering others. In such an atmosphere, Shen Caiwei increasingly feels like a cherished child, despite her age. In her previous life at the orphanage, although she relied on her good looks to enjoy more freedom than others, she now realizes that it was not as comfortable as it seemed. Time flows by like water, and many events from her past life have become hazy, as if separated by a layer, akin to watching a movie in a fleeting manner. She even wonders if those memories were merely a dream.

Shen Caiwei thought for a moment and then asked, "Third Uncle, I heard that the Tianyi Building of Songjiang Academy is the largest library in Songjiang. Is that true?"

It was indeed Master Shen San, who, seeing that the two girls were about to enter school soon, felt quite bored being cooped up at home all day studying. He decided to take them to Songshan for a stroll, to have a look at the renowned Songjiang Girls' School, one of the four great women's academies in the world.

He spoke with the Pei family for a while about Pei He, and seeing that the Pei family gradually felt more at ease, he said, "I see that the soup is ready as well; shall we all bathe together?"

Shen Caiwei smiled and said, "Of course, it is through practice." The fragrance of books can cultivate literary spirit, and practicing calligraphy can also foster it. The beauty mirror is compelling her to tread the path of an academic prodigy. Therefore, since her enlightenment, she has written five large characters every day, and over time, her heart has become much calmer.

Master Shen San was unable to do anything about the Pei family, so he gently patted her shoulder and comforted her, "Alright, alright, don't worry too much." After a moment of thought, he changed the subject and said, "Not long ago, Brother Zihuan brought his son Jiulang to stay at the academy. He does not like too many servants and usually only uses the resources of the academy and the library. If you are concerned, you might often send someone to check if there is anything lacking, and it would also be good to take care of Jiulang. It is not quite appropriate for a child to stay with Brother Pei at the academy."

The four prestigious women's academies are extremely strict in their admissions, and with renowned teachers among them, it naturally attracts many eager applicants. Girls from prominent families have often engaged esteemed tutors for their education since the age of six, giving them a significantly higher starting point compared to those from ordinary families, thus greatly increasing their chances of admission.

Pei felt somewhat reassured after hearing this. He casually picked up a celadon tea cup and took a sip, slowly exhaling a breath: "You have no idea! For the sake of San Niang, I have had a headache all day..." He then continued, "No, I must find her a sensible and literate maid tomorrow. At the very least, she should memorize the 'Three Character Classic,' 'Hundred Family Surnames,' and 'Thousand Character Classic.' Otherwise, I will not be able to relax my mind." These three texts are all for enlightenment, and Shen Caiwei had naturally memorized them fluently long ago.

Pei's relationship with this cousin is quite good, and upon hearing this, she couldn't help but laugh: "My cousin has also been so absorbed in his studies that he has become quite ethereal, unable to resist the allure of the capital's specialized atmosphere, and actually came here to recuperate. It's a pity that he is burdened with such a small person as Jiulang, and probably can only look ahead, not behind. " After laughing, she continued, "It's also because my elder brother has gained fame through his lectures; this Yuren Academy, no doubt, has had the glory of leading the literary world for thirty years. " It's a pity that he is burdened with such a small person as Jiulang, and probably can only look ahead, not behind. " After laughing, she continued, "It's also because my elder brother has gained fame through his lectures; this Yuren Academy, no doubt, has had the glory of leading the literary world for thirty years.

However, Shen Caiwei rarely had the opportunity to step out of the courtyard, and at this moment, being suddenly brought out, she was surprisingly quite happy. Like Shen Caihang, she was akin to a squirrel quietly observing the outside world from a tree, leaning on the carriage and quietly gazing outside.

As the saying goes, "In spring, one gathers peach blossoms; in summer, lotus flowers; in autumn, hibiscus; and in winter, snowflakes for soup." The Pei family lives in a manner that prioritizes comfort, having people prepare peach blossom soup for bathing daily, which nourishes the skin and enhances beauty. Mr. Shen, being a man, naturally does not favor such a sweet fragrance and seldom bathes with the Pei family.

Shen Caiheng sat there, seemingly understanding yet not fully grasping the situation, much like Shen Caiwei, her eyes sparkling as she looked at Master Shen San

Lü Jiao, who was only in her teens, appeared slender and graceful, dressed in green attire that resembled a willow tree, elegant and delicate. At this moment, she was waiting by the door. Upon seeing Liang Mama returning with Shen Caiwei, she hurriedly greeted them and then lifted the curtain, smiling as she asked, "Why are you back so early today?" Logically, one should have stayed in the main courtyard to read a bit more or chat with Pei Shi.

Seeing her delicate brows furrowed as if shrouded in a thin mist, Master Shen felt genuine concern for her. He could only soften his tone and gently advised, "You are just worrying unnecessarily. It is truly rare to find someone with Second Mistress's temperament, which is why I cannot help but praise her. I find Third Mistress to be innocent and carefree, and her natural demeanor is even more endearing. Moreover, she is quite clever; despite her playful nature, she has not fallen behind Second Mistress in many respects."

Shen Caiwei watched from the side, feeling a warmth rise in her heart, as something slowly surged from the depths of her being, like a spring breeze brushing past, causing the frozen ground to gradually release its warmth.

Master Shen smiled and said: "Indeed, it is so. The Book of Changes states, 'Heaven generates water, and the earth completes it.' The library is rich in collections, and the most important aspect is fire prevention. Therefore, a Tianyi Pool was constructed in front of the building, and the term 'Tianyi' is also derived from the meaning of 'using water to extinguish fire.'"

In fact, Pei's statement is rather exaggerated

With Pei urging from behind and Shen Caiwei handing over the books at the side, Shen Caihen quickly finished memorizing the books and summarized the content in a general way

Shen Caiheng was reprimanded by the Pei family. Although she soon regained her composure and began to chat and laugh, she was still harboring resentment in her heart. Unlike her usual self, she did not accompany Shen Caiwei to the Dongnuan Pavilion and went straight back instead. Shen Caiwei had no choice but to let Granny Liang carry her back to the Dongnuan Pavilion.

If Shen Caiwei has gained something, this is somewhat similar to the Tianyi Pavilion from her previous life. She propped her chin and looked at Master Shen San: "It must also imply being the best in the world, right?"

Due to this incident, after having some refreshments, the children each returned home. Shen Huaijing was moved to the front courtyard at the age of five, while only Shen Caiwei and Shen Caiheng continued to reside in the Pei family's courtyard. Shen Caiwei lived in the eastern warm pavilion, and Shen Caiheng lived in the western warm pavilion

Shen Caiwei and Shen Caiheng naturally nodded in agreement upon hearing this.

Master Shen smiled and reached out to pat the two "buns" on Shen Caiwei's head, his usually calm voice carrying a subtle hint of pride: "As the saying goes, 'One must stand on the summit to see all the mountains as small.' What we pursue at the Yuren Academy and Songjiang Women's School is not the so-called doctrine of the mean. In our pursuit of knowledge, we must be brave enough to climb to the peaks and strive to surpass our predecessors, aiming to overlook the mountains and benefit the world."

When Master Shen San returned in the evening, Madam Pei personally stepped forward to assist him in removing his outer robe. She used a hot towel to wipe his face in the silver basin with the design of two fish playing in the water. After hesitating for a while, she could not help but ask: "You don't think our Third Lady is foolish, do you?"

Pei's attention was drawn away, and she nudged him, saying: "Aren't you impatient with me using flower petals to brew soup for bathing?"

At this point, Master Shen San perhaps felt that this topic was a bit too profound for the two children, so he changed the subject and said: "This library is shared by the Songjiang Girls' School and the Yuren Academy. To avoid any suspicion, on the first, third, and fifth days, female students are allowed to enter the library to read, while on the second, fourth, and sixth days, male students may enter to read."

He was born with a slight ailment, which, although it did not pose much of a hindrance in daily life, made him appear somewhat thinner than the average man. However, at this moment, with a slight smile, there was a hint of pride and ambition in his expression that should not be underestimated.

The curtains are made of crystal, and the headrest is a consistent cherry pink, embroidered with orchid petals or clusters of lilies. The blanket below is ginger yellow, occasionally accented with touches of lake blue, all in delicate hues. Several porcelain screens depict landscapes, flowers, and birds, while the antique shelf holds some jade pieces sent by Old Lady Shen, trinkets occasionally brought by Old Master Shen, and ivory carvings given by Master Shen. In short, everything is exquisitely crafted and appears naturally harmonious.