Section 7
I don't know him. However, it seems that the young master does not like me very much
In the autumn light, two tall figures walked through the stone archway adorned with wisteria, approaching this way
I do not wish to hide it from Miss Feng," Rong Fanglin said, "Last year and this year, I attempted the entrance examination for the Chinese-Western Girls' School twice, but I failed both times. My father said he would donate some money to the school, but I do not want my classmates to mock me for lacking qualifications, so I made a solemn vow to my parents that I must rely on my own abilities to gain admission.
Sigh? You..." Wu Yunchi, who was waiting to see a good show, was greatly disappointed. He waved his hand in greeting to Rong Fanglin and then chased after Rong Jia.
Miss Rong Fanglin will turn sixteen at the end of the year. As her name suggests, she is indeed a slender beauty with red lips and white teeth. However, she speaks with little humor and is clearly testing the new teacher, coming across as somewhat aggressive.
On an autumn morning, the sunlight is warm and the birds are singing in the branches. In the courtyard, the autumn chrysanthemums are just beginning to bloom, while a violin piece plays on the gramophone inside the house. The soothing melody mingles with the faint fragrance of flowers, drifting gently in the breeze
The young man's voice was deep and clear, yet devoid of any emotional fluctuations. Before Feng Shizhen could respond, he had already turned around and strode away.
Feng Shizhen admired her ability to adjust her emotions in such a short time, and she made a confused and innocent expression
Even if the eldest son of the Rong family is pure and ignorant, he would not think that a single virtuous woman would have nothing to do but go to a dance hall to find men to dance with. His decision not to immediately expose Feng Shizhen or to reject the acceptance of this new tutor indicates that his thoughts are quite profound. However, this situation is beneficial for Feng Shizhen, as she does not have to be driven out immediately upon entering, and she has time to consider how to respond.
Feng Shizhen inquired about the studies of the eldest and second young ladies. Rong Fanglin answered two questions in English, and Feng Shizhen corrected a few minor errors. Rong Fanglin humbly accepted the guidance and earnestly repeated the answers once more
Brother Yun Chi has arrived
Rong Fanglin had a satisfied smile at the corner of her mouth, and her tone was much friendlier than before. "Miss Feng is too modest. I have heard that your English and French are both excellent, and I hope to seek your guidance more in the future"
Feng Shizhen stood under the scorching sun, yet she still felt waves of chill creeping up her spine, penetrating into her bones. She tightened her grip, the pain of her nails digging into her palm helped her regain her composure
Rong Fanghua bluntly remarked: "Elder brother's grades are too poor, no university would want him."
The young ladies of the Rong family are painting in this octagonal pavilion
Rong Jia's eyes, as dark as midnight, were cold and calm. He nodded with restraint, and like testing the water temperature, he briefly held Feng Shizhen's hand.
In the pavilion, there are several easels, with a few pieces of graffiti clearly created by young ladies, which are not worth commenting on. The remaining piece is the most neatly and realistically painted; another appears hasty, yet its brushstrokes are bold and the colors are rich
Feng Shizhen had encountered many foolish, arrogant young ladies from wealthy families, so it was quite surprising to meet one who was so humble and diligent in her studies
The truth of this matter is difficult to discern. Rong Dingkun is now one of the most renowned wealthy merchants on the Shanghai Bund, claiming that his late father was a scholar from the Qing Dynasty. After the Eight-Nation Alliance invaded, his family fell into decline, and he became a comprador for foreigners, thus making his fortune. Both of his two wives were daughters from cultured families. He particularly enjoys associating with intellectuals, proudly calling himself a Confucian merchant, and often generously supports various literati. Spending lavishly to purchase a pavilion is merely for the sake of enjoyment. He particularly enjoys associating with intellectuals, proudly calling himself a Confucian merchant, and often generously supports various literati. Spending lavishly to purchase a pavilion is merely for the sake of enjoyment
As noon approaches, the sunlight is glaring, revealing everything without exception. It casts a slight burning sensation on the skin, yet a wave of coldness surges from deep within the body
The wind blew, causing the shadows of the trees to flicker, making it difficult for Feng Shizhen to open her eyes for a moment. When her vision finally cleared, the tall young man in a snow-white shirt was already standing in front of the pavilion, gazing up at her.
This place is tranquil and beautiful, akin to a paradise beyond the world. The Rong family, with their high walls topped with barbed wire, has completely isolated these ladies from the tumultuous world outside.
Miss Rong San clapped her hands with a smile, "Second Sister indeed has a remarkable talent for painting exquisite flower and bird motifs. Eldest Sister is currently learning oil painting from a court painter of the White Russians. Miss Feng is truly impressive!"
The music began to play again, but the beautiful scenery of birds singing and flowers blooming had lost its luster in Feng Shizhen's eyes
Feng Shizhen completed a round of observation and pointed to the second painting: "This one is unique; the artist must have been influenced by Impressionism, as the use of color is quite bold, and the capture of light and shadow is excellent. Furthermore, this piece demonstrates skilled technique and a solid foundation; if it were a meticulous traditional Chinese painting, it would be more suitable than Western watercolor. If we are only discussing watercolor, the previous painting is superior. In terms of artistic attainment, the two artists should be considered on par with each other."
Wu Yunchi set down the two little girls and gently uttered a soft "Oh". His leisurely gaze shifted from Rong Jia's expressionless face to Feng Shizhen's astonished face, and then back again. This action drew a puzzled glance from Rong Fanglin.
In the garden, there are small bridges and flowing water, and the extraordinary flowers and plants need not be mentioned. There is an octagonal pavilion from the Ming Dynasty, which is said to be where Tang Xianzu wrote "The Peony Pavilion." Rong Dingkun spent 20,000 yuan to purchase the pavilion, dismantled it, transported it to Shanghai, and then invited craftsmen to reassemble it.
Rong Fanghua originally believed that her watercolor paintings were vivid and far superior to her elder sister's haphazard strokes. However, she was taken aback when the new female teacher praised Rong Fanglin as an Impressionist. Yet, Feng Shizhen immediately pointed out that her forte lay in meticulous brushwork, stating that their artistic accomplishments were of similar quality. She was quite surprised, paused for a moment, and seemed to have come to an understanding, smiling warmly at Feng Shizhen.
Feng Shizhen held the teacup and asked with a curious expression, "The young master has already graduated from high school; he shouldn't be too bad, right?"
Hello, young master, I am the new tutor, my surname is Feng
Miss Feng has arrived just in time. We have just completed a few paintings; please come over and give your feedback to see who has painted the best.
Feng Shizhen smiled lightly, "Actually, I am a science student and do not understand painting. Please forgive my ignorance."
On Rong Fanglin's beautiful face appeared a hint of the scornful smile reminiscent of Mrs. Rong, "That military academy is said to be a secondary school, but it is merely a place for disciplining unruly children. My elder brother was sent there to learn manners when he was disobedient as a child. He may have learned some manners by now, but his studies have certainly suffered."
Two twin girls made a flower crown from flowers and grass, and cheerfully brought it to Feng Shizhen. Feng Shizhen placed the crown on her head and thanked the little girls in French. The girls then laughed and ran away.
Miss Rong Er has turned fifteen. She is the daughter of the elder concubine who was brought along as a dowry, and she is also quite beautiful, though her skin is slightly darker and not as fair and lovely as her elder sister's.
Upon hearing that the tutor had arrived, the eldest girl set down her paintbrush, stood up gracefully, and invited Feng Shizhen into the pavilion
Feng Shizhen smiled and said: "It is truly a relief for me as a teacher to see both young ladies so eager to learn. To achieve success, one part relies on luck, three parts on talent, and the rest depends entirely on hard work. With your ambition and willingness to put in the effort, you will surely achieve your desires"
In an effort to suppress her nervous emotions, her voice sounded dry and somewhat dull. Just at that moment, the music came to an end, and the garden was suddenly enveloped in an eerie silence
She was fully aware that this dangerous game had officially begun
Rong Fanghua also said: "My cousin Jing from my uncle's family studied at a women's school that combines Chinese and Western education, and later she even passed the exam for a government-funded study abroad program, which is quite impressive. Father told us girls that if we cannot attend university, we must obey his arrangements for marriage. Nowadays, everyone talks about the new woman and opposes traditional arranged marriages, and I really dislike what Father is doing. Both my elder sister and I want to go to university; I aspire to become a professor in the future"
Elder brother, come quickly and meet Mr. Feng
Feng Shizhen set down the teacup, stood up, and walked to the edge of the pavilion door
The pavilion stands by the water, surrounded by a profusion of flowers, with the azure water and blue sky blending seamlessly, creating a scene as beautiful as a richly colored oil painting. Several young ladies are dressed in fashionable silk blouses and skirts, sporting trendy short curls. Each one has a distinct posture, yet all are charming and lovely, resembling a fine portrait of beauties framed perfectly.
Rong Fanglin shot a glare at the girl, while Rong Fanghua awkwardly lowered her head to drink tea
Rong Fanglin said: "Mr. Feng mainly teaches the three of us. My coursework is the same as that of my second sister, but the eldest brother is somewhat difficult to manage, which requires extra effort from the teacher"
The sound of the violin's melody swirled, reaching a climactic section, with vigorous notes soaring and scattering into every corner of the garden
Feng Shizhen savored the rose-scented black tea, casting her gaze into the distance
After these words were spoken, the expressions of the several young ladies varied.
Miss Rong sent her twin sister to fly kites and had the servants bring up some refreshments
Feng Shizhen slowly descended the steps of the pavilion and stood before the eldest son of the Rong family, her hand trembling slightly as she reached out to him
It has been merely one day since our last meeting, yet it feels as if we are worlds apart
Rong Fanglin curiously examined Feng Shizhen, "Mr. Feng, do you know my elder brother?"
Thank you for your hard work
The twins resembled two lively little birds, chirping as they flew over. A young man with a flat haircut picked them up and spun around. The little girls let out excited squeals
"Elder brother treats everyone this way," Rong Fanghua scoffed. "Mother said that he has had this temperament since childhood; it is not directed at anyone in particular"
Then, there were no accusations or revelations, no cold sarcasm, and not even a hint of doubt was revealed
When Feng Shizhen came for the interview the day before yesterday, she had already witnessed the grandeur and spaciousness of the Rong residence. The area occupied by the Rong family's garden is sufficient to build another garden villa.
Feng Shizhen is here to teach foreign languages and mathematics; art is not her strong suit