Chapter 5

The Chu family exerted considerable effort to invite Madam Zhou as their guest, and now Madam Zhou resides in Koyuan, with her only daughter, Zhou Rong, accompanying her at her side

"It is my oversight; today you have not brought your instrument. How about I teach you to draw first?" Zhou Rong said

Although the old lady is aged, her eyes are still sharp. With just a glance, she can discern the nuances of Qian Mian's disrespectful attitude towards Ji Ling, and naturally, she must admonish Qian Mian. Since Ji Ling entered the residence, she has been treated as a young lady to be raised, not merely as a servant girl to serve.

Qianmian's hands were very skillful, and in just a moment, she styled two adorable little flower buds for Ji Ling, and took the silk flowers that she had crafted from fine silk last night to adorn Ji Ling.

The academic pursuits of Ji Ling were naturally initiated by Zhou Rong. She first carefully explained the basic rules of Go to Ji Ling, and then taught her some etiquette and the proper way to hold the pieces, which marked the conclusion of this phase.

Madam Zhou usually reads and practices calligraphy in the morning, while in the afternoon, she teaches the young ladies to play the piano, or to paint, and also to play chess

Zhou Rong regained her focus and began teaching Ji Ling to recognize characters from the "Three Character Classic." However, she did not expect that after just one round of teaching, the little girl would already have learned it.

Now residing in the Chu residence, still putting on airs everywhere, it is also due to Madam Su's good temper and her lingering affection for the past that she is able to tolerate her mother

Only after Elderly Lady Ji Ling raised her chopsticks did they cautiously begin to use them

"Master." Ji Ling called out obediently.

Ji Ling shook her head; her family did not have such conditions. Yet, she felt somewhat inexplicable, as those characters seemed familiar to her at first glance.

Ji Ling nodded again, suddenly recalling Yao Mama's words, and quickly added, "Yes, madam."

Zhou Rong waved to Ji Ling, leading her into his private chamber, "From today onwards, you will practice calligraphy here with me."

The old lady said that today someone would be sent to make jewelry for the young lady, and in a few days, the young lady would have jewelry to wear. The clothing has also been sent for production.

Sister Rong? The old lady said in confusion, and after a moment, she finally reacted, But isn't she the daughter of Master Zhou, A Rong?

After finishing the meal quietly, the elderly lady said to Ji Ling: "Study well with Master Zhou. When you return in the afternoon, I will find someone to correct your accent and teach you some etiquette."

Breakfast was only served on the table after the old lady came out of the Buddhist hall

Zhou Rong first explained to Ji Ling the essentials of holding a pen, and then took a copy of the calligraphy practice book that Madam Zhou had previously used to teach Shu Zhen, and began to teach Ji Ling how to write.

Ji Ling quickly shook her head vigorously, for she remembered that perhaps all of this was related to her dream. Otherwise, why would she be able to recall the lines of poetry when the old lady named her "Ling"? After all, she was someone who did not even recognize the characters.

Madam Zhou smiled gently and said, "Shan Niang, you know that if it were not for your warm invitation, I would not have come to the Chu residence to serve as a teacher; I would have returned to my hometown to enjoy my old age long ago"

Zhou Rong couldn't help but laugh at Ji Ling's anxious expression, "Alright, since you recognize all these characters, I will start teaching you how to write them."

The Ji Ling Conjecture must have been something the old lady said to Qian Mian after she went to sleep last night, which made her attitude improve significantly, no longer displaying that lofty demeanor.

Madam Su then nodded and said, "Then I will trouble A-Rong."

At this point, Zhou Rong glanced out the window at her mother, who was enjoying tea with Madam Su, and couldn't help but let out a soft sigh. Her mother had many admirable qualities, but her pride and stubbornness were excessive; to put it bluntly, she lacked the ability to navigate social relationships. Otherwise, why would she have to venture out to seek a position as a teacher? The claim of wanting to return home to enjoy her old age was merely a pretext.

Then Zhou Rong also noticed that Ji Ling's posture while holding the pen was very proper; after teaching her once, there was no need for further correction. Although her writing still lacked strength due to her small grip, compared to the crooked and worm-like handwriting of other beginners, Ji Ling was already doing very well

Although Zhou Rong appeared completely unperturbed on the surface, Ji Ling still keenly sensed a slight tremor from her. Could it be due to the engagement of the eldest son?

"How did she teach you, Master Zhou?" the old lady asked. "What did your aunt say after she took you there?"

The elderly lady is quite satisfied with this point; at her advanced age, she does not wish to be involved in every detail.

Qian Mian led Ji Ling to sit in front of the dressing table and turned the mirror around to comb her hair

After school, Ji Ling returned to Jialetang, and the old lady asked her about her experiences at the academy, "It must be a bit tiring studying under Master Zhou, right? I remember when your third sister first came back from school, she ran to me and cried sadly for a while."

The elderly lady silently observed Ji Ling for a while, noticing that she did not possess the mischievousness typical of a country child. She ate her meal properly without speaking, and her posture and demeanor were quite acceptable. With a slight adjustment, one could hardly tell that she came from the countryside.

Ji Ling knows herself very well; she cannot be considered talented in any way. It is a blessing that she is not regarded as foolish. "Sister Rong, perhaps it is because there was a scholar in our village who often read aloud in the mornings, so I have become accustomed to it. I have no talent at all."

Ji Ling couldn't help but scrutinize Zhou Rong. Zhou Rong is fourteen this year, exceptionally beautiful, not at all inferior to the second and third young ladies of the Chu family. What is most striking is her demeanor, which is faint and elegant, like the plum blossoms that bloom proudly in the winter snow. Especially her neck, which is particularly well-shaped, both white and long, resembling a swan's neck, making her entire presence appear exceedingly graceful

Madam Su hesitated for a moment. Although Zhou Rong was quite talented, she paled in comparison to her mother. It was uncertain whether she could hold her own in front of the old lady. Fortunately, the last statement made by Zhou Rong was quite reasonable

The subsequent events were almost identical to what Ji Ling had dreamed; Madam Zhou subtly expressed her unwillingness to take on any more disciples, and no amount of persuasion from Madam Su was effective

After Ji Ling followed Madam Su, the old lady couldn't help but shake her head. This child is quite good in many aspects, but she is just too quiet

Zhou Rong's words were actually meant to encourage Ji Ling, not wanting her to feel inferior. Although Madam Zhou had not agreed to teach Ji Ling, Zhou Rong knew that as long as Ji Ling could keep up, her mother would not mind teaching one more. In that case, it would neither offend Madam Su nor upset the old lady

Ji Ling knew that the old lady must have misunderstood, and naturally could not allow the misunderstanding to continue. However, Ji Ling felt somewhat puzzled as to why Madam Su did not say anything to the old lady. "Sister Rong is quite nice, both gentle and patient. In the areas where I write poorly, she will hold my hand and teach me."

During the lifetime of Fang Hengshan, he was renowned throughout the world. His three daughters, influenced by their upbringing, all became talented women of their generation, among whom Madam Zhou, who lived in widowhood, was particularly notable. It is said that when Fang Hengshan held office, Madam Zhou would draft his memorials, showcasing her profound writing skills. A single document could elevate a person, while another could lead to their downfall. As a result, Madam Zhou's reputation was quite illustrious, and it is rumored that many sought her assistance in writing.

At this point, Madam Su also realized that further discussion would be futile, but how could she explain the situation to her mother-in-law? She was in a dilemma when Zhou Rong, who had been standing behind Madam Zhou, stepped forward and said, "If Madam does not mind, perhaps I could take it upon myself to teach Miss Ling the basics. Miss Ling has never learned to read before, and in a short time, she will not be able to keep up with the progress of the other young ladies. It would be better to teach her separately."

Ji Ling thought of Chu Shi and then glanced at Zhou Rong, and the phrase "made in heaven" immediately sprang to her mind. Although she was still young, she understood that the most important thing for a girl in her lifetime was to get married, something her aunt had often emphasized.

However, when it came time to play the piano, Zhou Rong found herself in a bit of a predicament. The other four young ladies of the Chu residence each had their own instruments, and Zhou Rong also possessed her own piano, which was her cherished possession. It was something that even Madam Zhou was not allowed to touch on ordinary days, as it had been crafted by her father with his own hands

When Ji Ling finished washing up and hurried into the old lady's room, she was already dressed and was being supported by Nan Hui as she entered the Buddhist hall. This was the old lady's habit; the first thing she did upon waking up early was to go before the Buddha to offer incense and recite Buddhist scriptures

Ji Ling looked at the stereoscope and couldn't help but marvel once again; this mirror reflects people so clearly. Her aunt has a treasured bronze mirror, but it can only show a rough likeness, unlike this small mirror from the West that can even reflect the fine hairs on one's face

At this moment, Ji Ling's heart and mind were completely captivated by the sound of the piano coming from outside the house. For some reason, upon hearing it, she felt a deep yearning, wishing she could play it herself.

The academy of the Chu family young lady is located in the garden within the garden—specifically in the courtyard. The esteemed scholar, Miss Fang Hengshan, the eldest daughter of the renowned scholar, has been specially invited to serve as the teacher, along with the widowed Madam Zhou.

Ji Ling could only nod in agreement. She held the mint water in her mouth, feeling a refreshing sensation surge to her head, making her feel completely awake, and the taste was quite pleasant. She secretly swallowed half a mouthful and then spat it out into the small copper bowl that Qian Mian handed over. She felt a bit regretful in her heart, as the mint water was really quite delicious.

Ji Ling looked at the table full of dishes and pastries, but there were only her and the old lady sitting at the table. She couldn't help but think of her aunt again. The many dishes on the table would be enough for her aunt's family to eat for ten days or half a month. This shows that people are indeed different from one another

Zhou Rong said: "Have you really never learned to read before?"

Zhou Rong shook her head and said, "Just call me Sister Rong. When your progress catches up to that of your other sisters, you will go over there to study with my mother just like them."

Zhou Rong smiled and said, "It seems that you are quite talented in your studies."

Zhou Rongxin was certain that Ji Ling must have been literate and able to write before, but she did not expose Ji Ling. It is quite normal for a young girl to want to attract attention. Pretending to be illiterate was merely a way to elicit admiration from others.

Ji Ling was astonished to see Madam Zhou and Zhou Rong. She had never seen these two individuals before, yet she dreamt of them last night, and the people in her dream looked exactly like the ones before her.

"Exactly," Ji Ling said

Outside the window, Mrs. Su awkwardly smiled and said, "Mother, please stop teasing me. Right now, all I hope for is that Ah Shi can get married soon and bring the eldest daughter of the Ge family into our home. Then I will no longer concern myself with these matters and can start enjoying a life of ease"

Madam Su glanced over at Madam Zhou, who smiled at Zhou Rong and then nodded to Madam Su, saying, "Let A Rong teach; she will not be any worse than I am."