Chapter 3, The First Encounter with the Teacher

Oh, so that's how it is

And I will cultivate my character and nurture my spirit in this tranquil and safe place, awaiting the day when the celestial being will return me to my original form

Song Zijing looked at me in surprise. It was only then that I realized that in ancient times, if women were not secretly watching "The Peony Pavilion," they would have been reciting the "Biographies of Heroic Women." Reading miscellaneous essays and strange tales did not seem to be something I should be doing

I sent Yunxiang away and browsed at my leisure. Soon, I found a book titled "The Chronicles of the Great Qi Dynasty" and sat cross-legged on the wooden floor, looking quite delighted.

I asked Yunxiang: "Where can I find some books to read?"

Xie Lingjuan just wants to see me make a fool of myself, and she bursts into laughter.

"Who are you?" he asked again

Although I do not expect to marry my beloved Zhang Ziyue, I certainly do not wish to marry a stranger either

He has a slender figure and graceful demeanor, and the breeze he brings carries a faint scent of tea

The Xie Family Academy was established as a place for the children of the family and relatives to receive an education. In addition to Miss Guo Fu, Xie Lingjuan, and the Ma brothers, there were also several other children of similar age.

I happily selected a few books, held them in my arms, and nodded in gratitude to him

The Baoping said: "The Third Miss has a demanding path ahead; she must study poetry, prose, songs, and historical texts, as well as master the arts of music, chess, calligraphy, and painting. Culinary skills and domestic duties cannot be neglected either"

He led me upstairs. The upstairs area was somewhat small, brightly lit, and surrounded by relatively low bookshelves. In an inconspicuous corner, there were indeed several rows of legendary novels and scripts for operas.

Song Zijing stared at me in astonishment, as if I were an extraterrestrial visitor. The children present were also dumbfounded, but I believe it was because they could not understand what I was saying

Song Zijing unexpectedly took advantage of the situation and said, "Miss Four, why don't you say a few words as well"

He smiled politely at me and said, "Miss Si need not be so formal"

How can there be such a vast difference among sisters? I have heard that Mrs. Xie Er was also quite charming and captivating during her lifetime

Song Zijing was taken aback

I chuckle

Little Xie Lingjuan was first surprised to see me, then quite unhappy, and finally a bit scared. It seems that her older brother had gone back to educate her, making her aware of my status as an elder, unlike before when she dared to act recklessly around me. The child is teachable

As he was speaking, Song Zijing stepped out and respectfully called out, "Third Miss."

The Zhaiyue Pavilion is somewhat larger than my Yangxin Pavilion, and it is also much more imposing. Before I even entered, I heard a melodious sound of silk and bamboo instruments. It turns out that the Xie family has invited a specialist to teach Xie Zhaoke music and dance.

I never expected that the refined and gentle Song Zijing would possess such a strong and unyielding character

I feel great sympathy for her, gently patting her head, "Good daughter, the current situation is severe and the competition is fierce. I fear you may be left with nothing but empty hopes. It is better to focus your heart and seek someone else. Remember, a great man is not an everyday occurrence."

I sat down with great delight

Song Zijing, in his twenties, has fair skin, two elegant and long eyebrows, and slightly upward-turned single phoenix eyes. His nose is straight, and his lips are warm and gentle, truly embodying the image of a handsome and refined scholar. Moreover, being gazed at so abruptly by me, he remains calm and composed, truly a gentleman of integrity, with a character as subtle as a chrysanthemum.

Firstly, many aspects of life can feel quite inconvenient. For instance, the lack of electricity, the absence of flush toilets, and the unavailability of the internet. Especially the last item, which is simply a matter of life and death for a university student

I laughed and said, "Mr. Song, it seems that your health is not very good; you appear to be somewhat anemic and fatigued. I will teach you a method to nourish your blood and strengthen your stomach, which is suitable for someone like you who has a weak and emaciated stomach. Soak 1 tael of chicken inner gold for three hours, add 2 taels of codonopsis, first boil for half an hour, then add a carp weighing about 1 jin, season to taste, and simmer gently for about half an hour. After that, eat the fish and drink the soup. What I have discussed today should be learned and applied in practice; that is what we call absorption. You should give it a try, sir."

Xie Zhaoke let out a sound, "Has Mr. Song left?"

Xiao Ling spoke fluently: "Zhang Huai uses his own body to melt the ice; perhaps the ice hasn't melted, and he might freeze to death first, which would be a loss that outweighs the gain. If I were him, I would just break the ice, saving both time and effort"

Yunxiang swallowed the tea and lowered her voice, saying: "The Emperor's health has been poor for a long time and he is recuperating in the inner palace. The affairs of the state are all decided by Prime Minister Li and the uncle of the Emperor. These are things I occasionally overheard when I was helping in my father's study during the New Year."

Regardless of personal feelings, before he achieved fame, there was no possibility for any development with Xie Zhaoke. Xie Zhaoke is well-matched in talent and appearance with Song Zijing, and the Xie family does not disdain the poor nor favor the rich. However, Xie Taifu may not be willing to offend the maternal uncle for this reason

I laughed: "Mr. Song is indeed a person of remarkable elegance. I find it strange that he does not pursue an official career but instead chooses to teach children"

Song Zijing had a faint smile on his face and asked, "Xiao Ling, could you explain why?"

Xie Zhaoke is playing the guqin. Today, she is wearing a snow-white long dress and a light green vest, with her dark hair elegantly pinned up, revealing her long and fair neck. The whole person appears delicate and graceful, like a budding green lotus.

I was startled and quickly turned my head back.

Returning to the Yangxin Pavilion, Yunxiang hurriedly approached me and asked, "How... how is it? Miss, what did Mr. Song do today?"

I also have a sense of crisis

Song Zijing continued to be in a daze I smiled and waved at him before turning around and skipping out of the courtyard

Poor Song Zijing, no wonder he doesn't even raise an eyebrow at my harassment; he must be afraid of women, such creatures.

Yun Xiang knew that I had met Song Zijing, and her face immediately turned red

Song Zijing smiled and said, "I see. However, I did not know that Miss is well-versed in medical principles. When did you learn this, Miss?"

I stood up and said, "I am Xie Zhaohua"

I said: "Sir, do I also need to submit it?"

The next day, I paid my respects to Madam Xie and mentioned that I wanted to attend classes at the private school. Madam Xie was initially very surprised that I could read, and then she was extremely pleased.

After telling the story, he asked the children to share their thoughts. The children all understood that it was about educating children to be filial to their parents, but only one little boy voiced a discordant opinion, saying: "This Zhang Huai is really foolish"

What? He looked up at me, not understanding.

Xie Zhaoke's eyes shimmer brilliantly, shifting like flowing water; if I were a man, I would immediately drown in those two glimmers. I can see her on the verge of speaking, shy yet playful, with brows that arch charmingly, cheeks like pink peaches, and lips slightly pursed, presenting a demeanor of budding spring feelings, bashful and coy.

Mr. Song, recently the weather has turned cool, and I have sewn a cloak for you. Remember to wear it while reading at night

I suddenly said: "So, Mr. Song still hasn't gotten married, has he?"

Today, the world is divided into four parts, with the State of Qi located in the east, which is why the unknown great immortal refers to it as Eastern Qi. Eastern Qi borders the Xuan Sea to the east, the Liao to the north, and Qin to the west. Far to the west lies a non-bordering state called Li. This is a strange world in a parallel space

Miss Si, the "Shennong Bencao Jing" that you mentioned...

I suddenly realized and decided not to be a light bulb anymore, so I found an excuse and left first

I raised my hand. Song Zijing asked, "What is it?"

I said: "Then I will come over tomorrow"

Song Zijing did not make things difficult for me, saying: "Although it does not answer the question, it has nonetheless broadened everyone's horizons."

In ancient times, the life of a woman in a secluded chamber was akin to being imprisoned for a modern woman. She would rise at dawn, complete her grooming and dressing, pay her respects to her parents, and after breakfast, return to her own room. There, she would either read a book, play a few tunes, or embroider a pair of mandarin ducks. In short, unless there were irresistible circumstances, she was not permitted to step outside the door.

I hurriedly ran down the stairs, suddenly stopped, and looked up to ask him: "Sir, may I attend your lecture?"

In the first few days, Madam Xie and the others still had a sense of novelty towards me, coming to see me and talking with me. I also took the opportunity to learn about this world. As time went on, Madam Xie returned to the small shrine to continue copying Buddhist scriptures, and my sister-in-law became busy with her own matters.

Song Zijin's lecture exceeded my expectations; it was very lively, with simple and easy-to-understand wording and sentence structures, subtly incorporating allusions and idioms, which the children quickly remembered. I must say, he is a commendable educator

I then smiled and took a step back, saying, "Mr. Song, thank you for your hard work in teaching my nephew. Is class over now?"

After class, I left with the children, and Song Zijing called out to stop me

The greatest threat to Dongqi is Beiliao, much like how the people of the Song Dynasty would suffer headaches at the mere mention of the Liao and Xixia states. The nomadic tribes, once they suffer from snow disasters in winter, will descend southward to plunder in the following spring; their wives and children also need to eat, and everyone has their own unavoidable circumstances. Currently, Dongqi has not produced a Han Wudi, and I estimate that the court is in a state of chaos, with heated debates over war and peace.

Her expression was complex and contemplative, much like when Crayon Shin-chan learned that pursuing a female voice required eating green peppers

You understand now, children, this is called collective punishment, one of the dark cultural representations of feudal society. Mr. Song is also doing this for your own good, so you can be aware of the inhumane aspects of this society at an early age

Ah, I have heard this name before. The family invited the teacher of "Guo Fu" and two of the Ma cousins. Yun Xiang once mentioned it to me with a glimmer in her eyes.

The Xie family is indeed a scholarly family, with a rich collection of books, meticulously categorized and arranged. The bookshelves are free of dust, and there are incense sticks burning to ward off pests.

What happened

It just occurred to me that Xie Zhaohua has been mad for over ten years, so it is certainly impossible for her to recognize characters. I can only fabricate a story, drawing on the power of ghosts and deities, saying: "Perhaps it is the mercy of heaven that has allowed me to regain my sanity, compensating for my shortcomings."

Song Zijing inclined his body and said, "Yes. Come over and find a few books to read."

Yun Xiang blushed and said: "He... although he did not accept that marriage proposal, now that there has been such a commotion, who would dare to take him as a son-in-law? Everyone is afraid of the imperial uncle."

The lecture begins, focusing on the story of Zhang Huai lying on the ice. I am not familiar with Zhang Huai, but I have heard since childhood about Wang Xiang lying on the ice to catch fish for his mother's illness, which is quite similar to the story told by Song Zijing.

Not having walked too far, I saw a halo of golden light enveloping a fairy approaching. That was my sister Xie Zhao Ke, who surpasses both the beautiful Diao Chan and the enchanting Xi Shi.

Today, we first assessed yesterday's homework. Little friend Xie Lingjuan has some issues with her character, but her homework is quite good. It seems that her elder brother has very strict family education. There are a few children who were lazy and did not complete their work, and they are unable to submit it at this time

He walked in, cupped his hands in salute towards me, and said, "I am Song Zijing, and I apologize for disturbing the Fourth Miss. I hope for your forgiveness."

What causes more suffering than killing a person is enduring a life of torment, such as being imprisoned

As I pondered back and forth like this, the New Year is approaching

Xie Zhaoke's maid, Baoping, approached me quietly and said, "Fourth Miss, Third Miss still needs to practice for a while longer before she can rest."

I was very curious and leaned over to take a look at him

Yunxiang looked at me as if I were a monster

That immortal only said to wait until the right moment to send me back, which is simply nonsense. When will that be? Ten days, ten months, or ten years? If I am to be sent back to my physical body only when I become an old man, how will the time difference between the two sides be adjusted? If I really have to wait that long, am I supposed to just let the Xie family arrange a marriage for me here, regardless of whether it is with someone I know or not, and just go along with it?

I am extremely bored, and there is no entertainment in the small attic, so I went to find Third Sister Zhao Ke under Yun Xiang's guidance

Alternatively, legendary tales and accounts of deities and spirits would also suffice

That is quite coincidental, as I am also here to look for books; however, I am not familiar with the place. Do you, sir, know where those note-taking novels are located

Xie Zhao Ke undoubtedly likes Song Zi Jing. But does Song Zi Jing like Xie Zhao Ke?

Xie Zhaoke resides in the Zhaiyue Pavilion, her demeanor is quite striking. She is as radiant as the moon in the sky, yet it is uncertain who will pluck her away in the future

Miss, when will you be able to read?

Xie Zhaoke was surprised to see me; her astonishment, with her apricot-shaped eyes slightly widened and willow-like brows gently furrowed, was also extremely beautiful

Yunxiang is truly gullible, believing it immediately, and took me to the library of the Xie residence

Thanks to her smile, I regained my composure and returned her smile with a gentle expression: "I have no particular thoughts, but I do have some extended knowledge. The carp is one of the most common freshwater fish, referred to as 'the leader of all fish' in the 'Shennong Bencao Jing'. From a medicinal perspective, carp is neutral in nature and sweet in flavor, associated with the spleen and stomach meridians, and has functions such as strengthening the spleen and nourishing the stomach, promoting diuresis and reducing swelling, facilitating lactation and stabilizing pregnancy, as well as relieving cough and asthma. Notably, the fish head is rich in lecithin, which is beneficial for maintaining brain nutrition and enhancing memory. Therefore, it is not without reason that intelligent people enjoy eating fish or nibbling on fish heads.

Song Zijing is dressed in a pure white long gown today, with wide sleeves and a broad collar, simple and elegant, untainted by dust. I greeted him according to custom, and he nodded slightly, composed and gracious. I then took a seat at the end, behind a group of young children.

Xie Lingjuan murmured softly: "Does one have to eat fish to be smart?"

I nodded: "This is a method"

History is driven forward by these discordant voices. I looked over excitedly at the young boy, around eleven or twelve years old, dressed in a bright red outfit adorned with floral patterns. His face was like a jade crown, his features exquisite, his eyes like cold stars, and his lips like red vermilion, resembling a porcelain doll

I nodded

I am completely unprepared, and this simple story cannot convey any profound meaning. In that moment, it felt as if I had returned to the university classroom, being called upon by the teacher to recite the names of the various acupuncture points on the human head, while my mind was in a flurry, forgetting even how to say the names of the limbs.

I heard Yunxiang say that the emperor's health is poor and the crown prince has died. My father is the Grand Tutor, the tutor of the crown prince, and now that the crown prince is dead, he does not know what to do. In fact, the entire Xie family appears to be a very ordinary and normal upper-class family. The struggles within the palace seem to have little relevance.

Below, the scene was filled with sorrow, and those few children who had not submitted their homework immediately became the target of everyone's criticism

I explained to her: "Bored sitting in the yard, my mother asked me to come and learn something from Mr. Song."

I saw that she was deeply focused and did not want to disturb her, so I had no choice but to take Yunxiang back.

The children let out a sigh of relief. Then Mr. Song added, "All students are to copy yesterday's homework fifty times and submit it tomorrow"

Had I known he wanted a written explanation, I would have already prepared a response, casually saying: "I only remember that it was mentioned in a medical book, but I can't recall which one, just speaking off the cuff."

Song Zijing is, in popular terms, a queen's submissive. Although he appears fragile and delicate, his methods of dealing with others are both harsh and fierce. He casually remarked, "Let's make it up tomorrow"

I asked Song Zijing with a smile: "Do you think the gentleman would be satisfied with this answer?"

Both Mr. Song Zijing and I nodded in agreement. Mr. Song then asked, "Are there any other opinions?"

Mr. Song's back has straightened, yet his head remains lowered, as if there is something on my face that should not be there

She finished speaking in one breath, and I hurriedly handed her a cup of tea. "Doesn't the emperor know that the prince is persecuting scholars and officials?"

I shook my head and walked away

I was wrong. I always thought that only modern working women had the hardest lives, having to earn money, give birth, and even change light bulbs by themselves. I did not realize that the talented women of ancient times also had it tough, needing to master all kinds of skills, all for the purpose of pleasing a man whose appearance they did not even know.

Yunxiang, do you understand or not? "Miss, are you being foolish again? Are you saying that Mr. Song is a bad person?"

With this in mind, I began to pay attention to my surroundings, looking for an opportunity to leave the Xie residence. If all else fails, I could become a nun; after all, I have already lived eight lifetimes, and I am quite familiar with the Buddha, so everyone can take care of me.

Yunxiang is a promising candidate for intelligence work. She told me: "Mr. Song was originally one of the four great talents of Dongqi. Many families sought him as a son-in-law, trampling over thresholds in their eagerness. This reputation reached the capital, even catching the attention of the Zhao family’s young lady. It is said that the Zhao young lady is both fat and ugly, lazy and foolish, yet she is determined to marry Mr. Song. The Duke of the State had no choice but to come to propose. However, Mr. Song is not someone who would look down on the Zhao young lady; he outright rejected her on the spot. This incident somehow spread, and everyone came to know of the Zhao young lady's embarrassment. The Duke of the State harbored resentment in his heart, and later, when Mr. Song went to the capital to take the imperial examination, he bribed the examiners to ensure that Mr. Song would not pass. Mr. Song initially refused to accept this, taking the exam for four consecutive years, but he failed each time. In the fifth year, he simply did not enter the examination hall and instead composed essays on the wall outside. Our master had long admired his talent and learning, and upon hearing this, rushed over to rescue him from the soldiers' clubs, arranging for him to teach in the residence." Mr. Song initially refused to accept this, taking the exam for four consecutive years, but he failed each time. In the fifth year, he simply did not enter the examination hall and instead composed essays on the wall outside. Our master had long admired his talent and learning, and upon hearing this, rushed over to rescue him from the soldiers' clubs, arranging for him to teach in the residence.

I also do not know how I offended Xie Lingjuan, she suddenly pointed at me and said: "There is a little aunt."

Song Zijing was taken aback for a moment and said, "Of course, it can be done"

Are you the fourth young lady of the Xie family

However, Song Zijing merely glanced at me, then lowered his head again, extending his hand, "Miss Si, over here."

His smile is truly like the moon emerging from the clouds, like jade reflecting light, causing my heart to flutter uncontrollably, and I couldn't help but smile and say: "I learned it in a dream"

"Who?" someone asked from behind.

The Four Nations are interconnected by a river known as the Red River, which, upon reaching the territory of Dongqi, becomes the Biluo River. The banks of the Red River are picturesque, with countless excellent venues for tourism, honeymoons, wellness retreats, and conferences. Dongqi values culture, having produced numerous outstanding young literary figures over the millennia, along with a continuous stream of significant technological inventions. This is likely due to its proximity to the sea, leading the populace to consume a lot of fish, which in turn enhances their cognitive abilities

A man stands in the backlight, his wide light blue scholar's robe hanging loosely, with sunlight outlining a slender silhouette

Modern individuals returning to ancient times do not find a poetic life awaiting them

No, I am still tidying up things in the classroom

Song Zijing's face stiffened, and he said awkwardly, "Miss Si has just arrived, so there is no need for that."

I ask: "Does she practice every day?"