Xu Yue naturally had no knowledge of the events unfolding in Teacher Feng’s household after his departure.
Returning home swiftly after days away, Landlord Xu’s gaze upon seeing his grandson brimmed with such doting affection it resembled thick, unmelting honey. He repeatedly instructed servants to fetch casual homewear and served the candied fruits and pastries the boy always favored. Holding the child’s hand, he inquired incessantly about whether Xu Yue had suffered any hardships regarding food, clothing, or accommodation during his absence.
Xu Yue answered each question with articulate clarity.
Those observing nearby harbored varied thoughts.
Leaving others aside, Tian Jie’er remained too young to possess her mother’s shrewdness. Her pretty face fleetingly revealed Resentment as she inwardly sneered:
How precious—already studying under a Jinshi teacher, yet still unable to endure slight discomfort. In her view, the privilege of daily instruction from a Jinshi was incomparable. Had Yuan Ge’er been fortunate enough to study under a Jinshi—or even just a Juren—she and her mother would never carry on so. Only through enduring hardship could one rise above others.
This realization suddenly brightened Tian Jie’er’s perspective. Indeed! Her younger brother hadn’t even begun his initiation of learning, merely recognizing a few characters. If he could also study under a Jinshi, his future would surely be promising! Then she and her mother would have something to rely on.
Her gaze drifted toward the center of attention, Xu Yue, tinged with disdain. What did it matter if he looked like an immortal child? Such laziness would inevitably leave him inferior to Yuan Ge’er. Those currently fawning over him while scorning her mother and siblings would surely live to regret it.
This satisfying fantasy restored Tian Jie’er’s confidence, repeatedly bruised since arriving at the Xu household. But how should she broach the subject of securing a teacher for her brother?
Noticing Tian Jie’er’s pensive, pleased expression, Yuan Niang—also an elder sister—felt her eyes darken. With a light, teasing tone, she suddenly remarked:
“Look, everyone, what delightful matter has our younger sister been pondering? She’s been lost in thought for quite some time.”
Then, explaining to the others:
“You may not know—Tian Jie’er is clever and lively, literate too. She’s been visiting us sisters often lately. Pity we country girls know nothing of poetry or lyrics, rather wasting her efforts.”
Clutching her handkerchief, Yuan Niang rareLy cooed to Landlord Xu:
“She’s so generous too—even my maidservants praise her. Grandfather, my monthly allowance is merely three hundred coins. How could I afford rewards? I must rely on this… younger sister’s generosity. Isn’t that shameful?”
This series of barbed comments made the situation clear to all present.
The Xu family were country folk. Though their annual income reached three to four hundred taels, daily life remained frugal. Apart from the pampered Phoenix Egg Yue Ge’er, who enjoyed refined food, clothing, and amenities, others—including Landlord Xu—lived without extravagance. Meat appeared at every meal, daily wear consisted of cotton and linen, with silk reserved for outdoor occasions.
Yuan Niang’s monthly allowance of three hundred coins sufficed only for peddler’s flowers, candies, cotton thread, or simple toys. Yet Tian Jie’er—this Outer Eighth Route girl—presumed to act important before Yuan Niang, the Xu family’s legitimate eldest granddaughter, precisely by flaunting money.
Under the crowd’s displeased, mocking, even disgusted stares, Tian Jie’er flushed crimson, wishing to protest she hadn’t intended any such implications.
She only spent money lavishly because she lacked a formal status in the Xu family and feared being looked down upon, hoping to win the servants’ favor and bolster her own confidence.
Before she could voice this thought, she realized how impossible it would be to explain. Could she truly claim she felt no pride at all—no desire to outshine Yuan Niang and the other legitimate daughters of the Xu family?
See? Even if I’m not a true member of the Xu family, I’m still more favored by Father and far wealthier than you.
Distracted, she accidentally bit her tongue, letting out a muffled groan of pain as tears welled in her eyes.
Landlord Xu’s expression was cold as he held Yue Ge’er close. He first spoke gently to Yuan Niang:
“The three hundred coins given to you weren’t meant for rewarding servants. Our family has ample food and clothing—this pocket money is just for your amusement. How could a proper young lady of the house care about what the servants think?”
“Even if they had the courage, they wouldn’t dare speak a single ill word about you sisters. If they did, I’d sell every last one of them!”
Yuan Niang nodded with a smile.
Tian Jie’er, the “improper young lady,” lowered her head, feeling increasingly humiliated. She wished she could flee the room immediately.
Master Xu felt deeply embarrassed. Everyone knew where Tian Jie’er’s money came from— either from him or from Li Niang. But since Li Niang was his mistress, the money ultimately came from him.
How awkward it was for this stepchild brought by an outsider to flaunt the Xu family’s wealth in front of the legitimate Xu daughters!
Fortunately, Landlord Xu spared his eldest son public humiliation, merely snorting coldly in his direction without a direct reprimand.
Master Xu breathed a sigh of relief and quickly tried to curry favor by mentioning that he had prepared silver for Yue Ge’er to spend.
“Thank you, Father.”
Xu Yue was momentarily surprised but accepted the offer—after all, free money was not to be refused.
Seeing Landlord Xu’s expression soften, Master Xu relaxed inwardly, feeling he had finally grasped his father’s temperament. Yet he couldn’t help a pang of bitterness: What kind of father values his grandson over his own son?
“As long as you understand what’s important,” Landlord Xu said leisurely, though his words struck home. “I can’t control the foolish mistakes you made while bewitched before. Now that you’re back home with your children, think carefully about which side is worth embracing and which is not.”
Master Xu fell into thoughtful silence.
…
Li Niang was doing needlework, pricking herself every now and then as she frequently glanced outside.
This was the disadvantage of having no formal status—she was absolutely excluded from proper occasions. Even Tian Jie’er had only managed to attend by slipping in unnoticed.
Finally, her children returned. Yuan Ge’er looked aggrieved, while Tian Jie’er broke into sobs the moment she saw her mother.
When Li Niang learned what had happened, she gritted her teeth until they creaked and slammed the table:
“That arrogant Yuan Niang! No matter how much I tried to please her, she never appreciated it. Just wait until someday…”
Her mind swarmed with dozens of malicious ideas, which she suppressed, planning to bide her time. Then her daughter leaned in and whispered in her ear.
“Have your brother study under a Jinshi?”
Li Niang’s eyes lit up. She thought this was an excellent plan. What did a woman rely on in this life?
Before marriage, she depended on her father and brothers; after marriage, first on her husband, and then on her sons.
If Yuan Ge’er succeeded, it would bring Li Niang and Tian Jie’er endless benefits and no harm!
“You think it’s a good idea too, Mother?”
Tian Jie’er said bitterly, “They only have eyes for Yue Ge’er and have always looked down on us. When my brother achieves success in the imperial examinations, even if they kneel and beg for favor, I won’t allow it… Yuan Ge’er, do you promise your sister?”
Yuan Ge’er nodded emphatically. Li Niang looked on with deep satisfaction.
Imagining the glorious status she would enjoy in the Xu family after her son passed the imperial examination, Li Niang felt invigorated:
“This matter must first be persuaded through Xu Lang. As that little bastard’s biological father, once he agrees, everything else will fall into place.”
Tian Jie’er nodded with tears in her eyes. It never occurred to them that having a Jinshi as a tutor was such an extraordinary event for a rural landlord family—something worth burning incense and even renovating ancestral graves for.
It would be a miracle if Feng Yi paid any attention to Master Xu.
Li Niang took out some silver coins and personally prepared several fine dishes in the kitchen, covering the table with food along with a pot of wine.
After returning, she bathed meticulously with hot water, dusted herself with fragrant powder until her skin gleamed pale and smooth, enveloping her body in a cloud of fragrance.
With the tender trap set, she waited for her prey to arrive…
…
Meanwhile.
Xu Lanfen was making the bed when she turned and noticed the young master sitting blankly in a chair. Smiling, she asked:
“You’re home now—why are you sitting here in a daze?”
Xu Yue looked at her and asked:
“Lan Fen, while I’ve been away studying, what do my sisters usually do at home?”
“What else would they do? Mostly making pouches, crafting Chinese knots, gathering to kick shuttlecocks, or playing cat’s cradle games.”
Though puzzled, Lan Fen answered truthfully. Then she heard her young master murmur softly, as if questioning himself:
“No studying at all?”
Xu Yue already knew the answer. The Xu family took a laissez-faire approach toward girls—they weren’t valued, just kept well-fed at home before being married off with a dowry when the time came.
Otherwise, how could his former self have been so casually cast out?