A faint, cold smile curled at Wang Yutong’s lips as she spoke unhurriedly,“If you say that I, your concubine-born younger sister, lack proper upbringing, then what does it make you—a legitimate daughter of the侯府—publicly berating your younger sister like this?
Or is this the kind of ‘proper conduct’ taught by our legitimate mother? If so, I’m afraid outsiders might start questioning the character of the mistress of the Weiyuan Marquis Manor.”
Her words, sharp and laced with sarcasm, snapped Wang Yuxin and Wang Yulu back to their senses.
Although this was the Wang family’s girls’ school, it also accepted daughters from distant relatives and in-law families. If word spread that the young ladies of the Weiyuan Marquis Manor were quarreling and insulting each other in public, the entire household would quickly become the subject of gossip throughout the capital.
For aristocratic families, honor was shared—one’s glory was everyone’s glory, and one’s disgrace was everyone’s disgrace. This was something the侯府 could never allow.
Realizing this, Wang Yuxin’s expression stiffened, and a trace of embarrassment and anger flashed in her eyes.“Wang Yutong, how dare you talk back? I am the legitimate daughter of the侯府. It is only natural for an elder sister to discipline her younger sister. If others see it, they will only praise me for having the bearing of a proper eldest daughter, personally teaching you how to respect your elders.”
Wang Yutong crossed her arms, her gaze calm yet commanding.“Wang Yuxin, get this straight—this is a school, not the侯府. Put away that arrogant attitude of yours. It’s disgusting to look at.”
Seeing the situation escalate, Wang Yulu hurriedly tugged at Wang Yuxin’s sleeve and whispered,“Elder sister, let it go. We’re going to be late.”
But Wang Yuxin shook her off, looking as if she was about to rush forward and strike.
“What? Planning to hit someone at school?” Wang Yutong asked coldly.
Her words stopped Wang Yuxin in her tracks. Seeing her eldest sister unable to act yet seething with frustration, Wang Yutong looked at her with open mockery.
Provoked beyond endurance, Wang Yuxin finally snapped, shouting,“What are you so proud of, Wang Yutong? You’re nothing but a cast-off daughter thrown out of the侯府 by Father himself! If not for his pity, you wouldn’t even be allowed to attend this school!”
At this, Wang Yutong gave her a once-over, inwardly amused at how foolish her sister had suddenly become.
Although everyone knew the truth behind her moving out, the侯府 had at least maintained a façade, claiming it was for her health and convenience in attending school. That thin veil of dignity should never have been torn apart by someone from within the family.
Yet here was Wang Yuxin, exposing it in public.
To Wang Yutong, who already intended to distance herself from the侯府, this was like being handed a pillow just as she was getting sleepy.
“Yes, I’ve been cast out of the侯府. So who are you to be yapping here? Besides, as long as I bear the surname Wang, I have every right to study at the Wang clan school. If you’re so capable, go ask your father to expel me from the clan—idiot!”
Leaning forward, she whispered the last words provocatively into Wang Yuxin’s ear.
That was the final straw.
“Ahhh! You bitch, I’ll kill you!” Wang Yuxin screamed, raising her hand and slapping Wang Yutong hard across the face.
Wang Yutong didn’t dodge. She took the slap head-on, intent on cementing Wang Yuxin’s reputation as arrogant and domineering.
Looking at her slightly reddened hand, Wang Yuxin suddenly realized she had been provoked into acting.
“You set me up,” she said through clenched teeth—not a question, but a statement.
“Yes, I set you up. Do you have any proof?” Wang Yutong replied calmly.“Wasn’t it you who provoked me? You who insulted me? You who struck me?”
Her three questions left Wang Yuxin speechless.
That’s right.
She had been the one to start it all. She had only intended to mock a little—so how had it escalated to violence?
Seeing people in the distance pointing and whispering, Wang Yuxin gradually regained her composure.
As if recalling something, the anger on her face faded, replaced by a malicious smile. She muttered softly,“Hmph, enjoy your pride for a few more days, you little wretch. Once these good days are over, you’ll be completely driven out of the Wang family. When that happens, you won’t even have the chance to step through that door again.”
With that, she turned and walked toward the classroom, no longer paying Wang Yutong any attention.
She thought her voice had been too low for anyone to hear.
But to Wang Yutong—now a second-rank martial artist—every word was crystal clear.
Her brows furrowed slightly, her heart turning cold. What did Wang Yuxin mean by that?
She was already living outside the侯府. What else could they possibly do to her?
Suddenly, a figure flashed through her mind—Concubine Tian, her birth mother, still inside the侯府.
Could Madam Cui be planning to make a move against her?
It seemed she would need to send someone to investigate—and to protect Concubine Tian.
Suppressing her thoughts, Wang Yutong hurried into the classroom. After all the commotion outside, she was worried about being late.
Being punished on the very first day of school would not be ideal.
She entered, found a seat toward the back, and had just settled her small book bag when the teacher arrived.
“Hello, everyone. I am your introductory teacher, also a member of the Wang clan. You may address me as Teacher Wang,” he said with a gentle smile.
He was a scholar from a collateral branch of the family. Having failed the imperial examinations several times, he had taken up teaching at the clan school to make a living while continuing his studies, hoping to try again in three years.
“Today, we will begin with the Hundred Family Surnames.”
As soon as he spoke, he began reciting in a rhythmic, melodious tone,“Zhao, Qian, Sun, Li; Zhou, Wu, Zheng, Wang…”
The young girls below followed along, their childish voices blending together like a soft chorus.
Wang Yutong joined in as well, reciting seriously with the others.
In truth, she had long mastered these basics. But she knew she needed to attend school—to provide a reasonable explanation for her knowledge.
After all, in this era, someone who knew everything without learning would be seen as an anomaly… or even something sinister.
And being labeled a monster was definitely not a good outcome.
Thus, she needed the cover of formal education.
She could show some talent—like a strong memory or quick comprehension—but she must never appear completely self-taught.
That would be far too dangerous.
And so, the day passed quietly under Teacher Wang’s steady instruction.