“This year, my father asked the Emperor to let me enter the Imperial Academy early. The professors there are all great scholars of the court. It’s a rare opportunity, so of course I want to go. But once I do, I won’t be able to study so openly with you like I do here in the manor.
“Still, you mustn’t give up learning just because I’m not around. Don’t be lazy. Learn as much as you can. I’m counting on you both to become my right and left hands in the future.”
Linlang was a little more grounded, but Shen Yunshu worried about Linglong, who was young, lively, and might not want to study.
“County Mistress, what would you like us to learn?” Linlang asked softly.
Although their mistress treated them kindly and they were like sisters, Linlang was well aware of her status. Whatever they learned was ultimately to serve the county mistress.
The permission of the marquis and his wife to let them study alongside Shen Yunshu did not mean they were being groomed to become ladies of refinement.
This year, when Shen Yunshu entered the Imperial Academy, the professors were top scholars, and other students would be from noble or official families. Young servants like them could not accompany her.
Since they couldn’t study alongside her and the manor would not hire private tutors for them, the knowledge they could gain would be limited. Hence, it was important to know what their mistress wanted them to learn, so they could focus on it.
Shen Yunshu gave Linlang a approving look. This girl was always clear about her position, yet never belittled herself. She seized the chance to learn, but would not become arrogant. She always thought of how the knowledge would be used in the future.
Linglong, hearing Linlang’s question, also understood.
As the marquis’s wife had said, their mistress treated them kindly and wanted them to learn and listen, and they should remember that their studies were to serve their mistress.
Shen Yunshu smiled faintly at the earnest eyes of the two girls.
“Learning is to know more things. The more a person knows, the clearer their mind, less likely to act foolishly or be deceived. The more experience and knowledge, the broader one’s heart becomes.
“I had you study with me initially so that the servants around me would not be little fools who could be easily tricked and sell me out. But that was only the basics. You don’t need to become refined ladies, so there’s no need to master the Four Books and Five Classics. Just develop one skill, something useful.
“What you choose to study depends on your own talents. Older girls might focus on medicine, poisons, or martial arts; younger ones on things like fragrances or embroidery. Follow your own preferences. After all, you grew up with me, so I can give you this freedom.
“Once you decide what you want to learn, tell me, and I’ll help you figure out a way.”
Shen Yunshu used Linlang’s hand to adjust the last piece of her silk brocade cloak. The early spring wind was still a little chilly.
“County Mistress, Linlang understands,” Linlang replied.
Linglong blinked, looking at Shen Yunshu, then Linlang. “Linglong also understands.”
Shen Yunshu straightened her clothes and stepped out.
“Then let’s go. Don’t keep Mother waiting.”
A princess’s banquet differed from those of ordinary noble families. While other banquets mostly entertained peers, the princess still resided in the palace, so young guests had to be accompanied by their elders.
After all, the event was organized by the Empress, and ordinary families could not be expected to assist. They accompanied the princess while the heads of each household naturally accompanied the Empress.
The Zhenbei Prince’s Manor was not far from the palace, only half an hour’s travel. The guards showed their credentials and the carriages passed smoothly through the gates.
Shen Yunshu lifted the carriage curtain, observing the bustling scene at the palace entrance. It rivaled even the Emperor’s triennial selection events.
This Qionghua Banquet, nominally a flower-viewing event held by a princess, would attract noble daughters from half the city, as well as sons from noble families.
After all, it was the palace. If one caught the Emperor’s attention, it could be a fast track to promotion. Even without meeting the Emperor, the Crown Prince and other princes would be present, assisting Princess Le’an and receiving the young men. Participating was already worthwhile.
Her two older brothers, having become the Crown Prince’s companions, spent most of their time in the Eastern Palace and rarely returned to the manor. They were essentially conscripted into labor for the Crown Prince. Just yesterday, palace messengers had already informed the family, and they were now helping the Crown Prince in the palace.
“Liu Gonggong? Why are you here?”
Even with the privileges of the Zhenbei Prince’s Manor, once inside the palace gates, they had to walk the rest of the way. The Zhenbei Princess and Shen Yunshu were headed to the Empress’s Fengyi Palace. Seeing the Emperor’s steward, Liu Gonggong, they greeted him.
“Oh! Zhenbei Princess, greetings to you and the County Mistress. Today, I’ve been assigned by the Emperor to assist the princess. I feared the young princess might be overwhelmed, and you’re going to Fengyi Palace to see the Empress?”
Liu Gonggong had been giving instructions to a young eunuch nearby, amid a noisy crowd moving flowers and decorations. Hearing this, he was startled, looked up, and seeing the Zhenbei Princess, hurried over to salute and greet her.
“Yes, we’re going to see if the Empress needs assistance, and perhaps have a sip of tea with Her Majesty,” Ji Shiyao replied lightly, unfazed by Liu Gonggong not noticing her earlier.
“Oh? If you were here to help, it would be past the appointed time. I see you came mainly to ask for tea,” Liu Gonggong teased, rising as Ji Shiyao gestured.
Shen Yunshu was not surprised. She had heard many stories of her parents’ past, how her mother had been close with her father and the Emperor during their campaigns.
The Empress had known her mother for years, and their visits to the palace were frequent. Liu Gonggong was an old acquaintance.