Chapter 23 Girls’ School

Xiao Yuxuan was taken aback:

"Uncle, why do you say that? Isn't this a good thing? Fourth Sister used to take care of my parents and brothers on my behalf, and I should be grateful to her. Moreover, she has fallen from being a biological daughter of the Xiao family to an adopted daughter, which is a real fall from grace. She should be cherished even more."

Lin Kuangzheng frowned:

"Who said that? Your father? Or one of your brothers?"

He knew his sister well; although she could be a bit stubborn at times, she was his own flesh and blood, and no mother wouldn't love her child so much that she wouldn't think that way.

He was almost fifty years old and had served as the Chancellor of the Imperial Academy for nearly a decade. He had countless students. If his brother-in-law Xiao and his nephews dared to compare his own niece to that imposter, he would risk losing his official position to severely impeach the Xiao family for being unkind as fathers and brothers.

Xiao Yuxuan shook her head, her gaze somewhat evasive, and pursed her lips as she said:

"Uncle, please don't ask anymore. Father, Mother, and brothers all treat Yuxuan very well, and that's enough. Yuxuan's life is so much better than before. Yuxuan also has Uncle and Aunt, and she is already very content."

Lin Kuangzheng was incredibly soft-hearted. He only had two sons in his life. His eldest son was sent away to serve as an official with his wife and children, while his youngest son was uneducated and accomplished nothing. He used to dote on Xiao Yuyao, but he always felt that there was something between him and Xiao Yuyao that prevented him from being close to her.

Now, facing Xiao Yuxuan's appearance, a combination of the Xiao and Lin families, and her submissive demeanor, he felt as if countless needles were piercing his heart, making him restless and uneasy.

“Yu Xuan, your uncle understands…” He touched Xiao Yu Xuan’s hair.

"Don't worry, your uncle's official position is not high, he is just a fourth-rank official. Your eldest cousin will return to the capital next year to report on his work. When that time comes, your uncle and he will support you. We are still your family."

"Let's not talk about the Xiao family. If you're unhappy here, just tell your uncle. Even if you lose this official position, your uncle will protect you."

Lin Kuangzheng took out a red silk bag from his sleeve and placed it in Xiao Yuxuan's hand. The heavy feel of it startled her.

“This was originally the money your maternal grandmother left for Yuyao to celebrate her coming-of-age ceremony and dowry. She is currently far away in Longxi and has probably only just learned of your return. I have decided to give it all to you. There is also some money from your uncle’s allowance. Keep it safe. If you need more, just ask your uncle.”

"Uncle, this is unacceptable! How can you give me something meant for Fourth Sister?"

She pushed him away, refusing to accept it, and Lin Kuangzheng's eyes reddened again:

"Xiao Yuyao isn't even considered a girl from the Xiao family, so there's no need to give her this money. Just take it!"

Xiao Yuxuan then showed her gratitude and reluctantly accepted it.

"Uncle, would you like to stay for lunch? I'll make you my best dessert..."

Lin Kuangzheng patted her shoulder:

"No, it's not a day off today. My uncle only came over after taking the morning off. He'll be heading back now."

Upon hearing this, Xiao Yuxuan lowered her eyes.

"Is Uncle leaving soon? Mother is busy with household affairs and has no free time. Father and brothers are either going to the palace or to the academy. Even my fourth sister goes to the girls' school. I'm all alone in the mansion and don't know any friends. I'm a bit bored..."

Upon hearing her say this, Lin Kuangzheng suddenly slapped his forehead, "How could I have forgotten about this?"

“I ran into the Princess a few days ago. She is currently in charge of the girls’ school in the capital. I told her about you and asked her to help me get a place for you to enroll in the girls’ school.”

This was something Xiao Yuxuan hadn't expected.

In her previous life, she had no connection with the princess, so naturally, there was no story about her uncle accidentally meeting the princess and getting a place in school.

She did not attend a girls' school; her poetry, calligraphy, and writing skills were all learned through the tutelage of her husband, Xie Tingzhou, a scholar who had achieved the highest rank in the imperial examinations.

"I have heard that the admission requirements for girls' schools are extremely strict. Even if there are places available, one must pass at least three of the six arts of a gentleman in order to be admitted."

Lin Kuangzheng nodded. Although the girls' school advocated education for all, allowing both nobles and commoners to enroll, girls from ordinary families didn't even know what the Six Arts were. Therefore, most of those who enrolled were daughters of prominent families or merchants, so the threshold was not low.

"Don't worry, Yu Xuan. The Princess heard about your situation and felt very sorry for you, so she agreed that you can enroll in school first and then take the Six Arts assessment a month later."

“I will explain to your father myself that it is a good thing to study and understand principles. What benefit will it bring him to keep you confined at home?”

Only then did Xiao Yuxuan reveal a genuine smile.

Her calligraphy can be said to have been learned casually from copying embroidery patterns when she was an embroiderer, but there is no reasonable excuse for her other skills.

However, while studying is secondary, if one can properly get to know the Princess, there might be a chance to avoid the fate of the Princess and the Crown Prince dying from the plague nine months later.

Lin Kuangzheng explained some important points about the girls' school. The uncle and nephew talked for a while, and then Lin Kuangzheng took his leave with Wang.

"That's just how your aunt is, so don't overthink it. Since you're going to the girls' school, study hard. Forget about the Buddhist scriptures you brought over last time, but don't be so unruly and lazy in the future."

Madam Xiao felt somewhat uneasy when she thought about the birthday gifts she had received.

No matter how bad the daughter is, she is still at home. If she goes out, she will inevitably be pointed at and gossiped about, and that would be a disgrace to the Xiao family.

"What does Mother mean by that?" Yu Xuan didn't understand.

Xiao Yuxuan knew perfectly well what was going on, but she pretended to be completely clueless.

"Mother knows that the Buddhist scripture was copied by that Hongzhu you went to visit some time ago. No wonder you said that day that you didn't have enough maids to serve you and wanted someone who could read. Never mind, I won't say anything to you. It's good that you have the intention."

Xiao Yuxuan blinked: "Mother, I can write."

The noblewoman, her face etched with worry, paused slightly, then said uncertainly:

"Didn't you...never read or write before? Where did you learn to write?"

“When I was drawing flower patterns, I learned to write from the scholar next door. When I had nothing to do, I would write to calm my mind.”

Madam Xiao understood; it was all a misunderstanding. She then astutely asked:

"Brother Scholar? Why haven't I heard you mention this person before?"

"he……"

Xiao Yuxuan paused, and a face covered with hideous scars appeared before her eyes.

If it weren't for the fire that engulfed her adoptive parents, her childhood sweetheart wouldn't have injured his face while saving her, and wouldn't have been unable to participate in subsequent scientific expeditions due to the damage to his appearance.

Later, Xie Tingzhou passed away, but he returned victorious from the battlefield, transformed into a general admired by all, and disregarded the opinions of the world, also demanding to marry her, this widowed woman with an ominous reputation...

So much time has passed that she has almost forgotten how much she still owes him.

"Six months ago, my adoptive parents' house caught fire. He was injured while saving me and has since returned to his hometown to become a teacher."

"If you have the chance, you should thank them in person, after all, it was a life-saving favor."

Xiao Yuxuan lowered her eyes and nodded. If she had the chance, she should thank him properly.