Chapter 52 You really have to be careful!

The girls' school implemented a monthly rest system. After the school opened, all girls' students had to move into the dormitories in the academy.

Students would study at the academy for ten days, then take a five-day holiday, and so on.

Since all the students were daughters of officials, each was granted the privilege of bringing a personal maid to serve them. The size of their assigned dormitory varied depending on the official rank of their fathers and brothers in the court.

Xie Changying once said that she lived in a small courtyard with two side rooms.

Si Niannian's status was far different from hers. She went to the dormitory manager to report her name and was assigned a small pair of cards.

The old woman who led the way explained, "There are many people in the outer courtyard, but the space is not big, so unless there are special circumstances, two people usually share a room."

Si Niannian fiddled with the pair of cards in her hand and asked curiously, "Who do I live with?"

"Nie Yuanyuan, the second daughter of Inspector Nie."

As they arrived at their destination, the old woman pointed to the innermost room in the west wing: "This is it."

Si Niannian and Nie Yuanyuan shared a room, sleeping on opposite sides of each other.

Their respective maids lived in the opposite corridor, where the maids shared a dormitory room with eight people in one room.

Qiu Shuang had her own room in Jiuyou Hall, and the mere mention of the shared sleeping area made her reluctant.

No wonder Jingyun, whom Madam Song gave her, was unwilling to come along.

Compared to the Song family's place, the food and lodging here are far too poor.

Si Niannian accepted it well, and after looking around, she said in a good-natured manner, "I'm fine."

It's just that the living conditions are a bit worse, but I can tolerate it.

Seeing that she wasn't picky, the old woman's smile became more genuine: "The school is simple and naturally can't compare to the comfort of your homes, young ladies. As long as you're satisfied, that's fine."

In addition to their dormitories, students from the Foreign Languages ​​Department also had to attend classes at the academy every day.

Except for people of noble status like Xie Changying, the rest of the people did not have a small kitchen in their residences and had to eat all three meals in the canteen.

“Without rules, nothing can be accomplished, so the dining hall’s opening time is fixed every day,” the old woman said, pointing to the towering pavilion in the distance. “That’s the dining hall, and it rings three times before meals every day as a signal.”

"If you have time, it would be best if you went to eat it yourself, or you could have your maid bring it to you and eat it in your own room."

The girls' school provides food and lodging, but there is no restriction on private meals.

Those of noble status live in a quiet little courtyard with their own small kitchen, and can arrange for a chef to cook whatever they want to eat.

Those of less prestigious status can solve the problem by spending money or having family members deliver the goods.

Si Niannian absentmindedly hummed in agreement, then asked curiously, "Do the inner and outer courtyards eat together?"

"Of course not."

The old woman chuckled and said, "Those who can get into the inner courtyard are all the pride of heaven, and their food and lodging are much better than those in the outer courtyard."

"Don't be discouraged, young lady. Maybe you'll get in next year?"

Si Niannian gave a simple, honest smile and said jokingly, "Then thank you for your kind words."

After saying that, she winked at Qiu Shuang, who quickly put the silver bracelet she had hidden in her sleeve into the old woman's hand: "Thank you for your care, Mother."

The old woman, having received a real benefit, smiled broadly, her eyes practically disappearing from her teeth. She then helped Qiu Shuang tidy up the bed before leaving.

The other person living in this house hasn't arrived yet; it's still early.

Si Niannian simply sent Qiushuang away and lay down on the bed, lost in thought.

The girls' school was staffed entirely by women, but there were exceptions among the teachers.

Song Wu is the most academically gifted member of the Song family. He achieved the title of a successful candidate in the imperial examinations at the age of sixteen and is now one of the teachers at the girls' school.

According to Lai's mother, Song Wu's main reason for teaching at the girls' school was Song Qinghan.

He worried that Song Qinghan would not adapt well to the girls' school, so he simply arranged to become a teacher there. He was always very protective of his sister, and everyone in the inner courtyard praised him for this.

Si Niannian, however, felt that this was not entirely true.

If Song Wu really cared so much about Song Qinghan, why would he still make Zheng Yunliang kneel at home as punishment?

Lord Song suddenly sent her here. Could it be that he wants to use Song Wu to control her?

But……

Bang!

The tightly closed door suddenly thudded open. Si Niannian looked up at the sound and was somewhat surprised to see who had kicked the door open: "It's you?"

How could it be her?

Bai Feiyan glared hatefully at Si Niannian and sneered, "So you really came!"

Si Niannian: "..."

Si Niannian sat up in bed: "It seems like you're not the one living here."

"I remember it was..."

"Nie Yuanyuan!" Bai Feiyan turned around and shouted, her face fierce, "Get your things out of here right now!"

The person who was called panicked, staggering into the house and almost tripping over the threshold: "I...I..."

"Stop stammering!"

Bai Feiyan said impatiently, "I've already made all the arrangements, so hurry up and take your junk and get out!"

Nie Yuanyuan was timid, and her maid was also timid. The master and servant did not even dare to argue, and hurriedly packed up their things.

Si Niannian's eyes remained calm, while Bai Feiyan crossed her arms and sneered, "It wasn't me living here before, but from now on, it is."

"You embarrassed me before because of Xie Changying's power. You don't actually think that our feud is over, do you?"

Si Niannian hid so well that she couldn't catch her even if she wanted to.

Now that Si Niannian has come to her doorstep, how could she possibly let Si Niannian go?

She wanted to make Si Niannian wish she were dead!

Nie Yuanyuan was timid to begin with, and the tense atmosphere made her hiccup loudly. She didn't even bother to pack up the rest of her things, and huddled in the corner like a quail.

Only the two of them remained in the room. Si Niannian, stung by Bai Feiyan's malice, breathed softly and leaned against the headboard with a slight smile: "So what?"

"What does Miss Bai intend to do to me?"

"I……"

"Feiyan," Song Qinghan appeared at the door at just the right moment and called softly, "My third brother is taking me out to eat. Why don't you come with me?"

Bai Feiyan turned her head and answered, but Song Qinghan had already walked in.

She seemed surprised to see Si Niannian there and asked in astonishment, "Sister?"

How did you get here?

Si Niannian twirled the pair of cards in her hand, and Song Qinghan smiled upon seeing this: "So, sister and Feiyan live in the same room?"

“That’s wonderful,” Song Qinghan said gently. “I was worried that you wouldn’t be able to adapt since you’re new here.”

"With Feiyan looking after you, I feel much more at ease."

Seeing the sparsely furnished room, Song Qinghan's smile became more genuine: "If you need anything, sister, just have Qiushuang tell me, and I'll arrange it for you."

"After all, I'm in the inner courtyard, which is better than here in every way, and it's more convenient to make arrangements."

The inner and outer courtyards of the girls' school were worlds apart.

Si Niannian noticed the superiority in her eyes and smiled faintly: "By the way, where did this Miss Bai live before?"

It's such a coincidence that Bai Feiyan wanted to change rooms as soon as she arrived.

Song Qinghan looked confused and asked, "What do you mean, sister?"

"Han'er, why are you wasting your breath talking to her?" Bai Feiyan said irritably. "Don't worry, I'll definitely take good care of her!"

Entering a girls' school is quite different from being outside.

Once Si Niannian falls into her hands, she can forget about having a good life!

Bai Feiyan thought of Song Wu waiting outside, and a hint of coquettishness appeared on her domineering face. She pulled Song Qinghan and said, "Let's go, let's not keep your third brother waiting."

Song Qinghan turned to look at Si Niannian: "Third Brother is still waiting for me outside, so I won't disturb Sister's rest."

"Feiyan, let's go."

Bai Feiyan happily pulled Song Qinghan away.

Nie Yuanyuan huddled in the corner for a long time, cautiously observing for a while. Clutching the small bundle in her arms, she pouted and burst into tears: "You...you must be careful!"

"We absolutely...we have to be extra careful..."