Two months later.
Chunsheng County, Yunxuan Academy.
In the afternoon, sunlight filtered through the sparse clouds, casting dappled patterns on the ancient cobblestone paths of Yunxuan Academy.
Bai Wei wore an elegant moon-white robe with delicate orchid patterns embroidered on the lapel, as if one could smell a faint fragrance, perfectly complementing her gentle temperament.
Her long hair was gently tied up with a simple jade hairpin, and a few strands of hair fluttered in the wind, adding a touch of effortless elegance to her appearance.
"Greetings, Master!"
"Hmm." She responded to the female student's words as she walked, unhurried and composed.
Meanwhile, in another direction.
A young woman wore a brocade robe embroidered with intricate opera patterns, with a wide belt around her waist, which made her figure appear even more upright.
Her jet-black hair was meticulously styled into the hairstyle of a female opera character, with a few delicate pearl flowers adorning her forehead, adding to her charm and elegance.
"Greetings, Master Zhao!"
"Hey, watch your step. And remember to practice your singing in the morning!"
"I remember, Master!"
Zhao Rou walked with light steps and a smile on her lips. Her eyes met unexpectedly with Bai Wei, who was walking from another direction. The two smiled at each other.
"Shall we go home together after school?" Bai Wei suggested with a smile.
"Thank you, Madam." Zhao Rou didn't stand on ceremony.
When Yunxuan Academy in Chunsheng County was choosing its location, notices were posted in the markets of Chunsheng and Chaoyang Counties, announcing that anyone from Daxuan or Yunchao who aspired to be a female teacher could apply to Yunxuan Academy. The two of them had not discussed it beforehand, but they both went to apply for teaching positions together.
Bai Wei teaches female students painting at Yunxuan Academy. Zhao Rou teaches female students opera at Yunxuan Academy.
"Yun'er has finished her postpartum confinement now. I wonder if she'd be interested in studying at the academy?" Bai Wei muttered to herself on the way back to Da Xuan.
“I think my older sister probably wouldn’t want to go,” Zhao Rou said after a moment of silence. “My older sister doesn’t like going to crowded places.”
In fact, the real reason is that Zhao Yun cannot let go of her identity as the legitimate daughter of the former Grand Secretary and the former wife of the Duke's heir.
She would rather live in the illusion she created than take a single step out to see the real world.
"Sigh." Bai Wei sighed softly and said, "If Yunxiang were still alive, she might actually be willing to go to the academy to study!"
"Madam, please accept my condolences." Zhao Rou sighed deeply when Bai Yunxiang was mentioned. Bai Yunxiang had a difficult childbirth, resulting in the death of both her and her unborn child, who was said to be a boy.
Upon hearing the news, Li Huai'an, who was stationed at the garrison, remained in a daze for a long time. Just as when he learned that his father, Li Zan, had died on the night Li Liang ordered the drug-wielding men to massacre the garrison, he seemed to show little emotional fluctuation.
Thinking of Li Huai'an, Zhao Rou silently lowered her head.
After Zhao Yun gave birth, Bai Wei moved back to her parents' home—the Bai family mansion. She was the only daughter of the Bai family; otherwise, a woman like her who had been divorced would not have been tolerated by her elder brother and sister-in-law.
Zhao Rou thought to herself that her former mother-in-law was a resilient and lucky person.
If she hadn't been so resilient, with her son exiled and her future bleak, she probably would have taken her own life. And if she had an older or younger brother who was married, her sister-in-law or brother's wife would have found it difficult to let her stay at her parents' home for long.
Therefore, happiness sometimes really does require certain conditions.
Zhao Rou felt fortunate. Although her biological mother was utterly despicable, her adoptive mother, Zhang Wan, still accepted her as the third daughter of the Zhao family and helped her conceal this from her father. No, this father was also distant. Though not her biological father, he still provided her with a safe haven.
The carriage rumbled into the market town where Chunseong County and Chaoyang County met.
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