But Zhu Jiayu does indeed have this ability.
In her previous life, she also had a period of carefree days in Yujing. Back then, when she followed Rong Heng north from Suiping, everyone fawned over and flattered them when they first arrived in Yujing.
Whenever she attended a banquet, she was always invited to sit in the seat of honor.
Only the wife of an imperial censor treated her gently, but only in a mild manner; she was not particularly warm towards her.
Later, when the situation stabilized, Rong Heng was still busy with his career and rarely paid attention to her. Somehow, rumors began to circulate in the capital that she was of lowly birth, rotten inside and out, and a good-for-nothing, which is why she lost Rong Heng's favor and affection.
So later, the way those people looked at her changed. They stopped flattering her and started to ridicule her, mock her, and even insult and frame her, just to see her make a fool of herself in front of others.
But it was that same censor's wife. One time, the two of them were sheltering from the rain under the eaves of a Buddhist temple. Seeing that she looked depressed, she gently said to her that if she had time, she could visit her home.
Zhu Jiayu was unwilling to refuse her kindness, so he occasionally visited her residence. Over time, he became acquainted with the censor's family.
She prepared special dishes from Suiping for the young master of the Imperial Censor's residence, sewed winter clothes for the Imperial Censor's wife, and when the Imperial Censor had free time, he would guide her in reading and writing.
He said, “It’s not your fault that you didn’t have the opportunity to learn these things before. It’s a good thing that you don’t look down on this old man and are willing to learn something from me. Of course, it’s okay if you don’t learn. You can still live a good life even if you are ignorant. It’s all the same. No matter how you live your life, it’s all the same.”
He added, “Although there is no precedent for female officials in Daye, and the previous dynasty even had the saying that women should not interfere in politics, I believe that women can also be capable and resourceful. I know you don’t get along very well with the ladies of the capital, but that’s alright. Read more books and see more of the world, and you will naturally broaden your mind. When you look at them again, you will find that they have insights into clothing and cosmetics, but that’s a small insight; you have the country and the world in your heart, that’s a great insight.”
Although the censor was later dragged to the kitchen by the ear by his wife after he finished speaking, his words continued to inspire Zhu Jiayu.
For once, she felt a touch of warmth in the ruthless city of Yujing.
She did not disappoint the censor's kindness. During the days and nights when Rong Heng did not return home, she sat alone in her study, reading by lamplight, studying classics, historical texts, famous essays from past dynasties, poems, and parallel prose, never slacking off.
Later, when the imperial examinations were held in the spring, she wrote an essay at the request of the censor.
The censor didn't say anything at the time, but later, when he was drunk, he looked at her and sighed repeatedly: "It's a pity she's a woman."
Qiu Lingyan's hurried footsteps came from the courtyard gate. Zhu Jiayu snapped out of her thoughts, smiled at her, and thanked her.
Qiu Lingyan waved her hand: "It's nothing, no need for your thanks. I'll head back now, I still need to check the accounts today."
She complained to Zhu Jiayu with a bitter face, "I don't know how at all, but my mother says that if I don't know how, I have to learn. I'm learning and learning, and I'm already a withered flower in my prime!"
Seeing Qiu Lingyan's unusually disheveled appearance, with her hairpin askew and ink smudges on her collar, Zhu Jiayu felt that her words were quite credible.
But she couldn't help with this, so she gave her a "good luck" look. After thinking for a moment, she comforted her cousin, "Actually, looking at the ledger is very simple and doesn't take much effort. Maybe you're just not very good at it yet? You'll get used to it once you're more skilled."
Qiu Lingyan found her words even more terrifying than the matter of looking at the account books.
Who can get used to looking at ledgers?! How can anyone become proficient at something like that? It's not like eating or sleeping!
Qiu Lingyan had an idea and took her hand: "Ayu, my dear Ayu, judging from your tone, you're very familiar with this. Please help your cousin out, considering how good she's been to you these past few days. Just this once, and don't do it again, okay?"
Zhu Jiayu pried her hands open and said seriously, "When you get married, you will definitely be in charge of managing the household. You are still a young woman. If you can understand the accounts, you will not be deceived in your husband's family and will be able to stand firm and establish your authority. I cannot help you with this matter, nor will I help you. Otherwise, how would that be different from harming you?"
Based on her aunt's reaction after she helped Qiu Lingyan teach Liu Yasheng a lesson yesterday, Zhu Jiayu was absolutely certain that if she helped Qiu Lingyan today, her aunt would probably come after her tomorrow.
But Qiu Lingyan looked so pitiful. Zhu Jiayu softened her tone and tried to reason with her:
"You don't want to be treated like a fool in your husband's family in the future, right? Think about it, if you can understand the accounts, everyone will think you're a smart and discerning person, and they'll naturally respect you from the bottom of their hearts. Don't you want to experience that?"
"Don't you want to experience what it feels like to earn genuine respect from others based solely on your own talent, without relying on anyone else?"
Qiu Lingyan took a breath. She thought back to when Ayu first came to the Qiu family, she had treated her like a pitiful country bumpkin, but now she would never look at her that way again. Why? Because Ayu was so capable!
If you ask her if she wants to become a great person, she will definitely wave her hand and say no. Why should she be a great person? Isn't it better to live a life of luxury and happiness every day?
But if you asked her if she wanted to be like Zhu Jiayu, she might hesitate, but the answer would be yes. In her eyes, Zhu Jiayu was mature, reliable, steady, and quick-witted. A girl who has been pampered since childhood will always have the desire to make her own decisions.
She nodded emphatically: "You're right, I'll go back and look at the accounts right away, I won't eat until I've finished!"
...
"You really didn't eat?"
As noon approached, A-Xing arrived at the main courtyard to report the day's events to Madam Zhu. When she heard what Zhu Jiayu and her daughter had said, she raised an eyebrow. Upon learning that her daughter was still looking at the account books and hadn't eaten or drunk anything, she smiled.
"Well, she has the heart for this, how can I, as her mother, hold her back?"
"There's no need to urge her to eat. Just have the kitchen keep the food warm on the stove and bring it to her whenever she's hungry."
A-Xing nodded and turned to go to the kitchen to give the instructions.
Madam Zhu turned her head and looked at the nanny standing to the side: "Don't you think our cousin is a wonderful person? I've been trying to persuade her for so long, but Lingyan is always unmoved and even thinks I'm nagging. But with just a few words, she managed to coax her into obediently listening to her and looking at the account books for half a day. Amazing!"
The old woman smiled and said, "I never would have guessed that Miss Biao would have such great abilities."
She had watched the Third Miss grow up. The Third Miss was mischievous and prone to making trouble, and even the Madam couldn't handle her. It was truly amazing that the Cousin could teach her to be so obedient.
Continue read on readnovelmtl.com