When translating classical Chinese, she could only copy the translated sentences verbatim, or copy the translated options from multiple-choice questions.
She has to think for a long time to write an 800-word essay. By the time she finishes writing, half of the essay book is gone, and her hair has turned into an afro.
Because she couldn't learn classical Chinese, she was punished by her Chinese teacher a lot. She was often criticized by name in class, targeted, and made sarcastic remarks, which made her dislike Chinese more and more.
She was the type who felt terrible whenever she studied Chinese, and her Chinese grades kept getting worse and worse. She almost didn't get into university, and it was only thanks to her combined science scores that she managed to pull up her overall score.
Because she laughed too much in class, Teacher Ji punished her by making her write an essay on the subject. Heaven knows how terrified she felt when she found out she had to write an essay too.
The only thing that comforted her was that everyone had to do it, including Little Swallow.
Because of her good performance this time, the Emperor lifted Xiao Yanzi's confinement and decided to reward her with another article.
"Sweetie, I'll teach you when we get back, okay?"
Hearing Chen Nian's muffled voice, Qing'er gently coaxed him.
"Um."
Hearing Qing'er's gentle voice, Chen Nian nodded.
...
"Chen Nian, Qing'er, why don't you come to my Shufangzhai together? You can write your articles there, and there will be so many people to discuss them together."
Little Swallow, who came out later, saw the two people huddled together and abandoned Yongqi and Benjamin who were following behind her.
While extending a warm invitation, he took two steps forward and squeezed next to Chen Nian, making Chen Nian the sandwich filling.
Chen Nian glanced at Qing'er, his eyes clearly asking, "Should we go?"
Thinking about what will happen next, I really want to get a closer look at the drama.
There's also the regret Qing'er mentioned in the drama—not being invited. Shen Nian wants Qing'er to go with him to make up for her regret.
After spending time with her today, she felt that Xiao Yanzi was more likable than in the drama, provided that she didn't cause trouble or get hurt.
"Since Princess Huanzhu has invited us, let's go. Shuang'er, go back and tell the Empress Dowager that Niannian and I are going to Shufangzhai."
Thinking of the Empress Dowager's instructions to her today, and seeing the faint expectation in Shen Nian's eyes, Qing'er nodded, then turned to Shuang'er who was following behind her and gave her instructions.
...
"Hehe~, let's go, let's go. Let me tell you, my Shufangzhai is so much fun. The Four Great Talents can even perform their talents."
"You all must come more often in the future! It's more lively with more people. There's too little fun in the palace; it's much more enjoyable to play together."
Little Swallow pulled Chen Nian along, and Chen Nian pulled Qing'er along. The two of them walked quickly forward with Little Swallow.
The three people left behind looked at each other, wondering what to do with tonight's arrangements.
Yongqi Benjamin never expected Xiaoyanzi to be so enthusiastic.
But Ertai's eyes held a smile.
Another opportunity to spend time together.
...
Shufangzhai.
"Hey, Little Swallow, is your house arrest still in effect?"
Thinking about the doubts in class, Chen Nian still asked, "Isn't the Empress Dowager someone who would go back on her word?"
Qing'er, who was standing to the side, looked at Xiao Yanzi with a puzzled expression after listening to what Chen Nian said. She also realized that Xiao Yanzi's confinement had not been lifted.
"Oh, this? Yesterday, the Empress Dowager was going to solve it for me, but then, because I kicked the balloon and scared you, she didn't solve it."
Little Swallow took a piece of pastry, put it in her mouth, and ate while talking nonchalantly.
Shen Nian never expected it was because of him. Then yesterday's punishment of kneeling must also be because of him. A sense of apology appeared in his eyes.
"I'm sorry, Little Swallow, I think I messed things up for you yesterday."
She remembered that Xiao Yanzi in the original drama didn't have the scene where she was punished by kneeling, so it must be because of her again.
She felt like she was always causing trouble for others. Should she not have returned to the palace?
She worries the Empress Dowager, worries Qing'er, and even makes Xiao Yanzi kneel as punishment; she seems to always be a nuisance.
Seeing Chen Nian's state, Qing'er sensed something was wrong. Worry filled her eyes, and she took Chen Nian's hand, only to find it ice-cold. Her anxiety deepened.
She got up and squatted down next to Shen Nian, looking up at him. When she met Shen Nian's slightly empty eyes, Qing'er was startled. She felt that something had happened to Shen Nian that she didn't know about.
However, neither she nor the Empress Dowager received any news that anything had happened to Shen Nian.
Although she and the Empress Dowager lived in the capital for most of the year, they would go out of the palace to see Chen Nian every now and then. Even when they returned to the capital, they would leave someone behind to report on Chen Nian's living conditions, just in case something happened to Chen Nian.
However, judging from the current situation, something must have happened that they don't know about.
Hiding in the inner room, Ertai listened to the commotion outside. Looking through the screen at Chen Nian's dazed eyes, he couldn't calm down and wanted to go out, but Yongqi held his hand tightly.
"Ertai, what are you doing? Xiaoyanzi and the others haven't left yet."
Yongqi looked at his brother's restless feet, somewhat puzzled, but still grabbed him.
"Ertai, what are you doing?"
Benjamin asked in a low voice as well.
Before Ertai could speak, another voice came from outside, and Ertai fell silent.
"Nian Nian..."
Qing'er called softly, worried that if she spoke too loudly, she would frighten Shen Nian.
"Contemplation."
Little Swallow, who was standing to the side, also noticed that something was wrong. She put down the pastries and, having learned from Qing'er's example, called out in a very low voice.
"Um?"
Meeting Qing'er's worried gaze and Chen Nian's unfocused eyes, they gradually came together, and a glimmer of light appeared in their eyes.
"Chen Nian, what's wrong? Are you feeling unwell? Shall we call a royal physician to take a look?"
Little Swallow suggested from the side, her eyes filled with worry.
Seeing that Chen Nian had recovered from her daze, Qing'er stood up and sat down on the side again. She took Chen Nian's cold hand and warmed it, listening to Xiao Yanzi's words with approval in her eyes.
"Niannian, shall we call the imperial physician to take a look?"
Qing'er followed suit with the suggestion.
"No need, I'm fine."
Shen Nian shook her head. She was fine; she just needed to mediate.
"Little Swallow, I'm sorry for making you kneel as punishment yesterday."
Chen Nian turned to look at Xiao Yanzi and said softly.
“Chen Nian, let me tell you, I was definitely wrong yesterday. Please don’t blame yourself or feel apologetic.”
It was my fault to begin with, it has nothing to do with you, so please don't take the blame, or I won't be able to sleep well.
Besides, didn't I lift the house arrest using my own intelligence?
Seeing the self-reproach in Shen Nian's eyes, Xiao Yanzi was frightened and waved her hands repeatedly. She was the one who had frightened her yesterday, yet Shen Nian was apologizing to her.
Unfortunately, Ziwei was absent at the crucial moment.
Unlike Ziwei, she wasn't good with words; she could only comfort Shennian with her own way of speaking, her words following with a tone that aimed to liven up the atmosphere.
...
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