In the Qingming Teahouse, Xiao Shuo had already drunk the tea offered by Sheng Xiyan. However, in the Great Sheng Dynasty, a formal recognition of adopted brotherhood could not be so casual as just drinking a cup of tea.

Xiao Shuo came in person solemnly just for this matter.

Sheng Xingan was simply stunned.

He originally thought that Xiao Shuo was just casually protecting Yan Jie'er as a way of repaying his father-in-law for saving his life, but he never expected that he actually acknowledged Yan Jie'er as his sister, and it was not just a casual remark, but he acknowledged her as his sister in a serious manner according to the etiquette.

This kind of recognition of kinship is somewhat similar to adoption, and it is not just calling someone "sister" casually.

This is simply, simply... a godsend.

Sheng Xingan swallowed his saliva. He never dreamed that such a great thing would happen to him...to his daughter. Without thinking, he said quickly, "Master, it is a blessing for Sister Yan to be favored by you."

Xiao Shuo's smile was light but also distinctly distant, and he said, "Then please accept this gift, Master Sheng."

He clapped his hands lightly, and Eunuch Wu, who followed him like a shadow, handed a gift list to Sheng Xing'an.

This was a very formal and grand twenty-fourth-century gift. Sheng Xing'an didn't even bother to see what was in it. Even if Xiao Shuo sent empty boxes, it was still an honor for the Sheng family.

Sheng Xingan put away the gift list solemnly.

Xiao Shuo came to the house in person, and he would not hesitate to adopt her as his adoptive daughter, let alone his sister.

Xiao Shuo presented the recognition gift according to ancient customs and formally signed the document. During the whole process, Sheng Xingan had been grinning happily.

Xiao Shuo regards Sheng Xiyan as his adopted sister and has nothing to do with Sheng Xingan. However, Sheng Xingan doesn't care and is content with it even though his face is stiff from smiling.

Xiao Shuo publicly acknowledged Sheng Xiyan as his sister, without any intention of hiding it from anyone, and within less than half a day, the whole capital knew about it.

The whole capital city was shocked.

No one could have imagined that Miss Shengda would have such great fortune to win Xiao Shuo's favor. This was simply too enviable.

Thinking back on it, it's no wonder that Xiao Shuo would protect Miss Sheng Da in Ting Zuo Lou. Even Ting Zuo Lou said to confer the title without giving any face at all. It was also the bad luck of Prince Cheng's Mansion that they allowed Prince Zhou to bully Miss Sheng Da and took sides. It can only be said that he deserved it.

Some people even thought: If I had known earlier that Xiao Shuo was interested in finding a stepsister, I would have let my daughter try her luck.

The fact that Sheng Xiyan became Xiao Shuo's adopted sister immediately overshadowed the fact that Zhao Yuanrou was given in marriage to King Zhao.

Some were quick to prepare gifts and visit in person.

Those who were slower also reacted and hurried to prepare gifts.

The prices of curios in some curio shops in the capital have increased by 50%, and the supply is still insufficient to meet the demand.

The usually deserted Sheng Mansion became the hottest place in the capital, with people coming and going constantly.

For several days, all kinds of gifts filled the storehouse of Sheng Mansion. After thinking about it, Sheng Xiyan accepted all the gifts. Sheng Xiyan maintained an unattainable attitude, accepting the gifts but not seeing the people, doing everything just right.

At first, Liu was too confused to react. After a few days, she couldn't help but complain to Sheng Xingan:

"Master, don't you think Sister Yan is too overbearing?"

"Sister Yan has acknowledged Governor Xiao as her sworn brother, but she can't be so willful. If this gets out, people might think that the girls of our Sheng family are uneducated."

"What would Governor Xiao think if he knew?"

Sheng Xiyan never goes out to meet guests, which offends many people, especially these guests, all of whom are powerful and influential. When Liu sees their visiting cards, she would tremble in her heart, but Sheng Xiyan just refuses to meet them.

Sheng Xiyan is just being too arrogant because she has a backer.

Sheng Xingan has been busy in the government office recently. Hearing this, he was a little surprised.

Seeing his expression change, Liu continued to encourage him, "Look at this Yan Jie'er, she even refused to see the wife of the Earl of Zhongyong..."

"What are you talking about?" Sheng Xingan interrupted her impatiently, saying, "Can they see Sister Yan whenever they want? If they are willing to see her, it's to give them face. If they are not willing to see her, it's what they deserve!"

Sister Yan is now supported by Governor Xiao. They are the ones who came to ask for an audience with her. How could she lower herself to please them?

Liu was completely confused and had no idea what was going on. With such a sharp mind, she was not fit to be a good head of the household. She would embarrass Sister Yan if she went out!

Sheng Xingan held back and didn't scold him: "Sister Yan, if you want to see me, then go ahead. If you don't want to see me, then don't go ahead. Stop nagging me all day long."

Liu stammered a few words, shrank her shoulders, and said hesitantly: "My mother and sister-in-law will be here tomorrow, and I want Sister Yan to come and pay them a visit..."

She met Sheng Xingan's cold gaze and didn't dare to finish her words.

After all, she complained so much today just to get Sheng Xing'an to say something and ask Sheng Xiyan to come out and greet him when the time comes. After all, she is her grandmother in name only.

She sighed. It was clear that not long ago, Sheng Xingan had been dismissive of this young lady. How come he suddenly changed his attitude and protected her so closely?

She couldn't figure it out, and Sheng Xing'an was too lazy to explain so much to her. He just reminded her that from now on in this mansion, no matter what Sheng Xiyan wanted to do or didn't want to do, she had to listen and not make things difficult for her.

Although Liu felt wronged, she did not dare to make things difficult for her. She almost treated Sheng Xiyan as her ancestor.

"Madam. The wife of Duke Zheng requests to see you."

Liu's heart trembled. In the past, she felt that the wife of the Marquis of Yongning was a little out of her reach. But now, look, even the wife of the Duke had to "ask for an audience" if she wanted to see her.

Thinking of this, although she was tired, Liu was not unhappy at all!

She was in high spirits and went out happily to entertain the guests.

Waves of people came and went, and left and came again. Liu's face was almost stiff from greeting them, but she didn't feel annoyed.

None of them could see Sheng Xiyan, but even so, no one dared to express any dissatisfaction. Most of them just put down the gifts, said a few nice words like "Ms. Sheng is a woman of great virtue", and left. Anyway, it was a pleasant surprise that Sheng Xiyan was willing to accept the gifts. You know, there are countless people in Beijing who want to establish a relationship with Xiao Shuo, but they have no way to do so. They can't even send gifts.

This kind of liveliness continued for several days. After entering December, the weather became colder. Sheng Xiyan was afraid of the cold so she stayed in the house to avoid the cold. It was not until she received Cheng Chuyu's message that she wrapped herself in a quilt and went out with a hand warmer.

As usual, Cheng Chuyu took a carriage to the Sheng family, and then got on Sheng Xiyan's carriage.

"Sister Yan, let's go to the girls' school first. I'll invite you to watch a play later. I heard that there are several storybooks published recently. Let's go and pick some after the play."

Sheng Xiyan agreed in a good mood. It was nice to stay in the house in the winter, but it would be boring if you stay in the house for too long.

I have read all her storybooks!

Cheng Chuyu leaned back, and said with a happy smile, "Sister Yan, I'm getting engaged soon."

"Oh?" Sheng Xiyan was slightly surprised and asked quickly, "Who is it?"

In her previous life, after Sheng Xiyan entered the Yongning Marquis Mansion, she never had the chance to see other people again. Later, she found out that Cheng Chuyu had written a letter to her, but this letter never reached her hands.

When Cheng Chuyu talked about marriage, he was inevitably a little shy and said, "It's Fu Junqing from the Wu'an Earl's Mansion."

Fu Junqing is the eldest son of the Marquis of Wu'an.

Wu'an Earl's Mansion?

Sheng Xiyan knew Wu Anbo.

After the late emperor took back the fiefdom of Lingnan, he established three guard posts in Lingnan to disperse the military power and sent Wu'anbo to guard the border.

The mansion of Marquis Wu'an is full of military commanders, and the title of earl was earned through actual military merit.

"Has the Prince of Wu'an just returned to the capital?" Sheng Xiyan asked.

She remembered that the Prince of Wu'an should also be in Lingnan.

Cheng Chuyu nodded with a smile, and said to Sheng Xiyan openly: "My family and the Wu'an Marquis's House are close friends. When I was a child, I always ran after Fu Junqing, and they said they would arrange a marriage for us when we grew up. But later, my father and I went to the Northern Frontier."

Later, Fu Junqing also went to Lingnan to guard the border. They almost never met again.

Cheng Chuyu had the boldness of a daughter of a military family, and said without any shyness: "A while ago, mother told me that Fu Junqing was going back to Beijing. Mother also said that the wife of the Earl of Wu'an came to ask if I was willing to arrange a marriage for us. Of course I was willing!"

Sheng Xiyan chuckled.

No wonder Cheng Chuyu was so shy when talking about marriage for a while. It turned out that it was not because of the engagement, but because of childhood sweethearts.

Cheng Chuyu said briskly, "My mother and Lady Wu'an have agreed that they will come to propose marriage when I reach the age of marriage."

She paused and added, "Actually, it's because Fu Junqing will be in mourning until next year."

The wife of the Marquis of Wu'an passed away two years ago. Fu Junqing is the heir apparent and must observe mourning for 27 months, ending in February next year.

Although the emperor had taken away Fu Junqing's love because he had to serve in the frontier, the Bo family still decided to postpone his marriage until after the mourning period.

Therefore, both parties have only agreed verbally now. After the mourning period is over and Cheng Chuyu has reached the age of marriage, they can formally propose marriage.

After all, Cheng Chuyu is not young anymore, and Mrs. Wu Anbo was afraid that the Cheng family would arrange a marriage for Cheng Chuyu, and it would be too late by then, so she called in advance.

Sheng Xiyan smiled and said, "I will go and help you put on makeup when you reach the age of marriage."

She was happy for her.

They are childhood sweethearts and their families are close friends, so this marriage should not be a bad one. Looking at Cheng Chuyu's unconcealed smile, you can tell that she must be very satisfied with this marriage.

Cheng Chuyu smiled, took her arm and said coquettishly: "Sister Yan, you are so nice!"

She was not shy and asked enthusiastically: "Sister Yan, your pearl headband is so beautiful, please add that one to my makeup."

As she spoke, she looked at Sheng Xiyan with shining eyes.

Sheng Xiyan agreed readily: "I drew the pearl headband myself. I will draw one for you and have someone make it for you."

"Okay, okay." Cheng Chuyu nodded like a chicken pecking at rice, her eyes curled up, extremely satisfied.

"Girl, I've learned something."

While they were talking, the girl's school arrived.

In the large open space in front of the girls' school, there was a long row of horse-drawn carriages. Some of the carriages were ordinary, while others were luxurious. The entire street was almost blocked by the carriages.

Their carriage couldn't go up, so they could only queue at the back.

Sheng Xiyan opened the car window curtain and looked outside, and asked in confusion, "What's going on today?" She thought it was the start of the girls' school, and there shouldn't be so many people gathered for the start of the school term.

"It's the Jinxin Club of the Girls' School."

The word "Jinxin" is taken from "Jinxinxiufu", which means beautiful literary thoughts. As the name suggests, Jinxin Club is a place for women to show their talents.

Cheng Chuyu thought Sheng Xiyan knew it and forgot to tell her before.

When the girls' school was first established, since there had never been any academies for girls in the Great Rong Dynasty, several scholars ran around in vain. So, they took great pains to persuade the Queen Mother, who was the Empress at the time, to make a bet with them.

Women's schools promised to cultivate outstanding women who were no less capable than men. However, the empress dowager believed that women were naturally inferior to men and that they only needed to learn "Nu Xun" and "Nu Yi" and learn a few words and know how to read an account book. There was no need to bother with their cultivation.

The Queen Mother persuaded the late Emperor to provide some conveniences for female students.

This Jinxin Club was set up by the Queen Mother.

The competition is held every three years. If there are no outstanding students every three years, the three masters will lose. The Queen Mother will abolish women's education, and the three masters will have to bow to her and admit that women are inferior to men.

There are six championships in the Jinxin Club, and the Queen Mother once promised that anyone who can get four of the six championships can make a request to her.

The Empress Dowager's promise also made the initial enrollment of girls' schools very smooth, and many young ladies from prominent families in the capital flocked to the school.

Over the past decade or so, there have been people who have won four top prizes, like the girl who disguised herself as a man to take the imperial examination, and it was because of this that the empress dowager pleaded for her to be pardoned.

"It turns out that the Jinxin meeting is today." Sheng Xiyan sighed.

In her previous life, she didn't have the chance to see the splendor of the Jinxin Club.

"I heard that the Queen Mother will also come today." Cheng Chuyu said, "In addition to the students of the girls' school, many young ladies in the capital will also come, and some will come here specially from other places."

For ladies in the upper class, the Jinxin Club is a grand event that only happens once every three years, and even Sheng Xiyan couldn't help but feel a little moved.

What moved Sheng Xiyan was not the Queen Mother's promise, which was just some "favor" of some size. She was more interested in the Jinxin Club itself.

The carriage moved forward slowly, and after about a cup of tea, it stopped in front of the door. Sheng Xiyan stepped on the footstool and walked down. Immediately, countless gazes were cast at her from all directions, and there were also whispers in private. It was impossible to hear what they were saying, only some rustling sounds.

Cheng Chuyu whispered to her: "Sister Yan, you are going to be in the spotlight."

Sheng Xiyan gently poked her tender cheek and walked forward without looking around.

The girls' school was formed by merging three three-courtyard houses, occupying half of the entire street. Three wealthy families emptied out all their savings for the girls' school. After they bought the houses, they made some renovations on the original foundations. One of the wealthy families, Mr. Wei, was from Jiangnan, and he arranged the gardens in the style of Jiangnan gardens, with small bridges, flowing water, pavilions, and towers, making it quiet and elegant.

There is a plum forest at the entrance. After the first snow fell, plum blossoms as beautiful as jade carvings bloomed quietly on the branches.

"The plum blossoms are in bloom." Sheng Xiyan said with a thought, "Let's go make plum blossom wine in a few days."

Cheng Chuyu's eyes were as bright as stars: "Plum blossom wine?"

Sheng Xiyan clapped her hands happily and said, "I found an ancient book on wine brewing in the storeroom, and it contains plum blossom wine. It's a little different from the usual brewing method, so I can give it a try."

Cheng Chuyu nodded repeatedly: "Okay, okay, Sister Yan, I'll come and help you whenever you make wine. I, I..." She thought for a moment, "I can pick flowers!"

She affectionately took Sheng Xiyan's arm, and the two of them walked inside, chatting and laughing.

Cheng Chuyu led her through many twists and turns, passed through several corridors, and came to a flower pavilion. The pavilion was built next to the plum trees and the lake, and was an excellent place to appreciate the plum blossoms in winter.

They arrived neither too early nor too late, and there were already seven or eight girls of similar age in the pavilion.

When they saw Cheng Chuyu coming in, some people wanted to say hello, but they saw Sheng Xiyan following behind him.

The pavilion was silent for a while. After a while, Princess Qingyue came up and greeted her, "Miss Shengda, I haven't seen you for a while."

Qingyue looked more haggard than before. Although the incident in Zuolou had no connection with Prince Cheng's Mansion, other industries in Prince Cheng's Mansion were not affected either. However, these past few days, everyone in Prince Cheng's Mansion had been having a hard time, and there was a sense of panic as if everything was an enemy. Qingyue had nightmares for several days.

"Princess." Sheng Xiyan smiled as if nothing had happened, as if she had completely forgotten the conflict between them.

Qingyue had a complicated expression. She concealed her emotions and breathed a sigh of relief.

Everyone else in the flower pavilion stood up as well, and greeted Sheng Xiyan respectfully or cordially, their attitudes all somewhat cautious and flattering, and they all praised her clothes and hairstyles, each one praising them once, and using completely different words.

Sheng Xi didn't show any expression on his face, but he was a little dumbfounded in his heart.

She knew that she could almost do whatever she wanted in the capital, but she never expected that she could do so.

To put it bluntly, even if she pointed at this plum tree and called it cherry blossoms, someone would agree.

No wonder so many people are vying for power.

Sheng Xiyan responded to everything in a good-tempered manner, and after exchanging greetings, she sat down with Cheng Chuyu. After a while, someone else came over and sat next to them, tentatively joining in the conversation.

Sheng Xiyan did not chase people away. As time went by, more and more people came over.

There was laughter and conversation in the flower pavilion.

"Ms. Shengda..."

The sound suddenly became strangely quiet, and everyone looked towards the door at the same time.

Zhao Yuanrou, dressed in white, walked in calmly. She saw Sheng Xiyan, who was surrounded by so many people. Her face froze and she seemed to want to say something but stopped. In the end, she said nothing and walked to the corner and sat down silently.

She told herself that she must not forget the purpose of today. She was not here to argue with Sheng Xiyan. She must not lose the big picture for the sake of small things. Someone like Sheng Xiyan who was ignorant of the limits and arrogant would eventually suffer the consequences. She did not need to care about her.

She ignored others and others ignored her, like two completely different worlds.

Some of them have good connections, and wanted to go over and say hello, but were persuaded by their friends.

Cheng Chuyu raised her eyebrows and said, "Why is she here too?"

She didn't deliberately lower her voice, as if she was just chatting casually.

She is upright and would never say bad things about others behind their backs. If she does say anything, she would say it openly.

Sheng Xiyan shook her head.

Cheng Chuyu continued, "Isn't she still imprisoned in the Dongchang Prison? How can she still have the leisure to go out and play?"

Zhao Yuanrou obviously heard it as well. She turned her head and looked at her with heavy eyes.

Cheng Chuyusi was not afraid at all and glared back.

Zhao Yuanrou: “…”

Zhao Yuanrou knew that most people in this world were those who fawned on the powerful. Now that they saw Sheng Xiyan gaining power, they all fawned on her without any integrity or tolerance.

Sheng Xiyan's gaze fell on her for a moment and then retracted.

She could probably guess why Zhao Yuanrou came. It was most likely because of the Queen Mother's promise.

Zhou Jingxun is still in the big prison in Dongchang. He doesn’t know when he will be released, or even if he can be released at all.

Zhao Yuanrou naturally would not give up. What else could she do now?

In her previous life, Zhao Yuanrou enjoyed great success in the capital. No matter what she wanted to do, there would always be people to follow her lead and respond to her calls. But in this life, she has nothing.

Sheng Xiyan guessed that Zhao Yuanrou regarded the Queen Mother's promise as a life-saving straw?

In fact, Sheng Xiyan really found it difficult to understand Zhao Yuanrou. She and Zhou Jingxun were inseparable and would stick together through life and death, but the engagement was almost ready and she still refused to marry, causing so much trouble. Now, the engagement was cancelled and the clan office was about to make the appointment, yet she was running around for Zhou Jingxun, fearless of life and death.

Isn't this just nonsense?

However, this has nothing to do with her. In this life, she has left the quagmire of Yongning Marquis' Mansion. No matter how much trouble they cause, for her, it is just another exciting show.

clang!

The bell rang three times in the girls' school, which meant that the door of the girls' school was closed and latecomers would be kept out.

There were hundreds of people sitting in the four circular pavilions. Some, like Sheng Xiyan, simply did not want to miss this grand event, and some wanted to win the championship. The Queen Mother's promise was out of reach, but it would be worth it if he could show his face in front of the Queen Mother.

There are six categories in total: music, chess, calligraphy, painting, poetry, lyrics and policy essays. The winner of each category can meet the Queen Mother and receive her awards.

Originally, the Queen Mother only decided on the arts of calligraphy, painting, chess, and music for the Jinxin Society. The three great masters of women's studies were added as a result of much debate.

Cheng Chuyu picked out one with "chess" written on it from the six sticks, held it up and shook it towards her, smiling and saying, "This is it. I'm only good at chess."

She spread her hands and said, "My father disliked my impetuous temper and insisted that I learn chess."

She was carefree since she was young, climbing up the roof to tear off the tiles and digging holes on the ground. She was even wilder than boys. Later, she was ordered to learn chess and calm down.

At this moment, someone let out a soft cry, and the wooden plate for selecting sticks had been brought in front of Zhao Yuanrou, and Zhao Yuanrou took all six sticks without thinking.

"Girl," said the maid from the girls' school, "each person only needs to choose one." She was afraid that Zhao Yuanrou didn't understand the rules, so she explained.

"I know." Zhao Yuanrou said arrogantly, "I just want to compete in six events."

Everyone looked at each other. Most of them picked one or two things they were good at, but Zhao Yuanrou picked six things in full view of everyone. This was obviously to fulfill the empress dowager's promise. There had been talented women who won four top prizes in the past, but they also picked the four things they were best at. The girl who almost won the prize did the same. She picked playing the piano, calligraphy, painting and policy essays.

Zhao Yuanrou's eyes swept across the faces of the others, looking down from a high position, as if these leaders were already within her grasp.

The corners of her mouth were raised high, and her whole body was glowing with confidence.

She told herself that she could do it, for Zhou Jingxun!

Ever since the imperial decree granted her marriage, she had been locked up in her house, unable to go out. She didn't even know how Zhou Jingxun was doing now, whether he was doing well or badly, she had no idea.

After a lot of effort, she asked her maid to go out and inquire, and only then did she find out that Zhou Jingxun had not returned from Dongchang yet.

Dongchang's arrogance was far beyond her imagination. Zhao Yuanrou once thought about beating the drum to file a complaint. Those who beat the drum needed to be beaten with thirty sticks first. She didn't mind suffering a little for Zhou Jingxun, but the court had been controlled by Dongchang. She might not have the chance to see the emperor even if she was beaten.

So, she thought of women's education.

The clan government will soon make a decision, and she can't delay any longer. This is her best chance.

The Queen Mother will never go back on her promise.

No one can stop them from being together.