Shujia's alternative learning
Shi Wenbing believed that his family, a Han banner, held a high position of power, and even if their daughter had no trouble marrying poorly, she wouldn't be able to become the crown prince's first wife. At least in everyone's minds, a daughter of a Han banner becoming the future empress was an impossible feat. Therefore, he completely ignored the crown prince, and even the eldest prince was only concerned that Shuxian would become someone else's concubine.
The Han Banner was superior to the baoyi and ordinary Han people, but within the three banners, status was still ranked according to Manchu, Mongolian, and Han. Manchu "famous families" had also been cultivated over the years. Of the Hesheli clan, aside from Soni, his sons included the First-Class Duke Gabula, the First-Class Duke Fabao, and the First-Class Earl Xinyu. Others, such as the Niuhuru clan, included Ebilun, one of the Four Ministers, whose daughter became Empress Xiaozhaoren...
In addition, Mongolia also has a Borjigit clan that has been married to the Manchus for generations. They are the maternal clan of the Empress Dowager and the Empress Dowager.
There was no need to list all the Manchu and Mongolian clans one by one to know that the Han army flag had little chance of winning. If there was any good thing, it would fall on the Tong clan. It was well known that the emperor was very kind to his uncles.
Shi Wenbing knew his family was not lowly, and his daughters were not bad. In a few years, his youngest daughter would undoubtedly marry a close-knit Beile or Beizi wife, and if she was lucky, she could even become the wife of a prince or a duke. He felt his estimate was quite realistic. His eldest daughter's future would be a bit more challenging, and that required careful consideration.
At this time, Xiluo Te said to him, "During the selection that year, quite a few of them were rejected. I've seen a few of them in Hangzhou. It wasn't all unjust that they were rejected. The maids are getting older every year, and the older ones will be selected in a year. When I was in Hangzhou, I wanted to find someone to teach them the rules, but it wasn't convenient. Now there's no time to delay. It's too late to ask me now."
Cultivate the body and cultivate a relaxed mind. Xiluo Te had never heard of such a flowery phrase, yet she grasped its essence. Beauty is like jade; the soft, lustrous luster of fine jade is slowly honed by its environment. You can't expect a quick pre-draft study session to cultivate a well-rounded lady.
The details of daily life can't be changed overnight. If they're accidentally revealed, it's even more embarrassing than not knowing anything at all. Ever since she brought her daughter into the palace, Xiluotai's feelings have become increasingly urgent. That time was short, and she was there, so no mistakes were made. Even if there were, she could cover them up. When it comes to the selection, it all comes down to personal qualities.
Shi Wenbing had no objection to Xiluo Te's hiring someone to teach his daughter etiquette. It had to happen anyway, so why bother embarrassing himself? Even if he had to find a way to quit, it couldn't be because his daughter behaved poorly—it would be hard for her to marry well then.
After expressing his views to Xiluo Te, Shi Wenbing began to consider which family's daughter would be best for his son to marry. Given the stipulated relationship, he could only choose from among the unselected concubines. It would take skill to discern the best among the remaining ones.
With Shi Wenbing's approval, Xiluo sent someone to report to Hua Shan, and then quickly began searching for suitable instructors. Four suitable individuals were found, and Xiluo had put a lot of effort into finding them.
As a side note, during this era, palace maids could leave the palace upon turning thirty. What could a thirty-year-old woman do after leaving? It's a truly fascinating question! Top-tier masters would be reluctant to let them go and might even grant them a "permission" to remain in the palace. Those with a bit of prestige and ability would even ask their masters for a favor to stay and continue serving. While navigating the palace wasn't easy, it was also impossible to lead a normal life after leaving. Marrying meant she could only become a concubine, depending on the man's desire. Otherwise, she couldn't marry at all, and staying in her parents' home was unbearable.
Most of the people released were ordinary people, and it was quite troublesome for Sirut to find trustworthy people among the ordinary people.
Even though he's been in the palace for so many years and managed to come out of it unscathed, he's not the worst, but when it comes to teachers, one should always look for the best, right? The final candidate was finally brought here today. Xiluotai took a look and thought he was good. After some politeness, she even set up seats for the four of them. Talk slowly.
The women from the palace were neither loud nor quick-witted. They sat still, not moving a muscle. Their hair was unadorned, just two hairpins and a velvet flower. Their clothes were cool colors, like gray and brown. Xiluo was very pleased with them.
The two girls arrived and met their mother first.
Xiluo Te said, "Come and meet some aunts."
Knowing she was the released maid, the two of them didn't hesitate and knelt down to bow. Looking up, wow! I don't know what Shuxian was thinking, but Shujia was shocked. Judging from her face, she's not young anymore, maybe in her thirties? And with that outfit, she looks a lot like what Cao Gong described Li Wan as. It seems a bit early to call her "mammy," but calling her "aunt" is more appropriate.
Blinking, Shujia held back her words, ready to find an opportunity to ask her mother. The maids she had seen in the Cining Palace were not like this, wearing red clothes, powdered, and with red hairbands tied in their hair. Although being released was different from being in the palace, the feeling was too different, wasn't it?
Xiluo Te introduced several former palace maids, all of whom had Han surnames: Zheng, Wang, Wu, and Zhou. She said, "These ladies will be in our family from now on. You must respect them and not treat them with contempt!" She also sent word that their treatment would be no less than that of the girls' wet nurses.
Several aunts stood up to thank them, then sat back down, their eyes focused on their noses and their noses focused on their hearts. Shujia noticed that they sat only on the edges of their chairs, as if ready to jump up at any moment.
Then, a division was made: Shujia and Shuxian each had two "aunts" to accompany them. Zheng and Wang would teach Shuxian, while Wu and Zhou would teach Shujia. For the time being, they would each live in their own courtyard. "We just moved back from Hangzhou, and we haven't finished tidying up the house yet," said Xiluo Te. "We'll have to ask you to stay like this for now."
Xiluo Te's focus of concern was on Shuxian: "The eldest girl will be selected next year, so don't go to the class in the morning. I will ask someone to talk to Mr. Jiang. You just listen to the arrangements made by the aunts every day." Shuxian took a deep breath: "I will listen to mother's instructions." Success or failure depends on this.
Shujia was stunned. She glanced at her sister, barely out of elementary school, already thinking about employment. Then she looked at Xiluotai, seeing no trace of joking on her face. She was truly dumbfounded. Although she knew the selection process would be next year, it wasn't until the reality of the situation finally unfolded that Shujia finally felt the reality of her "Lolita sister getting married."
This kind of incongruous feeling is really unpleasant. Even if you marry early, you should still marry at the age of fifteen, right?
At this time, Mrs. Xiluo spoke again: "It's still early, second girl. You don't have to worry about her all the time. The classes in the morning will go on as usual. Just take care of your daily life, aunts." Zhou and Wu bowed in response.
Girl, stop thinking about others and think about yourself.
Upon hearing this, Shujia reflexively responded politely, but her mind was a jumble of thoughts: Sister Loli is getting married, she'll only be thirteen next year, I'm three years younger than her, and I'll only be thirteen when it's my turn, early marriage is popular these days, and premature sex is bad for your health...
All kinds of ideas came out, and the more I thought about it, the more outrageous it became...
Just as she was thinking about it, Aunts Zheng and Wang came to Xiluo Te in a serious tone, saying, "Isn't it time for the young lady to change her shoes? Walking requires skill." Xiluo Te said, "Indeed, her shoes have already been made. They will be ready tomorrow. Today," she glanced at the four people, "please settle down first, and we will start tomorrow."
Shujia blinked. How could she not know there was such a thing as shoemaking? As soon as her aunt mentioned it, she knew she was going to replace her crotch soles, which she thought were even more difficult to wear than high heels, since at least the latter had a pointy toe that touched the ground.
Fu Haijia stepped forward and said, "Madam, the bedding and clothes for the aunts have arrived." Xiluo Te said, "Ask the daughters-in-law to take them over." Shujia bowed and said, "Mother, let's go with us and tell them to clean up the aunts' rooms." As she spoke, Shuxian also stood up. She felt a little annoyed. Why hadn't she thought of this?
Xiluo Te said, "Okay. You go first and ask your maids to be smart." She then said to the aunts, "You guys go and settle down first. Come over later in the afternoon and help pick a few maids." Shujia raised her eyebrows and said nothing.
The group said goodbye to the Xiluo family.
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Shuxian's courtyard had servant quarters behind the main house, flanked by side rooms. The side rooms were three on each side, and the back rooms at the back were a row of six or seven rooms, slightly smaller in length and width than a normal house.
Her original staff had been divided between the two maids assigned to Guanyinbao, leaving only the wet nurse He, the old tutor Wuya, the two older maids Chunxi and Xiaxi, and the four younger maids Hongxiu, Qingjin, Lujin, and Zishang. There were also several maids and wives assigned to sweep the yard and run errands.
The two maids were paid well, each with a private room in the wing. The same went for the older maid. The younger maids shared a room with two people in the back room, though they didn't live there all the time. They would go to the maids and older maids to help out with things like that. The rest of the maids simply had to sleep in a dormitory.
I guess Shuxian's place has the same layout. In that case, how should the accommodation be allocated?
Normally, the aunts' treatment was no better than the maids', so Chunxi and Xiaxi would have to move out to the back, where there were still two empty rooms, but the atmosphere would be different. The arrival of the aunts meant the maids had to move out, which was not conducive to harmony.
So Shujia came over by herself.
Chunxi and Xiaxi had heard the news early, but they didn't say anything. They packed their bags early and prepared to move. Hongxiu and the others kept their mouths shut and helped with the packing. The two empty rooms in the back yard were also packed early. Everything in the courtyard was new, so it didn't feel unfair to them. Aside from the psychological gap, everything was fine.
When Shujia arrived at the courtyard, she saw the aunts' luggage piled under the porch. Chunxi and Xiaxi's belongings were packed in bundles. She said to the aunts, "I'm sorry to bother you. Where are they? Please move their things in quickly and put them away. I'll let them know how to arrange them." She nodded to the two of them and said, "Please do as you please. If you have anything, just tell them."
The two aunts didn't show much expression, but they were very polite: "Miss, you are too polite."
Shujia winked at the servants and said, "Everyone, go away." She returned to her main room. Wuya Ma and He Ma followed Shujia in without moving or doing anything. Now, when Shujia moved around the Shi Mansion, these two no longer had to follow her. They were only required to do it when she went out to visit.
Aunt Wuya came in and asked, "Miss, who are these two—?"
Shujia nodded. "These two will be even more important to me than Mr. Jiang in the future." As she spoke, her face turned bitter. It was so hard! She thought she had already become so localized that at least it looked natural on the surface, and the rules were not bad. Why did they have to do all this again? She would rather continue to endorse!
Nanny He whispered, "The teacher's lessons have been suspended at the eldest lady's place." Shujia pouted, "Yes, I'm the only one left. From now on, I'll see my eldest sister less and less." The two of them tried to comfort her, "We're all at home now. What's the big deal? There's still another half a day for us to see each other."
Shujia raised her brows and said, "Forget it. It's rather boring to talk about all this now. Qingjin, have someone send some refreshments to the two girls. They've been busy all morning and must be tired. When you come back, Xiaoxi and Xiaxi will drop off their things here. There's no need to rush to put them away. Give them half a day off to pack."
Qingjin responded crisply, lifted the curtain and went out.
The two older maids came over immediately, calling her "Miss," and naturally poured tea, brought her snacks, and set out books for Shujia. Shujia said, "I'm sorry for putting you in such a bad mood." Chunxi laughed and said, "Miss, you're being ridiculous again. It's a blessing for us maids to live in the side rooms. You do it out of your concern for us. Now we're just moving back to where we belong. What's there to be wronged about? Wouldn't it be better for you to come here yourself and talk to Madam?"
Shujia said, "If you had lived in the back originally, it wouldn't have been a big deal, but now that you've moved back, it's different."
Chunxi said, "Miss, don't think too much. Let's just make some rules."
"Huh?"
"Miss, have you forgotten? Xia Xi's aunt works for the mistress. She just sent someone over quietly to say that the mistress wants to add more people to the two girls and the third master's entourage. She is just asking the maids who are more suitable to prepare the things and it will be ready in the afternoon."
"We have enough people, who else do we need to add?" Shujia was puzzled.
Aunt Wuya smiled and said, "When the two of them leave, there won't be enough."
Shujia found herself completely clueless, not understanding anything: "Huh?"
Nanny He smiled and said, "My dear, how old are Chunxi and the others? In two years, when the young lady is ready to be selected, it will be time for them to be married off. No matter how reluctant you are, you can't keep them around and let them grow old! This is a good opportunity to let them take care of the new arrivals. They will be more comfortable with the young lady and they can leave with peace of mind."
Shujia was shocked. Upon closer inspection, she saw that these two had been following her since she'd crossed over. They must be around seventeen or eighteen now, so keeping them for another two years would be a long time. She'd always had them by her side, never dreaming they'd leave, and now she felt a pang of reluctance. "When did this happen? How come I didn't know about it? You..." Who are you supposed to be paired with?
Wuya Ma said, "Not right now. They won't leave until the girls are settled." Shujia had other thoughts. Since these two were house-born children, they were more likely to be married to servants. She had some say in these matters, and if the girls were unhappy, she might be able to intervene. She was worried that Xiluo would "gracefully" allow their parents to arrange their own marriages, which would be more troublesome.
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After Shujia finished her work in the courtyard, she took Hongxiu and Zishang to Xiluo's place. At Xiluo's place, a daughter-in-law was answering a question with a notebook in her hand. Seeing Shujia coming, she smiled and said, "The young lady is here." Xiluo asked, "Why are you here again?"
Shujia leaned over to Xiluo Te's side on the couch and said, "They are cleaning up and don't need me. It's so noisy and I can't sit still. I came to see mother."
Xiluo Te patted her, and the daughter-in-law handed the notebook to Shujia with a smile: "Madam is just about to add some helpers for the young ladies and gentlemen, would you like to take a look?"
Shujia looked at Xiluotai and saw that she didn't object. She took the book and took a look. It just said who was who and how old they were. She couldn't make out anything else. She closed the book and started to act coquettishly to Xiluotai: "Mother, we have enough people, why do you want to add more? Are you going to take someone away from me again?"
Xiluo Te patted her and said, "I'm kind enough to add someone to you, but you think I'm going to take someone away from you, you little heartless person!"
Shujia stuck out her tongue. "I see Chunxi and Xiaxi are not young anymore. My eldest sister will be getting married next year. They are much older than my eldest sister. Are they going to get married soon? I'm a little reluctant to let them go."
Xiluo Te said, "Then keep her in our family so you can see her every day."
Shujia shook her head and said, "No need. As long as they live well, that's enough. It makes me happier than seeing them every day. My dear mother, they have followed me from the beginning. I can't let my people live a bad life." Xiluo Te laughed and said, "I know."
Shujia smiled sweetly and began to ask what she was interested in: "Mother, who are these aunts from? Why do they look so different from the maids in Cining Palace? They are dressed so simply. Hey, what new shoes do they have? I don't even know what they are." She began to feel depressed at the end.
Xiluo Te said, "How the aunts released from the palace dress is their own business. You can ask them. Your eldest sister wants to wear flower pot soles, so of course she needs new shoes. You... are still young, so I will discuss it with the aunts first."
So that's how it is.
Xiluo Te went on to say a lot more about respecting the aunts and paying special attention to what they said. Shujia said, "Mother, I won't bother. Just like respecting Mr. Jiang."
Xiluo Te's face turned serious: "That's different. You may not be able to read, but you must know the rules."
Shujia was stunned and answered, "Yes." But her heart was skipping a beat.
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The next day, when Shujia got up, she found that everyone in the courtyard was up. The two aunts had their hair neatly combed and were standing straight. As a result, the servants in the courtyard were all in high spirits.
Shuxian didn't come to the morning class, and Mr. Jiang didn't ask and continued his class as usual.
The "Four Books for Women" had finally finished, and they began discussing other subjects, such as poetry, while continuing their quality-oriented education. Mr. Jiang was currently preoccupied. This year was the year of the major exams, and the results were about to be released, and he hadn't taken the exam this time. Shujia sensed this complex mix of emotions, but she didn't ask any questions, simply listening to her lectures and painting.
Now I don’t need to memorize the books anymore, but the problem is that I have already formed the habit. Whenever I need to watch something, I will unconsciously play it over and over in my mind = =
After class, Shujia went to Xiluo Te's house. Shuxian, her aunt, and her nanny were all there. Suddenly, Shujia realized that Shuxian had grown taller. She hadn't looked like this when she came to pay her respects early that morning. She glanced around and realized, well, she'd gotten the flower-plate bottom.
Moreover, she was dressed very securely.
What a genius! You know, when Shujia first started wearing high heels, her knees would bend when she walked, and she would do a slight horse stance unnaturally, for fear of falling.
Xiluotai was very satisfied and smiled. She asked Shujia what she had learned. Shujia answered one by one. Xiluotai asked Aunt Zhou: "Is this okay?"
Aunt Zhou said, "The servants in the palace are illiterate, and we don't know much either. His Majesty prefers gentlemen."
Sirut pondered for a moment and decided not to interfere.
In the afternoon, the aunts accompanied her while she worked on her needlework. Shujia's own needlework instructor was also present. Since her pregnancy in Hangzhou, Xiluo had stopped watching her daughters sew, but now she had gathered them together for the aunts to watch. She embroidered a few strokes and then made a lace.
Shuxian's needlework was much better. One of her maids, the Wu family, was the daughter of a master seamstress, and she occasionally showed some tricks. She was also older, so she had learned earlier and was diligent. Xiluo Te was very pleased with her, and the other aunts nodded in agreement.
Looking at Shujia again, she knew that she could not compare with Shuxian in this aspect, so she just honestly performed to her best.
Xiluo looked at the aunts again with a questioning look. In her opinion, the younger daughter was three years younger than the older one, so it was already quite difficult for them to be equally good at academics. A slight difference in needlework was also normal. Sure enough, the aunts nodded in agreement. The age difference was the reason. Besides, even if it didn't work out, there were still several years left. There was still time to teach her now.
Xiluote was relieved and said to the two of them, "Your eldest brother is not on duty today. He went outside and said he wanted to find something for you. You can go back and wait." She was going to discuss the next courses with her aunts.
Shujia and Shuxian went back, and a little later, Fu Dali returned with some books and two sets of Nine Links. Actually, he saw that Shuxian couldn't attend class, and he was worried that she was too worried, so he wanted to cheer her up.
Mrs. Xiluo has already discussed it. Shuxian's schedule is tight, so the aunts will be required to stay with her and teach her closely. Shujia can completely formulate a reformation plan from scratch. Shuxian's lessons will focus on etiquette and other aspects, while Shujia will be taught everything the aunts know.
After the aunts left the palace, their livelihood was a real problem. While they did receive a monthly stipend in the palace, much of it was given as a tribute to their superiors. Later, when there was a surplus, a large portion was used to support their families. After leaving the palace, their savings were not much. If they did not want to marry easily, they would have to rely on this stipend and their needlework to survive the rest of their lives.
Now that I have such a job, I am very satisfied. As long as the Shi family does not fall, and I can raise their daughter well, I will not have to worry about my future. Moreover, this job is different from my previous status in the palace. I don't have to look at people's opinions. It is quite cost-effective. I do it with all my heart.
So, when Shujia tried to ask Aunt Wang why the Cining Palace was dressed so festively, and Aunt Wang said that the palace required plain clothing, Aunt Wang quickly gave an explanation: "In the palace, on the birthdays of the Grand Empress Dowager, the Empress Dowager, and the master, everyone has to dress festively. Now it's March, and it's the Emperor's Birthday Festival."
Oh, by the way, Kangxi was born on March 18th, and the Shi family is also preparing gifts for his birthday.
I see!
The next morning, the aunts got up early, washed up, and waited in the yard.
Shujia went to pay her respects to Lady Xiluo, who explained her course schedule. The aunts were illiterate; it was said that it was a rule that palace maids were not allowed to learn to read. Therefore, they ignored the cultural studies and allowed Shujia to study with Mr. Jiang first, until the selection period was approaching.
The needlework continued every afternoon, but the aunts would follow suit, introducing some palace styles. After dinner, Shujia finished her homework, and the aunts began to teach her some palace etiquette.
Shujia discovered that the aunts' greatest use wasn't teaching you how to walk or kowtow. To be frank, those things didn't really need to be taught. Everyone wanted to participate, and not everyone could afford to hire a few former palace maids to teach them the rules. Most of the girls selected were from lower-ranking officials and bannermen, many of whom had never been taught or had only been taught briefly, yet some were still chosen. Families like the Shi family were used to seeing this all the time; as long as they didn't act out of turn, no matter what, their behavior wouldn't be considered impolite.
The greatest advantage of the aunts is that they know a lot of palace taboos. Their use is not to tell you "what to do" but to tell you "what not to do." Apart from the things you shouldn't do, the rest, with your usual upbringing, should not cause you any serious trouble.
The aunts are now keen on chatting with Shujia. As the weather gets warmer, they put out a pot of tea and some snacks and start chatting.
Come, girl, sit down first, put your hands down, hold your handkerchief, and let’s talk.
Girl, when you listen to someone, you should smile a little. You can't be silly or look stern. There's a time to look stern, and there's a time to smile. Okay, that's a good smile. Hey, girl, sit up straight.
Okay, let’s start talking.
The palace has a lot of rules, but they're also quite instructive. It's easy to learn, but difficult to master. First, the titles. Everyone in this palace is a master. Our masters don't like fancy things. (Shujia: Their living quarters are fancy enough.) The palace rules, set by the Grand Empress Dowager, or Empress Dowager, prohibit maids from wearing makeup, wearing no more than three pieces of jewelry, and wearing brown in autumn and winter, and green in spring and summer, with exceptions for birthdays and New Year's celebrations...
The masters in the harem didn't have to do this, but they still acted according to the moods of the three.
You're not allowed to walk around the palace alone. You have to go in pairs. If you're caught, you'll be punished severely. (Shujia: So there's no way a spy could sneak through the palace walls alone?!) Eunuchs aren't allowed to enter the palace at night; the palace maids keep watch. (Shujia: Damn!)
When sleeping, pay attention to your posture. Don't sleep on your back; sleep on your side. It's best not to talk in your sleep. When eating, avoid anything that might smell. Some things have strong odors, so don't eat them casually. If the masters smell them, it would be offensive. For example, mutton and river fish have a strong smell. Fresh fruit is fine, but don't eat too much and get upset. Having to go to the bathroom is both unrefined and disrespectful to the masters. (Shujia: These days, the original flavor of food is a good thing. Is this still a disadvantage in the palace?)
The aunt also discussed a number of important matters in the palace, including the deeds of the various palace mistresses. A key characteristic of the aunts is their exceptional gratitude; it's almost impossible to hear them speak ill of anyone. Shujia primarily interacted with the harem, so the aunts would still offer information. However, you had to discern their words: their personalities, shortcomings, and even malicious intentions were evident. (Shujia: "I knew those who emerged from there were no easy targets. Well, I think it's safer to learn to talk first, rather than just learning to walk.")
Only then did Shujia discover that the fourth son's mother, Wu Ya, had been a palace maid. Perhaps thanks to the Three Feudatories, during those years when there were no selections, Old Kang had replaced his concubines with palace maids. She was good-looking, and her performance suited Old Kang's taste. Most importantly, she was fertile, which was enough for Old Kang, who had lost so many sons in the past. (Shujia: Fourth mother can't read? What a big piece of gossip! How could she have anything in common with Master Kang? And she gave birth to so many children... She's a good Peking Opera singer. This woman is extraordinary.)
There were quite a few concubines in the palace who came from bannermen families like Concubine De, such as Wan Liuha, who, though childless, had already inherited the throne. When the aunts spoke of these people, their faces were indifferent. When they talked about Concubine Wei, who gave birth to the eighth prince, their expressions didn't change much either. They just reminded her, "That master," after a pause, "had a low birth, so the eighth prince was raised by Master Hui."
So the eighth brother has a good relationship with the eldest brother?
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