The reason why the Fan family mansion is hard to find is not because it is remote, but because most of the mansion, and even the scattered courtyards around it, were used to build the Deer Antler Academy.
The Fan family residence and the academy were mixed up and difficult to distinguish.
As a result, the real "General Fan's Mansion" is long gone, leaving only a secluded courtyard in the corner of the Deer Horn Academy, with about a dozen rooms, which can barely be considered as the residence of the Fan family.
These days, it's rare to see a stranger in this little courtyard.
She is Du Yinyun, yesterday's courtesan and today's teacher.
Ordinary people might not be able to tell where the Fan residence is, but for Du Yinyun, it is not difficult.
When she was little, her father, Du Lie, often brought her here. Fan Ziruo was about the same age as her and they got along well. Over time, they became more and more familiar with each other. The two beautiful girls were considered a rare pair of sisters in the aristocratic circles of Yinjing at that time, who were equally matched in terms of family background, appearance, and talent.
But things are different now.
The former Fan Yu, now Fan Changshu, decisively chose to retire at the height of his fame. He laid down his sword and picked up a brush, even selling his family property to build an academy. Although the academy was not well-known at first, it gradually gained fame and success, and Fan Yu and the Fan family returned to the public eye in Yinjing.
This time, however, he returned under the name "Fan Changshu" and from a scholarly family.
Back then, Du Lie still chose to join the army.
At that time, the Du family's influence far surpassed that of the Fan family.
Later, as the saying goes, "what goes up must come down," and the Du family disappeared overnight, leaving only Du Yinyun, the sole bloodline of the Du family.
Now, the Deer Antler Academy has a great reputation.
In Yinjing, half of the wealthy and powerful families would send their sons to study at the Deer Horn Academy.
For example, Li Jin, a talented scholar from the family of the Minister of Rites, and Huang Buren, from the family of the Minister of Justice, were both considered "pillars" and "strong foundations" of the academy.
Du Yinyun arrived at the Fan residence yesterday. According to her agreement with Uncle Fan, she is required to teach a "music theory" class at the academy.
This was not Fan Changshu's original intention, but it was Du Yinyun's insistence.
Redeeming the courtesan would require a large sum of money, and Du Yinyun was unwilling to owe Uncle Fan such a huge favor, so she could only do her best to help him.
Even though the Du family is now in decline, the Fan family still regards Du Yinyun as an honored guest.
Not only were maids sent to take good care of her, but she was also allowed to rest for a few days so that she wouldn't have to go to teach immediately upon arrival.
But what else can Du Yinyun do if she doesn't teach?
My family members have all passed away, and my son is no longer by my side. The beautiful flowers and grasses that I used to love to look at now seem like nothing more than red and green, so boring.
She leaned against the railing and sighed softly.
Seeing the orchids in the flowerbed reminded me of the handkerchief embroidered with orchids, and of the absurd things that happened that night.
Her cheeks flushed slightly.
She repeatedly warned herself: Du Yinyun, what's wrong with you these days? Why are you always thinking about such bad things? The young master has lofty ambitions; he wouldn't be interested in a girl who only cares about romance!
Despite saying that, Sister Du still took out the handkerchief she had used that night.
She had embroidered this handkerchief herself and then presented it to the young master as a gift. She never imagined at the time that a handkerchief could be used in this way, and now, the young master had returned it to her.
Her jade-like hand gently stroked the handkerchief.
Du Yinyun was filled with mixed emotions.
Life is quite interesting; it always lifts you up high, then throws you down hard, and then bestows treasures upon you from the mud, rekindling your hope...
Because the young master said he wanted to take it back, Du Yinyun had washed the handkerchief spotless, leaving no trace of its story. She even soaked it in water with beautiful, soft flower petals and wiped it repeatedly until it smelled wonderful.
Even so, she was still too embarrassed to return the item to He Yunxiao.
After all, this handkerchief has been through too much.
But for her, the young master's words were not to be disobeyed... No matter how unwilling or shy she was, if the young master had spoken, then she had no choice but to obey...
Phonology.
A calm female voice brought Du Meimei back to her senses.
The owner of this voice, like the voice itself, was a gentle and quiet girl.
The first thing that catches the eye is her pristine white attire. She wears a white long-sleeved top as the outermost layer, underneath which is a flowing white silk dress that runs from top to bottom. The dress is predominantly white, accented with blue-green stitching and patterns.
Then, looking up, the most striking feature was her hair, so smooth and black as silk, a stark contrast to her white robes. The hair was simple, yet far more than that; atop her elegant updo adorned a white jade hairpin, a striking contrast to the white of her garments, echoing her refined white attire.
Besides the overall elegant and simple white color, her entire face also perfectly matches her temperament.
Her face shape is more oval, but her features are very delicate, especially her almond-shaped eyes, which are large and bright, making this quiet beauty the focus of the entire room even without saying a word.
Fan Ziruo, holding the rolled-up book, came to her best friend Du Yinyun's side.
"Yinyun, are you getting used to living at the Fan residence?"
Du Yinyun tucked the handkerchief into her bosom and reached out to link arms with her friend, just like they did when they were little.
"I'm not used to it. My sister is so different from when she was little."
Fan Ziruo asked in confusion, "How is it different?"
"My sister has grown up."
Fan Ziruo said, "As time goes by, children will naturally grow up."
Du Yinyun nodded and said, "Yes. Sometimes when I hold my sister's arm, it will squeeze Yinyun's arm."
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