The Yang family school was located within Master Yang’s estate. From the main courtyard, through a winding corridor, turning left into a small courtyard brought one to the girls’ family school. Master Yang Second’s two sons and Ninth Young Master had to walk further ahead and turn right to reach their study area. At the end of the corridor was a solid wooden door. The teachers’ family members used this corridor for entry and exit. Master Yang First’s and Master Yang Second’s households were separated only by this corridor.

Master Yang Second’s legitimate daughter, Eighth Miss, had always been in poor health. Though the same age as Seventh Miss, she hadn’t yet begun her education. In the family school were all First Master’s daughters. Since Second Miss was preparing her trousseau, she no longer attended. With Third Miss as the leader, everyone sat according to rank. Lixia also attended to Seventh Miss, finding a small seat by the window and setting out brush, ink, paper, inkstone, and a copy of the “Young Learner’s Encyclopedia.”

Seventh Miss lowered her head to browse through the Young Learner’s Encyclopedia.

Fifth Miss was restless. Just after sitting down, she asked Third Miss, “Third Sister, I haven’t seen that vest before.”

Third Miss looked at the brand-new bright red kesi silk vest on her body and answered joyfully, “Fifth Sister, don’t worry—Xianxiu Workshop will deliver new clothes tomorrow.”

Fifth Miss curled her lip. “Just a few new outfits—nothing to be anxious about. Unlike those shallow-minded people who must wear new clothes as soon as they get them.”

Both Third Miss and Seventh Miss looked at their new clothes.

Apart from the bright red vest, Third Miss’s jacket and skirt had been washed, so she relaxed and smiled, looking toward Seventh Miss.

Seventh Miss was new from head to toe—even the shoes she wore were new ones Bailu had stayed up nights to make.

Seventh Miss concentrated on reading, reciting earnestly: “Sweet rain and timely showers both refer to seasonal rain; the dark vault and azure heaven both mean the sky above. When snow falls in six-petaled flowers, it augurs a bountiful year; when the sun has risen three pole-lengths, it means the hour is late. The Shu dogs bark at the sun—comparing those who see rarely; the Wu oxen pant at the moon—mocking those who fear excessively.”

Upon reaching “the Shu dogs bark at the sun,” she raised her head and smiled at Fifth Miss.

Fifth Miss couldn’t help growing furious. Third Miss laughed gleefully.

The teacher entered the room.

He was an elderly gentleman wearing a light blue lake satin straight robe. Though the fabric was fine, it showed some wear. He had a graying beard that gave him a kind appearance.

The Yang daughters hastily rose to greet him.

“Good morning, Teacher.”

Seventh Miss stepped forward to kowtow to the teacher. “Please teach me well from now on.”

“Good, good.” The teacher stroked his beard. “Sit.”

The teacher began instructing the five Yang daughters, reciting from the Inner Training, starting with serving parents.

“Filial respect is the foundation of serving parents. Providing sustenance is not difficult; showing reverence is difficult. To consider offering food and drink as filial piety is superficial.” His aged voice echoed through the small room.

Seventh Miss half-understood and found it very boring, so she could only flip through the Young Learner’s Encyclopedia. The Young Learner’s Encyclopedia was quite interesting—she read with relish.

After listening awhile, Fifth Miss grew bored and rustled through the pages of Women’s Inner Training. Gradually, she slumped onto the table.

Third Miss and Fourth Miss listened while dozing off. Sixth Miss sprawled on the table drawing stick figures.

Watching this, Seventh Miss felt quite familiar—like university lectures in her past life where the teacher taught and students below did their own things.

After reciting for half an hour, the teacher stopped to rest. Everyone quickly sat up properly. Seventh Miss finished the Young Learner’s Encyclopedia and started reading from the beginning again.

“Can you understand it?” the teacher asked.

“I can understand it.” Seventh Miss answered softly. “I just can’t write many of the characters yet.”

The teacher told the sisters to read on their own and came over to watch Seventh Miss write.

Seventh Miss rolled up her sleeves and clumsily ground a pool of ink. She picked up a small wolf-hair brush, pondered briefly, then slowly wrote her name.

The two characters “Yang Qi” were written with gentle elegance. The teacher was startled.

He pondered for a moment. “Have you studied before?”

Seventh Miss smiled sheepishly. “Living at home was boring, so I occasionally practiced calligraphy.” In truth, in Ninth Concubine’s quarters they couldn’t even assemble a complete set of the Four Treasures of the Study, let alone practice calligraphy. This was foundation from her previous life.

The old teacher nodded. “No wonder. It’s quite good. You studied Zhao Mengfu’s style?”

Seventh Miss had indeed specialized in Zhao Mengfu in her previous life. “I only had one copybook of his.” Seventh Miss said with a smile.

Fifth Miss walked over to look at Seventh Miss’s calligraphy. Third Miss also came closer and said enviously, “Seventh Sister’s writing is truly beautiful.”

Fifth Miss’s face flushed red. She returned to her own table and spitefully covered the few characters she’d written.

The old teacher sighed. “For feminine grace, Lady Wei is best. In the future, practice more from Lady Wei’s copybooks.” He thought briefly. “You’ve finished the Young Learner’s Encyclopedia?”

“Finished it.” Seventh Miss answered softly. She had no intention of hiding her abilities. To painstakingly learn stroke by stroke starting from the Three Character Classic—Seventh Miss herself didn’t have that patience.

The jealousy in Fifth Miss’s eyes couldn’t be contained and spilled out completely.

Third Miss stopped smiling too.

The old teacher looked at them and sighed. “Then study Women’s Inner Training together with them.” He searched through the pile of books on his desk, found an old copy of Women’s Inner Training and handed it over. Seventh Miss lowered her head in acknowledgment. The old teacher returned to his desk and began reciting again.

“From youth to adulthood, upon reaching adulthood one hopes for marriage and family. Then one extends the way of serving parents to parents-in-law—nothing can be added or subtracted.”

In less than a quarter hour, Seventh Miss was also drowsy.

After struggling through an hour of lessons, everyone perked up. They bowed to the teacher and stood in twos and threes chatting while their maids gathered up the Four Treasures of the Study.

“Does the teacher always recite like this?” Seventh Miss quietly asked the most amiable Sixth Miss.

Sixth Miss sighed. “Yes, it’s so boring. Most of it I don’t understand.”

This statement rarely caused no dispute. Even Fifth Miss nodded. “The teacher doesn’t really explain the meanings.”

Seventh Miss didn’t dare continue Fifth Miss’s topic—she just smiled and nodded at her.

Fifth Miss snorted and turned away.

Sixth Miss smiled and said to Seventh Miss, “Seventh Sister, your new clothes are really beautiful. I heard they’re from Xianxiu Workshop?”

Seventh Miss could only nod. “Mother said these past years in the northwest, I never received clothes from Xianxiu Workshop.” She had to use her northwest experiences as a shield.

Sixth Miss’s eyes showed pure longing and envy. “So beautiful.”

Her tone held only admiration, no jealousy.

Seventh Miss’s lips curved upward—she found Sixth Miss very endearing.

“You’re dressed beautifully too.” She praised.

Sixth Miss wore a light purple “hundred flowers not touching ground” skirt with a bright yellow satin jacket on top. The bold color combination impressed even Seventh Miss. Her hair was in two long braids—she looked like a flying butterfly flower, pretty and lively, innocent and pure.

Sixth Miss giggled. “I got up late this morning… Dongzhi was so anxious she just grabbed two things for me to wear. Does it look good?”

Seventh Miss thought of a story she’d once read—truly beautiful people look good in anything. She smiled faintly. “Very pretty.”

Her tone was genuine. Sixth Miss laughed happily and pulled her along out of the small courtyard. Third Miss and Fourth Miss walked far ahead of them. Fifth Miss remained in the courtyard practicing calligraphy.

“I’ve wanted to play with you for so long.” Sixth Miss’s tone was cheerful. “Sigh, with so many people at home, there’s no one willing to jump rope or swing with me.”

Seventh Miss smiled faintly. “Now that I’m in the main quarters, it’s more convenient to visit.”

Sixth Miss sighed like a little adult. “From Little Fragrant Snow to the main quarters is so far.” The slight envy in her tone, though not obvious, was genuine.

Seventh Miss smiled, not showing a trace of bitterness.

However far Little Fragrant Snow was, it was still Seventh Concubine’s territory. Sixth Miss ate well and slept well there, meeting the Grand Lady daily—and that was that.

She herself would much rather live at Little Fragrant Snow than in the main quarters where she had to be cautious at every step, not daring to say an extra word.

Sixth Miss looked at Seventh Miss, then turned back smiling to call to Fifth Miss, “Fifth Sister, come walk with us!”

Fifth Miss wore a stern expression and ignored Sixth Miss.

“Fifth Sister’s temperament is just so peculiar.” Sixth Miss whispered to Seventh Miss. “When Eldest Sister was here, everyone deferred to her and nothing went wrong. Eldest Sister has only been married a few months… and already there’s trouble, isn’t there?”

She mentioned Fifth Miss cutting the clothes very naturally, without mockery or glee, as if discussing the most ordinary matter.

Seventh Miss felt less awkward and pursed her lips. “Fifth Sister has a fierce temperament.”

“Just humor her more,” Sixth Miss confided. “Fifth Sister’s heart isn’t bad—she’s much better than…” She made two gestures. “Those two sisters.”

Seventh Miss couldn’t help but smile. “What about Second Sister?”

“Second Sister…” Sixth Miss made a face. “I wouldn’t dare gossip about her.”

The two looked at each other and laughed in unison, their laughter carrying an unspoken mutual understanding.

Reaching the end of the corridor, Sixth Miss reluctantly circled behind the main courtyard into Baifang Garden. Seventh Miss stood by the gate waiting for Fifth Miss.

Fifth Miss walked very slowly with Guyu. Lixia fidgeted beside Seventh Miss. Seventh Miss glanced at her—Lixia’s face was full of guilty fear.

Fifth Miss’s scene had been quite worthwhile, establishing her authority fully, making even Lixia afraid of her.

“What’s to fear? She’s just a young girl.” Seventh Miss said softly.

Her tone was light, but the disdain within was genuine. Lixia looked at Seventh Miss in surprise.

In the winter wind still carrying cold, Seventh Miss was like a small bamboo—upright and elegant, facing the cold wind fearlessly.

Lixia suddenly understood something.

“Yes.” She said respectfully. “Seventh Miss is right.”

Fifth Miss had already approached.

“Fifth Sister, shall we go in together?” Seventh Miss asked with a smile, her tone gentle, giving one the feeling of a spring breeze on the face.

“Such a short distance—what’s this ‘together’ business?” Fifth Miss gave Seventh Miss a withering look, her tone extremely harsh. Guyu’s face was full of unease, wanting to intervene but not knowing how.

Seventh Miss smiled with pursed lips.

“We’re all from the main courtyard.” She said leisurely. “If we can walk together, naturally we should walk together.”

Fifth Miss thought of Second Miss’s words and reluctantly restrained her temper.

“How many years have you practiced calligraphy?” After walking silently for several steps, Fifth Miss couldn’t help asking.

Seventh Miss even found Fifth Miss somewhat endearing. She recalled Sixth Miss’s assessment—Fifth Miss was like a barking dog that didn’t really bite hard.

“Two or three years.” She said with a smile. “In the northwest with nothing to do, I practiced writing in the sand.”

“You started learning characters at three or four?” Fifth Miss couldn’t help her surprise and raised her voice slightly.

The Yang daughters all began their education at age six.

“In the northwest hometown there was truly nothing to do.” Seventh Miss said lightly.

Master Yang, Yang Haidong, was originally from Baoji, Shaanxi. His family had been scholarly for generations, often producing officials at court. They were a prominent household in Shaanxi.

With great wealth came great conflicts. At just thirteen, Master Yang had split from the family to live independently. In Baoji’s Yang Family Village, he had only a two-courtyard home, which he had to share with his younger brother Yang Haixi. If not for the Grand Lady bringing a dowry worth ten thousand gold when she married in, how could he have had the funds to cultivate connections and rise meteorically to the position of Governor-General of Jiangnan?

Master Yang had prospered but never forgot his roots, never disposing of that small courtyard. Ninth Concubine and Seventh Miss had lived in that small courtyard for five years. The northwest was poor, they had little money, and were often shortchanged by the steward’s wife. Ninth Concubine had no choice but to work day and night on needlework, entrusting kind-hearted servants to sell it outside to supplement the household.

The steward’s wife supervised them strictly. Daily they couldn’t even pass the second gate, spending their days circling that tiny courtyard. From age four when Seventh Miss became somewhat aware, she threaded needles for Ninth Concubine and helped out. When idle, she’d sit in the courtyard, look at the sky, and use tree branches to write and draw on the bluestone slabs to pass time—that’s how she maintained her calligraphy.

How could Fifth Miss imagine such a life? From birth she’d had fine clothes and jade food. Though she now envied Seventh Miss’s calligraphy, in a few days she’d surely abandon it.

Seventh Miss added, “Most importantly, practice diligently without stopping. The teacher told me to write one hundred large characters every morning before paying respects to Mother. Fifth Sister, if you’re interested, you could try too.”

Fifth Miss looked thoughtful and lightly acknowledged.

Entering the main courtyard, they each returned to their rooms. Bailu had already prepared lunch. After Seventh Miss ate, Bailu opened the box and broke a silver ingot into several pieces.

“With Seventh Miss here, the main courtyard has an extra mouth to feed. We should give the kitchen some sweetener.” She explained with downcast eyes.

Seventh Miss pondered briefly. “Do Second Sister and Fifth Sister also often send silver over?”

“Second Miss is alright. Fifth Miss often craves seasonal fresh vegetables and palace pastries. Whenever she sends special orders to the small kitchen, there are rewards.” Bailu answered.

It seemed tipping the small kitchen was customary. Seventh Miss nodded—necessary expenses couldn’t be spared.

Not long after Bailu left, she returned with a plate of pastries, placing them on the table and saying to Seventh Miss with a smile, “Fresh-baked plum blossom cakes, just made by the small kitchen. Miss, would you like to try?” She knew in the south side courtyard, Seventh Miss rarely ate such fine pastries.

Seventh Miss smiled and was about to speak when Lichun entered the room.

“Madam asks Seventh Miss to come speak with her.” She said with a beaming smile.

Seventh Miss quickly rose.

“Madam also said to please have Seventh Miss change into Ninth Young Master’s clothes.” Lichun hastily added.

Both Seventh Miss and Bailu froze.