Chapter 97: Chapter 84, Master Sheni
Daohua and Madam Yan, along with Yan Zhigao, stayed at the villa for over half a month before returning to Xingzhou City. If not for Madam Li sending someone to rush them every few days, the three of them could have stayed even longer.
There was no helping it, after all, Madam Yan and Yan Zhigao were true farmers at heart, fond of interacting with the fields; as for Daohua, apart from needing the energy of plants and trees for her space to operate, she herself also preferred the unfettered rural life.
During this period, all the idle dry land in the large and small villas was planted with watermelons, and grapevines were set up in the yards of the villas, planted with grapes.
Under Daohua’s supervision, a large portion of the barren hills were also cultivated. Several carts of fruit tree saplings had been kept in the fertile soil of her space for seven to eight days before being transplanted onto the barren hills.
As for the medicinal herb seeds, Daohua bred them with even more care, keeping them in her space for more than ten days before planting them on the cultivated hills. The more precious medicinal herbs were planted by Daohua herself.
When leaving, Daohua was especially worried about her medicinal herbs.
She wasn’t so concerned about the fruit tree saplings; saplings weren’t that demanding of soil fertility, and since she had nurtured them in her space for so many days, they would surely take root and grow.
But medicinal herbs were different-they were valuable commodities. To be honest, she felt somewhat uneasy about planting them on the newly cultivated barren hills.
Seeing Daohua’s worried expression, Madam Yan scolded without real annoyance, “We’ve already left the village, what more is there to look at?” Daohua let down the carriage curtain and asked anxiously, “Grandmother, do you think my medicinal herbs will grow well?”
Madam Yan replied, “You’re just bothering yourself.” After hearing from the head of the Zheng family that her granddaughter had spent over a hundred taels of silver on medicinal herb seeds, her heart ached; this thoughtless child really didn’t treat silver as money.
Daohua sighed, “It’s mainly because we stayed for too short a time.” If she had a few more months, she guaranteed, all the medicinal herb seeds she planted would survive and even thrive.
Seeing her fretful appearance, Madam Yan refrained from saying more, falling silent for a while. When she saw Daohua’s still downcast look, she couldn’t help but comfort her, “If they don’t survive, they don’t survive; just take it as a lesson learned. I still have some silver here. If it doesn’t work out this time, you can just plant them again next time.”
Outside the carriage, Yan Zhiqiang had originally expected Madam Yan to seize the chance to give Daohua a lecture, since the girl was truly extravagant when spending silver-handing out silver notes of fifty taels without even blinking. If the medicinal herb seeds could survive, that would be fine, but what if they didn’t? They would suffer a huge loss!
Such audacity, too much of a risk!
Yan Zhiqiang had expected that Madam Yan, who witnessed everything, would criticize Daohua. Instead, her words ended up being encouraging!
Yan Zhiqiang shook his head helplessly.
He realized he could not hold much hope for Madam Yan!
Well, he’d just have to visit more often from now on. After investing so much silver, they had to earn something back.
Upon returning to the mansion, Daohua rested for two days, and on the third day, she and Yan Yihuan and the others began their studies.
The Yan Family had newly employed a female tutor with the surname Shen, whom Madam Li had met through an introduction by Madam Tongzhi.
Apparently, this tutor was quite famous in Xingzhou, usually teaching the etiquette and literature suitable for officials’ daughters. The wives of Xingzhou’s aristocratic families all wanted to hire her to educate their daughters.
It was fortunate for the Yan Family that Tutor Shen had just recently finished her service with her previous employer and was at leisure at home. Madam Li approached her at the right time, and with earnest words and enough respect given, Shen was persuaded to come to the Yan Family.
The first impression Daohua got from Tutor Shen was completely different from that of the previous Tutor Qin.
Setting aside the relationship between Tutor Qin and Aunt Lin, Tutor Qin struck her as somewhat petty and failing to grasp the big picture, also revealing occasional sullenness that made her unapproachable.
The newly arrived Tutor Shen, on the other hand, was grand, composed, and confident.
This composure stemmed from her impeccable manners and etiquette, which left no room for criticism, while her confidence was derived from possessing the skills to stand on her own in the world.
In short, the difference between the two was like that between a mountain and a hill.
When Daohua and the others met the new tutor for the first time, they all behaved very properly.
The classroom had four chairs arranged, two in the front and two in the back.
After performing courtesies with Master Shen, the four followed the seating order they had previously used in the classroom of Liny! County: Yan Yishuang by the window, taking the first row with Yan Yile, followed by Yan Yihuan by the window, with Daohua sitting behind them in the next row.
However, before Daohua’s bottom even touched the bench, Master Shen spoke up-
“Young ladies, please hold!”
Daohua and the others immediately stood up straight and proper.
While Master Shen always wore a light smile and his expression was very kind, none of the four dared to take liberties.
Master Shen sized up the four girls of the Yan family, gaining a general understanding of them from their subconscious seating behavior just moments ago.
“Ladies, you’ve got the seating order wrong. Since ancient times, there has been an order to seniority and a distinction between legitimate and lesser branches. Eldest daughter, you should take the first row,” said Master Shen, pointing to Yan Yishuang’s seat, his gaze resting firmly on Daohua.
He was curious to see how the eldest daughter of the Yan family would react.
Daohua was somewhat surprised; she hadn’t expected the new teacher’s first point of concern would be this.
While seating order might seem trivial, it still reflected their status within the household to some extent. At the very least, Yan Yishuang daring to take the best spot showed she was favored.
That Master Shen dared to point it out meant he was a formidable person.
Indeed, no matter where they were, capable people could live more as they pleased, without the restraints and considerations of others.
“Yes, Master!”
Without any pretense of humility or hesitation, Daohua swiftly moved from her spot and stood beside Yan Yishuang.
Seeing her do this, Master Shen’s head gave the slightest nod of approval.
As the legitimate eldest daughter, she should possess the bearing of one-not being timid and indecisive which would make others look down on her.
Yet at this moment, Yan Yishuang’s eyes were red, and she clenched her teeth tightly, looking as if she was about to burst into tears at any second.
As for her demeanor, Master Shen did not give her a second glance, simply stating calmly, “Third young lady, your place is over there,” pointing to the seat Daohua had vacated.
Yan Yishuang tried to hold back, mustering the courage and said, “Master, this is how we always sat before.”
Master Shen’s face remained impassive, “That was because your previous teachers had no sense of discipline. Third young lady, considering you are still young and fortunate enough to sit in my classroom, let me offer you some advice. People should position themselves properly in a timely manner; it’s better for you and for everyone else.”
Over the years, moving among the backyards of various aristocratic families, she had seen a great deal. Some concubine-born daughters, relying on the slightest favor, failed to recognize their station and sought attention and dominance in every matter, ultimately meeting tragic fates.
Despicable and pitiable!
“Please!”
After hearing this, Yan Yishuang knew the seats had to be changed, and so, reluctantly and sulkily, she moved to the row behind.
Then, Master Shen turned to Yan Yile, “Fourth young lady, you also need to switch places with the second young lady.”
Yan Yile, quick to understand, seeing that Yan Yishuang hadn’t won against Master Shen, immediately moved towards Yan Yihuan.
Yan Yihuan had no objections, obediently switching seats with her younger sister.
Observing the four now seated in their proper places, Master Shen nodded, “Very well, sit down.”
“Today I had you change seats primarily to teach you the proper order of seniority and respect between the legitimate and other branches. In life, only by knowing your proper place and being clear about it can you live better and longer..”