Chapter 99: Chapter 86, Times Have Changed l
On the first day of class, Yan Yishuang was sent back to the courtyard in tears, and upon learning this, Madam Lin immediately sought out Yan Zhigao, saying that the new teacher spoke constantly of the differences between legitimate and illegitimate children, looking down on Yan Yishuang, and demanded a change of teacher on the spot.
After hearing this, Yan Zhigao pondered for a moment and then made his way to the main courtyard.
The foundation of the Yan Family was weak, and if the family was to grow and become stronger, the education of the daughters was of great importance, a fact that he also took seriously.
Previously, when Madam Li had employed Teacher Shen, she had done so with his consent, and he had even sent someone to inquire about Teacher Shen’s reputation, learning that she was a female teacher well-liked by many families.
Therefore, he did not merely take Madam Lin’s unilateral account, but wanted to go to the main courtyard to understand the full story first.
Main Courtyard.
As the Dragon Boat Festival approached, gifts from the Li Family had arrived, and Madam Li instructed Daohua to stay and observe how she distributed the gifts. When Yan Zhigao arrived, mother and daughter were discussing which gifts to return.
Seeing Daohua was also there, Yan Zhigao did not keep things hidden and asked directly about what had happened in class that day, especially what Teacher Shen had said about the distinctions between legitimate and illegitimate children.
Madam Li first smiled and offered Yan Zhigao a cup of tea, and then, unrushed, recounted the events of the classroom in great detail, adding none of her own opinions.
“Because today was the girls’ first day of class, I was worried they might not be used to it, so I had someone on the side keeping watch. If my lord still has doubts, you are certainly welcome to call them over for questioning.”
The underlying message was, if you don’t trust what I say, you can go and ask others.
Seeing Yan Zhigao’s silent face, Daohua smiled and asked, “Father, do you think what Teacher Shen said was wrong?”
Yan Zhigao looked up at his eldest daughter, whose eyes were clear and bright, and, thinking of her views on position and responsibility, felt a stir in his heart, “What does Daohua think?”
Daohua laughed, “I think it’s very correct. Just like you, Father, as an official, you protect us, so you are the head of the family, and everybody listens to you. The greater the ability, the heavier the responsibility, and naturally, the greater the enjoyment should be. If there is only contribution without return, over time, anyone would become dissatisfied.”
On hearing this, Yan Zhigao was inwardly shocked; he was a man and moreover a graduate, his insights surely should not be less than those of a mere child.
Over the years, although he had given his wife due respect in matters of the inner courtyard, due to his inherent prejudice against merchants and his respect for scholars, he had often taken issue with the matters concerning Shuangxin Courtyard.
Madam must have long been dissatisfied, hadn’t she?
Seeing Yan Zhigao looking at her, Madam Li thought he was asking for her opinion, and after pondering, cautiously said, “My lord, Yishuang’s temperament has indeed been nurtured to be somewhat delicate. Today, Teacher Shen did not say anything too harsh, and all the remarks were directed to everyone, not singled out at any individual.”
“Yishuang crying in the classroom was undoubtedly an affront to Teacher Shen’s authority. For this, Teacher Shen did not get angry but simply had her sent back to the courtyard. I do not know how Madam Lin has described the matter to my lord, but since we have employed Teacher Shen, shouldn’t we at least show her the minimum respect?
“Even if my lord is dissatisfied, shouldn’t we wait a while longer and see? After all, today was only the first day of class.”
Daohua joined the conversation, “Father, I’m not trying to tattle, but I think I should tell you, my third sister cries too easily. At the last banquet, nobody really did anything to her, and she had her eyes all red. To those who didn’t know, it would seem as though someone had bullied her. It was quite difficult for me at the time. You should talk to her when you get the chance.”
Yan Zhigao knew about this incident, but he had heard a different version. Madam Lin told him that Daohua intentionally did not take Yan Yishuang with her, causing the other young ladies to ostracize Yishuang. However, after the banquet, he had been too busy and forgotten about this matter.
“You are the eldest sister, if there is something wrong with Yishuang, you are certainly in a position to talk to her.”
Daohua chuckled, and the corners of her mouth showed a hint of mockery, “Father, I dare not reprimand my third sister. If any of my words were too harsh and made her cry, who knows what Madam Lin would say to you? Afterwards, wouldn’t you come to trouble me?”
Listening to his eldest daughter’s candid criticism, Yan Zhigao felt somewhat uncomfortable.
Madam Li glared at Daohua, “How can you talk to your father like that? The master is usually busy with official duties; it’s inevitable that he might neglect the matters of the inner courtyard. If you have something to say, just speak plainly. Do you think he wouldn’t listen to your explanation?”
Yan Zhigao hurriedly nodded in agreement. If Aunt Lin can speak, you can explain too, can’t you? He is not someone who can’t distinguish right from wrong. Wouldn’t he give you the chance to clear your name?
Something occurred to Daohua, and the corners of her mouth curled up into a sneer. “I’m just afraid that before I even get the chance to explain, the stick would have already hit me.”
At those words, Yan Zhigao genuinely felt embarrassed.
Back when a girl from the Zhu instructing family had been injured in the Yan Family’s inner courtyard, he had slapped his eldest daughter. He had almost forgotten about that incident, but his daughter clearly still remembered it.
Madam Li also remembered the incident and, worried that the father and daughter would become even more estranged, quickly sent Daohua away: “Don’t you have to discuss with the Dowager Madam about preparing zongzi for the Dragon Boat Festival? Go on then.”
Daohua bowed to both, “Father, Mother, I shall head to Grandmother’s courtyard first.” After saying this, she left with Wang Manman.
Once outside the main courtyard, Wang Manman expressed her worries. “Miss, are we just going to leave like this? What if the master tries to take it out on the third young miss and causes trouble for Master Shen?”
Daohua smiled calmly, “That won’t happen. My father, despite his IQ.taking a nosedive whenever Shuangxin Courtyard is involved, won’t make rash decisions regarding the masters.”
Wang Manman glanced around and then said in a low voice, “Miss, I just secretly asked Qiping, who is close to the master, and he said that Aunt Lin wants the master to replace the tutor directly.”
Upon hearing this, Daohua let out a sneer. “Aunt Lin really is… completely lacking in self-awareness.” She had disliked Master Qin, yet even Madam Li couldn’t replace him directly. Did Aunt Lin think she had more authority than Madam Li?
Wang Manman nodded in agreement.
Daohua’s expression became severe, “It’s all because of the indulgence of my father.” The reason she was so satisfied with Master Shen, aside from his extensive knowledge, was his admirable discourse on the transition from seat to responsibility, which resonated deeply with her.
How could a concubine, who had contributed nothing, expect to be on an equal footing with the principal wife who brought a generous dowry, managed household affairs, and handled social interactions? Why wouldn’t she aim for the stars?
“Let’s stop talking about Shuangxin Courtyard and go find Grandmother.”
The main courtyard.
After Daohua left, Madam Li no longer discussed matters concerning Aunt Lin and her daughter with Yan Zhigao. Instead, she talked about the social interactions among the officials in Xingzhou City.
“My lord, the city is far more complex than the county. Our family needs to be more mindful about certain things, especially when it comes to etiquette and manners. Your sudden promotion by three ranks has already made you the envy of many; we can’t afford to give others a handle on us, only to be laughed at.” Yan Zhigao nodded in agreement.
His work in Xingzhou City was not going as smoothly as he had hoped; in fact, it felt rather difficult.
His underlings, the chief clerk and the deputy magistrate, although seemingly obedient to his face, would procrastinate as much as possible when it came to handling official matters. Even worse, he could not pin down any specific faults, which made the situation very frustrating for him.
He was already troubled enough with official matters, so after understanding what had happened in the inner courtyard, he didn’t want to involve himself further. After a moment of silence, he said to Madam Li, “Going forward, you should pay more attention to Yishuang’s education.”
Madam Li smiled, “I’m her mother; of course I should.”
The next day, Yan Yishuang came to the classroom looking listless and obediently sat in the spot allocated by Master Shen. In Shuangxin Courtyard, Aunt Lin also appeared exhausted, having waited up all night for Yan Zhigao.