Chapter 6: The Second Young Lady Born with Talent

Under Han’s careful arrangements, the female tutor for Shen Qingyun was quickly selected.

She was the fourth young lady of the Xu family, renowned for generations of literary excellence, now nearly thirty years old. In her youth, Miss Xu was celebrated for her talents, but an ill-fated journey led her to encounter mountain bandits. Though her virtue remained intact, her betrothal was broken for the sake of reputation, and she never sought marriage again, instead becoming a female tutor.

Thanks to her youthful fame, many households still wished to employ her.

Shen Qingyun took a deep breath. Miss Xu was brilliant, dignified, and somewhat aloof. In her previous life, Miss Xu had warned her about Shen Sisi’s hidden nature.

Regrettably, in her past life, Shen Qingyun was manipulated by Shen Sisi, causing Miss Xu to leave in disappointment not long after. In this life, she was determined not to falter.

The next morning, Shen Qingyun washed and dressed herself, and when Miss Xu arrived, she was immediately struck by her elegance.

Miss Xu wore a bamboo-green gradient skirt, paired with a white robe marked by ink-like patterns and matching wide sleeves. At her waist hung a finely crafted green jade pendant, its tassel swaying delicately as she walked—truly refined.

“Greetings, Teacher Xu. I am Shen Qingyun, your student,” Shen Qingyun said respectfully, performing the formal ritual of apprenticeship. Seeing her composure and sincere reverence, Miss Xu accepted the gesture with satisfaction.

She had expected, after hearing Shen Qingyun was from the countryside, that much correction would be needed. Now, it seemed the girl had decent roots; Miss Xu was not one to teach just anyone.

“Have you studied or learned to read?” Teacher Xu’s expression softened.

“No, I haven’t,” Shen Qingyun replied, displaying just the right amount of shyness. “I grew up in the countryside and could only occasionally listen in at the village school. I wish to start with the basics.”

Teacher Xu nodded, not looking down on her but rather approving her honesty. “Then we’ll begin with the ‘Three Character Classic’ and the ‘Thousand Character Text’ to teach you common characters. After some time, you can memorize poems and verses, which will be useful in social gatherings.”

Shen Qingyun was quite pleased. She was not in a rush for fame or brilliance; reviewing old lessons and learning anew in this second life, she could take her time.

Teacher Xu did not expect Shen Qingyun to become a great scholar, as she was starting late. She simply hoped the girl could handle the essentials of daily life.

But as days passed, Teacher Xu grew increasingly astonished.

Shen Qingyun proved to be exceptionally gifted. Though only basic knowledge was being taught, she remembered everything she saw and grasped concepts instantly, often drawing inferences from one point to another. Even more admirable was her diligence; she studied tirelessly and never grew conceited despite her rapid progress.

Teacher Xu was genuinely moved and began to praise Shen Qingyun in front of Han and Shen Zhifeng.

“Is it true, Teacher Xu? That’s wonderful!” Han was overjoyed. Miss Xu was always proud and aloof; without the connection to the General’s Mansion, they might not have been able to invite her. She hadn’t expected Shen Qingyun to win her approval so quickly.

“It’s absolutely true. No wonder she’s of noble blood—Miss Shen is truly gifted,” Madam Jiang said with a smile.

Shen Zhifeng, however, remained unimpressed. He thought, “She’s only studied for a short time; how skilled can she be? She’ll never match Shen Sisi.”

Shen Qingyun stayed humble, knowing well that in her previous life, she nearly blinded herself with effort, striving to become the talented lady Jiang Lin admired—hence her current abilities.

After reassessing Shen Qingyun, Teacher Xu accelerated the pace of reading and introduced lessons in music, chess, calligraphy, and painting earlier than planned.

Once teaching began, Teacher Xu felt a surge of regret.

She couldn’t help but think: If only Shen Qingyun had grown up in the capital with such talent, she could have rivaled Ji Qianxue, the foremost literary woman of the city.

Naturally, Shen Sisi felt threatened. For several days she tried to interrupt Shen Qingyun, but was continually rebuffed. She simmered with resentment—“Just a country girl, knowing a few characters is impressive enough. Who is she trying to impress with this show of diligence?”

So she approached Shen Zhifeng. “Father, I’ve long heard of Teacher Xu’s brilliance. Since she’s teaching here, may I also learn from her?”

Shen Sisi thought, “Teacher Xu simply hasn’t taught me yet. If I study with her, Shen Qingyun will surely appear foolish by comparison.”

Shen Zhifeng readily agreed, believing that having a female tutor for Shen Qingyun was a waste. The next day, he eagerly brought Shen Sisi to Teacher Xu, confident that with her reputation for talent, Miss Xu would be proud to instruct her.

Unexpectedly, Teacher Xu refused outright.

“I appreciate your recognition, Lord Shen, but the progress between your two daughters is vastly different, making joint instruction unsuitable. I was specifically invited to teach the Second Miss. Please seek another tutor for your eldest.”

“No need for joint instruction. Qingyun’s foundation is weak; half an hour daily is enough for her to learn a few common characters. Sisi, on the other hand, is skilled in music, chess, calligraphy, and painting—she needs your guidance,” he insisted, convinced it was Shen Qingyun who held things back.

Shen Qingyun’s expression turned cold, but before she could speak, Teacher Xu again refused: “If she’s already accomplished, I am unfit to instruct the eldest miss. Moreover, the Second Miss is exceptionally talented; I will impart all my knowledge to her.”

Shen Zhifeng was dumbfounded. How could this be?

Shen Sisi’s eyes filled with tears, but she dared not confront Teacher Xu. Instead, she turned to Shen Qingyun, “Sister, is it because you don’t want Teacher Xu to teach me?”

Shen Qingyun laughed coldly, about to retort, when Shen Zhifeng, now angry and embarrassed, snapped, “A woman’s virtue lies in lacking talent. Qingyun, you grew up in the countryside—what can you possibly achieve? You should learn to yield for the sake of your sisters.”

His implication was that Shen Qingyun should willingly give up Teacher Xu.

“Lord Shen, mind your words!” Teacher Xu suddenly raised her voice. “Do not disparage the talents of women. Since ancient times, history is filled with extraordinary women—wise, accomplished, writing poetry and books, no less than men. With her gifts, the Second Miss should not be wasted. I am committed to teaching her thoroughly; please find another tutor for the eldest miss.”

“Isn’t Miss Xu a bit arrogant? I’d like to see what you can make of Qingyun!” Shen Zhifeng, shamed and worried Teacher Xu might argue further, stormed out, “Sisi, let’s go. Don’t let her mislead you.”

Shen Sisi, bitter and unwilling, had no choice but to follow.

Shen Qingyun’s heart was stirred by Teacher Xu’s words and firm attitude. Unable to hold back, she asked, “Teacher, why are you unwilling to instruct Shen Sisi?”