After Vice Minister Dong delivered the imperial decree, he did not rush back to the capital. Instead, he spent the New Year at the Nanyang Prince Mansion, departing for the capital on the eighth day of the first lunar month, carrying generous gifts.
The lively Nanyang Prince Mansion returned to its tranquility, resuming its usual bustle.
After this New Year, Jiang Shaohua turned fourteen.
Seeing the Commandery Princess’s birthday approaching, Lu Junma enthusiastically suggested organizing a grand birthday feast.
Jiang Shaohua said, "Due to the court’s recent awarding of Elder Changning, the mansion hosted nurous celebratory feasts, exhausting resources and wearying everyone. This year, for my birthday, there is no need for extravagance."
In the mansion, Jiang Shaohua’s words were final. Lu Junma, as a father, had almost no influence over his daughter.
Lu Junma was not upset by the rejection and smiled, saying, "Then this year will be modest. Next year, for the Commandery Princess’s coming-of-age ceremony, it should be grand."
Jiang Shaohua smiled faintly, "Of course." She then turned to discuss this year’s tour with Chief Historian Chen.
Lu Junma sat for a while, finding it dull, and then got up to take his leave.
Upon returning to the courtyard, Aunt i and her two children greeted him respectfully.
Aunt i remained elegant and gentle. Lu Ying was now nine years old, his height had grown, his features maturing to resemble his father. Lu Ruohua, at eight, was adorably charming with sparkling black eyes.
Three years ago, Jiang Shaohua invited a scholar to tutor Lu Ying, and Lu Ruohua joined in studying. Over the years, Lu Ying progressed rapidly in his studies, and Lu Ruohua learned well too.
"Is Ying’er going to study at Jingzhou Prefecture School this year?" Aunt i looked eagerly at Lu Xuan, her tone revealing reluctance: "He’s only nine; isn’t it a bit early?"
Lu Xuan frowned slightly, "Nine is quite suitable for Prefecture School. Studying isn’t just about burying one’s head; at Jingzhou, there are several great scholars to teach him, and he can et classmates, broadening his horizon, which is beneficial for the Imperial Examination."
"The Commandery Princess also approves, so it’s settled."
Upon hearing the Commandery Princess was in agreent, Aunt i imdiately fell silent and nodded quietly.
Lu Ying was not afraid of leaving ho to study at the Prefecture School; instead, he was filled with anticipation.
Since birth, he’d mostly stayed within the courtyard. Now at nine, he’d rarely traveled far. Finally, he could leave this small place to see the vast world.
Lu Ruohua looked at her brother enviously and whispered, "I want to go study too."
"Ridiculous!" Lu Xuan glared at his daughter: "How could there be any reason for a girl to show herself publicly? What’s more, at Jingzhou Prefecture School, only boys study; there’s never been a precedent for girls enrolling. Stop this nonsense!"
Lu Ruohua whispered in rebuttal, "I didn’t say I wanted to study at Prefecture School; I want to go to Ye County Won’s School."
For the past one or two years, the na of Ye County Won’s School had grown popular, even Aunt i and her daughter had heard about it. Especially Lu Ruohua, who, upon learning of its existence, developed an inexplicable longing. Today, she gathered all her courage to speak up.
Lu Xuan remained stern, snorted: "You study in the mansion with a teacher instructing you, what need is there for Ye County? That Won’s School is a gimmick created by County Magistrate Cui and his wife to please the Commandery Princess; it won’t last for a few years. Plus, the students there are low-class girls. Why would you associate with them?"
These words were exceedingly harsh to hear.
Even Aunt i couldn’t bear it, lowering her eyes to hide the emotions within.
Lu Ruohua was too young to conceal her feelings, and hearing her father’s disdainful tone towards the Won’s School, she angrily retorted loudly: "That’s not true! Ye County Won’s School is very good, the Commandery Princess has praised it many tis. Before the New Year, I saw Mr. Li. She’s beautiful, kind, and full of knowledge. I want to be her student."
"The girls in the Won’s School aren’t lowly. I want to attend school and be their classmate."
Lu Xuan was furious, slamming the table with a loud crack: "Wretched child! You dare speak to your father like that! Are you trying to defy and be unfilial? Go back to your room and kneel! No dinner for you tonight!"
Within the Nanyang Prince Mansion, Lu Xuan was ek, but in this courtyard, he was the absolute master, full of domineering authority. No one dared defy him.
Lu Ruohua was so aggrieved, tears began to fall.
Aunt i feared her daughter might say sothing else inappropriate to anger Lu Xuan further, quickly apologized, and pulled Lu Ruohua into the room.
Lu Ruohua knelt on a soft, thick straw mat, tears flowing as she sobbed: "Why can’t I go to Ye County Won’s School to study? I want to go!"
"Father doesn’t decide. I’ll go ask sister. As long as sister agrees, I’ll be able to go."
Aunt i felt anxious, rushed to close the door tightly: "Girl, if these words reach your father’s ears, he’ll fly into a rage again."
Lu Ruohua, stubborn as always, wiped her tears with her sleeve: "Tomorrow, I’ll go ask sister."
Lu Ying, concerned for his sister, fetched a warm cloth to wipe her tear-stained face. Then he whispered, "I’ll go with you tomorrow."
Lu Ruohua’s eyes lit up, grabbing Lu Ying’s sleeve: "Brother, you support too?"
Lu Ying smiled and replied, "Studying elsewhere broadens one’s horizon and knowledge; it’s a good thing. Of course, I support you. But you should think carefully. If sister truly agrees, you’ll have to leave the mansion like , to reside in a new place. Crying won’t help if you miss ho."
She wouldn’t miss her father, but felt reluctant to leave her mother.
Lu Ruohua hesitated for a mont, soon resolute: "If I miss mom, I’ll co back during vacations."
The siblings talked excitedly, and Aunt i did not stop them. She gently touched her daughter’s little face and softly said, "In my heart, nothing matters more than your studies and futures. Regardless of the outco, try tomorrow."
...
The next morning, Aunt i took Lu Ying and Lu Ruohua to pay respects to the Commandery Princess.
In these past few years, as long as Jiang Shaohua was at the mansion, Aunt i would visit every few days to pay respects. Jiang Shaohua was quite amiable to the mother and her children, always taking ti to chat with Aunt i.
"After the Lantern Festival, Ying will go to Jingzhou Prefecture School." Jiang Shaohua said kindly, "Once there, study hard; don’t bring sha to the mansion."
Lu Ying nodded emphatically in agreent.
Lu Ruohua couldn’t wait and pleaded, "Sister, I want to attend Ye County Won’s School to study. Please grant permission."
Jiang Shaohua was sowhat surprised, glanced at Aunt i: "Does Aunt i know about this?"
Aunt i took a deep breath, pulling Lu Ruohua down to kneel: "This humble one ca today to seek the Commandery Princess’s approval."
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