Chapter 49: The Sheng Family Academy

Amidst the congratulations from many colleagues, Zhao Han’s eyes were filled with confusion, though he maintained a polite smile on his face. For a moment, he found himself unable to comprehend what Lord Hai was trying to do. After all, he was merely a newly appointed scholar of the Hanlin Academy. Neither from a prominent family nor possessing outstanding achievements, why was he being treated with such special regard? Zhao Han sighed lightly, feeling that the officialdom was truly like a battlefield, and with his own intelligence, he might never be able to outplay these seasoned veterans. After exchanging some courteous compliments with his peers, he began to tackle the documents that had long piled up before him.

Before he knew it, it was April 19th, the birthday of Madam Sheng. Zhao Han left the Hanlin Academy at the hour of Shen. The sky was nearing dusk, and after taking the birthday gift he had prepared in advance, he headed straight for Jiying Alley.

Ever since Scholar Zhuang had recently arrived in the capital, the Sheng family’s academy had been bustling with preparations, set up in the East Wing Courtyard. Madam Sheng deeply understood that while women need not take the imperial examinations like men, studying was essential to understanding principles, knowing when to advance or retreat. Whether managing family affairs or supporting and educating children in the future, such knowledge was indispensable. Moreover, the Sheng family prided itself on being a bastion of literary refinement. Encouraging the young ladies to study was not only a matter of honor but also a way to elevate their standing when comparing themselves to others.

Still, the distinction between men and women remained. The matriarch instructed Sheng Hong to add a twelve-panel folding screen in the school to separate the girls from the boys. Originally, Young Master Qi Heng of the Qi family planned to attend Bailu Cave Academy alongside Gu Tingye. However, as the sole heir of the Qi family, Princess Pingning could not bear to have Qi Heng so far away and feared he would be led astray by Gu Tingye. Upon learning that Scholar Zhuang was teaching at the Sheng family’s academy, she surprisingly set aside her pride and personally handed over the invitation, allowing Qi Heng to study at the school of a fifth-rank official’s household. Sheng Hong and Wang Ruofu naturally welcomed Qi Heng warmly, as this was indeed a joyous matter for the Sheng family.

At Weirui Pavilion, in a chamber on the east side, Hualan sat gracefully before a bronze mirror, which clearly reflected her bright and dignified countenance. The maid Cai Zan was carefully arranging her jet-black hair. Today, Hualan wore a honey-colored brocade skirt and jacket, with only a light layer of makeup on her face. Her gentle smile bore the elegance of a noble eldest daughter and the charming coquettishness of a young maiden yet to be wed.

“Miss, with your appearance today, I’m sure Young Master Zhao will never want to return home tonight,” Cai Zan teased boldly, as only the two of them were present in the room.

Hualan’s ears reddened slightly as she lightly tapped the back of Cai Zan’s hand. “What nonsense are you saying? He is not the sort to forget manners upon seeing beauty.” Yet, even as she spoke, she herself smiled quietly.

“If I’m wrong, why are you laughing?” Cai Zan chuckled, playfully picking up a white jade magnolia hairpin from the side and gesturing it toward Hualan’s temple.

“You! Don’t mock me, or when you marry someday, I won’t let you off either.”

At this, Cai Zan blushed and murmured softly, “I don’t want to marry. I’d rather serve Miss forever.”

Hualan was about to reply when a maid outside announced, “Miss, Madam is urging you to go to the Shou’an Hall. A distinguished guest has arrived.”

“A distinguished guest? It must be my future husband!” Cai Zan said excitedly, quickening her movements.

Hualan’s eyes flickered; she glanced once more at her reflection in the bronze mirror, then swiftly adjusted her collar. Impatiently, she said, “Let’s go. We mustn’t keep Grandmother waiting.”

Following behind, Cai Zan teased, “I think it’s you who’s anxious.”

“You little brat… wait until tomorrow, I’ll teach you a lesson.”

Hualan took a deep breath, her steps lighter than usual.

Within Shou’an Hall, the glow of candlelight was warm, sandalwood incense curled in the air, and laughter and joyful voices never ceased. Sheng Wei was present with Shulan, Pinlan, and his second son Sheng Changwu. Sheng Changwu now served in the Cavalry Guard and was known for his steady and kind demeanor, earning the favor of the higher authorities. He had come specially to congratulate Madam Sheng on her birthday.

Yulan, eyes half-closed and weary, leaned against Wang Ruofu, looking like a listless kitten. She had never liked studying, and now, with early mornings at the academy listening to tedious classical texts, she was utterly exhausted. Minglan stood properly beside Madam Sheng, her slender, delicate fingers folded neatly in front. Though she too found little interest in studying and calligraphy, Madam Sheng, like with Hualan before her, had raised her as a refined lady of the gentry—well-versed in music, chess, literature, painting, and needlework. Being by Madam Sheng’s side, she naturally adhered to these expectations.

Thus, Minglan silently bore her grievances, never showing them outwardly. Often on the way to the academy, she would find a quiet spot to rest her head on Little Tao’s arm and steal a brief nap. Molan, however, did not slack off for a single day. She excelled in every aspect and was determined to prove herself the most talented and beautiful daughter of the Sheng family.

After Zhao Han respectfully completed his greeting, Madam Sheng invited him to sit on the chair to her right and said, “It has been some time; Brother Han, you look much leaner.”

Sheng Hong stroked his beard and smiled, adding, “The Hanlin Academy is a place of hardship. If one didn’t lose weight, it would be strange.”

Then, casting his gaze on Zhao Han, a hint of envy gleamed in his eyes.

“I remember how I struggled to get into the Hanlin Academy!”

Hearing this, Zhao Han hastened to reply, “Father-in-law has been diligent in his duties and has earned the favor of the officials. Even without entering the Hanlin Academy, there will be opportunities for promotion.”

Sheng Hong felt quite pleased and waved his hand. “You don’t know, dear son-in-law. I would already be content to retire with the honorable title of Silver Blue Grand Master at the third rank, which is quite respectable. But you, your future is limitless!”

As they spoke, Madam Sheng narrowed her eyes, gently rotating the tea cup in her hand, her gaze lingering enigmatically on Zhao Han. Doubts grew heavier in her heart. The world of officialdom was like a game of chess; if one could not think three moves ahead, one might lose the chance to even make a move. Over the years, Sheng Hong’s smooth ascent in office owed much to Madam Sheng’s counsel behind the scenes. Ever since Sheng Hong was unexpectedly summoned by the officials that day, Madam Sheng had secretly pondered the matter. The more she thought, the more she suspected it might be related to Zhao Han.

Only when Hualan entered did Madam Sheng withdraw her thoughts, her face blossoming with a smile. “Look at our Hualan—truly blossoming more beautifully than the flowers!”

“Grandmother is always teasing,” Hualan smiled brightly, as radiant as spring. Then she turned to Zhao Han and softly said, “Brother Zhao, I hope you are well.”