Feng Er smiled. At this moment, he had no idea that an old acquaintance, one who could subdue him, had arrived at the small courtyard.
Feng Jin Yao, huffing and puffing, entered the small courtyard. To her surprise, she ran into Yun Xu bringing an old friend.
"Sister Xu, why have you come?"
Feng Jin Yao was both surprised and delighted. Meeting an old acquaintance in a foreign land was truly an exciting event.
Xu Ming Yue had been a tutor at Wen Jin Academy for several months now, and her demeanor had completely changed from before.
Her eyes held a bright and open charm, making it impossible to look away.
Xu Ming Yue smiled, "Didn't I tell you earlier that Wen Jin Academy has a branch in Jiangnan? The dean has transferred me here to see more of the local customs and traditions, so I don't become foolish from studying and only know my own little patch of land!"
Feng Jin Yao happily pulled her into the house. Yun Xu and He Huan brought the tea and snacks they had prepared.
They were also very happy to see Xu Ming Yue. In Dong Du City, besides Bai Si Ruo, their young lady was closest to Miss Xu!
"It's been a long time, A Yao. You've become even more beautiful. I missed your coming-of-age ceremony. Was everything smooth?"
"Sister, please don't worry. I left after it was completed and followed my second brother. My mother also said that it's not good for a daughter to go out much after marriage, so I should travel as much as I can while I'm able. If my sister-in-law weren't about to give birth, my mother would have come with me."
"Madam Feng is indeed open-minded. No wonder she raised you so well!"
"Sister, you jest. How can I compare to Elder Xu and Old Madam Xu? Your freedom is true freedom, while mine is only for this moment."
Xu Ming Yue patted her hand, sensing some emotional fluctuations.
Perhaps thinking of past events, Feng Jin Yao's hatred had subsided considerably with the demise of the Wen family. However, the ten years she spent confined to the back courtyard, from a blossoming maiden to such a tragic state, naturally made her resistant to certain things.
Xu Ming Yue saw through it but did not expose it. Some things, if others didn't want to talk about them, she wouldn't ask. She believed Feng Jin Yao would process these emotions herself.
"I wrote to Si Ruo earlier, asking you to come see the peach blossoms at the mountain temple of the academy. But you were all busy and couldn't make it. Now that I'm at the branch campus in Jiangnan, the scenery is even more beautiful than before. If you have nothing to do, would you like to come with me to the academy tomorrow? This academy also admits young girls, and I find it to be three points better than other academies."
Xu Ming Yue had seen more and thought more thoroughly.
In the past, only noble ladies like them had the opportunity to attend female schools in their back courtyards. However, what they learned was mostly poetry, women's virtues, and etiquette. On the surface, they became more literate and knowledgeable, but after listening to the head tutor at this academy, she realized she had been like a frog in a well.
At this Wen Jin Academy, there were no limits to what women could learn. Some wanted to study medicine, some wanted to learn accounting, and some wanted to learn calligraphy and painting. There were even those who wanted to study agriculture, for which special classes were offered, taught by skilled local farmers who might not be eloquent but were very proficient in practice.
Most importantly, women's education here was not restricted by status.
Daughters of high officials and noble families could attend, as could daughters of mountain villagers. As long as you were willing to come, whether your family was rich or poor, there was always a way for you to study.
Thus, gradually, the reputation of Wen Jin Academy in the Jiangnan region grew, and some even called it a "private women's school."
Feng Jin Yao would not have known any of this if not for Xu Ming Yue's arrival.
"How long will you be staying this time, Sister?"
"It depends. At least half a year, possibly up to two years. If my grandparents weren't in the capital without anyone to care for them, I would be willing to stay in this beautiful place and be a tutor for life."
Xu Ming Yue's intellect was never meant to be confined to the inner chambers.
Feng Jin Yao only wanted to travel and enjoy herself, but Xu Ming Yue preferred to benefit others, especially the trend of female education here, which suited her perfectly.
She believed that in time, Xu Ming Yue would become the most outstanding tutor at Wen Jin Academy, and perhaps even its future dean!
Feng Jin Lin stood outside the door, listening to the two girls chatter. His feelings for Xu Ming Yue deepened.
When they first met, she was still engaged to the Liang family, so she always maintained a distance from him, an outsider. Although she was dignified and generous, he always felt she was no different from the wooden beauties in Dong Du City, perhaps even a bit stern and rigid.
Who knew she was someone who couldn't tolerate injustice? She made the annulment of her engagement known to everyone, without fear.
He did admire her firm resolve!
After being jilted, a woman could still be favored by Princess Fu Lin and then immediately become a tutor at an academy. Her magnanimity and demeanor were probably unmatched by few in this era.
Feng Jin Lin, a proud son of heaven since childhood, had seen many people and naturally had discerning eyes. Yet, it was Xu Ming Yue, who never played by the rules, who deeply attracted him.
She had integrity without arrogance, talent without ostentation, and when she had a vision, she immediately pursued it. Such a person naturally made his love grow with every encounter.
He had originally planned to personally visit Wen Jin Academy after the漕运司 matters were settled and express his admiration for her. If she was willing, he would accompany her through thick and thin.
He never expected her to come to Jin Ling City.
Perhaps it was fate's arrangement. Thinking of this, Feng Jin Lin decided not to beat around the bush anymore. He would find a suitable opportunity to confess his feelings.
Feng Jin Yao was unaware of her second brother's many thoughts outside the door. However, she was equally happy that Xu Ming Yue had come.
Perhaps this was an opportunity to resolve her second brother's lifelong happiness, allowing her to leave with peace of mind, thus fulfilling her past regrets towards her family!
Therefore, her smile towards Xu Ming Yue became even more genuine!
Meanwhile, back at the Chi family, Chi Zi Mo immediately sent people to investigate what had happened in the southwest. At the same time, he summoned Chi Ling You.
Perhaps he already knew that Chi Zi Mo was going to meet Prince Ding, so when Chi Zi Mo found him, he went without hesitation.
In the study, Chi Zi Mo sat sternly in a round chair, looking at him with emotionless eyes.
"Kneel!"
With a low roar, Chi Ling You obediently knelt.
He and Chi Zi Mo were originally distant cousins, but because Chi Zi Mo grew up with his grandfather, he unconsciously felt that Chi Zi Mo was like a father figure. Therefore, he had always been both fearful and apprehensive.
He had also roughly guessed what Chi Zi Mo was going to say.
"When did you pledge allegiance to Prince Ding's mansion?"
"Three years ago."