Chapter 10: Frustration – My Master Almost Stolen by a Country Bumpkin

Chapter 10: Frustration - My Master Almost Stolen by a Country Bumpkin

Once Lady Zheng had left, Zheng Jinxiu promptly said to Ji Shu, "Master, my younger sister has never been to school; she can't write."

Ji Shu was taken aback for a moment before responding, "Lady Zheng has already informed me of her situation. It's no problem; we'll start with the basics."

Approaching Zheng Jinyu, Ji Shu began by teaching her how to hold a writing brush properly.

For the rest of the day, she devoted most of her time to tutoring Zheng Jinyu.

In truth, Zheng Jinyu was skilled in calligraphy. Not only could she write, but due to her grandfather being a renowned calligrapher of the era, her skills were exceptional.

She had won numerous awards since childhood, though not quite on par with the great calligraphers of the world, she surpassed ladies like Zheng Jinxiu who were merely trained in the art for leisure.

She was simply pretending not to know, to avoid arousing suspicion about her true identity.

Looking at the still somewhat uneven characters "Zheng Jinyu," Ji Shu spoke to her with a gentle expression, "Second Miss, you possess remarkable talent. With more dedication, there will come a day when you surpass others."

Zheng Jinyu was taken aback. In the original story, Ji Shu hadn't spared the original protagonist from humiliation. She was Zheng Jinxiu's chief accomplice, even more so than her wet nurse.

What was going on? Could it be that she actually praised herself?

Perhaps... In the original story, Ji Shu's dislike for the original protagonist was indeed due to her stupidity or because the original protagonist had been manipulated, making her personality unappealing.

Furthermore, under the pressure of Madam Zheng, she had to teach this slow-witted disciple even though she didn't like her, which caused her distress.

If that was the case... Zheng Jinyu temporarily included Ji Shu as a target in her plans.

When Zheng Jinxiu heard Ji Shu's evaluation of Zheng Jinyu, she felt indignant on her behalf.

She glanced at the characters on the desk and scoffed softly.

She thought to herself, Is this scribble considered good? Perhaps my master has gone blind.

Though mocking in her heart, she kept a composed expression and said, "Wow, you can even write such intricate characters, Sister. You're so talented."

Zheng Jinyu: "..." Your pretense is so obvious, it's awkward to watch.

After class, Zheng Jinyu and Zheng Jinxiu each returned to their respective courtyards, while Ji Shu took both of their assignments to present them to Lady Zheng.

She was a competent matriarch, and if not for the unexpected mix-up with the children, she would have been an excellent mother as well.

She personally oversaw her daughter's daily studies.

"Madam, here is Miss Jinxiu's calligraphy practice from today."

Mrs. Zheng held the scroll, her face beaming with pride. "Jinxiu's handwriting has improved even more. Among young ladies of her age, few can rival her."

"Yes, Miss Jinxiu is naturally talented. And Miss Two is not to be outdone, as you can see."

Upon seeing the characters "Zheng Jinyu," Lady Zheng's lips curled into a smile. "Oh, she knows how to write her own name now."

"Yes, Second Miss hasn't had any formal education before. For her to be able to write like this after only three tries is quite remarkable."

After Ji Shu left, Zheng Jinxiu came to visit Lady Zheng and happened to catch her admiring Zheng Jinyu's handwriting.

A frosty glint flashed through Zheng Jinxiu's eyes, but she carefully concealed her jealousy. Smiling at Lady Zheng, she said, "Mother, it's Sister's first time writing her name. Can you give it to me?"

"Give it to you?" Lady Zheng was taken aback.

Lady Zheng smiled warmly and said, "Yes, this is the first time your sister has written her name. I think it's best to keep it well."

She affectionately stroked Zheng Jinxiu's head and continued, "Very well, I'll give it to you for safekeeping."

"Thank you, Mother."

As Zheng Jinxiu left Lady Zheng's courtyard, she wiped away her smile and clenched her fists tightly.

"Well played, Zheng Jinyu, you dare to compete with me for things." She sneered as she examined the scribbled character resembling a chicken scratch, "Hmph, I'll make you regret this."

...

Zheng Jinyu had been studying under the female tutor Ji Shu for a few days. Her rapid progress astonished Ji Shu to the point of considering her a prodigy.

One day, as she submitted both of their assignments to Madam Zheng, Ji Shu said excitedly, "I've taught over thirty young ladies in my lifetime, but Second Miss is the most intelligent one I've ever encountered. In just a short few days, she has already memorized the Three-Character Classic."

"Really? She's memorized it now?"

"Yes, indeed. If you look at her calligraphy now, isn't it much better than a few days ago?"

The mere mention of her own name, 'Zheng Jinyu,' with its intricate strokes, was written with such meticulousness that it brought an ecstatic smile to Lady Zheng's face.

Lady Zheng humbly replied, "It's all thanks to your excellent teaching."

"Second Miss is intelligent, diligent, and willing to endure hardships. Madam, I have a suggestion."

"Mr. Ji, please share your thoughts."

Ji Shu recalled the instances when Zheng Jinxiu would often interrupt while he was teaching Zheng Jinyu.

She suggested, "I advise you to engage another tutor for Miss Second, or perhaps a different one for Miss First."

"Ahh?" Madam Zheng's expression changed. "Why? Was Jinyu not doing well?"

"No, no, Miss Second is excellent. It's just that she started her education rather late, so her studies differ from Miss First's. I have to prepare two separate lessons each day and attend to Miss First while neglecting Miss Second. Miss Second is already fourteen; there isn't much time left for her to remain at home, yet there is so much for her to learn. If she were of average talent, it might be acceptable, but Miss Second possesses exceptional aptitude. We cannot afford to delay her education."

Madam Zheng immediately grasped Mr. Ji's intentions and nodded seriously.

"Initially, I didn't have high hopes for Jinyu, given that she has never received any formal education. I thought she could simply sit and listen alongside Jinxiu. Since Mr. Ji holds such a high opinion of her, I indeed cannot afford to hinder her progress. Might Mr. Ji have a suitable candidate in mind?"

"My cousin, Jining, also studied at home with me back then. What do you think, Madam?"

"Very well, I would be grateful if Mr. Jining could introduce her to us."

"Shall I bring her over for you to meet her tomorrow?"

"Excellent."

With the intention of engaging a new female tutor for Zheng Jinyu, Lady Zheng gathered the two children to discuss the matter.

Madam Zheng said, "Jinyu, Mr. Ji has suggested that your mother should find you a new tutor. What do you think about that?"

Beside her, Zheng Jinxiu appeared to be worried, but inwardly, she was overjoyed.

"A new tutor? Mother, why would you want to change sister's tutor? Did Sister offend him in some way?"

"No, he is quite pleased with your sister. He simply believes that teaching both of you simultaneously might stretch his capabilities too thin, and he worries it might hinder your progress."

Zheng Jinxiu chuckled inwardly, thinking that her relentless questioning of Mr. Ji these past few days had indeed made an impact.

Zheng Jinyu furrowed her brow, remaining silent.

She wasn't foolish; she could tell that Zheng Jinxiu had been acting deliberately these past few days.

Strangely, though, the people around Zheng Jinxiu seemed oblivious to her pretense. They perceived her as lively and energetic, even finding her adorable. It was as if she was blessed with the protagonist's halo of universal adoration – a damn annoying trope.

Madam Zheng, having partially shifted her attention to Zheng Jinyu, noticed her daughter's downcast demeanor and assumed she was unhappy about the change in tutor. She asked, "Jinyu, do you not wish to have a new tutor?"

"I... I haven't. It's all up to Mother's decision," she replied, wearing an appearance of having been wronged.

Madam Zheng commented, "Actually, Mister Ji didn't insist on you changing. He only mentioned that he's unable to manage everything alone. Either you could change, or Jinxiu could."

Zheng Jinxiu's smile froze.

Does Mister Ji also agree if I switch?

Zheng Jinxiu quickly said, "Mother, I've been following my master since I was six years old."

She also wore a pitiful expression, with tears hanging in her large eyes, as if they would fall at the next moment.