With Emperor Yuanyou's decree, those who had seized the Qin Prince's Mansion's shops obediently returned the gold and silver—including the Eastern Palace, Prince Chu's Mansion, Prince Qi's Mansion, and others...
Song Shihuan's gaze was mocking. "Look at this—my father's so-called brothers."
They were all eager to trample on her father's head, feasting on his flesh and blood.
"How outrageous," Nanny grumbled indignantly. "His Highness has always been generous to them and never held grudges, yet they took advantage of the Prince's Mansion instead."
"Times have changed."
Sunlight slanted over Song Shihuan's hair, casting an almost divine glow upon her.
"With so much silver, how should we spend it?"
Her words lightened the somber mood, and Baoxia couldn't help but laugh. "My lady, if Teacher Shen heard you say that, he’d probably jump three feet in the air."
"The Shen family is a noble household, but Lord Shen refuses to give Teacher Shen too much allowance." At the mention of Shen Qingping, Song Shihuan also smiled. "The recovered silver should be enough for him to enjoy wine and music for a while."
Perhaps because the sunlight was too dazzling, Song Shihuan had someone set up a recliner by the lake. She lounged lazily, emptying her mind.
Strangely enough, after just over a month, she was no longer afraid of the lake.
Even memories of her past life now felt distant.
Now that the spies in the Qin Prince's Mansion had been cleared out and she had so much silver, she could finally sleep peacefully.
Half an hour later, Sanxi tiptoed over.
"My lady, Eunuch Chen has arrived with a nanny and is waiting outside the mansion."
"Chen Chi?" Song Shihuan slowly opened her eyes. "Have them wait in the front hall."
She had barely enjoyed a moment of peace before Kunning Palace stirred up trouble again. What a nuisance.
......
"My apologies for not welcoming you sooner, Eunuch Chen."
Seeing Song Shihuan in a bright red ruqun, Chen Chi was momentarily stunned. In such a short time, the Fuan Junzhu seemed like a completely different person.
There was even a hint of a budding beauty about her.
"My lady, this servant has come under the Successor Empress's orders to deliver a nanny to instruct you," Chen Chi quickly composed himself. "By the end of May, the Women's Academy will admit a new batch of students. Her Majesty wishes for you to attend as well."
"Women's Academy?"
Song Shihuan perked up. Wasn’t this the place Song Xiyan had boasted would make her "wish for death rather than life"?
"The Women's Academy is a special institution in Da Qi for young noblewomen to study," Chen Chi explained calmly. "It is divided into Class A, Class B, and Class C."
"As a newcomer, you would start in Class C. To advance to Class B, you must pass a promotion exam—the same applies for Class A. Every October, there is a championship competition, open only to Class A students."
"Thank you for clarifying, Eunuch."
Song Shihuan smiled faintly. "But what does this nanny have to do with the academy?"
"The academy is filled with the most accomplished young ladies from noble families. Her Majesty, considering you were never taught palace etiquette, has arranged for a nanny to help you catch up."
"How thoughtful of Her Majesty."
Song Shihuan's smile widened as she observed the stern-faced Nanny Diao.
Did they really think sending a nanny could control her?
In the courtyard, Nanny Diao raised her shrill voice, clutching a handkerchief. "My lady, in the palace, the length of a lady's steps, the sway of her hair ornaments, even the curve of her smile—all must follow strict rules."
"Which class is Xiyan in?"
Song Shihuan's question had nothing to do with Nanny Diao's lecture.
"Fuyun Junzhu is exceptionally talented—she is the youngest student in Class A."
"My lady, watch as I demonstrate. You must follow along," Nanny Diao tried to steer the conversation back.
"And what about Xiling and Xiyao?"
Yingchun and Baoxia, recognizing Song Shihuan's mischief, turned away to stifle their laughter.
After several rounds of this, Nanny Diao could no longer hide her frustration, her face stiffening.
"My lady, Her Majesty sent me here to teach you etiquette."
"Indeed. So please continue demonstrating, Nanny." Song Shihuan took a bite of a peeled apple, her carefree expression bearing an uncanny resemblance to Song Yu.
"Yingchun, how many times has Nanny Diao walked now?"
"Three, my lady."
"Only three? How could I possibly learn so quickly? Nanny, please walk a few more times." Song Shihuan lounged on the recliner, swinging her feet cheerfully.
Watching her laziness, Nanny Diao seethed silently but had no choice but to comply.
Twenty laps...
Thirty laps...
Finally, Nanny Diao collapsed from exhaustion.
Song Shihuan stood and dusted her sleeves. "Well, I’ve mastered walking today. Tomorrow, Nanny can teach me how to stand and sit properly."
"Oh, and Baoxia—prepare some meat dishes for Nanny tonight. We wouldn’t want her too weak to teach me tomorrow."
That evening, when Song Yu returned and heard the story, he burst into laughter.
"Ahuan, that’s exactly how to deal with such insolent servants. If you need me to step in, just send for me."
Song Shihuan set down her book. "Father, could you inquire about the Women's Academy for me?"
"The Women's Academy?"
Her eyes sparkled. "Yes! I’ll be attending soon. I want to enter Class A, win the championship, and bring honor to you."
"But..." Her face fell. "My foundation is weak. I’m afraid the teachers won’t like me. I’d like to study more at home—though it might trouble you and Teacher Shen."
"No trouble at all!" Song Yu declared. "No need to bother Shen Qingping—I’ll teach you myself. Tomorrow, I’ll find out about the academy’s curriculum."
Meanwhile, at the Shen residence, Shen Qingping sneezed violently while buried in books.
Who was cursing him in secret?
......
The next day, Nanny Diao was roused early by Baoxia. In the courtyard, Song Shihuan had already finished her martial arts routine and was waiting.
"Nanny, let’s begin."
As a seasoned palace nanny, Nanny Diao hadn’t suffered such humiliation since her early days in service.
After several days of torment, she could endure no longer. Fabricating an excuse, she fled the Qin Prince's Mansion.
At Kunning Palace, Nanny Diao knelt tearfully before the Successor Empress. "Your Majesty, Fuan Junzhu is unruly and deliberately tormented this servant. She refused to learn anything!"
The Successor Empress smirked. "Good. The less she learns, the better."
"In a few days, I’ll host a flower-viewing banquet for noble ladies. Let’s see how that wild girl makes a fool of herself then."
A dark glint flashed in her eyes. By then, she would see if the Emperor still dared to shield his little favorite.
