After all members of the Marquis Manor Elite Class achieved first and second-tier honors in the imperial examinations, Xu Wan became an overnight sensation in the capital. The dean of Qingbo Academy visited her repeatedly to seek her teaching methods. However, for the first year, she was preoccupied with worrying about Jin Cheng and nurturing Wen Che and Little Kui, leaving little time to converse with the dean.
It wasn’t until the twins’ first birthday celebration that the Old Marchioness presented her with a special gift: "Wan’er, I know you dislike managing household affairs. Don’t force yourself—continue doing what you love. This old mother can’t offer much, just this small token in hopes that you’ll find joy every day."
Curious, Xu Wan opened the so-called "small token."
It was the deed to Qingbo Academy.
Xu Wan: "!!!"
Her mother-in-law had bought the capital’s fourth-ranked academy and gifted it to her?!
If this was a "small token," then what did that make the rest of them? A feather’s weight?
Tears welled up in Xu Wan’s eyes. "Thank you, Mother. You’ve gone to such expense for me."
The Old Marchioness smiled. "It’s nothing. Your happiness is all that matters. Having you as part of our family is a blessing."
The room filled with laughter, warm as a beautiful painting.
After taking over Qingbo Academy, Xu Wan didn’t replicate the Marquis Manor Elite Class’s model entirely. Teaching a handful of children was vastly different from instructing thousands of students. Yet, spending her days among scholars and books brought her immense contentment.
Under Xu Wan’s guidance, Qingbo Academy underwent continuous reforms, even establishing its own elite class to attract outstanding students from across the land. Following Hanlin North Academy’s example, they provided free room and board for top scholars, competing fiercely for talent while advancing educational innovation.
The reforms bore fruit. In just two years, Qingbo Academy rose to third place, its momentum threatening to overtake the second-ranked institution.
That same year, the Emperor announced an unconventional selection process for imperial consorts.
Desperate daughters of military officials flocked to the gates of the First-Rank Auxiliary Saintess, Xu Wan. Watching the courtyard filled with noble ladies feigning gentility, Xu Wan felt a chill down her spine.
"This scene… feels eerily familiar," Xu Wan muttered to Zong Zhao.
"?" Zong Zhao had never witnessed such a spectacle.
Cui Zhi gulped and explained to the general: "This is exactly how the four young troublemakers first entered our household."
Zong Zhao raised an eyebrow, amused. "It’s fine. You don’t have to take them in if you don’t want to."
Xu Wan was torn.
Her reluctance stemmed from the pressure—she feared failing them.
Yet her desire to teach eager learners made it hard to refuse.
After days of persuasion from the noble ladies, Xu Wan surrendered.
The Qingbo Academy Noble Ladies’ Class was established, with a separate annex built beside the main academy for their studies.
Xu Wan tailored their curriculum, determined to prepare them for the upcoming selection and spare them the young prince’s harsh critiques.
Half a year into the Noble Ladies’ Class, Cui Zhi entered with news: "Madam, your sister Xu Lian’er requests an audience. She says her cousin wishes to enroll."
Xu Wan’s brush paused mid-stroke. With a calm smile, she replied, "Decline. I won’t see her."
She had long severed ties with Xu Lian’er—no need to waste time on irrelevant matters.
"As you wish."
Xu Wan returned to drafting exam questions.
Zong Zhao entered moments later. "With the consort selection approaching, aren’t you worried Jin Cheng will blame you for meddling?"
After all, the boy was adamant about waiting for Little Kui to grow up.
Xu Wan looked up. "Jin Cheng admires capability."
"?"
She chuckled. "His fondness for Little Kui stems from her being our daughter, not romantic feelings. I believe they’ll grow up as close siblings. As for these noble ladies… if he encounters exceptional writing, he might just develop an interest?"
Zong Zhao frowned. "Can one fall for someone just by reading their essays?"
Xu Wan set down her brush, teasing, "Then how did you, who’d seen nothing of me, come to like me?"
Zong Zhao: "…"
Cornered, the great general deflected. "These policy essays from the noble ladies are quite impressive. Your teaching shines through."
Xu Wan laughed in exasperation. "You’ll take that secret to your grave, won’t you?"
All these years, and he still refused to reveal it.
Some secrets were guarded too well.
That night, Xu Wan retired early.
But her dreams came swiftly.
She dreamed of waking in her 14-year-old self’s body, jaded by her past life’s exhaustion and resigning herself to Madam Liu’s abuse for four years—until the plum blossom banquet, where Chen Yunyu of Duke Jin’s Manor singled her out.
The betrothal was swift.
The eldest son of Duke Jin’s Manor was talented, handsome, and influential, his career flourishing—the most sought-after bachelor in the capital.
Xu Wan thought: Finally, the transmigrator’s luck shines on me!
Marrying into Duke Jin’s Manor would free her from the Minister’s Mansion, granting her a carefree life.
But on her wedding day, seated in the bridal sedan, she heard Xu Lian’er’s venomous whisper: "Sister, do you truly think marrying into Duke Jin’s Manor will elevate you? I’ve investigated Chen Yunyu—he keeps countless courtesans as mistresses. Pray you don’t contract their diseases."
Xu Wan’s heart seized.
Memories of her mother’s suffering surfaced—their family destroyed by such women, her mother’s shameful suicide.
How could history repeat?
"No, it’s lies. Xu Lian’er is jealous," Xu Wan reassured herself.
Chen Yunyu’s sterling reputation was known throughout the capital. The heir to Duke Jin’s Manor would never consort with prostitutes!
In the bridal chamber, Xu Wan anxiously awaited Chen Yunyu. When he arrived drunk, she seized the moment to whisper, "Yunyu… do you keep courtesan mistresses?"
Drunk and disarmed by her gentle tone, Chen Yunyu grinned. "A few, but fret not—they’ll never enter our household. You’re my only wife. The others are mere diversions."
His intoxicated gaze brimmed with adoration.
Xu Wan trembled uncontrollably, her heart freezing solid.
It was true. Xu Lian’er hadn’t lied.
She was reliving her mother’s nightmare.
Chen Yunyu, oblivious, leaned in to kiss his bride.
The stench of alcohol triggered her nausea—Xu Wan turned and vomited.
The groom recoiled, sobering instantly. "Wan’er! What’s wrong?"
