Chapter 060: Cat

Chen Shuyi had never been so provoked in her life. Already having a grudge against Jiang Xuening, she couldn’t swallow her anger and, in a fit of rage, raised her hand.

Even if Shen Zhiyi hadn’t appeared, that slap might not have landed.

After all, they were both companions to the Princess. A verbal spat could be dismissed as a quarrel, but whoever struck first would be in the wrong. She didn’t need to go through such trouble with Jiang Xuening.

But Princess Leyang appeared at just the right moment.

It was too awkward.

It left her with no defense!

Chen Shuyi felt as if a bucket of cold water had been poured over her, chilling her to the bone. She quickly bowed to Shen Zhiyi, “Your Highness, it was a disagreement between Miss Jiang and me. Miss Jiang is eloquent, and I couldn’t out-argue her. I lost my temper. It was my fault. I beg Your Highness to be magnanimous and forgive my rudeness.”

Her voice trembled slightly, showing her fear.

Without her earlier anger, she quickly calmed down, realizing the seriousness of the situation. She knew Shen Zhiyi was inclined to favor Jiang Xuening, so she couldn’t argue. The best course was to admit her mistake while clarifying the situation, endure the moment, and seek revenge later.

Jiang Xuening sneered inwardly, thinking how quickly Chen Shuyi had become submissive. Her previous arrogance vanished in the face of someone more powerful.

They had been getting along fine until Chen Shuyi started the trouble!

Since the grudge was already there, Jiang Xuening didn’t want to let her off easily. She wanted to infuriate her even more.

With a pitiful look, Jiang Xuening raised her tearful eyes to Chen Shuyi, her body trembling slightly, as if she couldn’t believe the blatant lies, “Sister Chen, are you saying that I bullied you? I, I…”

She couldn’t finish her sentence.

Biting her lip, she widened her eyes, looking at Chen Shuyi as if seeing her for the first time, showing genuine indignation and heartbreak.

The entire Fengchen Hall fell silent.

Zhou Baoying was stunned, the bag of candied fruit slipping from her hand to the floor;

You Yue felt a chill down her spine, grateful she hadn’t joined Chen Shuyi in mocking Jiang Xuening;

Fang Miao was also in a daze, having thought Miss Jiang was formidable but not expecting her to be this formidable;

Even Xiao Shu looked at Jiang Xuening with shock, as if seeing her for the first time. Recalling the day Jiang Xuening had unceremoniously pushed You Yue into the fish tank, it seemed like a distant dream.

That cold, ruthless demeanor…

And this delicate, pitiful appearance, were they the same person?

Shen Zhiyi stepped to Jiang Xuening’s side, hesitated, and gently placed a hand on her shoulder.

Jiang Xuening felt it and turned her head to continue playing the victim.

But as she turned, she met a different gaze: Shen Zhiyi’s eyes no longer held the usual sweet admiration but were filled with sadness, regret, and hesitation.

In the end, she gave her a reassuring smile.

At that moment, Jiang Xuening thought of Yan Lin’s gaze from the previous day, filled with hidden torment, and her heart ached.

Shen Zhiyi had returned from Kunning Palace, where they were investigating the Internal Affairs Office. Was the Jade Ruyi case finally implicating the Yongyi Marquis’ residence?

If not, Shen Zhiyi wouldn’t look at her this way.

With this thought, her quarrel with Chen Shuyi suddenly seemed insignificant.

But Shen Zhiyi wasn’t ready to let it go.

She remembered that Jiang Xuening initially didn’t want to enter the palace. It was Yan Lin who sought her out and persuaded her to stay.

What difficulties could she face in the palace?

With Yan Lin’s protection and Shen Zhiyi’s support, even if there were some dirty dealings, they wouldn’t harm her.

But the ominous atmosphere in Kunning Palace today made Shen Zhiyi realize she was wrong. She also understood why Yan Lin publicly distanced himself from Ningning the previous day.

If she were in his place, she would do the same.

Not knowing the truth, she felt indignant and angry for Ningning. Knowing it, she blamed herself and felt sorry for Ningning.

Perhaps in the future, without Yan Lin’s protection, only she would be left to protect her.

Despite her naivety and willfulness, Shen Zhiyi had grown up in the palace.

She could see through Ningning’s playful pretense to provoke Chen Shuyi. But Chen Shuyi’s audacity was genuine, and Shen Zhiyi knew Ningning wasn’t someone who would harm others without reason.

The Jiang Xuening who had carefully applied makeup to cover her old scars and said those words to her was not a bad person.

Shen Zhiyi raised her eyes and looked at Chen Shuyi. She wasn’t angry, but her calmness was more chilling than anger. She spoke clearly, “I don’t want to hear your explanation. As a minister’s daughter chosen to be my companion, and given our acquaintance, I won’t embarrass Grand Scholar Chen by expelling you from the palace. But you, and all of you, must know that Miss Jiang Xuening of the Jiang family was personally selected by me to enter the palace. From now on, any disrespect towards her is disrespect towards me. You didn’t know before, but I’ve said it today. Anyone who offends again will not be spared.”

Everyone was stunned by Shen Zhiyi’s stern words!

They all fell silent, as if struck by a cold wind.

Jiang Xuening seemed to confirm something from Shen Zhiyi’s words and became a bit dazed.

Chen Shuyi couldn’t understand why Shen Zhiyi’s attitude had suddenly become so serious. Although her words were harsh, like slaps to the face, Chen Shuyi didn’t dare to refute them, fearing further trouble. She bowed her head and replied, trembling, “Yes.”

Shen Zhiyi continued, “Since you know you were rude and are so easily angered, you will copy the ‘Book of Rites’ and the ‘Heart Sutra’ ten times each. This will help you remember your manners and calm your mind. Don’t let your thoughts wander to irrelevant matters in a place meant for studying like Fengchen Hall.”

Chen Shuyi felt resentful, her face turning pale.

She forced herself to take a deep breath and bowed again, “Thank you, Your Highness, for your magnanimity. I will be careful with my words and actions from now on and will not make the same mistake again.”

Only then did Shen Zhiyi turn her attention away from her and approach Jiang Xuening’s desk. She half-squatted, resting her chin on her hands, and looked at Jiang Xuening with a playful smile, “Ningning, are you still angry?”

Jiang Xuening had been pretending more than anything.

Having endured much worse in her past life, she could easily handle this. Seeing Shen Zhiyi’s careful and considerate demeanor, she felt a mix of joy and sorrow. She forced a smile and pulled Shen Zhiyi up, “Your Highness, what kind of behavior is this?”

Shen Zhiyi, not daring to tell her about the matters in Kunning Palace, tried to cheer her up, “I was just teasing you, afraid you might be upset.”

Jiang Xuening could guess her intentions and managed a smile through her tears.

She murmured, “With Your Highness caring for and favoring me like this, all my troubles melt away. How could I not be happy?”

Shen Zhiyi then smiled along with her.

The atmosphere in the hall became warm and harmonious.

But this harmony was only between them, leaving the others feeling excluded.

Chen Shuyi’s expression kept changing.

Xiao Shu’s gaze swept over everyone in the hall, thinking: Chen Shuyi, usually cautious and rarely making mistakes, lost her composure in the restrictive environment of the palace. But Jiang Xuening, despite her seemingly arrogant and foolish behavior, hadn’t made any real blunders. She showed no signs of discomfort or fear about palace life, remaining the same as when she first entered. It made one reluctant to underestimate her.

*

Fortunately, this scene didn’t last long.

At the second quarter of the hour of Chen, Zhang Zhong, the chief compiler of the National History Museum who taught the ‘Book of Rites,’ walked in with a stern face, carrying several thin books under his arm.

Everyone, including Shen Zhiyi, returned to their seats.

“Greetings, Master Zhang,” the students said.

Zhang Zhong, with his square face and thick eyebrows, had narrow eyes that gave him a naturally harsh and unapproachable look when he frowned.

He glanced at everyone, showing no sign of a pleasant demeanor.

He raised his hand and handed the books he brought to the little eunuch beside him, saying, “I came to teach the ‘Book of Rites,’ which is not a particularly important subject. But after studying history for many years, I know that without rules, nothing can be accomplished. The collapse of rites and music in the Zhou Dynasty led to the chaos of the Spring and Autumn period. Initially, we teachers decided to teach the ‘Admonitions for Women’ to the princess and the daughters of high officials. However, Master Xie said that you, as companions, are already well-educated and have learned what you need to know, so there was no need to repeat it. Instead, we should teach some principles of state and family, hence the change to the ‘Book of Rites.’ But recently, I have heard that although Fengchen Hall is a place of learning, some people do not understand the hierarchy and cannot even display the virtues of gentleness and propriety expected of women. This is absurd and a heavy responsibility. Therefore, I have changed today’s lesson to the ‘Admonitions for Women.’ Once we finish that, we will return to the ‘Book of Rites.’”

The little eunuch distributed the books to everyone.

Jiang Xuening looked down and saw the bold characters on the cover: “Admonitions for Women.”

She felt an extreme sense of disgust, even more so than her earlier quarrel with Chen Shuyi.

Even Xiao Shu’s expression changed slightly upon seeing the book. The others exchanged glances.

Only Chen Shuyi finally showed a relaxed expression, even nodding slowly in agreement with Zhang Zhong’s words.

Zhang Zhong, a strict disciplinarian, ignored the reactions of those present, including the princess. After all, the princess would eventually marry, and listening to this wouldn’t hurt.

He opened the book and instructed everyone to read the first chapter, “Humility.”

He said, “In ancient times, female infants were not allowed to sleep on beds but were placed under the bed with a spindle and bricks to play with, and offerings were made to the ancestors. This was to signify their lowly status. The spindle and bricks were to remind them that they should be diligent in weaving and preparing food and sacrifices for their husbands. Therefore, women should be hardworking, respectful, patient, and always fearful…”

The hall fell silent.

Shen Zhiyi’s expression was uncertain.

Jiang Xuening, sitting in the back corner, couldn’t help but recall the memorials from the previous dynasty urging the emperor to depose the empress, which she had secretly read during Shen Jie’s illness. Every word was about women’s virtues and disasters, echoing Zhang Zhong’s current lecture.

Female infants not even deserving of a bed!

What nonsense!

Zhang Zhong continued his lecture with a stern face.

Jiang Xuening suddenly stood up and pushed her desk away!

“Screech, clatter!”

The desk’s legs scraped loudly against the smooth floor, and the books and ink on it toppled over, causing a commotion that drew everyone’s attention.

Zhang Zhong immediately frowned at her, “What’s going on?”

Jiang Xuening said, “Sir, I feel nauseous.”

Zhang Zhong, recognizing her as a troublemaker, turned pale with anger, “Who are you insulting!”

Jiang Xuening looked puzzled, “It’s strange. I said I feel nauseous, and you think I’m insulting someone? Maybe I ate something bad yesterday, or perhaps it’s the foul smell today. If I vomit here, it will disrupt your lecture. So please excuse me for leaving.”

Her words were polite, but her smile was mocking. She turned and left without even a bow.

Everyone was stunned. They had seen students skip class, but never so brazenly!

Zhang Zhong, not expecting such defiance, turned livid with rage. Pointing at her retreating figure, he trembled with anger, “Fine, fine, such a disobedient girl! If such a willful person is allowed to stay in Fengchen Hall, I might as well stop teaching. Let’s see who is more powerful, you or me!”

Jiang Xuening had already walked far away.

Hearing him shouting behind her, she didn’t even bother to turn her head.

In her previous life, she had never attended this old man’s classes and didn’t know he had such a bad temper. But she figured he wasn’t much of a threat; after all, she had never attended his classes and he hadn’t been able to do anything about it.

She sneered at the thought.

It was still early in the morning, and she considered walking around the palace. However, the palace was likely in turmoil over the Jade Ruyi case. Going back to her room to sleep seemed boring.

After some thought, Jiang Xuening decided to head to the side hall.

Xie Wei had asked her to learn the qin after class yesterday. Since she had free time now, she thought she might as well see if Xie Wei was there and get today’s lesson done early, saving herself from the afternoon’s ordeal.

The side hall of Fengchen Hall was just around the corner from the main hall.

When she arrived, she saw that no one was outside.

The little eunuch who had been there last time was absent, and the doors were tightly closed with no sound coming from inside. It seemed Xie Wei wasn’t there, and the little eunuch, who served him, was naturally not there either.

Jiang Xuening sighed and was about to leave.

Just as she was about to step down the stairs, she heard a “meow” from beside a flowerpot in the corridor.

She stopped immediately.

The sound was familiar.

Jiang Xuening followed the sound to the edge of the flowerpot and saw a small white kitten curled up in a narrow gap, its soft paws holding a piece of fish. It was licking the fish with its pink tongue before swallowing it.

“It’s you!”

She recognized the kitten as the one that had been taken away by the little eunuch from Xie Wei’s window. She was delighted.

It had been a long time since she had held a cat, and her hands itched to do so.

Jiang Xuening squatted down and watched it for a while, finding it more and more adorable. Finally, she couldn’t resist and gently picked up the little furball, placing it on her lap as she sat on the steps of the side hall.

The kitten wasn’t afraid of her.

Having finished its fish, it licked its soft white fur on its paws. Jiang Xuening’s slender fingers gently stroked its small head, and the kitten, enjoying the attention, closed its eyes and nestled lazily in her sleeve.

At that moment, Jiang Xuening felt all her worries melt away.

The side hall was quiet and empty, with sunlight spilling over the steps. The girl in a light blue dress sat lazily on the steps, gently stroking a similarly lazy little white cat.

She could faintly hear Zhang Zhong’s lecture from the main hall.

Jiang Xuening pretended not to hear it.

After petting the cat for a while, she suddenly heard hurried footsteps on the other side of the palace wall, followed by a eunuch’s low voice, “I will come to invite the Master later…”

Xie Wei!

Jiang Xuening was startled. The footsteps were already at the palace gate.

Instinctively, she quickly picked up the kitten from her lap and hid it in her wide sleeve, making sure it was well concealed. Then she looked up at the palace gate.

Sure enough, Xie Wei appeared there.

He clearly didn’t expect anyone to be in front of the side hall. When he saw Jiang Xuening, his frosty expression hadn’t yet faded, and his cold gaze fell on her.

Jiang Xuening was startled, her hair standing on end.

But in the next moment, he composed himself, the chilling aura disappearing as if it had been an illusion.

The Xie Wei standing before her was once again flawless.

He glanced at Jiang Xuening sitting on the steps, then looked towards the main hall. His elegant eyebrows furrowed as he walked over and asked, “I told you to come in the afternoon. Zhang Zhong is still teaching. Why are you sitting here instead of attending class?”

Jiang Xuening, holding the cat in her sleeve, dared not move.

Seeing Xie Wei, she knew she had to stand up and greet him to avoid suspicion. She carefully stood up, keeping her hands hidden in her wide sleeves, and bowed, “Greetings, Master Xie. I didn’t want to attend Master Zhang’s class, so I thought if I could come here and attend your class first, and if you were here, I could learn the qin now and save myself a trip in the afternoon.”

She cursed herself for her foolishness. The best choice would have been to throw the cat away and pretend it had nothing to do with her.

But it was too late to regret now.

As she spoke, she prayed silently: Little cat, be good and quiet. The big bad guy is right in front of us. Don’t make a sound, or he’ll cook and eat you!

Xie Wei, hearing her excuse, frowned even more deeply and said, “Master Zhang hasn’t finished his class, so you must have left early or skipped it. Attending my class instead of his, what will he think if he hears about it? I told Yan Lin yesterday that you were sensible and obedient, but it seems you are incorrigibly mischievous!”

Jiang Xuening was stunned.

Despite her unpleasant experiences with Xie Wei in her previous life, she instinctively believed he was different from other teachers and didn’t look down on female students. However, now he was harshly scolding her without understanding the situation and even brought up Yan Lin.

This touched a soft spot for her.

Moreover, she had sensed some ominous signs from Shen Zhiyi’s unusual attitude today!

She stared at him directly.

Her eyes reddened, not from tears, but from an unprecedented sense of injustice and anger. Her chest heaved with emotion that she couldn’t suppress.

As Xie Wei walked past her with a cold face, she acted on impulse!

She took the kitten out from her sleeve, her face cold, and thrust it towards Xie Wei!

“Meow!”

The kitten, which had been lazily dozing in her sleeve, was startled when she lifted it up. Its fur stood on end, and it let out a frightened cry!

Xie Wei had just received a confidential report from Kunning Palace and was already in a bad mood after seeing Jiang Xuening skipping class. He was about to enter the side hall with a flick of his sleeve.

He didn’t expect Jiang Xuening to have a kitten hidden in her sleeve!

When the little kitten was thrust in front of him, his pupils contracted sharply, his eyes darkened, and his face turned ashen. Goosebumps rose on his hand, and he immediately stepped back, raising his sleeve to brush Jiang Xuening’s hand away!

Jiang Xuening, holding the kitten lightly to avoid hurting it, let it go when he brushed her hand away. The frightened kitten jumped to the ground and ran away along the palace wall as if it had seen a ghost.

Leaving Jiang Xuening and Xie Wei standing face to face.

Jiang Xuening’s face was expressionless, and so was Xie Wei’s.