National Female Institute

Due to the public refusal by Shi Yuhua to accept the gesture of a meeting gift and the subsequent retort from Shi Fuxin, the atmosphere at the dinner table became tense and stifled. The meal ended shortly after it began.

The Wei family held the highest status among the Shi family's in-laws. Consequently, whenever they visited, Wei Yuzhe and the young master and young miss from the Wei family would receive special treatment from everyone.

Seeing that Shi Fuxin dared to openly challenge their mother, the young master and young miss from the Wei family were displeased. After dinner, they immediately isolated and excluded Shi Dingxuan's group from the rest of the family.

Shi Dingxuan's group paid no attention to this treatment, as their focus was on Shi Zhenghe and Jin Yue'e.

The second aunt's actions during their first meeting left a sour impression on Shi Dingxuan's group. They worried that she might create more trouble.

Fortunately, under the stern gaze of Lady Shi, Shi Yuhua's behavior improved, and she refrained from causing further unpleasant incidents.

Despite this, the second aunt's family left a negative impression on Shi Dingxuan's group.

"Zhang Mama, is the second aunt close to that former Master Zheng Kun?"

On their way back to Yigui Courtyard that evening, Shi Fuxin asked Zhang Mama.

It was reasonable to assume that during their first meeting, even if they didn't like each other, there was no need for such public embarrassment. However, she had deliberately chosen to do so, and there must be a reason behind it.

Zhang Mama pondered for a moment before responding, "Master Zheng Kun had poor health in his childhood and was raised by the Old Madam. Before he got married, he only lived in the outer courtyard for two years. He spent most of his time in the rear courtyard and had more interactions with the second aunt's grandmother."

Shi Fuxin understood Zhang Mama's implication. Spending more time together naturally led to a stronger emotional bond. After a moment's thought, she asked, "And what about the others in the household? What's their relationship with Master Zheng Kun?"

This question put Zhang Mama in a difficult position. She realized that it was this sixth young miss who gave her the most trouble. Every question she asked was difficult to answer.

Seeing Zhang Mama hesitate, Shi Fuxin smiled and said, "You seem troubled, Zhang Mama?"

Zhang Mama's heart tightened. She quickly shook her head, "No, it's just that I'm considering how to answer."

Shi Fuxin smiled, "Just answer about their relationship honestly. If they have a good relationship, say so. There's no need to complicate it."

Seeing that Shi Zhenghe and Jin Yue'e were also paying attention, Zhang Mama hurriedly responded, "It's alright. After all, they've lived under the same roof for over thirty years."

Shi Fuxin nodded and continued, "What was their attitude towards Master Zheng Kun's family moving out?"

This question truly stumped Zhang Mama. She realized that she could hardly answer any of the sixth young miss's questions straightforwardly.

Seeing Zhang Mama struggle, Shi Fuxin chuckled, "They hesitated, didn't they? It seems like their relationship isn't as strong as it seems."

"The servants around us, the maids and servants, as well as the attendants around our elder brothers, are all arranged by the household. While they appear to serve us, who they are loyal to behind the scenes is unclear. We should be cautious."

Immediately, Shi Dinghao asked, "Be careful about what?"

Shi Fuxin rolled her eyes at him, "Be careful about your secrets, your vulnerabilities. If others find out and use them as excuses to stir up trouble or exploit your weaknesses to harm you."

Shi Dinghao crossed his arms and made an exaggerated gesture, "Really? Sis, you're scaring me."

Shi Fuxin couldn't be bothered with him and looked at Shi Zhenghe, Jin Yue'e, Shi Dingxuan, and Shi Fuyin, "In short, we need to be prepared for the challenges within the household."

Jin Yue'e looked concerned, "Challenges? What challenges? Let's just focus on living our lives well."

Shi Fuxin said, "Mother, wherever there are people, there will be conflicts, disputes. Now that we're back at the Shi household, it's like stepping onto a chessboard, and we're the pieces on it. Even if we have no intention to fight, we might be dragged into the battlefield by others."

"Like today, we didn't offend the second aunt in any way, but due to her relationship with the Li family, she embarrassed us in public. In such situations, if we don't stand up, endure it, we'll leave the impression that we're weak and easy to bully."

"Once this impression takes root, think about how others will treat us in the future? Even the servants in the household might dare to step on us."

Jin Yue'e fell silent.

Shi Zhenghe held his head and didn't say anything, appearing troubled.

Seeing them worried, Shi Fuxin didn't stop. She continued, "In the end, to avoid being looked down upon or bullied, we need real capabilities."

"In a big family like the main house, those with abilities have a say, they are respected and valued."

Shi Dinghao added, "Just like the second uncle. He's a fourth-rank official, so Third Uncle and Sixth Uncle are eager to please him. Even if he's indifferent, others still have to act humble."

Shi Fuxin nodded, "Exactly. We don't have any personal relationships with the rest of the Shi family. People won't be kind to us without reason. All that's left to discuss is mutual interest."

"So, we all need to think about how we can establish ourselves in the Shi household and how to stand firm there."

At that moment, a commotion outside indicated that the maid had heated water ready for washing and was asking Shi Zhenghe and Jin Yue'e if they wanted to wash up.

Shi Dingxuan immediately stood up, "You've had a busy day. Parents, rest well. We'll leave now."

Shi Zhenghe nodded, and Shi Dingxuan led his younger siblings out of the room.

In the courtyard, Shi Dingxuan turned to Shi Fuxin, "You, sis, they haven't even adapted to life in the main house yet, and you're already discussing this. It's probably putting more pressure on them."

Shi Fuxin didn't think she was being premature, "It's better to be prepared early than scramble at the last minute. Brother, you're underestimating our parents. They aren't as fragile as you imagine."

"Father went to war at thirteen. If he lacked mental strength, would he have survived multiple crises and lived until now?"

"And Mother, she's been raising us four alone while dealing with the leeches from the Li family. When have we suffered any major losses?"

Shi Dingxuan couldn't argue with that, "You're right. I was mistaken. We do need to adjust our mindset. Let's go, time to rest."

Back in their own rooms, after washing up, Shi Fuxin dismissed Jin Gui and Yuan Bao, not letting them stay overnight.

Jin Gui hesitated briefly before leaving with Yuan Bao. Did her young miss get angry at her for not taking the purse earlier?

Once the door closed, Shi Fuxin sat on the bed and began meditating to cultivate her inner strength. An hour later, she slipped into bed on time.

The next morning, before dawn, Shi Fuyin got up to practice her sword technique. When she finished, Shi Fuxin leisurely rose from her bed.

After breakfast, An Mama, by Lady Shi's side, came to Yigui Courtyard with a smile.

"Lady Shi asked me to come and pierce the ears of the two young ladies."

"Don't worry, Third Miss, Sixth Miss. I'm quick, and it won't hurt you."

An Mama initially intended to offer some comforting words to the sisters, but when she saw their curious wide-eyed gazes fixed on the silver needles in her hands without a hint of fear, she found it hard to find the right words.

"Shall Third Miss go first?"

Shi Fuyin nodded, "Please, Mama."

With two swift needle insertions, seeing Shi Fuyin didn't even blink, An Mama was surprised. Shi Fuyin seemed to have a high tolerance for pain. The same was true when it came to Shi Fuxin's turn.

An Mama surprisingly finished the task with ease. Among the young ladies in the household, almost all of them would cry or fuss after getting their ears pierced, but Third Miss and Sixth Miss were the easiest to manage.

"This is the ointment for your pierced ears. It helps prevent swelling. Both young ladies, remember to apply it daily."

Shi Fuxin took the small box from An Mama's hand, sniffed it, and then placed it on the table. "We'll apply it later."

An Mama didn't think much of it and left with a smile.

Once she was gone, Shi Fuxin placed the box inside her dresser drawer. "Sis, let's not use this. I'll prepare a new ointment later."

Shi Fuyin smiled and nodded, "Sure."

Later, when Shi Fuyin went to her room to read, Shi Fuxin took out the bag of medicinal herbs she had brought back from Tianshan and started preparing the ointment.

At lunchtime, Shi Fuxin had finished preparing it. After applying the ointment with Shi Fuyin, they went to Yixiang Hall.

When Lady Shi looked at their earlobes and saw no signs of redness or swelling, she still felt the need to remind them, "Remember to apply the ointment. Infections wouldn't be good."

Shi Fuyin responded with a smile, "Grandmother, we'll apply it on time."

For the next three days, the Shi family did nothing except explore the main house to get familiar with its layout, making sure they knew where each family member resided so they wouldn't get lost.

"Zhang Mama, I heard that the estate has a school?"

"Yes, Fifth Young Master. The school is located in the northeast corner of the front yard. Qihua Hall is where the young ladies study, and Jidi Hall is for the young masters."

"Is it crowded?"

"Yes, apart from the young masters and young ladies of the estate, some members of the clan also come here to study."

Suddenly, Shi Fuxin interjected, "Do the young masters and young ladies from the Zheng Kun estate also attend the school?"

Zhang Mama's heart skipped a beat, "Yes."

Shi Fuxin continued, "So, does that mean we'll be attending classes with them in the future?"

Zhang Mama didn't dare to answer this time, lowering her head and remaining silent.

Unconcerned with Zhang Mama's reaction, Shi Fuxin turned to her siblings, "Prepare yourselves to be compared."

Shi Dinghao snorted, "Let them compare. Who's afraid?"

At this, Zhang Mama quickly glanced at Shi Dinghao. Ninth Young Master seemed quite confident.

Shi Fuxin turned to Zhang Mama once again, "How many children does Zheng Kun have? How old are they, and how are their studies?"

Zhang Mama replied, "He has four children. Heng, the eldest, is twenty years old. He has already passed the examination for scholars and is currently studying at Qianji Academy under Seventh Master's tutelage, preparing to take the imperial examination next year."

"Zhi, the second eldest, is sixteen and excels in female handicrafts. She nearly entered the National Female Institute a few years ago, but unfortunately, there were too many talented applicants in the field of female handicrafts that year, and she didn't make the cut."

"Last year, Zhi was betrothed, so she only occasionally comes to the estate to learn the double-sided embroidery technique from Qiao Niangzi to improve her skills."

"Yang, the third son, is thirteen, and Ran, the third daughter, is eleven. Only these two are currently studying at the estate's school."

Shi Fuxin rubbed her chin, "It seems that Zheng Kun's children are quite outstanding. By the way, you mentioned the National Female Institute. What is that?"

Zhang Mama explained, "In Da Chu, there are two prestigious academies. One is the Imperial Academy, and the other is the National Female Institute."

Shi Fuxin looked surprised, "So, the National Female Institute is specifically for training female students?"

Zhang Mama nodded with a smile, "The National Female Institute was personally established by Empress Wende. She believed that if men can study, so can women. This was meant to contribute to the court and serve the people."

"It's said that during the time of Emperor Taizu and Emperor Gaozong, there were many female graduates from the National Female Institute who entered the imperial court as officials. However, during Emperor Xingzong's reign, a major incident involving the National Female Institute occurred, and since then, the number of women entering the imperial court as officials has decreased."

"During Emperor Renzong's reign, there were no female officials in the court anymore. The current female officials only serve within the imperial harem, having long been removed from the court."

Shi Fuxin listened in astonishment. That Empress Wende must have been a time-traveler, otherwise, she wouldn't have dared to push for such a bold initiative of having women as officials.

"How does one get admitted to the National Female Institute?"

"Similar to the Imperial Academy, one can gain admission based on true talent and learning, or through showcasing special skills."

"Special skills?"

Zhang Mama nodded, "Just like the Imperial Academy sometimes admits students with extraordinary physical strength, the National Female Institute admits students with exceptional skills in fields such as female handicrafts. There are many different specializations, but I don't know much about them."

Shi Fuxin was intrigued, "I should inquire more about these specialized admissions for both the Imperial Academy and the National Female Institute." After all, she and her siblings each possessed unique talents.