Chapter 31: There is Room For the Poor Daughter
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Chapter 31: Women’s Academy
Early in the morning, after breakfast in Old Madam Yan's courtyard, Daohua, led by Ping Tong, headed toward the De Yi Courtyard where the young ladies usually had their lessons.
Since Wang Man'er had just been bought into the household and still needed to learn many rules and etiquette, Madam Li had instructed Ping Tong to accompany Daohua and also help guide Wang Man'er.
The De Yi Courtyard, though called a courtyard, was actually just a few rooms. The main hall was used as the classroom for the young ladies, while the side rooms served as the residence of the teacher, Madam Qin.
By the time Daohua arrived, Yan Yihuan, Yan Yishuang, and Yan Yile were already there.
In addition to them, there were three other young girls in the classroom.
These three girls, around eight or nine years old, were Xu Keke, the daughter of the county vice magistrate; Zhu Xiuyun, the daughter of the county instructor; and Fan Siran, the daughter of the county official.
It was unclear whether these families sought to curry favor with Magistrate Yan or simply wanted to benefit from the opportunity to study, but all three had sent their daughters to attend lessons here.
When Daohua entered the room, the group, who had been chatting noisily, instantly fell silent. They collectively gave her a quick glance before deliberately ignoring her, as if it had been agreed upon.
Daohua remained unfazed, not even sparing them a look. After surveying the classroom, she spotted a desk placed conspicuously at the back. Without a word, she walked over, sat down, and took the book box from Ping Tong's hands. “You can go now.”
Ping Tong cast a worried glance at Daohua, whose expression remained calm, then looked at the others who were clearly isolating her. With a frown, she quickly left the classroom.
Once outside, Ping Tong grabbed Wang Man’er, who had been waiting near the entrance, and pulled her aside. “Keep a close watch on the young lady. It’s her first day of class—if she feels uncomfortable, report to the main courtyard immediately.”
Although Wang Man’er was unaware of the subtle tensions inside, she solemnly nodded.
Inside the classroom, Yan Yihuan glanced at Yan Yishuang and Yan Yile, who were silently ignoring Daohua. Feeling that such behavior was improper, she turned to Daohua, who was arranging her books and ink. After some thought, she said, “Elder Sister, the light at your spot isn’t good. Come sit with me instead.”
Daohua looked up at the kind-hearted Yan Yihuan and smiled. “No need. I’m quite comfortable here.”
Yan Yile immediately interjected, “Exactly, Second Sister. Eldest Sister is the oldest and tallest among us, so sitting in the back suits her perfectly.”
At these words, the others lowered their heads, stifling their laughter.
At that moment, a woman in her thirties with a stern expression entered the room.
As soon as she arrived, Yan Yihuan and the others straightened up and greeted her respectfully, “Greetings, Teacher.”
Daohua quickly followed their lead and paid her respects.
Madam Qin glanced at the group, her gaze lingering momentarily on Daohua before saying, “Sit.”
Just as Daohua sat down, Madam Qin called out, “Yan Yiyi.”
Daohua froze for a moment before realizing she was being addressed. Yan Yiyi was her formal name.
“Student greets Teacher,” Daohua said calmly, standing up and bowing.
Madam Qin did not immediately tell her to rise. Instead, she studied Daohua discreetly.
The eldest daughter of the Yan family was indeed exceptional in both appearance and demeanor. Even her favorite student, Yan Yishuang, could not compare. If she hadn’t already known Daohua’s background, she might have mistaken her for a noble lady from a prestigious family.
No wonder Yan Yishuang had been so restless lately, worried about losing her status in Magistrate Yan’s eyes. With such an outstanding legitimate elder sister, it was impossible not to feel pressured.
“Rise.”
Daohua stood up and met Madam Qin’s gaze with a calm expression.
Seeing her composed demeanor, Madam Qin nodded in approval. Despite being raised in the countryside, this girl seemed to understand basic etiquette. “Since you’ve just arrived, I don’t know how much you’ve learned. Tell me about your studies so far.”
After a moment’s thought, Daohua replied, “Teacher, I’ve studied the Three Character Classic, Hundred Family Surnames, and Thousand Character Classic. Currently, I’m reading the Four Books.”
Madam Qin raised an eyebrow, clearly surprised. She hadn’t expected Daohua to have read so much already.
Children of eight or nine were usually too playful to sit still for long, let alone focus on reading.
Recently, Madam Qin had heard various accounts about this eldest daughter of the Yan family. Most described her as lively and mischievous. Could such a person truly focus on something as tedious as the Four Books?
Madam Qin harbored doubts. She suspected Daohua might be exaggerating, perhaps having only skimmed the Four Books before claiming to have studied them thoroughly. Such dishonesty was disappointing.
Yan Yihuan and the others were equally astonished, especially Yan Yishuang.
Her mother, Concubine Lin, had reassured her, saying that in the countryside, even boys rarely had access to books, let alone girls. There was no need to worry—once Eldest Sister started attending classes, she would undoubtedly fall behind.
Yet now, it seemed Daohua had read even more than she had.
Madam Qin frowned slightly. “The Four Books are for men to study. Girls should not read them, as it might affect their disposition. Starting today, I will teach you the Lessons for Women, Admonitions for Women, Women’s Analects, and Female Exemplars instead.”
Daohua furrowed her brow. “Teacher, why can’t girls read the Four Books?”
Madam Qin’s expression darkened slightly at the challenge but, mindful of Daohua’s status, she patiently explained, “A woman’s focus should be on needlework and household duties. Learning should center on the Three Obediences and Four Virtues. Reading such texts is merely a waste of time.”
With that, she waved her hand, signaling Daohua to sit, clearly unwilling to discuss further.
Although Daohua disagreed with Madam Qin’s views, she refrained from arguing. She understood that teachers held significant authority in ancient times. Even though they were merely learning from Madam Qin and hadn’t formally apprenticed under her, it was crucial to maintain respect.
Challenging the teacher might damage her reputation for respecting elders, and she would undoubtedly bear the consequences.
As for Madam Qin’s prohibition against reading the Four Books, Daohua decided to ignore it entirely.
“Let’s begin the lesson,” Madam Qin announced, ending the discussion.
(End of Chapter)
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