Chapter 32: There is Room For the Poor Daughter
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Chapter 32: Confrontation
After Madam Qin started the lesson, she addressed the class. "Since Miss Yan claims she has already studied the Four Books, she should already be familiar with the necessary characters and principles. Therefore, I won’t spend extra time tutoring her individually. From today, she will follow the same curriculum as the other girls."
Initially, Madam Qin had planned to give extra attention to this newly arrived student from the countryside. However, after observing Daohua, she decided otherwise.
Daohua remained calm, unbothered by the implication that she might struggle to keep up. She thought to herself, If I could survive modern education's relentless exams, how difficult could this be?
Yan Yishuang and the others exchanged knowing glances but remained composed as they opened their books.
Throughout the class, Madam Qin maintained her usual pace, showing no leniency toward Daohua as a newcomer. Occasionally, she cast glances at her, noticing no signs of struggle. This puzzled her. Could she really have studied so much in the countryside?
At one point, Madam Qin called on Daohua to explain a passage. Daohua stood and provided an articulate interpretation based on her understanding. Without comment, Madam Qin let her sit.
The questioning continued throughout the session, and Daohua began to sense she was being singled out.
By the time the lesson ended, Daohua’s suspicions had solidified, though she outwardly maintained her composure.
That evening at Songhe Courtyard, Old Madam Yan and Madam Li asked with concern, “Daohua, how was your first day of class? Are you adjusting well?”
“Yes,” Daohua replied, her tone calm and untroubled.
The family members exchanged relieved smiles.
In the following days, Daohua became more accustomed to Madam Qin’s teaching style and handled the lessons with increasing ease. However, the favoritism became glaringly obvious. For example, during one session, after Daohua explained a passage from Nv Jie, Madam Qin called on Yan Yishuang, who received a glowing review for her explanation.
Daohua observed this repeated dynamic with a detached calm, realizing the deliberate nature of the treatment. If I were a typical child, this might have crushed my confidence, she mused, her irritation simmering beneath her composed exterior.
During one lesson, Madam Qin instructed Daohua to interpret a section they had not yet studied.
“Madam,” Daohua replied, “we haven’t covered this yet.”
“Explain it anyway,” Madam Qin insisted.
“I haven’t prepared,” Daohua said flatly.
“You should have pre-studied,” Madam Qin snapped.
“You didn’t assign it,” Daohua countered calmly.
Madam Qin, visibly displeased, rebuked, “This is your attitude? Look at your younger sisters—Yishuang anticipates lessons without being told. As the eldest, you set a poor example.”
At this, Daohua’s patience snapped. Her gaze turned sharp as she asked, “Madam, may I ask what I’ve done to offend you? Why are you so intent on singling me out?”
The room fell silent, and Madam Qin looked momentarily stunned.
Yan Yishuang interjected, “Elder Sister, how can you speak to the teacher this way? Apologize at once!”
Madam Qin’s face darkened, and she said sharply, “Forget it. She’s the magistrate’s daughter—I wouldn’t dare demand an apology. Class dismissed!” She turned and stormed out.
Daohua collected her books leisurely and left without a word, leaving the room in stunned silence.
Yan Yihuan and the others couldn’t hide their admiration. Xu Keke whispered to Yishuang, “Your elder sister is fearless. She even dared to confront Madam Qin.”
(End of Chapter)
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