Volume 1, Chapter 10: Filing an Application for Involution

Shen Qingdai did not disturb her, instead reaching out to pick up the copy of "Lunheng" she had just purchased to read it carefully.

This book had evidently been used by Pei Jingzhu during his own studies; it was filled with his annotations, insights, and translated explanations, showing he had put his heart into it. It was no wonder this copy was more expensive than the others. Yet, the benefits were obvious; with his notes, it was far easier for her to comprehend the text.

Shen Qingdai mused to herself that the next time she visited the bookstore, she would ask the proprietor to let her buy every book that contained Pei Jingzhu’s annotations. In this way, she believed she could master this knowledge much faster, leaving her more time to study other subjects and investigate matters concerning the former lady of the house.

When Fang Qiuxin finally returned to her senses, she saw that Shen Qingdai was completely engrossed in the book. She shook her head helplessly, though her gaze was filled with deep, doting affection, warm as a spring breeze. Fang Qiuxin stood up on tiptoe; it had been too late to make spring onion noodles yesterday, so making them now would be perfect for Dai’er to eat once she finished reading.

The book contained many annotations, but there were still a few passages Shen Qingdai could not quite grasp. She sighed, wishing she had the chance to ask Pei Jingzhu to explain them to her.

While her thoughts were still lost in the book, Shen Qingdai suddenly caught a scent—one that felt both incredibly familiar and yet distant. She looked up at the table to find a bowl of spring onion noodles sitting there quietly, the chopped scallions on top looking vibrant and fresh. Fang Qiuxin sat opposite her, smiling.

"Put the book aside for now and eat your noodles."

Shen Qingdai felt a sudden tightness in her throat, as if something were lodged there. She swallowed hard and whispered, "All right."

She set down the book, picked up the bamboo chopsticks, and stirred the noodles gently. A rich, familiar aroma enveloped her senses. It had been so long—so very long—since she had last eaten this; so long that she felt as though she had nearly forgotten the taste of these spring onion noodles. Perhaps the noodles were too hot, or the rising steam clouded her vision, but she found herself struggling to hold back tears. She dared not speak, fearing that the choke in her voice would give her away. She simply focused on bringing the noodles to her mouth, bite after bite.

Fang Qiuxin did not notice anything amiss, watching Shen Qingdai eat with eyes full of maternal love. It was a simple, ordinary happiness. By the time she finished, Shen Qingdai had regained her composure and looked back at Fang Qiuxin with a renewed smile. She would protect this happiness, no matter the cost.

Fang Qiuxin took a handkerchief and gently wiped the corner of her mouth, saying softly, "Uncle Shen mentioned just now that the tutor for you and the Third Young Lady will be returning in a few days. He said you should review so you don't forget what the tutor taught you before." She then changed her tone, "Though, my Dai’er is so clever and diligent, you certainly wouldn't forget."

Shen Qingdai looked at Fang Qiuxin, whose eyes were filled with such love and admiration, as if she were a rare and precious treasure in this world.

Shen Qingdai smiled and replied, "I will not let Mother or Father down. I will cherish every opportunity."

Fang Qiuxin nodded and tucked a loose strand of hair behind Shen Qingdai's ear. "Mother knows. Just don't work yourself too hard."

After seeing Fang Qiuxin back to her room, Shen Qingdai did not stop walking. Pingchun looked at her with confusion. "Miss, are we not going back?"

Shen Qingdai shook her head. "What Mother said earlier reminded me. The tutor will be arriving in a few days; I should go and ask Father for some conveniences."

Pingchun did not quite understand these matters, so she simply said "oh" and followed behind her. Regardless, her young mistress always had her reasons, and she only needed to follow along.

Uncle Shen stood guard at the door. Shen Qingdai approached with a smile. "Uncle Shen, is Father free right now?"

Uncle Shen looked at her with a smile. "Ah, Second Young Lady. The Master is currently practicing calligraphy. Let me go in and ask for you."

After only a moment, Uncle Shen came out and said with a smile, "Second Young Lady, the Master invites you in."

Shen Qingdai nodded slightly and walked in with proper decorum. Shen Dengda was still holding his brush, working diligently on a painting. He looked up when she entered and asked, "What is it?"

Shen Qingdai performed a flawless bow before saying, "I have come to ask a favor, Father."

Shen Dengda put down his brush, stood up, walked around the table, and sat on the couch. He picked up his teacup, took a sip, and gestured for her to sit before continuing, "Speak, what is it?" His second daughter had always been sensible and well-behaved, never asking him for anything. Her proactive approach today piqued his curiosity.

Shen Qingdai sat down properly and spoke in a gentle voice, "It is nothing major. I heard from Mother that the tutor will be returning in a few days. I have already mastered the current curriculum, and I have plenty of spare time. I would like to ask you to find me a few more masters to teach me music theory, etiquette, and the ways of the world."

Hearing this, he was quite surprised, followed quickly by satisfaction. His daughter had ambition, much like he had in his youth. Thinking of his own secret plans, he was even more pleased; if his second daughter were more accomplished, he could likely aim higher in his choice of a son-in-law.

Shen Dengda pondered for a moment. "It is excellent that you have this heart. I will certainly support it. I will have Uncle Shen look for candidates later. Rest assured, my daughter deserves only the best tutors in all of Jiangnan."

Shen Qingdai nodded obediently, rose to bow, and took her leave. Shen Dengda’s expression was filled with even greater satisfaction. "Go on back. These studies are tiring and quite costly. I will have Uncle Shen send some things to your quarters later; study hard."

Shen Qingdai hurriedly thanked him again before retreating. Although she was surprised by Shen Dengda's generosity, she felt relieved once she considered his motives. After all, in his eyes, she was merely a stepping stone to his political career in the capital. The more accomplished she was, the heavier this stepping stone became, and the smoother his own path to power would be.

With this thought, Shen Qingdai accepted his favors without a flicker of emotion. Since he intended to use her, he had to be prepared to be used by her in return.

As soon as she returned to her courtyard, she heard that Shen Manxuan was storming toward her. Shen Qingdai felt a twinge of suspicion; she had only been quiet for half a day, and already trouble was seeking her out. Before she could dwell on it, their courtyards being close meant that Shen Manxuan arrived in front of her in moments.

Shen Qingdai rose and asked with a smile, "Third Sister, what brings you here so suddenly?"

Shen Manxuan snorted, looked her up and down with disdain, and sneered, "It’s infuriating just looking at you! It’s one thing for you to seek out your own suffering, but why must you drag me into it as well?"

"Third Sister, your words confuse me. When have I ever brought trouble upon you?" Shen Qingdai asked with a puzzled look.

Shen Manxuan whipped her handkerchief fiercely and glared at her with malice. "You still dare to say that! If you hadn't gone to beg Father for additional tutors, my coursework wouldn't have increased!"