Chapter Thirty: The Governess

On the first page, Su Baizhi bid a tender farewell to Yun Fengxiao, donned her veil hat, and entered the carriage with her maid, as the coachman drove back to the Su residence. Yun Fengxiao stood by the window where Su Baizhi had been, watching the Su family's carriage disappear from view before a cold smile crept onto his lips.

Three days later, the Prime Minister's wife, Yao Ruoshui, sent Su Liluo and a few others to the main courtyard to pay their respects. Upon arriving, Su Liluo discovered two unfamiliar women sitting in the room, exuding a sense of authority. The maid was left outside, and Su Liluo half-knelt in greeting, saying, "Liluo pays her respects to Mother."

"Get up and sit down. Your sisters have already arrived. I called you all here today to discuss a few matters." After Su Liluo took her seat, Yao Ruoshui smiled at the two women beside her. "These two are the nurturing matrons I have invited for you. Except for Zhi'er, the rest of you will need to learn well from them. This one is Matron Chang, and this one is Matron Zhao."

Yao Ruoshui first pointed to a sturdy matron who appeared to be in her thirties, her face adorned with a gentle smile. Su Liluo and her sisters greeted her. The second matron, Zhao, was fairer than Chang, but her expression was cold and stern. Su Liluo's heart sank; it seemed these two matrons would not be easy to get along with.

"Greetings, Matron Chang and Matron Zhao," Su Liluo and her sisters greeted the nurturing matrons with composure. Matron Chang and Matron Zhao nodded. "You young ladies are too polite. The responsibility of your education will fall on us. However, we must make it clear that regardless of the reasons, as long as you are willing to learn diligently, we will teach with equal dedication. Mistakes will be punished; do you understand?"

Yao Ruoshui sat in the upper seat, watching the matrons discipline the young ladies without interjecting, allowing the matrons to take charge. Su Liluo shrank slightly, internally complaining about the intimidating aura before anything had even begun.

"Yes, thank you for your guidance, Matrons." Observing the usually arrogant Su Shaner and Su Baihan obediently bowing and complying, Su Liluo naturally did not want to stand out. She maintained a cautious expression, her body stiffening as if visibly frightened.

On the second page, Yao Ruoshui noticed the atmosphere had become tense and immediately smiled, saying, "Matron Chang, Matron Zhao, I entrust these daughters to you both. It’s getting late, so I will have a maid take you to rest. Classes will begin tomorrow; how does that sound?"

The two matrons exchanged glances and nodded. "Thank you, Madam Prime Minister. We will tidy up today and begin teaching the young ladies the rules tomorrow. Please ensure they do not waste time."

Yao Ruoshui repeatedly agreed and instructed the maid beside her to lead the two matrons to the courtyard for a rest. Once only the Su family remained in the room, Yao Ruoshui's smile gradually faded. "You may leave now; tomorrow you will follow the two matrons to learn the rules."

Su Baizhi and Su Baihan stayed behind, while the others exited in turn. Yao Ruoshui looked at her two daughters, and a smile slowly returned to her face. "Han'er, this is something Mother worked hard to obtain for you. You must learn the rules well and not throw tantrums."

Seeing Su Baihan's stubborn demeanor and the gentle Su Baizhi beside her, Yao Ruoshui sighed internally. The differences between her daughters were stark.

"I understand, Mother." Su Baihan pouted, clearly reluctant.

Yao Ruoshui gazed at Su Baihan with a sense of disappointment; Zhi'er had always been considerate, unlike this one who seemed born to be difficult.

Seeing her mother and sister arguing, Su Baizhi quickly intervened, "I know Mother has worked hard. Did Grandmother not say she would invite the matrons back? Why has it become Mother's responsibility?"

Yao Ruoshui felt a bit shy, hesitant to speak the truth as she feared it would embarrass Su Baizhi later.

"Mother, please tell me. I'm really curious," Su Baizhi urged, shaking Yao Ruoshui's hand playfully, eager to learn the truth.

Beside them, Su Baihan looked at Yao Ruoshui with wide eyes, hoping to hear the answer that would satisfy her curiosity.

Yao Ruoshui took a sip of tea, wiped her mouth with a handkerchief, and finally resolved to speak, "Your grandmother had no choice. That matron looked down on our family. If I hadn’t found a way to obtain the imperial decree from the Empress, we probably wouldn’t have been able to invite even these two nurturing matrons."

On the third page, Yao Ruoshui felt a sense of embarrassment. She would never voice such sentiments in front of others, but with Su Baizhi about to become the Crown Prince's consort, she felt compelled to share.

Su Baizhi exclaimed, "Mother, why is that? Father is the Prime Minister. How could those matrons look down on a family like ours?"

Su Baihan mirrored her shock, filled with confusion. At social gatherings, young ladies practically fawned over her, all because of her father’s status as Prime Minister. Now her mother was telling her that even inviting a matron for education required such effort—it was simply unbelievable.

Yao Ruoshui explained further, "It's because Su Liluo has a questionable reputation. The Crown Prince mentioned her illness, and that news has spread throughout the capital. Furthermore..." Yao Ruoshui hesitated, glancing at Su Baizhi. Su Baizhi's heart skipped a beat, her face turning pale. "Mother, is it because of me?"

Yao Ruoshui nodded heavily. Seeing Su Baizhi's complexion fade, Su Baihan, worried for her sister, grasped her hand and reassured her, "Sister, you must not take it too hard. We don’t need to care about what others say. Just remember, you will soon be the Crown Prince's consort, and those petty people will only come to curry favor with you." Su Baihan seemed to exude more confidence, as if she were the one destined to be with the Crown Prince.

After a moment, Su Baizhi regained her composure and gave a gentle smile as she squeezed Su Baihan's hand, "I understand, and I’m sorry for worrying you. Mother must be tired; I will take my leave now." Though she smiled, a hint of unease lingered in her heart. Su Baihan, seeing her sister leave, quickly followed after her.

Su Baizhi returned to the courtyard in a state of melancholy. Su Baihan wanted to continue comforting her but was met with the dismissal of being tired. Su Baihan could only stomp her foot in frustration and turn back into the house.

The next day, the young ladies of the Prime Minister's residence rose early and gathered in Songhua Courtyard. Matron Chang and Matron Zhao were already waiting inside. The maids were left outside. The room held four tables and chairs, and the young ladies greeted the matrons before taking their seats, marking the official start of their lessons in etiquette.

As they began learning proper sitting posture, Su Liluo cried out in pain after receiving three sharp strikes from a ruler. Su Baihan looked at her with a smirk, while Su Liluo, feeling Matron Zhao's intense gaze upon her, swallowed her whimpers.

"Miss, your skirt should not sway when sitting down. This is a lesson for you."