A Surprising Defense

“Lady Zhuang Fei has a fiery temper, but she’s not a bad person.”
Yang Zhi’an spoke voluntarily during their walk.
“Please don’t take her harsh words to heart, Madam.”
Surprisingly, Xie Jiu hadn’t expected him to defend Zhuang Fei after her sharp remarks at Chengming Palace.
Serving close to the Emperor, Yang Zhi’an rarely spoke without reason.
Yet, Xie Jiu couldn’t grasp his intent, so she nodded with a smile.
“I admire Lady Zhuang Fei’s straightforwardness.”
Indeed, she meant it.
People who spoke in riddles were exhausting to decipher.
“Exactly so,” Yang Zhi’an smiled, then stayed silent.
He escorted her to Princess Wenxi’s residence, instructed the head palace maid, and departed.

A Cold Reception

“This servant, Qin Lan, greets Madam.”
A tall woman curtsied properly.
However, her face lacked warmth, hinting at resistance.
As anticipated, Qin Lan spoke bluntly.
“The Second Prince is unwell and lacks energy for lessons.”
“I haven’t informed the Emperor yet, so thank you for coming.”
“Sadly, the lesson must be rescheduled.”
Xie Jiu understood Qin Lan’s wariness.
After all, she carried the stigma of the Emperor’s mistress.
Others likely judged her character, so Qin Lan’s reluctance was unsurprising.
Still, Xie Jiu, determined as the Princess’s tutor, wasn’t ready to leave.

Demonstrating Expertise

Spotting calligraphy practice on the table, Xie Jiu examined it.
“This is the Princess’s work, isn’t it?”
“Young as she is, her wrist strength is weak.”
“The brush is too soft—unsuitable.”
Pausing, she added, “The copybook isn’t beginner-friendly either.”
“I’ll bring better ones tomorrow for her to try.”
Quickly, she noted other issues.
Initially, Qin Lan thought Xie Jiu was just pretending.
Her sharp critique, however, was unexpected.
“I won’t disturb the Princess’s rest,” Xie Jiu said, leaving promptly.
Her manner was professional, focused, and genuine.

A Princess’s Observation

Later, a small figure emerged from the inner room.
“Auntie,” Princess Wenxi said, “she seems like a real teacher.”
Qin Lan frowned slightly.
“True, the Xie family is a scholarly clan.”
Yet, she doubted Xie Jiu’s character, fearing harm to the Princess.
“Rest now, Princess,” Qin Lan said softly.
“I’ll watch her closely.”
Before Lady Xian Fei died, she’d begged Qin Lan to protect Wenxi.
Thus, Qin Lan remained cautious.
Wenxi nodded obediently.

An Unexpected Delivery

Back at Chengming Palace, Xie Jiu returned early.
Zhao Xingjin was busy with state affairs.
Since he’d likely visit Zhuang Fei later, Xie Jiu expected no summons.
Relieved, she retreated to the side hall.
As predicted, Zhao Xingjin left after his work.
Exhausted from recent days, Xie Jiu ate lunch.
She prepared to nap.
Suddenly, a palace maid brought a wooden box.
“Someone sent this for you,” the maid said.
“Who?” Qing Fang asked, taking it.
“The young lady of Weiyuan Marquis Manor,” came the reply.
Wu Qingchan, Xie Jiu’s sister-in-law, rarely visited the manor.
Studying at a women’s academy, she returned monthly.
Their bond was limited to Xie Jiu’s care and pocket money.
Thus, the delivery surprised everyone.
Chun Rong tipped the maid and closed the door.
“Open it,” Xie Jiu instructed.
Inside was a broken jade hairpin and a letter.
Xie Jiu recognized the hairpin as her gift to Wu Qingchan.
She guessed the letter’s contents.

A Scathing Letter

As expected, the letter’s handwriting seethed with fury.
[‘A rat has skin, yet a person lacks decorum; why not die?’]
[‘A rat has teeth, yet a person lacks restraint; why perish not?’]
[‘A rat has a body, yet a person lacks courtesy; why not hasten to die?’]
Bored, Xie Jiu tossed it aside.
“What’s in it?” Qing Fang asked.
Her eyes narrowing, Xie Jiu spoke coldly.
“She’s scolding me for her brother.”
Chun Rong and Qing Fang read it, fuming.
“You treated her like a daughter,” Qing Fang said.
“Dresses, jewelry, food—she had it all.”
“Her pocket money surpassed others’.”
“You never shortchanged her.”
“Now she curses you viciously!”
Qing Fang’s temper flared.
Silently, Chun Rong looked grim.
Xie Jiu laughed lightly.
“Like Wu Que, she’s ungrateful.”
“Did he ever value my efforts for the Wu family?”
“They’re selfish,” she said, eyes cold.
“When pleased, they take it for granted.”
“When crossed, they attack.”
Clearly, Wu Qingchan’s letter accused Xie Jiu of betraying Wu Que.
‘Tch,’ Xie Jiu thought.
Wu Qingchan never questioned why she’d act this way.
Selfish people rarely saw others’ views.

A Calculated Response

“Chun Rong, send this out,” Xie Jiu said.
“It’s a gift from her sister-in-law.”
“Palace jewelry is rare outside.”
She handed over a magpie hairpiece from Zhao Xingjin.
Before Chun Rong left, Xie Jiu stopped her.
Quickly, Qing Fang fetched paper.
Xie Jiu wrote a brief note and tucked it with the hairpiece.
Later, a scream echoed from Wu Qingchan’s room.
“That shameless Xie w*nch!”
Storming to Wu Que’s courtyard, she slammed the hairpiece and note down.
“Brother, divorce that Xie woman now!”