TSWRLM -Chapter 356 He’er’s Cousin

After the Xiao family’s clan academy opened, Chun Xi also paid them a visit.

Ning’er was still young and hadn’t started formal learning yet, so there was no rush to enroll him in the Xiao family academy. But Cao Wen had passed the provincial exam this year and qualified as a Tongsheng; the Qingzhou Academy could no longer teach him much. Chun Xi decided it was time for him to attend the Xiao family academy.

The Qingzhou Academy teachers wrote a recommendation letter, and Chun Xi also brought some of Cao Wen’s writings for Old Madam Xiao to read.

After several years of diligent study, Cao Wen had developed excellent handwriting. His essays, though still somewhat naive, were not just rote learning—they showed independent thought.

Old Madam Xiao praised him after reading, then teased Chun Xi: “You’re really ruthless. You’re willing to send such a young child so far away to Qingzhou. If Ning’er makes you angry in the future, will you send him away as well?”

Chun Xi nodded: “Boys need experience. Even if Ning’er doesn’t make me angry, I still want him to go out and face challenges. Only then will he grow capable and responsible.”

Old Madam Xiao felt a twinge of concern. At her age, she loved having children around, lively and noisy, and couldn’t help spoiling them: “I see you’ve raised Ning’er well. He’s clever and obedient, and will do well in the future. But it’s better to keep an eye on him yourself than let him go out and mingle with the wrong sort of people and pick up bad habits.”

Ning’er was not even four yet, so this advice was a bit early.

Chun Xi smiled politely: “You’re right, Aunt.”

With Old Madam Xiao’s approval, a few days later, Chun Xi brought Cao Wen to the Xiao family academy.

Xiao Qinghe, hearing the news, gave Cao Wen a full scholar’s desk set and accompanied Chun Xi to see him settled at the academy.

Cao Wen was only fifteen, but he had already grown taller than Chun Xi. His features had matured, shedding childishness, revealing a handsome appearance.

The Xiao family academy had originally been in the outer courtyard of the Xiao residence. But after trouble befell the Yun family, more children from noble families began attending. To avoid disturbing the ladies of the household, the Xiao family relocated the academy outside the residence.

Not only was the academy larger, but the curriculum was expanded. When Xiao Qinghe and Chun Xi arrived, they saw Xiao Yecheng demonstrating mounted archery.

Today he wore a fitted dark outfit. As he mounted his horse, it was as if he became one with the animal. When he galloped, his hair flew freely in the wind.

After circling twice on horseback, Xiao Yecheng picked up his bow, aimed at the target, and fired three arrows in rapid succession—all hitting the bullseye.

The crowd erupted in cheers. Even Cao Wen whispered in awe: “So amazing.”

Chun Xi raised an eyebrow.

Oh? General Xiao is no longer keeping to himself—he’s putting on a show now?

Xiao Yecheng soon noticed Chun Xi and Xiao Qinghe. He put down his bow and walked over briskly: “Madam Shen, He’er, and this young gentleman is…?”

“This is my younger brother, Cao Wen,” Chun Xi introduced, then told Cao Wen: “This is General Xiao.”

Cao Wen bowed quickly: “Cao Wen greets General Xiao. I’ve heard of your reputation while studying in Qingzhou, and seeing you today, it’s even more impressive. Will General Xiao be teaching at the Xiao family academy regularly?”

Cao Wen’s eyes sparkled with admiration.

He had learned horseback riding in Qingzhou, but it was superficial and couldn’t compare to Xiao Yecheng’s mastery.

Xiao Yecheng glanced at Xiao Qinghe before replying: “I won’t be here every day, but I’ll come once every five days. If you have questions about this, you can ask me anytime.”

Cao Wen, overwhelmed with excitement, said loudly: “Thank you, General Xiao!”

The Xiao family academy provided room and board. After a brief chat, Chun Xi went to help Cao Wen find his room. Zhang Zhilian, cheeks flushed, ran over.

Zhang Zhilian had come to the academy with her two elder brothers. Seeing Xiao Yecheng on horseback shooting arrows had made her heart race uncontrollably. She knew he didn’t like her and initially didn’t want to cause trouble, but upon seeing Chun Xi, she couldn’t resist running over.

Before she even stopped, she asked Chun Xi: “Madam Shen, why are you here?”

Her tone was hostile, and Chun Xi could clearly feel the animosity. Over the past two years, at occasional banquets, Zhang Zhilian always carried a sharp edge in her presence. Chun Xi had no idea what she had done to offend her.

“I’m bringing my brother to study,” Chun Xi replied calmly.

Upon hearing this, Zhang Zhilian’s face darkened: “Madam Shen, weren’t you always distant with your family? You never seemed concerned about your brother before. Why suddenly are you so attentive to send him to the Xiao family?”

Cao Wen was no longer the weak, indecisive child of before. Seeing Zhang Zhilian’s rudeness, he immediately spoke: “My sister never seeks attention and doesn’t broadcast family matters. The Xiao family academy is open to all who strive to learn. May I ask, miss, who are you in the Xiao family? By what right do you criticize my sister?”

In terms of family ties, Zhang Zhilian wasn’t as close to the Xiao family as Chun Xi. But she had long believed Chun Xi was the one Xiao Yecheng truly cared for, so she wanted to needle her. Now, confronted by Cao Wen, she snapped back: “You’re already grown and need your sister to send you to school? What right do you have to speak to me?”

Cao Wen calmly replied: “The Xiao family academy doesn’t accept female students. You must have come accompanying someone. May I ask how old your family members are, that they need to send you?”

“…”

Cao Wen’s logic left Zhang Zhilian speechless.

“Alright, A-Wen,” Chun Xi intervened, speaking to Xiao Qinghe: “I’ll take A-Wen to settle in. He’er, you wait here a little while.”

“Okay.”

Xiao Qinghe nodded, watching Chun Xi and Cao Wen leave. Zhang Zhilian, fuming, gritted her teeth and followed.

Chun Xi wondered: “Why is Miss Zhang following us?”

Zhang Zhilian raised her chin arrogantly: “Who’s following you? This is the Xiao family academy. I’m just showing my elder brother around.”

“Oh.”

Chun Xi replied lightly, not concerned.

Watching the three of them walk away, Xiao Qinghe tilted her head and asked Xiao Yecheng: “It seems Miss Zhang doesn’t like Sister-in-law. Do you know if there’s some grudge between them?”

Xiao Yecheng’s eyes flickered. He shook his head: “I’m not familiar with Miss Zhang, so I don’t really know.”

Not familiar? Didn’t Mother say Miss Zhang liked you and often visited you?

Xiao Qinghe felt something was off with his explanation, but this was his private matter, so she didn’t press. Just as she was about to change the topic, a soft, jade-like voice called out: “Cousin He’er.”

Hearing this, Xiao Yecheng’s eyes instantly grew cold. When he turned, his gaze was sharp and cutting.

The newcomer froze under his stare, but still managed a gentle smile: “Brother Yecheng.”