Chapter 8: A Pupil Worth Teaching

Upon returning to the Liu residence, Liu Shunhua spotted Fuchun, Liu Tanghua’s maid, from afar before even entering the rear courtyard.

The moment Fuchun saw Liu Shunhua, she rushed over as if seeing a savior.

“Young Miss, you’ve finally returned. Please go check on Second Young Miss she’s being bullied again.”

At the mention of Tanghua, Liu Shunhua felt a sharp pang in her heart, the image of that cold corpse in Weiyang Palace resurfacing in her mind.

Suppressing her emotions, she asked, “What happened?”

Fuchun frowned. “It’s that Second Madam from next door again brought Miss Manhua with her.”

The Liu family wasn’t particularly prominent or populous.

The eldest brother, Liu Feng Liu Shunhua’s father, currently serves as the Minister of Agriculture.

The second brother, Liu Xin, was merely a minor official in Chang’an.

After their grandparents passed away, the two brothers had already divided the family estate.

The Second Madam Fuchun referred to was Liu Shunhua’s aunt by marriage, Ge Shi.

The mere thought of this aunt gave Liu Shunhua a headache. The woman was habitually opportunistic, always coming over to seek favors.

Her daughter was no better whatever caught her eye, she would scheme to make it her own.

Sometimes it was Liu Shunhua’s jewelry, sometimes cosmetics, sometimes dresses…

Liu Shunhua had resisted before, but each time her aunt would come to argue on her daughter’s behalf.

Unable to out-argue them, and with no mother to stand up for her, she could only swallow her pride.

As soon as she stepped into the rear courtyard, Liu Shunhua heard Ge Shi’s grating voice.

“I’m telling you, Qianqian, since your cousin has taken a liking to it, just let her have it. It’s just a dress hardly worth making such a fuss over.”

Liu Tanghua sounded wrong as she whispered, “Not this one. Sister just had this made for me.”

Ge Shi turned to Sun Yiniang. “No offense meant, but you’re practically the mistress of this household. How come your daughter turns out so petty?”

Liu Feng had one wife and one concubine. His official wife Liu Shunhua’s birth mother passed away years ago, leaving only Sun Yiniang attending the household. Though Sun Yiniang had been managing the Liu family’s rear residence affairs all these years, she had never been formally elevated to wife status.

Ge Shi always followed the same pattern: first showering Sun Yiniang with respect, then seizing the opportunity to curry favors.

And Sun Yiniang consistently fell for it.

Sure enough, she pulled Tanghua aside to persuade her. “It’s just a dress, not some treasure. Your closet is full of them you won’t miss this one. Just let your cousin have it.”

Liu Tanghua still clung tightly to the dress. Seeing this, Sun Yiniang felt her authority being challenged and made as if to strike her.

The raised hand froze mid-air as Liu Shunhua caught Sun Yiniang’s arm. “Yiniang,” she said sternly, “what could possibly be important enough to resort to hitting?”

Though Liu Tanghua was Sun Yiniang’s biological daughter, she had never valued the girl simply because she was female. All these years, Sun Yiniang had focused entirely on her son, paying little attention to Liu Tanghua. In contrast, Liu Shunhua had grown up with Tanghua, always treating her as precious and protecting her fiercely.

Seeing Liu Shunhua return, Liu Tanghua’s eyes reddened as she called out, “Sister.”

Liu Shunhua shuddered, slowly turning around.

Here stood no empress grandly seated on a throne in splendid robes only Liu Tanghua huddled in a corner, weeping with grievance.

In that moment, Liu Shunhua’s heart felt as if being sliced by knives. No longer able to restrain herself, she stepped forward and gathered Liu Tanghua into her embrace.

A thousand words swelled in her heart, yet all that escaped was a choked whisper: “Qianqian.”

She held on too tightly, as if afraid she might leave at any moment.

Liu Tanghua was somewhat dazed. It had only been two days since they last met, why did her sister miss her so intensely?

Ge Shi couldn’t stand watching any longer. “Zhenzhen, aren’t you overdoing it? You’re acting as though we’ve done something to her.”

Sun Yiniang chimed in, “Indeed, it’s just a piece of clothing after all.”

Liu Shunhua shielded Tanghua behind her and deliberately remarked, “How could Yiniang take a fancy to Tanghua’s dress? Besides, this dress doesn’t seem suitable for Yiniang anyway.”

Upon hearing this, Sun Yiniang was taken aback. What kind of talk was this? Since when would mother snatch clothes from her own daughter?

Feeling embarrassed, she muttered, “It’s not for me, it’s for Manhua.”

Liu Shunhua let out an “Oh,” then smiled meaningfully. “So just because Sister Manhua wants it, she should, have it?”

Ge Shi, accustomed to bossing Liu Shunhua around, didn’t think much of her. Adopting a superior tone, she said calmly, “Zhenzhen, what do you mean by that?”

Hearing this, Liu Shunhua looked up at Ge Shi.

That one glance made Liu Shunhua frown deeply.

Earlier, she had been so focused on Tanghua that she hadn’t noticed Ge Shi’s attire.
Ge Shi, as always, loved to show off. Today was no exception she wore a maroon peony brocade mandarin collar jacket dress, with a string of red agate beads draped over her chest, turquoise earrings dangling from her ears, and a lotus hawksbill hairpin in her hair, which was also adorned with assorted pearls and jade.

The wife of a minor official, flaunting herself so ostentatiously wasn’t she afraid of inviting trouble?

Suddenly, Liu Shunhua recalled that she had indeed brought trouble upon herself before.

Back when Tanghua had just been appointed empress, instead of exercising restraint like her second uncle, Ge Shi leveraged the Liu family’s influence to frequently attend banquets hosted by noblewomen in the city.

Those from ordinary official families, out of respect for her status as the empress’s aunt, showed her some courtesy. Mistaking this for genuine regard, she began acting as if she were royalty, growing increasingly arrogant.

Once, she overstepped by attending a banquet hosted by the Her family’s relatives, where she had the audacity to propose marriage between her useless son and a young lady of the Her family.

What was the He family’s standing? The new emperor had been enthroned with the support of Chancellor He, and the court’s affairs relied entirely on him.

The young lady of the Her family didn’t even deign themselves to acknowledge her.

Emboldened by a few drinks, Ge Shi began shouting insults.

Her family was furious and refused to let the matter slide, forcing her to kneel and apologize before they relented.

The incident quickly spread throughout the city, causing Tanghua great humiliation.

And unsurprisingly, Ge Shi earned herself a thorough mocking from the chancellor’s wife.

Recalling the past, Liu Shunhua’s disgust for Ge Shi deepened.

Noticing Liu Shunhua’s scrutinizing gaze, Ge Shi felt inexplicably uneasy.

When she looked again, however, Liu Shunhua had already taken Tanghua’s hand and sat down, declaring firmly, “My meaning is perfectly clear no.”

Hearing Liu Shunhua’s blunt refusal, that uncomfortable feeling returned.

Suppressing her anger, Ge Shi finally adopted a gentle tone. “Qiqiu is your younger sister. Shouldn’t you, like her elders, show her some affection? Sisters should support each other. When we’re old, you’ll at least have someone to rely on.”

Liu Shunhua sneered inwardly. Support each other? All these years, what help had she or Tanghua ever received from them, even a needle or thread?

She raised her eyebrows and retorted, “Oh? Aunt mentioned supporting each other just now. May I ask how Sister Manhua plans to support us in the future?”

This time Ge Shi wasn’t annoyed; instead, she became thoroughly arrogant. “Our Manhua was born with good looks, which surely means she’ll have a fortunate marriage. Just yesterday, Matchmaker Zhang came to propose matching Manhua with Young Master Zhuo from the Metropolitan Governor’s household. If this succeeds, all of you will have to rely on our Manhua in the future.”
When Ge Shi mentioned Manhua’s good looks, Sun Yiniang initially felt disdainful.

Their family had two young ladies, Liu Shunhua was enchanting, Liu Tanghua was delicate, more beautiful than her.

But upon hearing that Manhua was being matched with the sole son of the Metropolitan Governor, she couldn’t conceal the envy in her eyes.

Why was someone else so fortunate, while her own daughter only knew how to eat and sleep?

Liu Shunhua gave a light laugh. “Is that so? Then I should congratulate Cousin Manhua in advance.”

In her previous life, Liu Manhua did indeed marry the Metropolitan Governor’s son later, but it was only because of Tanghua’s influence.

Ge Shi looked somewhat smug. “What’s one dress? You’ll receive plenty of benefits from us in the future.”

Liu Shunhua said, “No need to wait for the future your niece needs support right now. When I visited Floating Cloud Garden at the Marquis of Changling’s residence today, I was humiliated for not having decent accessories to maintain appearances. I noticed the red agate pendant on your chest looks quite nice, Aunt. Why not give it to your niece?”

Ge Shi instinctively clutched the red agate pendant on her chest tightly. Liu Manhua, standing nearby, couldn’t help stepping forward. “Have you gone mad? Why should Mother give you, her belongings?”

Liu Shunhua wore a disappointed expression. “Aunt, as an elder, you should cherish us juniors. It’s just a red agate pendant, not some priceless treasure. Since your niece has taken a liking to it, how could you be unwilling to give it to her?”

Ge Shi stammered, “This… this is different!”

Liu Tanghua, standing behind Liu Shunhua, tilted her head and turned away, afraid she might accidentally laugh out loud.

Liu Shunhua said, “How is it different? Didn’t you say we should support each other? When I gain face in society later, won’t our Liu family share in the glory? Besides, Cousin Manhua will soon marry into a prominent family. Wouldn’t it be better to have her get your knew accessories then?”

Ge Shi couldn’t understand what had gotten into Liu Shunhua today, making her so reckless. She pointed at Liu Shunhua and scolded harshly, “Is this how you speak to your elder? Do you have no respect for hierarchy in your eyes?”

Liu Shunhua remained calm and composed. “It is precisely because I respect you, Aunt, that I long for your affection. Having lost my mother since childhood, seeing you feels like seeing my own mother. I merely wished to act spoiled and ask you for something. I never expected that in your eyes, this would be seen as disrespectful.”

Ge Shi pointed at her angrily. “You… you’re talking nonsense!”

Liu Shunhua adopted a wounded expression. “Aunt, you misunderstand me at every turn. How dare I approach you in the future?”

Ge Shi was speechless with rage. How had she never noticed before that Liu Shunhua was so formidable?

Liu Shunhua watched her coldly. In her previous life, she had allowed Ge Shi to stir up trouble only because of their blood ties. Yet Ge Shi had mistaken this for weakness and repeatedly forced her to comply. Now, reborn into this life, she felt nothing but cold disappointment toward this household of demons.

Liu Manhua, always quick-witted, sensed the situation turning sour. She tugged at Ge Shi’s sleeve and said pitifully, “Mother, it’s just a dress I don’t want it anymore. Since Cousin doesn’t welcome us, why stay here? Let’s just leave instead of lingering where we’re not wanted.”

With that, Liu Manhua supported Ge Shi and stormed out angrily.

Sun Yiniang, still eager to curry favor, hurriedly rose and chased after them to see them off.

Watching them walk away, Liu Tanghua collapsed into giggles in her chair. “Sister, look at them, they’re absolutely ridiculous!”

Liu Shunhua gazed at her vibrant younger sister, standing right before her eyes.

This scene, one she hadn’t even dared to dream of, had reappeared. Unconsciously, her eyes reddened once more.

She composed herself and asked with a smile, “So, do you still feel wrong?”

Liu Tanghua poured a cup of tea and handed it over, grinning. “Of course not. Sister, you were so impressed today you left Aunt speechless. Who taught you all those clever retorts? I want to learn from them too.”

The teacup in Liu Shunhua’s hand trembled slightly.

In her past life, she had been somewhat clever but lacked true wisdom.

At home, she had relied entirely on her father and elder brother, never facing significant setbacks or understanding the harsh realities of human relationships.

After marrying into the Prime Minister’s residence and failing to win He Xuanhui’s affection, over time, the household staff began to think they could bully her.

She had fought back in fits of rage, but her methods were always misguided, leaving her humiliated and frustrated.

Having suffered countless silent injustices with no recourse, she eventually grew resigned to her fate.

Until she met He Xuandu.

Though He Xuandu was the second young master of the Prime Minister’s residence, his position there was as precarious as her own.

Perhaps it was their shared plight as outsiders in the mansion. This unworldly figure taught her how to resist.

Xuandu explained to her that what people sought in this world boiled down to three things: wealth, power, and heart.

Whatever one desired became their weakness.

Liu Shunhua understood wealth and power, but “heart” puzzled her.

Seeing her confusion, He Xuandu refilled her teacup. “Take you, for example. You wish to escape but dare not, isn’t it because of the Empress and your father and brother? The Prime Minister’s residence is entangled with imperial power; they would never allow you to leave. If you were merely yourself, you could divorce your husband. But if the Empress’s sister were to divorce the eldest son of the Prime Minister’s residence, the court officials would inevitably speculate, and the Prime Minister’s residence wants to avoid that. So, you dare not oppose them. You seek neither wealth nor power, isn’t it all for the sake of your deepest familial bonds?”

His voice grew distant. “If one day you could harden your heart and abandon those bonds, what could they possibly do to you?”

Liu Shunhua could never bring herself to forsake her family, but after pondering He Xuandu’s words repeatedly, she finally had an epiphany.

Though people’s actions varied widely, they always had underlying motives. Once she grasped this, everything became easier.

She thought of the insolent servants in the residence.

They too had pinpointed her weakness, knowing she was too proud to make a scene and had no one to rely on, which emboldened them to mistreat her.

Their cruelty wasn’t just due to the Madam’s tacit approval; more so, they relished watching someone they once had to look up to fall from grace, satisfying their twisted hearts for pleasure.

Once she understood this, life in the Prime Minister’s residence became less arduous.

Whenever servants were disrespectful, she would cast aside her pride, stand boldly at the doorway, and argue her case openly, bringing the matter into the light.

She wasn’t afraid of causing a scene after all, she was the eldest daughter-in-law of the Prime Minister’s residence; any shame would reflect on them.

After a few such incidents, the Madam of the residence was fuming but could do nothing.

Her actions eventually reached He Xuandu’s ears.

She had assumed that someone as aloof and proud as him would look down on her behavior.

To her surprise, when they met again, He Xuandu merely smiled faintly and said, “The student has surpassed the master.”

Liu Tanghua noticed Liu Shunhua seemed distracted and couldn’t resist shaking her arm, asking softly, “Sister, what’s wrong?”

Liu Shunhua snapped back to reality and shook her head, “It’s nothing. I just didn’t rest well last night and woke up early this morning, so I’m a bit tired.”

Liu Tanghua breathed a sigh of relief, her round face instantly blooming into a smile like a flower, “That’s good then. I thought Sister might have been upset by our aunt.”

Liu Shunhua reached out and pinched her cheek, “What do those people matter? All I care about is you being well.”

Liu Tanghua nodded obediently, “Since Sister is tired, you should get some proper rest.”

As night fell, Fangcao had already tidied the bed and gone to rest, but Liu Shunhua felt no drowsiness at all.

Moonlight bathed the ground, and the peonies on the windowsill were immersed in fragrant dreams. Liu Shunhua gazed distractedly at the new moon hanging distantly in the sky.

She couldn’t understand why Xuandu had become the person he was now.

But more than that, what worried her most was whether the Prime Minister’s residence would take the path of recession.

She knew deeply that regardless of whether the Prime Minister’s residence succeeded or not, He Xuandu would not come to a good end.

If they succeeded, the benefits would naturally fall to He Xuanhui.

If they failed, He Xuandu would inevitably be implicated.

In this lifetime, the only way for He Xuandu to avoid being affected would be to sever ties with the Prime Minister’s residence.

But he was the legitimate son of the Prime Minister’s household – how could such connections be easily broken?

After much contemplation, Liu Shunhua concluded that only by leaving Chang’an City and fleeing far away could He Xuandu possibly avoid disaster.

If this were the He Xuandu from her previous life, if his legs were normal, he would likely have made such a choice.

But the current He Xuandu…

Liu Shunhua couldn’t be certain. Besides, they didn’t have much connection between them.

Thinking of the present He Xuandu, Liu Shunhua pulled the quilt over her head, unable to bear dwelling on it any further.

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