Chapter 55: Memorizing the Text

When her daughter finally arrived late, Tong Mingyu wasn’t surprised in the least. Her daughter was the kind of child who would eagerly practice calligraphy or read casual books without needing to be told twice—tasks she completed flawlessly.

However, when it came to the Four Books for Women, particularly The Admonitions for Women, her reluctance was palpable. She would avoid studying them until there was absolutely no way to procrastinate further.

When asked why she behaved this way, her response was both amusing and surprising:

“Mother, if women must learn the Four Books for Women, do men study something like this too?”

“Men study the Four Books and the Five Classics to prepare for the imperial exams and bring honor to their families.”

“Are women allowed to take the imperial exams?”

“You shouldn’t entertain such wild thoughts. Just focus on memorizing the texts.”

“Mother, why didn’t you make me a boy instead? Or how about I start living as a boy now?”

This kind of reasoning clearly showed how much she disliked memorizing the texts. It wasn’t just Tong Mingyu who noticed; even General Xiao, known for his rough and inattentive nature, realized that his daughter loathed the Four Books for Women. As a result, with his support, Xiao Yao wasn’t forced to recite the texts daily. Tong Mingyu’s scheduled tests, originally planned to be every other day, were reduced to once a week by his order.

Today happened to be one of those test days. Xiao Yao arrived at her parents’ residence with a sullen face, pouting lips, and dragging her feet. It was just before nightfall when she finally made her way in.

“Mother, I picked the most fragrant osmanthus flowers. I’ve asked the kitchen to make osmanthus tea, sweet dumplings, and osmanthus-stuffed lotus root. Everyone loves them, including my fifth brother and Ah Qi.” She smiled sweetly, feigning utmost obedience.

“And what else?” Her mother’s stern expression revealed she hadn’t forgotten what day it was.

“I’ve memorized The Admonitions for Women thoroughly. Listen to this!”

Xiao Yao immediately transformed into a model student:
“‘The heart is akin to the head and face, thus it must be adorned meticulously. If the face is not maintained for a day, it will be soiled by dust and filth…’”

Her recitation was smooth and rhythmic. After finishing, she added with a smirk, “Are you satisfied now?”

“Reciting the text is not enough. You must also understand its meaning.”

“Mr. Zhao explained it: It means the heart is like the face—it requires careful upkeep. If neglected for even a day, it will become sullied.”

Mr. Zhao was a tutor Tong Minglan had hired for Xiao Yao. A learned scholar with a gentle demeanor, she was around Tong Mingyu’s age. Having lost her husband and without children, she moved into the Xiao family estate to teach Xiao Yao.

Although she wanted to scold her daughter, Tong Mingyu had to admit that Xiao Yao’s performance today was impeccable. Apart from her procrastination, the girl had exceeded expectations. Xiao Yao had a knack for acting obedient and diligent right when discipline was imminent, yet managed to surprise everyone with her unpredictable antics when no one was watching.

Unlike other children, whom parents could easily manage, Xiao Yao was an enigma. No one could predict her next move. She was neither someone you could bear to scold nor punish harshly. Tong Mingyu could only sigh in frustration.

“Mother, don’t be upset. Even though I dislike it, I promise I’ll memorize the Four Books for Women. I’ve already started reading The Thousand-Character Classic, and I’ve memorized both The Three-Character Classic and The Hundred Family Surnames.” Xiao Yao listed her achievements, hoping to soothe her mother’s disappointment.

“How Mr. Zhao teaches you is not my concern, but you must memorize one chapter from the Four Books for Women every week. That rule will not change.”

“I’ll follow your instructions, Mother. Don’t worry!”

Relieved to have passed today’s test, Xiao Yao suddenly remembered a promise from her father. “When will Father be back? He promised to get me a new set of brushes and ink.”

“Your father…” Tong Mingyu trailed off.

Recently, General Xiao had been feeling exasperated. The daughter of Minister Yu from the Ministry of Rites, Yu Xianrong, was insistent on marrying Xiao Jingyan. At 18 years old, she was considered a spinster, and with her 19th birthday approaching in four months, her family was growing desperate. Minister Yu had been pressuring Xiao Jingyan relentlessly, while General Xiao maintained a laissez-faire attitude. His philosophy was simple: a man who couldn’t make decisions for himself didn’t deserve a place in the Xiao family.

The eldest son, Xiao Jingkang, bore the brunt of this pressure. Representing the Xiao family, he was often invited by Minister Yu for tea or wine, driving him to the brink of madness. He even complained privately to his wife, “If our fourth brother doesn’t marry soon, Minister Yu might drive me insane first!”

What a mess! Some struggled to find a suitable match for their daughters, resorting to pestering anyone connected to their target. Meanwhile, those uninterested in marriage seemed to attract suitors effortlessly. Over the past three years, Xiao Jingyan had faced everything from subtle hints to outright proposals.

As the matriarch of the household, Tong Mingyu’s resilience had been tested repeatedly. She couldn’t help but worry about what the future held for Xiao Yao once she grew up. Would she face similar challenges?

“Did Fourth Uncle cause another scandal?” Xiao Yao’s sharp instincts made her a natural gossip. Unlike others who reveled in spreading tales, she preferred listening quietly, treating it as harmless entertainment—except when it involved her family.

“This is none of your business!” Tong Mingyu scolded.

Xiao Yao obediently sat down, but her mother’s expression had already betrayed her. Clearly, the situation involved Minister Yu’s daughter again. She couldn’t help but pity her parents—raising such a daughter must have been exhausting.

“When will you start learning needlework?” Tong Mingyu asked. Her recent frustration with Minister Yu’s daughter had only strengthened her resolve to raise a well-rounded daughter. A woman’s behavior reflected not just on herself but on her entire family.

Xiao Yao tilted her head in thought, then held up three fingers with a fawning smile. “You’re my dear mother—please go easy on me.”

“Three days from now? Very well, it’s settled!” Tong Mingyu deliberately misinterpreted her daughter’s gesture.

“I meant three years later! Look, I’m still small, and my hands aren’t steady yet. How about when I turn eight? Or maybe in two years?” Xiao Yao quickly folded down one finger when she saw her mother’s stern gaze.

Tong Mingyu had three sons and one daughter. By the age of five, her sons had all moved to the front courtyard, leaving her with little to worry about apart from their food and clothing. Xiao Yao, however, appeared obedient but required constant attention.

“You can practice calligraphy for half an hour, but learning needlework makes your hands unsteady?”

Would agreeing to this excuse get her punished? Based on past experience, it seemed likely.

“Mother, is this acceptable?” Xiao Yao pitifully wiggled her remaining finger, silently lamenting the loss of her carefree childhood.

Tong Mingyu wanted her daughter to start needlework this year but couldn’t bear to see her dejected face. Fine, one more year wouldn’t hurt. A girl only had a short, carefree youth before marriage and motherhood took over.

“Very well, it’s decided. Go back and practice your calligraphy.” Tong Mingyu ended the conversation. If she knew who her future son-in-law was, she’d have her husband and sons give him a thorough beating now.

Why had her mother’s mood shifted so suddenly? Xiao Yao wondered as she left the room. Could this be menopause?

Tong Mingyu sighed briefly but carried on with her tasks. If General Xiao or Xiao Jingkang ever heard talk of their granddaughter’s or sister’s marriage, their reactions would be far more dramatic—likely a fit of rage and a desire to eliminate all potential suitors in advance.

With such thoughts in mind, General Xiao found himself growing increasingly displeased with his nominal disciples.