Chapter 218

After agreeing with Wei Shu and Wei Xi, Shen Cui began to prepare for a small Mid-Autumn Festival banquet.

After all, it was Mrs. Chu’s first visit, and it was also the first important festival after the students graduated.

Shen Cui discussed the arrangements with her mother.

When Mu Yi Pang and Mei Ruochu were on duty, they had already planned everything.

Seeing the formal banquet setup at home for the first time, Mu Er Pang took a look at the menu and said, “There are both meat and vegetarian dishes, hot and cold dishes, and even desserts after the meal. Mother and grandmother really put in a lot of effort.”

“Your grandmother did most of it.”

She truly lacked experience in dealing with such a quiet girl.

The last time Shen Cui entertained a young girl was when Sun Ruowei, who married Cui Fei.

Sun Ruowei was much more outgoing than Chu Zhongling, and back then, there was Cui Wuniang to help with the conversation, leading them in discussions.

This time, there was no “mediator” like Cui Wuniang, so Shen Cui thought, why not call Wei Shu over? It wouldn’t be improper to have them together in front of the elders, especially since they were about to be engaged.

The Chu family didn’t mind Chu Zhongling going out with Wei Shu, so they wouldn’t mind this either.

Around the time of the Mid-Autumn Festival, the court granted a three-day holiday to all “civil servants.”

On the morning of the Mid-Autumn Festival, Zheng Shi got up early again and quickly tidied up the academy, which had been cleaned beforehand.

When it was fully bright, Wei Xi arrived first.

Wei Shu and Wei Xi set off from home together, but they still had to go to the Chu family to pick up Chu Zhongling.

Shen Cui first brewed a cup of tea for Wei Xi. After drinking it, Wei Xi was surprised and said, “The tea has a hint of fruity fragrance, it’s rich yet distinct in layers. It’s really good.”

As the first student of the academy, Wei Xi wasn’t picky about food and drink.

He hadn’t complained even during the hard times in the village.

However, he wasn’t ignorant either.

The fact that he couldn’t help but praise the tea meant it was exceptional.

Because this was a premium tea purchased by Shen Cui from the system’s mall, it was refreshing, nutritious, and could be customized to one’s taste.

Refreshments and health benefits, they don’t enjoy them or need them anymore. But having fresh tea to drink is still nice.

While they were talking, Wei Shu came over, carrying a gift from the Chu family — two big bags of fresh and juicy fruits. He pushed aside the mosquito net with his elbow and asked, “What’s this good tea that Xiao Xi keeps praising? The head of the mountain should make me a cup too, can’t be unfair.”

“We’ve already prepared it for you all.” Shen Cui replied, glancing behind Wei Shu.

A lively girl of sixteen or seventeen followed Wei Shu in.

She wasn’t stunningly beautiful, just pretty, dressed plainly — wearing a silk top with a mandarin collar and a simple long skirt. Her hair was styled in a common girl’s bun, with only a small silver hairpin. Plain, much like Shen Cui.

The fashion in the capital was liberal, and one never knew when they might meet their ideal partner.” Shen Cui chuckled and glanced at her son. “Not everyone is as unresponsive as our chubby here, which is what truly gives a mother headaches.”

“Mom, you always say I’m unresponsive, but where am I unresponsive?” Mu Erpang argued quietly, somewhat indignant.

Shen Cui raised an eyebrow. “Really? Then why didn’t you mention that you’ve received several invitations after the Enrong Banquet?”

Mu Yipang nodded. “I attended several banquets. Haven’t I told you about them?”

Shen Cui sighed. “Yes, you did. But you didn’t mention that some of the families had eligible unmarried daughters.”

Mu Erpang countered, “Why would I know about that?”

He wasn’t stupid after all.

He realized and muttered, “I remember now. At those banquets, the hosts always insisted on us changing clothes and drinking. I only had a bit of fruit wine, yet they insisted on having the servants take me for a walk in the garden. Every time, we just happened to encounter their daughter chasing butterflies or strolling in the garden…”

Shen Cui couldn’t reason with him and just waved her hand, letting him go.

Meanwhile

Chu Zhongling’s eyes sparkled with curiosity towards Shen Cui, and there was also a hint of unease.

Since there were no strangers around, Shen Cui encouraged her to speak up.

Chu Zhongling hesitantly tugged at her sleeve and said, “Well, you see, my family has a married aunt who wants to start a girls’ school.”

As she spoke, Chu Zhongling carefully observed Shen Cui’s expression. Seeing no disagreement, she continued, “Right now, only a few of our relatives’ daughters are enrolled, and we can’t attract others.”

“It seems you’re having trouble with enrollment.” Shen Cui nodded. “I might not be able to help much in this regard. As you know, our Cuiwei is just starting out and we’ve only got a few students,

and we have a total of seven students. Moreover, those inquiring about enrollment have mostly been boys…”

Shen Cui looked at the moon-like silver plate, suddenly reminded of someone wanting to start a girls’ school, but she couldn’t recall the exact source at the moment.

“No, you misunderstood,” Chu Zhongling explained softly and gently, “Enrollment is something we should handle ourselves. My aunt’s intention is to invite you over for guidance.”

Shen Cui understood now.

She had gained some reputation, akin to how newly established educational institutions in later times would invite renowned lecturers as guest professors to enhance their prestige.

Chu Zhongling’s aunt likely had the same idea.

Shen Cui might not be willing to visit a regular academy, but she wouldn’t refuse if it was for a girls’ school.

Moreover, since Chu Zhongling had personally extended the invitation, she didn’t want to decline.

However, she hesitated and said, “Wei Shu should have told you that I don’t intervene in teaching matters. I’m responsible for the overall management and logistical work of the academy.”

Chun Zhongling understood from Shen Cui’s response that she was willing.

She nodded and said, “I understand. To be honest, my aunt doesn’t plan to teach herself. She intends to hire female teachers. So, your experiences are extremely valuable to us. Moreover, my aunt believes that what students in a girls’ school truly need to learn is not just the Confucian classics, but also a spirit of independence and self-reliance.”

Shen Cui couldn’t help but agree with this statement.

She became curious about Chu Zhongling’s aunt and began discussing the timing with her.

Before the midday feast began, Shen Cui had already made arrangements with Chu Zhongling to visit her aunt’s girls’ school as a “guest lecturer” in the crisp autumn weather of September.

After the lunch, Wei Shu escorted Chu Zhongling home, and Shen Aoshuang returned to his own home—Shen’s family had significant responsibilities during such festivals, although he didn’t need to partake in them, enjoying a refreshing cup of tea was nonetheless enjoyable