Have You Written Your Will Today?
Chapter 142: Can’t Tell She’s Weak at All!!!

Chapter 142: Chapter 142: Can’t Tell She’s Weak at All!!!

Shen Hua’s words ultimately piqued the teacher’s interest.

In a burst of enthusiasm, he decided to test the girl’s knowledge.

Just at that moment, Cui Rong, without any manners, threw down her book, sat cross-legged, and stared at Shen Hua with her chin propped up.

"Hmph! If you’re so impressive, why don’t you compare yourself with the teacher? If you can’t surpass him, I’ll spread the word and let the world laugh at you."

The challenging tone was very thick.

The teacher was invited by Cui Yun, and he had not expected Cui Bai’s legitimate daughter to behave in such a manner. Once aboard the thief’s ship, he naturally had to educate well! Fortunately, the little princess was clever despite her spoiled behavior.

She understood some difficult problems with just a hint.

"Commandery Princess."

He had not expected this.

"You shouldn’t be like this."

Cui Rong sheepishly retracted some of her threatening gestures, half-reluctantly, half-unwillingly.

Shen Hua smiled softly, as if not at all angered by these events.

"The teacher mainly tutors the little princess and I am secondary, so there’s no need to pay too much attention to me; just by auditing I can fulfill my wish. These years, with continuous events, I’m afraid I’ve completely forgotten what I previously learned. Right now, I’d best warm up old knowledge through new learning. Auditing is just fine."

The teacher looked deeply at Shen Hua, recalling what Cui Yun had said that day.

——Miss Shen suffers from a frail condition; the teacher need not be too stern or harsh. However, Cui Rong still needs the teacher’s close attention.

Indeed, Cui Rong was his main focus in teaching; it was good that Shen Hua voluntarily proposed to audit.

"You are a very courteous girl."

Shen Hua smiled.

She thought so too!

Thus, the next scene was the teacher teaching a line, and Cui Rong repeating it. Shen Hua listened, supporting her chin.

"Spring and summer, autumn and winter. These four seasons, run endlessly."

These were lines from the Three Character Classic.

Cui Rong, with her milky voice, recited: "Spring and summer, autumn and winter. These four seasons, run endlessly."

Her voice was quite loud.

The teacher nodded approvingly: "Do you understand the meaning?"

Cui Rong shook her head.

Shen Hua sat up straight: She knew!!!

The teacher smiled and explained to Cui Rong, then delved deeper into the content. His teaching was never rigid; he gradually advanced, turning even the simplest line of poetry into a rich discussion.

The content extended further and further, even exceeding what Cui Rong’s age should know.

"Do you understand now?"

Cui Rong was very proud: "I understood."

Shen Hua nodded earnestly: "Understood!"

The class ended two quarters later. The teacher was still talking enthusiastically, while Cui Rong occasionally looked outside, restless as if sitting on pins.

Shen Hua remained still, feigning realization now and then, nodding earnestly.

The teacher was deeply moved!

A promising pupil indeed!

What a pity.

After arranging the homework, and as soon as the teacher left, Cui Rong slumped in her chair, feeling that something was not quite right, but she could not quite figure out what.

Once the teacher was completely gone, she heard cheers nearby.

"Freedom at last, I’ve been sitting until my neck is sore."

"Yicui, come and give me a massage."

What an ordeal.

That day, Shen Hua was very cooperative. Her cooperation ultimately made Cui Rong can’t help but respect her.

The next day, Shen Hua was late.

But no one minded.

Shen Hua walked slowly, very politely: "My apologies, teacher."

She intentionally went without makeup, looking utterly haggard. Her complexion pale, as if she could collapse at any moment.

The teacher looked on terrified: "If you’re not feeling well, you might go back to rest."

Shen Hua shakily sat down, her voice weak: "No."

She struggled to utter: "How can I neglect my studies?"

The teacher, having lived to his age, was touched by such a girl. He was immensely gratified. Turning his head, he said: "Commandery Princess, you should learn more from Miss Shen."

Cui Rong was very displeased, because just as the teacher turned around, Shen Hua had defiantly made a face at her.

!!!

She shows no sign of weakness at all!!!

But just half a stick of incense later, the studious girl from yesterday was dozing off on the desk.

Cui Rong was watching her the whole time and finally spotted the mistake, her chubby little fingers pointing excitedly: "Teacher, she’s actually sleeping right under your nose!"

The teacher paused his lesson, looked over, and said: "Miss Shen’s sleepiness is understandable."

Turning to Yicui he said, "Fetch a blanket to cover your lady, it’s cold and she shouldn’t catch a chill."

Cui Rong grinded her teeth fiercely.

On the third day, Shen Hua didn’t come.

She had gone to watch a play.

Marquis Yangling Mansion had specially set up a stage in the back garden. The music from string and wind instruments was melodious and lingering.

The play had already started.

Sitting in the prime seat, Dowager Cui, with her white hair and forehead cloth, was deeply engrossed. This was Shen Hua’s first encounter with her.

Wu Shaoyin and the others had already taken their seats.

There was also an empty seat on their side, so Shen Hua, not wanting to interrupt the old lady during the play, sneaked over to the cousin ladies.

The seat was quite good, with Wu Shaoyin on the left and Xue Shuyue on the right.

Xue Shuyue: "Why are you here?"

Shen Hua: "My heart was beating too fast."

"It must be that today is not suitable for reading."

Xue Shuyue: ...

On stage, the heavily made-up actors waved their large sleeves, singing in a melodious tune that resonated around the beams.

It was "Peony Pavilion."

Initially, Shen Hua watched intently, but toward the tragic latter part, sobs came from her left.

Shen Hua turned her head.

Wu Shaoyin, as if immersed in the scene, couldn’t stop her tears from flowing in her sorrow.

Then, she noticed Shen Hua looking at her. Wu Shaoyin’s sob turned into a hiccup.

She was very annoyed.

Why couldn’t Shen Hua be lame!

Dowager Cui’s heart was also clenched, and hearing someone crying only tightened it further.

She turned her head to see who on the right was empathizing!

Oh, it was Wu Shaoyin.

Dowager Cui turned her head back expressionlessly, and her discomfort lessened by half for a moment.

Then, she slowly turned her head to glance again.

"So, is that your distant cousin from your maternal family?" She asked Cui Xuan softly.

Cui Xuan smiled and confirmed.

Dowager Cui: "Her appearance and demeanor lose nothing compared to a noble lady."

"After the play, I will have her pay respects to your mother-in-law."

"That would be good," Dowager Cui said, though she was not particularly concerned.

A cousin after all—since Marquis Yangling Mansion could provide for Wu Shaoyin, couldn’t they also support Cui Xuan’s distant cousin?

"I inherently favor you, and you do not need to be perfectly fair. She being better to her own than to Miss Wu is only natural."

Cui Xuan has no reason to favor the Wu Family over her own.

This statement struck a chord with Cui Xuan.

With that, Dowager Cui lost the interest in watching the play.

She sighed deeply.

"You should look after Ah Si more these days; Yun’s marriage hasn’t been settled yet."

"As long as he’s not married, I’ll remain uneasy every day."

Xue Shuyue, whose mind had never been on the play, whispered: "Look, they’re talking about finding a wife for cousin again."

Shen Hua gave her a glance.

Xue Shuyue: "You must be feeling terrible too."

Why would I feel terrible?

Xue Shuyue: "After all, such a Jiao Jianyue of a man will belong to someone else."

Shen Hua: ...