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She said, "Whether my master goes to teach at the Capital Women's Academy or in Beining is his own business, not something I, his little apprentice, can decide. For the past six months, I've repeatedly heard him say that he likes Beining and that he wants to spend a lot of time painting at the Beining Painting Academy. So, the princess's suggestion is most likely not going to work out. If the princess doesn't believe me, she can send someone to ask." After saying this, she sighed inwardly.

She had originally intended to avoid causing her master to offend Consort Jin because of her own affairs. But in the end, she failed to do so.

Xiao Yuyue's face finally darkened.

That old man Kang Shilin is not one to give Consort Jin any face. Once he refuses, there will be no turning back.

Kang Shilin is so old, if she wants a young apprentice to serve her, can they force her not to? If this Gao Xing Kang Shilin and it goes to the Emperor, not only will she herself suffer, but even Consort Jin will not fare well.

Her sudden visit was a deliberate attempt to bypass Kang Shilin and get Zhao Ruxi to agree directly. She wouldn't send anyone to inquire, giving Kang Shilin a chance to refuse.

Since she couldn't reach an agreement through negotiation, she resorted to coercion.

Xiao Yuyue stood up and took a few steps closer, standing in front of Zhao Ruxi, and coldly asked, "You mean you want to stay in Beining and are unwilling to enter the Capital Women's Academy, even if it offends Consort Jin and me?"

She emphasized the words "Consort Jin" very much, her eyes fixed on Zhao Ruxi with a threatening coldness.

Zhao Ruxi, however, kept her head lowered and her eyes down, not even glancing at her.

Upon hearing this, she looked alarmed and repeatedly denied it, saying, "No, no, Princess, you misunderstand. Ruxi is not unwilling, but she cannot go because of her master's duties and her teaching painting for the court. Please forgive Consort Jin and Princess."

Seeing that Zhao Ruxi completely failed to grasp her threat, and despite her panicked appearance, she remained firm in her words, Xiao Yuyue was furious.

She turned to look at the old lady and Lady Zhu, and said in an unfriendly tone, "Is that what you two think too?"

If it were six months ago, the old lady would certainly not have allowed Zhao Ruxi to act so recklessly.

Consort Jin has been the most favored concubine in the harem for many years. Not to mention Consort Jin, even Princess Pingyang, who has managed the Capital Women's Academy for many years, is not someone that the Marquis of Earl of Suiping's Residence can afford to offend.

Furthermore, being able to study at the Capital Women's Academy was something that noble ladies longed for. When Zhao Ruyu was admitted to the Capital Women's Academy, the old lady thought it was a sign of prosperity for the Earl of Suiping's Residence and even wanted to hold a grand banquet to celebrate. Later, she was troubled by the mystery of her birth and gave up the idea.

Now, Princess Pingyang, the administrator of the Capital Women's Academy, has personally come to invite us. What an honor this is for our family! To refuse would be an act of ungratefulness.

But now the old lady doesn't think that way anymore.

Zhao Ruxi's political acumen was unparalleled in the old lady's life. Whatever Zhao Ruxi's reasons for rejecting Princess Pingyang's offer, the old lady believed she must have her reasons. And her refusal would certainly not bring trouble to the family.

She believed in Zhao Ruxi.

As for Lady Zhu, she was more clear-headed and more firmly stood by her daughter's side.

Even before Xiao Yuyue stood up, the old lady and Lady Zhu were already standing to the side.

At this moment, the old lady stepped forward, bowed to Xiao Yuyue, and said, "Princess, please forgive my anger. The child is ignorant and may have used inappropriate words, but what she said is the truth. Mister Kumu is getting old, and the Kang Residence's descendants and other disciples are all busy with official duties. Only Miss Xi can serve him because of her connections. Although what she learns at the academy is important, we do not expect her to pass the imperial examinations. Only in painting do we hope she can achieve something. Therefore, no matter what, she will stay by Mister Kumu's side."

Xiao Yuyue's face was extremely pale.

She truly hadn't expected that the old lady of the Earl of Suiping's Residence would actually refuse her. When did this once-impoverished Earl of Suiping's Residence become so assertive?

"So, you're saying you won't agree?" She stared at Zhao Ruxi with a cold, sharp gaze.

However, Zhao Ruxi remained humble, with her head bowed and eyes down, so she couldn't see any of Xiao Yuyue's expressions.

Zhao Ruxi curtsied, her attitude remaining humble and respectful. "Please forgive me, Princess."

"Fine, very well." Xiao Yuyue squeezed out a few words through gritted teeth, flicked her sleeve, and turned to leave.

"I'll see the princess off," Zhao Ruxi quickly said from behind.

She winked at the old lady and followed Xiao Yuyue out the door. Although Xiao Yuyue deliberately slowed down, Zhao Ruxi, who was "not strong enough to walk," could only lag far behind. But she still insisted on following until she saw Xiao Yuyue to the gate and watched her carriage drive away from the Earl of Suiping's Residence before returning, making sure to observe proper etiquette.

When Zhao Ruxi returned to the hall, Zhao Yuanxun, who had been paying close attention to the matter, was already seated there.

As soon as she entered the room, the three elders looked at her with worried eyes.

"It's alright," Zhao Ruxi said with a smile, reassuring them. "I'll have my master explain to the Emperor. Consort Jin values her reputation; she would never dare to openly make things difficult for me."

"But behind the scenes..." Lady Zhu said.

"I'm either teaching or learning to paint, or I'm taking classes at the Beining Academy. I don't really need their help. Besides Egret Manor and a few rice noodle shops, I don't own any other businesses. They might not even have the chance to make things difficult for me behind my back."

"No matter what, you must be extremely careful in your actions from now on," Zhao Yuanxun said.

"Yes, Grandmother, Father, and Mother, don't worry, I know," Zhao Ruxi said. "But it's you two. It's the end of the year, and you'll have many invitations and banquets of all sizes. Princess Pingyang will definitely try to sabotage those banquets. I think you should avoid attending them if possible. Just be patient for a year or two. After a year or two, we will no longer have to put up with this."

At that time, not only Princess Pingyang, but also Consort Jin and the Third Prince will be doomed.

"In that case, I might as well pretend to be sick," the old lady said.

If she caught a cold and was bedridden, it would be perfectly reasonable for Zhao Yuanxun, Lady Zhu, Zhao Ruxi to be unable to attend the banquet while attending to her illness, and no one could find fault with it. This reason couldn't be better.

"This... isn't that a bit inappropriate?" Lady Zhu hesitated.

It's considered very unlucky to have an elderly person pretend to be sick during the Lunar New Year.

The old lady waved her hand. "It's alright, it's not like I haven't pretended before. After I faked that illness, look at our household, isn't life getting better and better? My health is also better than before."

Before the family split up, there were many troubles, and the old lady never had a moment of peace.

Now that the family is small and everything is going smoothly, Zhao Ruxi has even taught the old lady and Zhao Yuanxun to practice Tai Chi. Not to mention the old lady's health, even Zhao Yuanxun's health has improved a lot compared to before.