The Dormitory

Madam Xie felt something being slipped into her hand by Xu Xi, and quickly gripped it tightly, saying, "It's alright, I'm relieved to see you're alright."

Xu Xi released Madam Xie, took a bundle from Qingfeng's hand, and then pulled Xu Xue into the academy.

After exchanging a few pleasantries with Matron Ruan, Madam Xie saw them off onto the carriage, and the family of three parted ways. Xu Chongwen went to the school, while Madam Xie followed Xu Chongwen to their residence in the city.

Once they reached a secluded spot, Madam Xie handed the Xu Yongyi: "Look, Miss Xi gave this to me secretly."

Xu Yongyi's heart tightened, and he quickly unfolded the note, which read, "Pick us up at the academy gate in about the time it takes to eat a meal."

He was relieved and smiled, "This child."

Madam Xie, who was illiterate, asked anxiously, "What does it say? Tell me quickly, I'm so worried!"

Xu Yongyi read the note aloud and asked, "What is she trying to do?"

"Didn't you hear what she said? The academy won't let them leave until their family comes to pick them up. She probably wants to talk to us, that's why she asked us to come and get them. Perfect timing, let's use this time to clean up the house and move in tomorrow."

Let's go.

Today, unlike the other day when only the side gate was open, the Women's Academy had its main gate and side gates wide open, with old women guarding each gate. At that moment, a group of people were entering through the main gate.

Seeing this, Xu Xue was about to follow them inside when Xu Xi grabbed her and pulled her towards the side door. "This way."

Xu Xue asked, puzzled, "Why? Didn't they also use the main entrance?"

"Didn't you see that it was the female teacher and her servants who just went in? We are students, there is a proper order of seniority, we should go through the side door," Xu Xi said.

Details determine success or failure. They haven't even registered yet, and they can't afford to be rejected because of this. Even if they aren't expelled, they'll definitely get a scolding. That would not only embarrass themselves, but also the Xu Family couple and the Marquis of Suiping's Residence's residence outside the door.

Xu Xue broke out in a cold sweat.

"I... I will think twice before I do anything in the future. If it weren't for you, sister, I would have made a terrible mistake today," she murmured.

Xu Xi nodded with relief. "It's good that you understand that."

As they spoke, the two showed their identification tokens to the old woman guarding the gate and entered the academy through the side gate. They saw two tables set up in front of the screen wall, with two women and their maids sitting behind the tables.

These two were the ones who registered their names at the entrance on the day of the exam.

The two women quickly went over and handed over their identification tags.

"My surname is Fu. From now on, I'll be managing your miscellaneous affairs." The woman in her thirties smiled gently at them, introduced herself, and then pointed to the woman in her twenties beside her, saying, "Her surname is Chen. She's my deputy. If I'm not around, you can contact her."

After registering their names, Teacher Chen asked, "Will you be staying at home or at the academy?"

Xu Xi didn't speak, but looked at Xu Xue.

Xu Xue pursed her lips and whispered to Xu Xi, "Sister, I want to stay at home."

This answer was exactly what Xu Xi expected. She turned to Teacher Chen and asked, "My elders at home are worried and want me to go home to stay. But home is quite far from here. Could I ask for a bed at the academy? I'll pay the accommodation fee as usual, but if I stay at home and the weather is bad, or if something happens at the academy that keeps me from going home until late, I'll stay at the academy."

Over the years the academy has been operating, cases like Xu Xi's are quite common.

Teacher Chen said, "That's fine."

Xu Xi was very Gao Xing and thanked him repeatedly.

Xu Xue hesitated upon hearing this. She wanted to ask for a bed like Xu Xi, so she could stay with Xu Xi when she stayed overnight at the academy. But when she thought about the cost of staying overnight, she gave up the idea.

The bed fee is one tael of silver every six months; and you can't even bring your own bedding, you have to buy the academy's standard bedding, which costs six taels of silver. She can't afford to waste so much money just to stay there for one night occasionally.

This girl's emotions were written all over her face; Xu Xi could tell at a glance what she was struggling with. However, she knew the Xu Family didn't want to use her money, and Xu Xue didn't say anything, she didn't ask. She took out the money to pay her own fees and then said to Teacher Xu, "Pay her tuition along with this."

"No need, no need." Xu Xue quickly took out some silver. "My mother gave me the money."

"Alright then." Xu Xi readily took her two taels of silver and placed them in front of Teacher Chen.

After registering everyone, Teacher Chen said, "Today is just for registration and accommodation; there are no other arrangements. Those staying indoors can go in and choose their rooms and beds, while those staying outdoors can go back. Be at the academy promptly at 4:00 AM tomorrow for classes. The classroom for classes will be the same one where you took your exams."

"Thank you for your guidance, Master." Xu Xi thanked him and then asked, "I would like to ask another question: if I live in the academy, am I allowed to go out after school?"

"You cannot come and go as you please. You must have a legitimate reason, be picked up by a family member, and come to me to request leave and report your absence," Teacher Chen said solemnly. "A woman's reputation is of utmost importance. If something happens to her while she is studying, we will not be able to explain it to your elders."

"I understand. Thank you, Master." Xu Xi smiled and bowed to her, then said to Xu Xue, "Come with me to choose a bed."

Xu Xue also wanted to see what the dormitory was like, so she naturally nodded and agreed.

At this moment, a maidservant of about seventeen or eighteen years old stepped out from behind Teacher Chen and greeted him, "Ladies, I'll lead you to your quarters."

Thank you, sister.

Xu Xi silently followed her into the screen wall before stepping forward to inquire, "What's your name, sister?"

The maid said, "My name is Shimo."

"Is Shimo helping to manage the academy now?"

Shimo smiled slightly, her smile reserved and composed, "I suppose so."

"Then you must be a talented woman, otherwise why would Madam Chen choose you to manage the academy instead of someone else? I've just entered the academy and don't know what we study here yet. Could you tell me about it? The sooner I know, the better I can prepare."

So Xu Xue listened to Xu Xi chatting with Shimo all the way. By the time the three of them arrived at the dormitory, Xu Xi and Shimo were already practically like sisters.

The Women's Academy was originally funded by the empress herself, with additional funds raised from members of the royal family and noble ladies. It was a non-profit institution, and the tuition fees covered the academy's expenses. Any surplus was donated to charitable organizations, while any deficit was covered by subsidies from members of the royal family and noble ladies.

Therefore, even though it was a county-level Women's Academy, the conditions there were quite good. The dormitories were not far from the room where they had taken their last exam; there were four large courtyards in total, one for each grade.

"Several students have already checked in." Shimo led them into a courtyard house, continuing along the corridor until they reached several main rooms. She took out a bunch of keys, selected one by its number, opened one of the rooms, and said to Xu Xi, "You can stay in this room."