Unexpected News
Xu Xi and Xu Xue went to check on the room once, then turned back to the kitchen and said to Madam Xie, "Auntie, I'm not living here. Just find me any room I don't usually need. There's no need to keep such a nice room."
The original owner was the only daughter of Xu Yongzeng and his wife, so her original room was the one on the south side of the east wing, which was the best room besides the main house.
Now that Xu Yongyi's family has moved in, according to the ancient custom of valuing sons over daughters, the east wing should be for Xu Chongwen, Xu Xue should live in the west wing.
However, in order to preserve Xu Xi's original room, Madam Xie insisted on giving the north-facing room in the east wing to Xu Xue, Xu Chongwen moved into the west wing.
Madam Xie waved her hand. "Your brother Chongwen wanted a study. The two rooms in the west wing, one as a bedroom and one as a study, are just right. It's not because of you that he's living in the west wing."
That's what they said, but Xu Xi knew their true feelings.
"The kitchen is dirty, don't get your dress dirty. Go back to your room." Madam Xie shooed everyone out, including Xu Xue, "You too, don't come in."
The two had no choice but to return to their room.
Upon entering the room, Xu Xue said to Xu Xi, "My mother said that the academy will be teaching embroidery, and my hands can't get rough. Now she absolutely refuses to let me do any work."
She sat down, poured Xu Xi a cup of tea, and looked at her expectantly. "Sister, I don't want to freeload, I want to earn money too. Can you help me think of a storybook?"
Xu Xi stroked his chin and thought for a moment, "I'll write an outline in a bit, and you can write it based on that outline, then I'll take a look."
Writing requires either extensive reading to transform others' life experiences into one's own, or a wealth of life experience. Xu Xue lacked both of these qualities, so the only option was to first open Xu Xue's mind and then let her gradually complete the writing process.
Xu Xi had never written a novel in her past life, but one shouldn't read too many novels. Although she had never eaten pork, she had seen all sorts of pigs running around, so creating an outline for Xu Xue as a reference shouldn't be a problem.
What is an syllabus?
"Story outline." Xu Xi waved her hand, not wanting her to interrupt her brainstorming.
Seeing this, Xu Xue quickly went to lay out paper and grind ink.
Xu Xi thought for a while, and seeing that Xu Xue had prepared the ink, he picked up his pen and began to write quickly. Since it was his first time writing a novel, the length could not be too long, so the outline was very simple. From drafting to copying, it only took Xu Xi about the time it takes to drink a cup of tea.
"I'll give you two days. Show me the draft you've finished in two days," Xu Xi said.
Without pressure, there is no motivation. Without a time limit, Xu Xue probably wouldn't be able to finish writing it even in a month.
Xu Xue held the novel outline as if it were a treasure, nodding without looking up. "Mmm, good."
After having some refreshments, and seeing that it was almost time, Xu Yongyi and Madam Xie called another mule cart and, together with Xu Xue, escorted Xu Xi to the entrance of the academy.
Xu Xi got out of the car and stopped the three people who were about to get out as well. "Uncle, Aunt, you're all very busy, go back with Xiaoxue first. I'll go in and have a look around by myself." Seeing that Madam Xie looked worried, she added, "I'll just chat with Shimo at the entrance, I won't go anywhere, Xiaoxue knows that."
Xu Xue knew that Madam Chen and the others were still waiting there for the students to register, so Xu Xi had no safety concerns about going in.
She nodded. "Alright then. If you can't find Shimo, go back to your dorm and rest for a bit."
Xu Xi waved his hand, took out his identity token and showed it to the old woman for verification, but instead of entering the academy, he handed the old woman a taro cake made by Madam Xie and started chatting with her.
Having studied in modern times for over a decade, Xu Xi knew better than anyone the benefits of building a good relationship with the security guard.
She was well-dressed, good-looking, and had brought her some snacks. She was also very sweet-talking. The old woman guarding the gate was initially reserved and polite to her, not really paying attention to her because of her duty. But after chatting for a few minutes, she was won over and started talking to Xu Xi about some things at the academy.
When Qingfeng and the others came to pick up Xu Xi, she was already as affectionate as a grandmother and granddaughter with the two old women, waving her little hand and smiling sweetly, "Nanny Jiang, Nanny Tao, my carriage has come to pick me up. Next time you come, I'll bring you some pastries, okay?"
"Fifth Miss," Qingfeng said, handing Xu Xi the pastries he had brought as she sat down, "Sixth Miss has been accepted into the Women's Academy in the capital."
Xu Xi paused, holding the pastry, and looked at Qingfeng in surprise.
Qingfeng looked back at her, a hint of sympathy in his eyes.
In her view, the relationship between Xu Xi and Zhao Ruyu was like that of a cuckoo and a magpie usurping each other's nest—it was impossible for them to get along. She had also witnessed how the two of them interacted last night. Although there was no tense standoff, they were extremely indifferent. The two seemed to be intentionally avoiding each other, not only showing no intention of getting along but also hinting at a rivalry.
Although Xu Xi was of the Marquis's bloodline, she had been raised outside the family for many years. In terms of knowledge, upbringing, and emotions, she was no match for Zhao Ruyu. The only thing she could do better than Zhao Ruyu was that she was admitted to the Women's Academy, which made the old lady and the first lady look at her with more respect.
But now that Zhao Ruyu has been admitted to the Capital Women's Academy, this advantage is completely gone. She has been utterly trampled underfoot by Zhao Ruyu.
The Capital Women's Academy was far superior to any Women's Academy in the county. Leaving aside the high social standing and exceptional talent of its instructors, the students were among the most outstanding girls in the capital, and even the entire country. This was all about connections. In comparison, the students of the county Women's Academy were of a much lower caliber.
"SuSu, host..." the system stammered in its mind upon hearing the news, "What should we do?"
Xu Xi snapped out of her daze, frowning slightly as she asked the system, "You didn't know about this news?"
"I don't know." The system was a little confused.
"She definitely didn't just take the exam for the Capital Women's Academy today. She went to take the exam, didn't you know?" Xu Xi asked. Could she have misjudged the system's abilities?
The system remained silent for a long time.
After a long pause, it said listlessly, "I didn't notice. She took the exam two days ago. Because of all the commotion surrounding your return to the Marquis's residence, I didn't pay attention to her."
Xu Xi immediately relaxed.
"It's nothing, it's just going to school. We keep to ourselves and don't interfere with each other," Xu Xi said to the system in a relaxed tone.
"But that's the Capital Women's Academy! The teachers' scholarship, the students' backgrounds and talents are far superior to those of teachers and students in the county. You were already inferior to her, and now that she's entered the Capital Women's Academy, won't the gap widen even further? How can you possibly surpass her and become a winner in life?" The system was almost in tears.
"Beating her makes you a winner in life?" Xu Xi finally understood the system's logic. "If I live my life well and am happy, am I not a winner in life?"