Chapter Summaries

Xu Xi left the Xu home with Lady Zhu to return to the marquis’s residence, relieved that she no longer had to pretend around the Xu Family. Lady Zhu began telling her about the marquis’s residence as their carriage traveled.

• Xu Xi returned to the main hall dressed for the journey, and the Xu Family praised her beauty.
• Lady Zhu prepared to take Xu Xi back, while Madam Xie, Xu Xue, Xu Yongyi, and Xu Chongwen reluctantly said goodbye.
• Steward Liu told Matron Ruan that Xu Yongyi had refused the two hundred taels of silver, so Lady Zhu decided the families should visit and exchange holiday gifts as relatives.
• Xu Xi boarded the carriage with Lady Zhu and forced herself to shed a few tears as they left the Xu home.
• Xu Xi felt relieved to be leaving, silenced the celebrating system, and listened as Lady Zhu began explaining the marquis’s residence.

Lady Zhu introduced Xu Xi to the relatives in the Marquis's household, explaining her father's branch, the first and third branches, and the paternal aunts. Xu Xi listened and thanked her First Aunt, leaving Lady Zhu increasingly fond of her.

• Lady Zhu corrected Xu Xi's formal address and asked her to call her First Aunt.
• Lady Zhu explained that Xu Xi's parents were Lady Wei and Zhao Yuanliang, and named her twin brother Zhao Jing'an, half sister Zhao Rurui, and the household's other relatives in the second branch.
• Lady Zhu introduced her own children, including heir Zhao Jingli, and recalled how she and Lady Wei had given birth on the same day amid a family crisis.
• Lady Zhu described the third branch and Xu Xi's paternal aunts and their families.
• Xu Xi thanked Lady Zhu for the introductions, and Lady Zhu urged her to sit and treated her warmly.

Xu Xi arrived at the Marquis of Suiping's Residence with Lady Zhu and was introduced to the household guards along the way. The women of the inner household gathered to meet her, while Lady Wei and Zhao Ruyu concealed their unease.

• Lady Zhu and Xu Xi reached the Marquis of Suiping's Residence after a bumpy carriage ride from Little Banyan Village.
• Lady Zhu introduced Xu Xi as the fifth miss to the gate guards and warned them to treat her with respect.
• Lady Zhu showed Xu Xi through the outer courtyard and explained how the family used its halls and studies.
• Lady Zhu and Xu Xi arrived at the inner courtyard, where a maid announced their return to the gathered women.
• Third Madam Lady Su welcomed their arrival, while Lady Wei and Zhao Ruyu tried to hide their agitation as everyone waited to see Xu Xi.

The children of the Marquis of Suiping's Residence went to welcome Xu Xi, whom Lady Zhu brought back to the old madam. The old madam welcomed Xu Xi warmly and gave her an exquisite set of gold and jade hair ornaments, leaving the household to wonder what the gift meant for the branches of the family.

• The old madam sent the household's children to welcome Xu Xi, and Zhao Ruyu grew troubled by how differently the old madam treated Xu Xi than in her previous life.
• Zhao Rurui tried to reassure Zhao Ruyu, but Zhao Ruyu pulled away and left her confused about their sudden distance.
• The nine children met Lady Zhu and Xu Xi at the main courtyard entrance, and Lady Zhu brought Xu Xi into the hall to greet the old madam.
• Xu Xi kowtowed to the old madam, who helped her up and welcomed her with tears as the others followed suit.
• The old madam presented Xu Xi with a valuable set of gold and jade hair ornaments, and the family members wondered whether the first madam would object to the gift going to the second branch.

Xu Xi was warmly welcomed into the marquis household, where the old madam renamed her Zhao Ruxi and the family gave her valuable jewelry. Zhao Ruyu realized Xu Xi had been admitted to the Women's Academy, a change from their previous lives, and feared Xu Xi might now outshine or oppose her.

• Lady Zhu praised Xu Xi's admission to the Women's Academy and gave her a set of valuable jewelry.
• Zhao Ruyu recalled Xu Xi's shabby, timid reception in their previous life and was shocked by how poised and well dressed she was now.
• Zhao Ruyu suspected Xu Xi had been reborn and worried that Xu Xi would try to surpass her.
• The old madam named Xu Xi Zhao Ruxi and ranked her fifth among the sisters.
• Matron Ruan led Xu Xi to greet the elders, who gave her jewelry and other gifts, including presents from Lady Zhu, Lady Wei, and Lady Su.

Xu Xi met her siblings and cousins at the old madam’s residence, where Zhao Jing'an learned that his twin sister did not resemble him. She had met nearly all the household’s masters by the end, but had yet to meet its concubines.

• The old madam told the children they did not need to exchange gifts when they met, sparing Xu Xi embarrassment because she had returned from the countryside empty-handed.
• Matron Ruan introduced Xu Xi to Zhao Jingli, the household heir, and Zhao Jing'an, her twin brother.
• Zhao Jing'an complained that Xu Xi did not look like him and was taller, until Lady Zhu explained that twins of different sexes did not resemble each other.
• Xu Xi met Zhao Ruxin and Zhao Rurui, noticing a trace of disdain and hostility in Zhao Rurui’s eyes.
• The younger children greeted Xu Xi in order of age, leaving her yet to meet the household’s concubines and two uncles, Zhao Yuanxun and Zhao Yuankun.

Xu Xi received her household servants and went to the front courtyard to meet her uncles and father. She met her eldest uncle, Zhao Yuanxun, and received gifts from him and Zhao Yuanliang before being introduced to her third uncle.

• The first madam assigned Matron Yuan, Qingfeng, Yicui, Dianjiang, and Old Woman Yu to Xu Xi.
• The old madam sent Zhao Jingli and Zhao Jing'an to accompany Xu Xi to the front courtyard, while Lady Wei was told to wait and take Xu Xi home.
• Zhao Jing'an asked Xu Xi about her life with her adoptive parents and how she had entered the women's academy.
• Zhao Yuanliang introduced Xu Xi to Zhao Yuanxun, who welcomed her and gave her a set of the four treasures of the study.
• Xu Xi paid her respects to Zhao Yuanliang, who gave her a jade ornament, and Zhao Yuanliang then introduced her to Zhao Yuankun.

Xu Xi met Zhao Yuankun and the other principal members of the marquis's household, while privately recalling the conflicts hidden beneath their appearance of harmony. As Lady Wei led the girls back to the second branch, Zhao Ruyu approached Xu Xi to ask about the Women's Academy entrance examination.

• Zhao Yuankun greeted Xu Xi and presented her with jade paperweights, completing her introductions to the household's principal masters.
• Zhao Yuanliang confirmed that Matron Ruan and the others would escort Xu Xi back to the second branch, and Zhao Jingli and Zhao Jing'an saw her to the courtyard gate.
• Xu Xi recalled that Zhao Yuankun resented the old madam's suppression and would eventually bring disaster upon the household.
• Lüqi met Xu Xi and Matron Ruan, then led Xu Xi to where Lady Wei, Zhao Rurui, and Zhao Ruyu were waiting.
• Lady Wei complained about Xu Xi's delay, finished her tea and pastry, and hurried toward the second branch while Xu Xi followed at her own pace.
• Zhao Ruyu caught up with Xu Xi and asked why she had decided to take the Women's Academy entrance examination.

Xu Xi used Lady Wei’s attempt to impose stricter discipline as a chance to provoke a break with the second branch. Her defiance enraged Lady Wei, who ordered someone to slap her.

• Xu Xi explained that she and Xu Xue had easily passed the Women's Academy entrance exam, startling Zhao Ruyu.
• Lady Wei scolded Xu Xi for lacking manners and ordered Matron Li to supervise her conduct.
• Lady Wei claimed Matron Yuan and Qingfeng were now servants of the second branch and could not interfere with her discipline of Xu Xi.
• Xu Xi refused Matron Li’s instruction, saying she would attend the academy the next day and learn from its teachers.
• Lady Wei flew into a rage and ordered someone to slap Xu Xi.

Xu Xi provoked Lady Wei into trying to beat her, testing whether the servants assigned to her would protect her. Lady Wei called for reinforcements after her first attempt failed, leaving the confrontation unresolved.

• Matron Li and Lady Wei's maids moved to restrain Xu Xi, but Matron Yuan and Qingfeng stepped in to protect her.
• Xu Xi urged Lady Wei to hit her, and Lady Wei ordered Matron Li to slap her and threatened anyone who interfered.
• Matron Yuan, Qingfeng, Old Woman Yu, and Xu Xi's two young maids fought back against Lady Wei's servants.
• Xu Xi judged the servants had passed her first test, though she planned to watch their behavior further.
• Lady Wei ordered Fushu to fetch Old Woman Zhang and the others, and Zhao Ruyu nodded for Fushu to obey.

Xu Xi left the quarrel between Lady Wei and Zhao Yuanliang and headed for the main courtyard to appeal to the old madam. When Lady Wei pursued her, Xu Xi acted frightened and looked to Zhao Yuanliang for protection, setting the stage for a fiercer conflict.

• Zhao Yuanliang stopped the servants from moving against Xu Xi and argued with Lady Wei over how she treated their daughter.
• Xu Xi turned toward the main courtyard, followed by Qingfeng, Matron Yuan, and the others.
• Zhao Ruyu, Zhao Rurui, and Lady Wei were stunned that Xu Xi had left, and Lady Wei blamed her behavior on Zhao Yuanliang.
• Lady Wei followed Xu Xi, who slowed down and planned to use the confrontation to gain sympathy from the old madam and the first madam.
• Xu Xi turned to Lady Wei, called her mother timidly, and looked at Zhao Yuanliang, who hurried forward to protect her.

Xu Xi used Lady Wei’s slap and scolding to make a public show of leaving for the Old Madam, forcing Lady Wei to let her go. Zhao Ruyu followed Xu Xi while Lady Wei sent a maid to learn how the Old Madam would handle the matter.

• Lady Wei slapped Xu Xi, and Xu Xi declared she would leave for the Old Madam or return to the Xu Family.
• Xu Xi accused Lady Wei of mistreating her and pushed past Matron Li as Qingfeng held Matron Li back.
• Lady Wei stopped the others from pursuing Xu Xi to avoid making a public scene, and Zhao Yuanliang left for his concubine’s courtyard.
• Lady Wei scolded Zhao Ruyu and Zhao Rurui, and Zhao Ruyu hurried after Xu Xi with Zhao Rurui following.
• Fushu quietly followed Zhao Ruyu, while Lady Wei sent a maid to the main courtyard to report on the Old Madam’s response.

Xu Xi staged a tearful plea to return to the Xu Family after clashing with Lady Wei, and the Old Madam heard Qingfeng’s account before trying to persuade her to accept lessons in household conduct. Xu Xi agreed to learn the rules but accused the Second Madam of treating her like an enemy and asked the Old Madam to investigate whether she was truly her mother.

• Xu Xi rushed to the main courtyard, knelt outside the east room, and begged the Old Madam to let her return to the Xu Family.
• The Old Madam summoned Xu Xi and Qingfeng, then asked Qingfeng to recount the dispute with Lady Wei.
• After hearing Qingfeng’s account, the Old Madam acknowledged Lady Wei’s faults but also criticized Xu Xi’s defiance and urged her to accept instruction in proper conduct.
• Xu Xi ignored the system’s warning, said she was willing to learn the rules, and complained that the Second Madam deliberately mistreated her.
• Xu Xi asked the Old Madam to investigate whether the Second Madam was truly her mother.

Xu Xi secured permission from the Old Madam to stay in a guest courtyard after describing Lady Wei’s mistreatment. The Old Madam decided to summon the marquis, the Second Master, and the First Madam to address Lady Wei, while recognizing that the family could not afford to split apart.

• Xu Xi told the Old Madam she would rather return to the Xu Family than endure Lady Wei’s abuse, and the Old Madam agreed to let her stay in a guest courtyard.
• Daimao escorted Xu Xi and Qingfeng to the Chess Watching Courtyard.
• The Old Madam told Matron Jin she would use Xu Xi’s departure to rein in Lady Wei, though she still intended to teach Xu Xi a lesson later.
• The Old Madam summoned the marquis, the Second Master, and the First Madam to discuss the matter.
• The Old Madam considered how a family split would strip all three branches of property, status, and marriage prospects.

After Lady Wei clashed with Xu Xi, the old madam summoned Zhao Yuanliang and made him decide how to protect Xu Xi from further mistreatment. Zhao Yuanliang agreed to have Xu Xi live near the old madam, and Lady Zhu was sent to prepare the Tea Tasting Residence for her.

• The old madam summoned Zhao Yuanliang, Zhao Yuanxun, and Lady Zhu, and Matron Jin explained Lady Wei’s treatment of Xu Xi.
• Zhao Yuanxun warned Zhao Yuanliang that he might separate the second branch from the family if its troubles continued.
• Zhao Yuanliang promised to restrain Lady Wei, but the old madam reminded him that he had made that promise before and insisted he decide Xu Xi’s future.
• The old madam warned that Xu Xi might return to the Xu Family and said the second branch would be separated if that happened.
• Zhao Yuanliang proposed having Xu Xi live with the old madam, and she agreed to house her at the Tea Tasting Residence.
• Lady Zhu went to arrange the Tea Tasting Residence and bring over the belongings prepared for Xu Xi.

Zhao Ruyu learned that Xu Xi would live in the Tea Tasting Residence and recognized Lady Wei’s attempt to use her against Xu Xi. She went to the Chess Watching Courtyard intending to avoid damaging her standing with the Old Madam and First Madam.

• A maid reported that Xu Xi had been taken to the Chess Watching Courtyard and that the Tea Tasting Residence was being prepared for her.
• Zhao Rurui questioned Zhao Ruyu about her coldness, but Zhao Ruyu denied any grievance and hurried back with the maid.
• Lady Wei cursed Xu Xi and Matron Ruan, then ordered Zhao Ruyu to persuade Xu Xi to return to the second branch.
• Zhao Ruyu realized Lady Wei hoped she would antagonize Xu Xi, so she chose not to jeopardize her reputation and went to the Chess Watching Courtyard.

Xu Xi settled into the guest courtyard instead of the second branch’s residence and prepared to practice calligraphy. A copybook gave her a new way to earn Wisdom Points, and she gained one after finishing a page.

• Daimao showed Xu Xi to the guest courtyard and explained that her belongings were prepared in the second branch’s residence.
• Xu Xi asked Qingfeng to request ink and paper from the first madam, who sent supplies and a copybook along with two sets of the Four Treasures of the Study.
• Xu Xi learned from the system that she could earn more Wisdom Points by copying the copybook accurately, and she began practicing.
• The two maids who delivered the supplies praised Xu Xi’s considerate manner, while Qingfeng watched her write and was surprised by her skill.
• Xu Xi finished a page of calligraphy and received one Wisdom Point from the system.

Xu Xi practiced calligraphy and earned two Wisdom Points, then learned that mastering the era’s finest calligraphy could bring her a hundred points per page. When the old madam summoned her for snacks, she left her courtyard and encountered Zhao Ruyu, whom she treated coolly.

• Xu Xi praised Qingfeng’s tea and resumed practicing calligraphy after resting.
• Xu Xi earned two Wisdom Points for completing her second page and asked the system about the calligraphy master who could earn her more points.
• The system explained that the master had died more than fifty years earlier, while Xu Xi wondered whether his disciples or descendants remained.
• Matron Yuan told Xu Xi that the old madam had summoned her for snacks, and Xu Xi prepared to go with Qingfeng.
• Xu Xi met Zhao Ruyu outside the Chess Watching Courtyard, told her she was going to see the old madam, and walked on without inviting her to visit.

Zhao Ruyu reflected on her rebirth and her confidence that she would pass the Capital Women's Academy entrance exam. At the old madam's courtyard, Xu Xi impressed the first madam with her knowledge and received money for her academy expenses and allowance.

• Zhao Ruyu told Fushu that Xu Xi's resentment was understandable and returned without seeking the old madam, hoping to pass the academy exam and gain standing.
• Zhao Ruyu recalled using the second son of the Marquis of Pingnan's attention to persuade the old madam and first madam to obtain her identity papers, then taking the entrance exam.
• Xu Xi chatted with the old madam about her upbringing with the Xu family, and the old madam treated her warmly.
• The first madam told Xu Xi that the Tea Tasting Residence had been prepared for her and joined the conversation.
• The first madam and old madam gave Xu Xi a hundred-tael silver note, additional silver for tuition and immediate expenses, and an eight-tael monthly allowance.

Xu Xi explained why she did not want to live at the marquis’s residence and confronted the old madam and Lady Zhu about their hopes for her future. She asked them to promise that she would decide her own marriage.

• Lady Zhu urged Xu Xi to live at the marquis’s residence so she could grow closer to her siblings before marriage.
• Xu Xi told the old madam and Lady Zhu that she understood they wanted her to help the family if she married into a good household.
• Xu Xi argued that the Xu Family had raised her for more than ten years while Zhao Ruyu had enjoyed the marquis’s family privileges.
• Xu Xi reassured the women that she trusted them but said she feared the second madam might interfere in her marriage.
• Xu Xi asked the old madam and Lady Zhu to agree that she would decide her own marriage.