"Madam, it is already the hour of Mao. Shall the maids serve you to get up?"
"No, I am still feeling drowsy and wish to rest a while longer."
"Yes, Madam.
Jun Jiuli was so drowsy that she couldn't even lift her eyelids. In the General's mansion, there were no in-laws for the original host to serve. The original host also doted on her children, so she wouldn't have them come early to pay their respects. She didn't know why the original host got up so early every day.
Jun Jiuli only called for her attendants when she was no longer sleepy. In front of the bronze mirror, several maids were styling her hair into a complex updo for a married woman and applying makeup.
Just then, with a "bang," a tall and distinguished-looking man pushed the door open angrily.
He was wearing a bright red court robe, indicating his extreme anger. He had stormed over to Jun Jiuli's quarters without even changing out of his court attire.
Seeing the large group of maids and governesses in the room, he restrained some of his anger.
He lowered his voice and said, "You all may leave for now. I have something to discuss with Madam privately."
After everyone had left, he reverted to his ferocious demeanor, almost roaring, "How could you become so heartless? Wan'er is so young and still has a high fever. How could you leave her alone? Although she is not related to you by blood, she has still been raised under your care for so many years."
Hearing his words, Jun Jiuli found it amusing. He actually knew that the original host had raised Zheng Wan'er under her care, treating her as her own daughter, yet he could still bring himself to do this. Truly shameless.
His anger indicated that he had gone to comfort his beloved immediately after court and had been fed plenty of lies.
"Zheng Wan'er is ill. What use would it be for me to stay? I don't know medicine. Are there no capable servants among the many people in this house?"
"You... you are quibbling. Jiang Li, you weren't like this before. Wan'er has a pitiful background; you should have taken better care of her. Since you raised her, you must take responsibility. Do you think your actions last night were in line with your conscience?"
"Who is Zheng Wan'er to me? Why would I betray my conscience? She lives in this mansion. Has she ever been shortchanged in food or clothing over the years? Have I ever mistreated her?"
"How can you say that? I thought we were already a family in your heart."
"Yes, we are a family. Then we must give her a proper status. I will host a banquet soon and invite ladies from various families to gather at the mansion. I will publicly acknowledge Zheng Wan'er as my adopted daughter. What do you think?"
These words instantly flustered Tao Qianmian. He scrutinized Jun Jiuli with his eyes, trying to figure something out. Did this woman know? But his affair with Wan'er was so secretive; it was impossible.
"I was wrong to blame you for this matter. There's no rush to recognize her as an adopted daughter. I'll leave now; I still have some official duties to attend to."
With that, Tao Qianmian fled in a hurry. He dared not stay any longer, as Jun Jiuli's request was reasonable. If he refused again and again, she might become suspicious.
As Jun Jiuli was having her breakfast, a chubby white ball of a child happily pounced to her feet.
"Mother, I missed you."
Tao Zhici, who was only three years old now, had also hired a tutor for his early education. However, children of this age were naturally playful and couldn't focus on anything.
Dong Chun brought a small stool, and Jun Jiuli personally lifted him onto it.
"Mother missed Little Zhici too. What did you learn from Master today?"
"Um... 'Man's nature at birth is good...'." He actually couldn't remember what the tutor had said today. This was the first sentence the tutor had taught him before the lessons began a few days ago, and it was all he remembered.
Jun Jiuli didn't expose him. She picked up a plate of his favorite small dishes and placed it in front of him.
Tao Zhici's eyes lit up instantly. He lowered his head to eat, completely forgetting his earlier embarrassment. His cheeks puffed out like a little squirrel stealing food.
After he finished eating, he looked troubled. Jun Jiuli continued eating her own food without paying him any mind.
Tao Zhici encouraged himself several times in his heart before speaking, "Mother, I don't want to study those 'zi hu zhe ye' with Master. I want to learn martial arts and become a mighty general in the future, just like Father."
His eyes seemed to hold stars, showing his affection for his father, Tao Qianmian.
"Do you know that to be a great general, you can't just have martial prowess? You need to study political theories, military strategies, and learn to command and master tactics to gain the respect of your soldiers. The prerequisite for learning these is literacy. Have you ever seen an outstanding leading general who couldn't read?"
Tao Zhici nodded thoughtfully, then gave a big smile. "Does Father know all of these? Then he's too amazing! Let Father teach me in the future, and we won't need those masters anymore, especially since masters have never been generals."
Shui Wa: "This child is truly smart."
Jun Jiuli: Her forehead was covered in black lines.
Jun Jiuli did not want this little fellow to grow close to Tao Qianmian, as it would be inconvenient for her to deal with him later.
"Your father was also taught by masters when he was young. Moreover, your current master is even more capable than your father's former master. As long as you study diligently..."
"In the future, I can be even more formidable than Father, right?"
Shui Wa: "Haha, the little brat has learned to answer before the question is fully asked."
Jun Jiuli nodded, making the little brat even happier.
"Mother, I'll go find Master now. I'll come to pay my respects to you again tonight." With that, he scampered out, his wet nurse hurrying behind him, constantly telling him to slow down.
After finishing her meal, the maids cleaned up the room. Zhang Momo then presented a ledger.
The original host managed all the affairs of the General's mansion and handled everything personally. Tao Qianmian had never shown any appreciation for her, which was truly undeserving.
"I am a bit tired today and don't want to look at it. Hand it all over to the managing mamas."
"Madam, this might not be appropriate."
"Just do as I say."
"Yes," Zhang Momo said and then left the room.
"Qiuxia, Wan'er is already a young lady now. Before, due to her health, I never taught her etiquette and manners. With her reaching adulthood soon, I fear she might be looked down upon by her future in-laws."
"I recall that a batch of palace mamas was released this year, and among them was one surnamed Rong. She was said to be a capable assistant to the late Empress Dowager and excelled in etiquette and manners. Go and inquire if we can invite her to the mansion to teach Wan'er. Speak nicely, and money is no object."
"Madam truly dotes on Miss Zheng, making arrangements for her in every aspect."
"Stop your flattery, hurry and go."
Having done a good deed, Jun Jiuli happily left the courtyard. It was time to find her good eldest son.