The main task for Madam Sheng this time was to teach the eldest young lady, while the other two young ladies were just accompanying her, so the instruction took place at Xiao Man's Shuiyue Xiaozhu.
Madam Sheng had also heard about the eldest young lady of the Protector General's Mansion.
Outside, she was said to be ignorant and arrogant, disrespectful, but deeply favored by the Protector General. Thus, when Madam Yan came to ask, she had subtly refused to teach this eldest young lady.
However, upon meeting her today, she found her to be different from the rumors.
When the Prince of Qin asked her to come and be the governess for the eldest young lady and simultaneously test Xiao Man, she had suspected the Prince of Qin might be trying to suppress the Protector General's Mansion.
Unexpectedly, before departing, the Prince of Qin had instructed her to teach the eldest young lady well, not to be too harsh, and not to conflict with her. This piqued Madam Sheng's curiosity about Xiao Man.
The Prince of Qin had always been stern with women. At the prime age of twenty, he didn't even have a servant by his side. Madam Sheng had been worried sick about his marital affairs, secretly inquiring about many young ladies, but never imagined their Prince would become curious about the Protector General's eldest young lady.
Madam Sheng sighed inwardly. If it were the third young lady, it would be fine. She was also a legitimate daughter, with a good reputation and talent. But Xiao Man's reputation was truly terrible.
Madam Sheng suppressed all her emotions and began to teach the young ladies etiquette and rules.
The Yu Sheng Dynasty had rather stringent requirements for etiquette, comparable to the Yun Qi Dynasty. Madam Sheng glanced at the three ladies and said slowly, "The first point of etiquette is dress, which requires propriety, neatness, solemnity, and elegance. The attire of the three young ladies is fine; it's all very good."
Xiao Xiang wore a confident smile, her head held high, exceptionally pleased. A flicker of surprise flashed in her eyes as she glanced at Xiao Man.
Today, Xiao Man's attire was still flamboyant. Although the outfit appeared similar to her usual style, it looked much more dignified than before.
If Madam Sheng hadn't mentioned it, she wouldn't have noticed. Xiao Ting wore a pink gauze skirt, looking charming, cute, and spirited.
"It is said that one should stand properly and sit properly. For posture, the eldest young lady's stance is standard. Second young lady, straighten your back, lift your head, look straight ahead, keep your shoulders level, and place your hands clasped on your lower abdomen. Fourth young lady, your head is lifted too high."
Xiao Xiang suddenly heard herself being named and quickly did as Madam Sheng said. However, before she could adjust properly, the teaching whip in Madam Sheng's hand landed on her back, making her tremble and almost cry out, "Chest out, abdomen in."
Xiao Man looked straight ahead, paying no attention to Madam Sheng reprimanding Xiao Xiang. Xiao Xiang received several lashes before finally meeting Madam Sheng's requirements. Xiao Ting also received two lashes.
"Next is the etiquette of sitting." Madam Sheng demonstrated herself, "Walk gracefully, approach the front of the chair, and sit down slowly, with your hands clasped on your lap. Eldest young lady, you go first."
"Yes." Xiao Man walked towards the chair, her steps unhurried, her demeanor relaxed. She sat down slowly in front of the chair without making any sound, her posture elegant, unlike someone learning rules for the first time. Madam Sheng nodded, considering it acceptable, and turned her gaze to Xiao Xiang, "Second young lady, please."
Because Xiao Xiang was a concubine's daughter, she usually paid more attention to rules in the mansion. Although not perfect, it was passable.
The fourth young lady was young and doted on by the Old Madam. She never paid attention to her sitting posture. After Madam Sheng taught her several times, Xiao Ting reluctantly qualified. She quietly reached out to touch her bruised arm, but Madam Sheng noticed and gave her another lash.
Outside Shuiyue Xiaozhu.
Several maids were peeking from outside. They had expected that with Madam Sheng's strict nature, the eldest young lady would suffer greatly. However, after a session of learning rules, the eldest young lady made no mistakes, while the second and fourth young ladies suffered. They wanted to cry but dared not, pouting as if they had suffered great injustice.
Consort Lin was heartbroken to learn that her daughter had been beaten. However, thinking that her daughter could benefit from it, she had to grit her teeth and endure.
"Aunt, when did the eldest young lady's etiquette become so good? Even Madam Sheng couldn't find fault with her?"
Consort Lin's eyelids twitched. Her attention had been entirely on her daughter, and she hadn't noticed Xiao Man. Hearing the maid report that Xiao Man's etiquette and rules were learned exceptionally well, unlike an ignorant fool, but more like a graceful lady of high standing.
The same doubt lingered in the Third Consort's mind. She had been waiting to see Xiao Man make a fool of herself, but in the end, the one who made a fool of herself was her own daughter, who she believed was superior to Xiao Man in every way!
After a day, Xiao Man only had a few minor issues and received two lashes. Overall, her performance was excellent.
Xiao Xiang, however, was miserable, receiving countless lashes and reprimands. Fortunately, she could endure. But the fourth young lady couldn't. Being young, pampered by Consort Lin in the mansion, and doted on by the Old Madam, she had never suffered such hardship. As soon as Madam Sheng left, she burst into tears.
The attending maids quickly rushed in to comfort her. Consort Lin called her her beloved darling and carried her away.
As Xiao Xiang left, she cast a deep glance at Xiao Man, a strong hatred hidden in the depths of her eyes. She had thought Xiao Man was a useless bumpkin, having nothing but her father's favor. But she never expected that on the first day of learning with Madam Sheng, she would become a clown to set off Xiao Man! Sudan Fiction Network
After everyone left, Qiu Tong and Yin Zhu circled Xiao Man, "Eldest young lady, when did you learn etiquette?"
"I learned it from Madam Sheng," Xiao Man said earnestly.
"You learned it after she demonstrated just once?"
"Once was enough," Xiao Man smiled. "I have a very good memory. I can learn after seeing it once. That's why I usually didn't want to learn those things, always feeling they were too simple. Who knew everyone thought I was ignorant."
Qiu Tong's mouth widened, and after a long moment, she laughed, "Then the second and fourth young ladies must be terribly wronged when they go back. So many people were waiting to see you make a fool of yourself, and I was worried. Instead, it turned into them being the joke. I wonder if the second and fourth young ladies regret learning etiquette and rules with you."
"Don't talk so much. Go prepare a bath; I want to bathe."
"Yes, miss."
Madam Xu had stayed at Shuiyue Xiaozhu all day, constantly on edge, fearing that Xiao Man would reveal her true colors and beat Madam Sheng. Especially when Madam Sheng used the whip on Xiao Man, her heart had been pounding.
To her surprise, Xiao Man not only didn't lose her temper and hit anyone but also learned exceptionally well. When Madam Sheng left, she even praised her for her intelligence and quick understanding. Madam Xu still felt it was somewhat unreal when she returned to the upper courtyard.