A Records Of An Alpha’s Life In Ancient Times - Chapter 2

Fortunately, her mental power had come with her as well. Shen Qingshu mobilized it and attached it to her face, making only a slight adjustment to the angle of her jaw, adding the tiniest bit of sharpness. At a glance, it seemed as if nothing had changed at all.

Every so often, she would alter it just a little. Over time, through imperceptible changes, no one else would become suspicious. They would only think she was gradually growing up.

Shen Qingshu looked in the mirror and nodded in satisfaction.

When she went to the dining room, her mother, Madam He, and her grandmother, Madam Liu, had already arrived. Shen Qingshu silently felt ashamed, but she really could not be blamed for being lazy. It was ancient people who woke up too early.

During the time she had been recovering, she had already met her grandmother, Old Madam Liu. The woman was only in her fifties, hale and hearty, with a vigorous spirit.

Previously, she had been confined to bed by illness, but after hearing that Shen Qingshu had woken up, she had actually recovered very quickly as well.

This old madam of the count’s household also came from a marquis’s family and held an imperial title. She controlled all authority in the estate and had a strong-willed personality, but she doted greatly on her grandson, Shen Qingshu. At present, Shen Qingshu was not sure whether she knew about her true sex.

After paying her respects, Shen Qingshu sat down to eat breakfast.

The count’s estate was still in decent financial condition. Although there were only three of them eating, everything was prepared: porridge, cow’s milk, eggs, pastries, steamed buns, stuffed buns—the full spread.

Speaking of which, although disguising herself as a man carried the risk of beheading, it was still fortunate that she had transmigrated into a count’s estate. At least she had food, clothing, and a comfortable life.

There were only these widows and orphans in Count Chengyi’s household, so they did not pay much attention to rules like “no speaking while eating or lying down.”

Old Madam Liu watched her drink porridge and reminded her with concern, “Shu’er, your body has only just recovered. When you go to the private school today, you must be very, very careful. Don’t roughhouse with your classmates.”

During this period, Shen Qingshu had heard similar words countless times. She respectfully agreed.

Her mother, Madam He, said, “It’s a good thing that you’re diligent in your studies, but be careful not to wear out your health. Even if your studies don’t amount to anything, you still have the title of Count Chengyi to rely on. Don’t take it too much to heart.”

Before Shen Qingshu could respond, Old Madam Liu unhappily scolded her. “What nonsense are you saying? Aren’t you telling Shu’er to become lazy? Shu’er’s father is gone. What use is an empty title alone? He still has to pass the imperial examinations and enter officialdom.”

Since her mother-in-law had spoken, Madam He immediately lowered her head and did not dare argue. Old Madam Liu then turned to Shen Qingshu again. “Don’t listen to your mother. Your health is important, but studying is just as important. Your teacher also said you have hope of passing the imperial examinations.”

To sit for the exams, one had to be searched. Madam He was definitely afraid Shen Qingshu’s identity would be exposed, which was why she did not want her to take the imperial examinations.

But from the sound of these words, Old Madam Liu did not seem to know that she was female. Shen Qingshu could not help glancing at her mother. She had originally guessed that the two of them had conspired together.

Old Madam Liu was still continuing, “Don’t worry. I’ve already sent someone to inform Teacher Zheng. During this period, he will also look after you and won’t assign you work that is too heavy.”

“Yes. This grandson thanks Grandmother.”

To be honest, she could not even remember the Three Character Classic right now. She was starting completely from scratch. Fortunately, she still had the cheat that was mental power.

And this Teacher Zheng was her teacher. Shen Qingshu had only been studying under him for a short while.

It was said that when he sat for the imperial examinations back then, he had ranked fourth overall and become a Chuanlu. It was only that he was upright and honest by nature, disliked currying favor, and devoted himself entirely to compiling history in the Hanlin Academy. By the time he resigned from office, he was merely a sixth-rank lecturer.

After resigning, he did not return to his hometown. Instead, he opened a private school in the capital, and because he taught well and produced many successful students, his reputation spread far and wide.

Teacher Zheng charged a high tuition, but many high officials and nobles still fought to send their children to him. However, his requirements were also strict. He would not accept those who were too naughty, too foolish, or too lazy.

After breakfast, when the sky had brightened a little, Shen Qingshu went out with her pageboy and study attendant, Fu An.

Fu An was only two years older than her. He was a fairly quick-witted boy who had been sold to the count’s estate when he was seven or eight. Over the past few days, Shen Qingshu had coaxed quite a bit of information out of him.

He carried Shen Qingshu’s bookcase on his back and also held the thank-you gift Old Madam Liu had prepared for Teacher Zheng.

At first, Shen Qingshu had felt very embarrassed being served by others. But if she dared to do things herself, these people would become fearful and uneasy, worried that they had failed in some way.

With no other choice, she could only regard them as future household-service robots.

After arriving in this world more than two months ago, this was Shen Qingshu’s first time going out.

In fact, this was also one of the reasons she was willing to go to school. If not for school, Old Madam Liu and the others would never have let her out at all.

Count Chengyi’s estate was located in Xingren Ward in the eastern district. The surrounding area was basically full of officials’ households. It was probably only around seven o’clock now, and Xingren Ward was very quiet.

But once they left the alley and turned onto the main street, there were quite a few people to be seen. Most of the stalls on both sides of the road sold food, and hawkers’ calls rose and fell one after another. In the hazy light of early morning, there was still a trace of coolness in the air. Pedestrians passed through the fragrance of food, some leisurely and at ease, some hurrying along. The clamor and bustle formed a vivid, lively scene.

Shen Qingshu looked left and right with great interest, watching with relish. She had seen scenes like this in film and television dramas before, but those were far from as real as this moment.

As they walked, they reached the first fork in the road. Shen Qingshu gradually slowed down and observed Fu An’s footsteps. Seeing him turn, she casually followed as if nothing had happened.

She had absolutely no idea how to get to the private school!

Fortunately, she had transmigrated early. The original owner had not experienced that much yet. Once she grew up, if there were things she was not clear about, she could also say she had been too young at the time and had forgotten.

After they turned past two more intersections, someone suddenly patted Shen Qingshu on the shoulder. She jolted, almost reflexively throwing the person over her shoulder. Luckily, she reacted in time and stopped her hand.

Turning her head, she saw a slightly chubby little boy. He was dressed in a blue brocade robe, looked sturdy and lively, and stared at her with wide, bright eyes full of pleasant surprise.

She did not know him.

Shen Qingshu calmly nodded and, pretending she recognized him, said good morning.

“Qingshu, your injuries are healed? That’s wonderful! Ah, you haven’t come to school for so long. I was really worried about you and wanted to visit, but my father said you needed to recuperate in peace and told me not to disturb you.” The little boy walked familiarly beside her, his voice full of cheer and joy.

Shen Qingshu followed his words and said, “Mm. I only recovered not long ago.”

“And you’re already coming back to school so soon? You’re really too diligent. If it were me, I’d definitely play for a few more days. But it’s good that you’re back. After you were gone, Teacher called on me a few more times. Honestly, I keep getting my palms smacked by Teacher…”

He was around her age. This should be Meng Bozhou, the one Fu An had mentioned. Shen Qingshu found it a little funny. This little boy was a chatterbox!

But that suited her perfectly. She only listened silently, occasionally giving a hum or an “ah” in agreement.

Before long, the two of them arrived at the Zheng private school.

The Zheng private school was a fairly large residence with several courtyards. Only the first courtyard served as their classroom. Shen Qingshu estimated that Teacher Zheng’s family lived in the courtyards behind it.

They entered through a side gate. The gatekeeper clearly recognized the two of them and let them in directly.

Shen Qingshu first handed the thank-you gift to the steward, then went to find the classroom for Class A.

She looked around. The classroom was not large. Windows had been opened on both walls, giving it excellent natural light. The furnishings were extremely simple. Facing the door at the head of the room was a relatively long desk, and below it were six desks aligned in two rows. They were the kind meant for kneeling, with a mat placed behind each one.

At this moment, the teacher had not arrived yet. There were only three students reading on their own. Hearing the movement, they all raised their heads and looked over.

One was Xia Bogui, who had once come to visit her. He had just turned thirteen and was dressed today in a pure white silk robe, with a scholar’s kerchief on his head and a jade pendant at his waist. He looked refined and graceful.

Sitting in front of Xia Bogui was his younger brother, Xia Boyan, who was two years younger than him. The two brothers looked quite alike. Both had fair skin and handsome features.

The student sitting in the last row was tall and broad. He was also wearing a blue-green scholar’s robe and looked about seventeen or eighteen. His expression was somewhat stern. He only raised his head to glance at them before lowering it again to continue reading. He was likely the oldest among them, Gao Mingche.

After entering the classroom, Shen Qingshu swept her gaze around. Seeing that only the desk on the right side of the second row was empty, she guessed it was her seat and calmly walked over to sit down.

Xia Bogui’s seat was right beside hers. After seeing her take everything out of her bookcase and set it neatly in place, he asked with concern, “Qingshu, has your body fully recovered?”

Shen Qingshu nodded and cupped her hands toward him. “Yes, I have recovered. Many thanks for your concern, Senior Brother Xia.”

“It’s good that you’re better.” A sincere smile appeared on Xia Bogui’s face. Then he glanced sideways at the little boy sitting in front of Shen Qingshu. “Bozhou, you actually didn’t dare be late today.”

Meng Bozhou turned around and complained, “How would I dare be late? I still haven’t finished copying the book Teacher punished me with last time!”

Xia Bogui shook his head, revealing a look of disapproval. “In my opinion, your home isn’t far. You only need to wake up slightly earlier.”

“Senior Brother Xia, are you making fun of me? Sigh, I can’t get up. I love sleeping in more than anything.” As Meng Bozhou spoke, he turned back around and slumped over the desk, yawning with the look of someone who really wanted to sleep.

“Me too.” Xia Boyan lay lazily on his desk, eyes closed and on the verge of sleep. He raised a hand slightly to express agreement.

It seemed students were the same no matter the era.

Xia Bogui smiled helplessly. Knowing the habits of those two, he did not say anything else and resumed reading to review his lessons. The classroom once again returned to silence. Shen Qingshu also took out a book to read.

The Four Books and Five Classics would not be difficult for her to memorize. As long as she scanned them once with her mental power, she could store a backup and flip through them at any time.

It was just like carrying those books inside her brain.

But even in an open-book exam, one still had to understand the question and know which page the answer was on, right?

Not to mention, the exams were not all about rote memorization. One had to understand the meaning and write essays.

So in the end, she still had to rely on herself to study.

Fortunately, the original owner was still at the stage of rote memorization as well. Her understanding of the classics was only a little stronger than Shen Qingshu’s.

As for learning ability, Shen Qingshu did not think she was inferior to anyone.

A moment later, the final student also arrived with Teacher Zheng. He was a tiny little sprout, even younger than Shen Qingshu. His name was Zheng Heng. He was not yet ten this year and was a distant relative of Teacher Zheng’s. Because he was naturally intelligent and had a photographic memory, Teacher Zheng had accepted him as a disciple, and he was currently living in Teacher Zheng’s home.