In the evening, the Su family sat together, with Su Yi and Su Zhicheng remaining silent, and Shen Shi packing up the luggage that Su Mo'er was about to take with her.
She stuffed this and that into the bags until it was too big to fit.
Seeing this, Su Mo'er couldn't help but laugh bitterly and comfort Shen Shi, "Mother, there's no need for so much. Yang Mama also said to bring a few small things as keepsakes, and everything will be available at the governor's mansion."
Shen Shi lowered her head and said, "It's not the same. No matter how good the governor's mansion is, it can't compare to home."
At this point, she looked up, her face full of distress, gazing at her daughter, who was as delicate and beautiful as a flower, her heart filled with sorrow, as she touched her daughter's cheek and began to weep, "My child, we will be apart from tomorrow on, and your mother won't be by your side. The governor's mansion may be good, but there are many people. You are weak in nature, pure in heart, and kind, unable to compare to others. Listen more and speak less. Be sure to take care of yourself..."
As she continued, she gradually choked up. Su Mo'er's eyes also became moist, and she rushed to hug Shen Shi and comfort her, "Mother, please don't cry. Mo'er is going to serve the prince, not going into battles and fires. If I'm lucky, maybe the prince will take a fancy to me, and then we won't have to worry about being bullied by others anymore."
Shen Shi, feeling even more distressed, said, "Silly girl, what kind of person is the prince? How could he be easy to serve? If it were possible, mother would rather you stay at home forever. It's all my fault. I couldn't protect you..."
Seeing her mother cry even more, Su Mo'er felt even more uneasy. Su Yi, seeing the situation, looked tense, his eyes flickering with light, his hands unconsciously clenched into fists, but he remained silent.
Su Zhicheng also sighed lightly and said in a bitter tone, "In the end, it's all my fault. If I, as a father, weren't useless, you wouldn't have to endure this."
After finally comforting her mother to stop crying, Su Mo'er heard her father's words and immediately said, "Father, you must not say that! You gave me life, raised me, and taught me how to conduct myself and gain knowledge. All of this was not easy to do. Now that I'm older and the family is facing difficulties, as a member of the family, I naturally have to do my part!"
She knew why her father would say these things.
Su Zhicheng was a scholar who was once on the top of the list, but he later entered the officialdom and witnessed the darkness in the government, but was unable to do anything about it due to his low status. This left him frustrated and he returned to teach in his homeland.
He had been teaching for almost seventeen or eighteen years.
Although over the years he had not regretted his actions, he gradually realized how naive and impulsive his actions had been when he was young.
After all, if he had real determination, he should have faced the challenges head-on, and if he couldn't adapt to the rules, he should have worked to change them.
Especially with the heavy burden of the family, he felt remorse for not being able to provide a better living condition for his wife and children.
Moreover, as Su Mo'er grew up, she became more and more eye-catching, attracting the attention of many people. Since the age of twelve, she had caught the eye of Liu Yanzai, which reduced the troubles caused by others, but invited more attention from him.
When Su Mo'er came of marriageable age, Liu Yanzai finally revealed his ambitious intentions. He first proposed but was rejected, and then he resorted to various means to pressure the Su family into allowing Su Mo'er to marry him.
The most ruthless part of it was the attacks on the Su family's livelihood from various angles.
Su Zhicheng, who had been teaching for more than ten years, had to stop due to Liu Yanzai's coercion, Shen Shi's job was grabbed by someone else, and Su Yi was frequently bullied.
It was a period of very difficult for the Su family, but the news of Su Mo'er being to serve the prince in the South had somewhat alleviated their situation.
Therefore, Su Mo'er, or rather, the only hope for the Su family now, was in the governor's mansion.
More specifically, it was on the as yet unseen... prince.
If Su Mo'er was able to win the favor of the prince, then all the difficulties facing the Su family would naturally be resolved, and in the future, no one would dare to offend them in Qingmen Town or even in the entire Changzhou.
But if in the end, she couldn't win the favor of the prince, then all the plans would be in vain, and at that time, even if Su Mo'er was resentful and afraid, she would have to give up all her thoughts and resign herself to go back to Qingmen Town and then marry Liu Yanzai.
In that case, someday she might become one of the concubines of the Liu family in Changzhou and die an unjust death due to some trivial matter that made the Young Master Liu angry.
Thinking about all this, she couldn't help but shiver, imagining that such a day was just around the corner, was terrifying.
Because of this, her determination to work hard in the governor's mansion was strengthened, and no matter what means she had to use, she was determined to stay by the prince's side.
Various thoughts flashed through her mind, and she advised her father, "Father, please don't be disheartened. You are knowledgeable, and you must persist." The whole family talked until late at night before they fell into a heavy sleep.
Early the next morning, when Yang Momo's carriage stopped at the Su family's door, Su Mo'er, carrying a much lighter load, turned around reluctantly, leaving the house she had grown up in for sixteen years. She looked at her family, suppressed her reluctance and bitterness, blurred her vision, and bid her farewells with a smile, "Father, mother, I'm leaving. Take care of yourselves and don't worry about me. If you don't feel well, I will worry." She looked at her younger brother and added, "Mo, take care of our parents in my absence. If there is anything wrong with them, let me know, or else I won't spare you."
Seeing the serious and sincere expression on her brother's green face, Su Mo'er smiled and said, "Brother, take care of father and mother. You... take care of yourself while you are away."
Listening to her brother's caring words, Su Mo'er couldn't help but smile, and finally, after one last look at her family, she made up her mind to leave.
As soon as she took the first step, she heard her mother's tearful voice calling out, "Mo'er..."
Su Mo'er's steps faltered, and then her nose tingled. Tears welled up in her eyes, but she bit her silver teeth hard to keep from crying out loud and, with determination, walked towards the carriage to the Weifu.
When she reached the carriage, she had already wiped away her tears, afraid that Yang Momo might see her in such a state.
A maid in a blue robe stood beside the carriage, and she was a bit nervous to see the young lady walking towards her. After all, this person was going to be her master, and she didn't know how she would be to deal with.
When she saw Su Mo'er walking towards her in the sunlight, she couldn't help but stare in astonishment. She quickly suppressed her emotions, lowered her head in respect, and said, "I'm Qingyue, I greet the young lady."
Su Mo'er looked slightly surprised and asked, "Who are you?"
Qingyue smiled kindly and said, "From today on, I will be the young lady's personal maid, serving the young lady in every aspect of her life. If I make any mistake, please forgive me and correct me."
Hearing this, Su Mo'er couldn't help feeling a little uneasy. Although she was a young lady from a small family, she had never been served by a maid. Now, abruptly having a personal maid made her feel uncomfortable.
However, Qingyue didn't care about that. After speaking, she did her best to serve Su Mo'er into the carriage.
Su Mo'er had no choice but to comfort herself and accept the situation.
"Thank you, Qingyue," Su Mo'er said as she boarded the carriage.
Qingyue smiled and said, "Serving the young lady is my duty. If the young lady really wants to thank someone, you should thank the Lord Weifu."
Su Mo'er knew that all of this was arranged by the Lord Weifu, and she sighed in her heart. It's the benefit of power that even though she was chosen by the Lord Weifu to be a dancer, she might not necessarily be chosen by the Prince. Life changes one after another...
When she got on the carriage, Su Mo'er found that the interior was well-furnished and had all the necessary amenities. However, there was no one else inside, so she couldn't help but ask Qingyue who followed her, "Where is Yang Momo?"
Qingyue told Su Mo'er that Yang Momo was busy with important matters and had gone to pick up the remaining girls who were heading to the Weifu early in the morning.
The Weifu was known for selecting the most famous beauties in Changzhou to serve the Prince, so there wouldn't be too many or too few people heading there. Yang Momo was responsible for the whole process but naturally couldn't handle everything herself, so she had arranged to take only the most important person.
Thinking about this, Su Mo'er felt a little relieved.
Although Yang Momo seemed nice, they had different statuses, and if they were to travel together, Su Mo'er would inevitably be subject to many restrictions.
As she thought about that, she lifted the curtain and stole a glance at her family, who were standing at the door watching her leave.
Seeing her mother in tears and her father and brother silently watching her leave, she felt even more uncomfortable. She didn't want to look anymore, and she let the curtain down, suppressing the bitterness in her heart, and started chatting with Qingyue, wanting to gather some information from her.
These were things that she wouldn't easily ask if Yang Momo was accompanying her. Qingyue, on the other hand, was different. She and Su Mo'er were close in age, and she felt more comfortable talking to her. However, she didn't dare to ask anything too personal.
She understood the saying that disaster comes from the mouth, so she only asked for some unimportant and useful small news.
For example, she asked about Lord Weifu and how many people and masters there were in the Weifu.
Qingyue said that the Weifu was very large, with more than two hundred servants and more than ten masters, but apart from Lord Weifu, the other masters probably wouldn't need to see the young lady. She also mentioned a few things about Lord Weifu, but then she hesitated with a difficult expression on her face.
Seeing this, Su Mo'er probably had an impression in her mind and pretended not to care about it, saying, "It's okay; I was just asking. Since I'm going to the Weifu, I will naturally meet Lord Weifu. I was thinking of asking about his preferences and thanking him when the time comes. But now I think, since I'm going, I should do my best to take care of the Prince. Ultimately, it will be a way to thank Lord Weifu."
Qingyue nodded eagerly, "Yes, you'll know when you get there."
Su Mo'er then asked, "Do you know how many girls are going to the Weifu this time? Who are they?"
The blue glaze thought for a moment and said, "The Commandant's Mansion itself has dancing girls, but the Commandant dislikes their appearance and fears offending the crown prince, so he thought of finding some talented and beautiful girls from the folk. However, there are not many, and it is said that there are only a few. The specific individuals are not something a servant like me can know."
Su Mo'er, upon hearing this, couldn't help but feel stunned. Choosing talented and beautiful girls from the folk, it definitely wouldn't be ordinary. At least... they must have the same appearance and reputation as myself to be considered?
In that instant, she instinctively thought of someone.
If that person really goes... Su Mo'er thought of that person, her face couldn't help but change slightly.
But immediately she thought again, that person's family background is good, not like her situation, so it's unlikely, right?
Even if that person is chosen, judging by that person's character, he probably wouldn't agree.
After all, even a daughter from a poor family like herself knows the principle of preferring to be a poor man's wife rather than a rich man's concubine, so that person is even more unlikely.
Thinking this way, she couldn't help but breathe a sigh of relief.
Next, Su Mo'er asked Qingyuan about some things regarding the Commandant's Mansion. Qingyuan answered everything she knew.
Finally, Su Mo'er asked the most concerning question in her heart, "Does Qingyuan know what the crown prince is like?"
Qingyuan couldn't help but cover her mouth and smile, "Miss, you really overestimate this servant. I am just a maid in the Commandant's Mansion, how could I possibly know about the crown prince's affairs?"
Upon hearing this, Su Mo'er couldn't help but awkwardly smile, "Look at me, getting nervous, don't blame Qingyuan."
"You don't have to blame yourself. I understand your feelings," because anyone who abruptly leaves home and has to serve such a revered nobleman would naturally feel a bit uneasy.
At this point, Qingyuan's eyes shifted slightly and she discreetly lifted the curtain to look around.
Seeing no one approaching the carriage, she leaned in closer to Su Mo'er and whispered, "Although I don't know much about the crown prince, I have heard many rumors about him."
Su Mo'er was surprised and looked at her curiously.
Qingyuan continued, "When I had not entered the Commandant's Mansion, I often heard people say that the crown prince is a good person. Even before becoming a crown prince, he was a kind and beloved man, dedicated to the people. I believe you have also heard such things."
Upon hearing this, Su Mo'er lightly 'Mm' nodded in agreement.
These things are widely known, and if that's all, it doesn't really qualify for gossiping about a future king, making Qingyuan's cautious behavior seem to suggest there's more to it.
Sure enough, Qingyuan then lowered her voice and continued, "However, after I entered the Commandant's Mansion, I heard the nobles who had been to the capital privately discussing. They said that although the crown prince is dedicated to the people, he is usually expressionless and never smiles. And he is cold to everyone. Furthermore, they also heard that the crown prince has an even bigger issue, which is..."
She deliberately dragged out the ending, "He, the crown prince, avoids the company of women! His Majesty has even worried over this matter, who knows how much."
While Qingyuan continued to chatter, Su Mo'er's mind was filled with a loud booming sound, and she was left stunned.
Being expressionless and cold is still acceptable. These are personality traits, and as a crown prince, having a bit of such behavior would only add to his dignity, she could accept that. After all, everyone has moments of being aloof.
But if he avoids women, then what should she do?
The greatest reliance she had to attract the crown prince's attention was her own appearance and figure.
Putting aside whether this is true or not, if he doesn't entertain female company, wouldn't all her plans be in vain if that's the case?
Thinking about this, she suddenly felt her heart tighten and found herself holding her breath, her eyes were also uncontrollably filled with teardrops.
Qingyuan only noticed her state at this moment and immediately panicked, thinking she had upset her, and awkwardly said, "Miss, don't cry..."
Su Mo'er quickly sniffed, dabbed at the corner of her eyes with a handkerchief, and forced a smile, "Qingyuan, rest assured, I'm fine, I'm just... I'm just a little scared, what if we accidentally provoke him while serving him, since the crown prince avoids female company..."
She naturally couldn't tell Qingyuan the truth, so she twisted the facts a bit.
Upon hearing this, Qingyuan breathed a sigh of relief and comforted her with a smile, "Miss, don't cry, look at me, speaking nonsense! Miss, don't worry, rumors are just rumors. We won't know for sure until we meet the crown prince. What's more, with such an exquisite beauty like you, it's rare to find in the world. I was stunned by your beauty just now, as for men? Even if the crown prince avoids female company, he is, after all, a man. Seeing you, he will definitely have a different reaction. Miss, don't worry for no reason."
Su Mo'er's heart was somewhat relieved upon hearing this.
Indeed, she hasn't met the crown prince yet, so how could she give up hope based on some rumors she heard? Scaring herself?
No matter what, she has to actually meet the crown prince before she could know what he's really like.
Even if it ends up being a failure, there's nothing she can do about it.
At the very least, she tried...
Thinking this, she felt a bit more at ease.
The two then changed the subject and talked about other things. The carriage swayed all the way, and when the sky darkened, the carriage finally stopped steadily.
Qingyuan looked outside, breathed a sigh of relief, and happily turned back, "Miss, we've arrived."
After the long journey, Su Mo'er was tired and hungry. At this moment, upon hearing that they had arrived, she felt a bit revitalized and allowed Qingyuan to help her down from the carriage.
When she stood on the ground and looked up, Su Mo'er couldn't help but feel amazed, silently sighing that it truly lived up to the reputation of the Commandant's Mansion.
At a glance, she couldn't even see the top. The courtyard walls were high, with guards stationed in front of the gate, and there were two extremely large, lifelike stone lions guarding the entrance.
While she was dazed, Qingyuan who had gone to negotiate had already turned back and whispered, "Miss, come with me to enter the mansion, the elderly maids are waiting for us."
Su Mo'er hurriedly agreed, and under Qingyuan's guidance, she entered the mansion through a side entrance.
The mansion of the captain was magnificent, and the interior design was extremely exquisite, exuding luxury and refinement everywhere, with small bridges and flowing water, artificial mountains and gardens, and pavilions and lakes. The servants, dressed in green clothes, silently and respectfully lowered their heads as they came and went.
Su Mo'er was amazed by what she saw but became increasingly nervous, wondering what awaited her next.
As they approached a large courtyard, faint sounds of silk and bamboo music could be heard coming from inside.
Upon entering, it didn't take long for Su Mo'er to realize that apart from herself, several outstanding young women were already standing there. In front of these young women were two middle-aged women, one of whom was unmistakably the old maid Yang from yesterday.
Su Mo'er was surprised to find that she had already returned to the captain's mansion.
The other woman, despite showing signs of aging, had a refined appearance and graceful figure, carrying herself with elegance. It was evident that she had been a stunning beauty in her youth and still retained her charm to this day.
As Su Mo'er was stealthily observing the two women, everyone else turned to look at her, causing them to involuntarily pause in surprise.
These young women were already outstanding in appearance, and had no lack of admirers from a young age. Now that they were at the captain's mansion, it was clear that they all had their own ulterior motives.
Therefore, when they saw Su Mo'er, after snapping out of their initial trance, all of them, other than one round-faced and beautiful girl who looked at her with curiosity in her bright eyes, became cautious.
Seeing this, Yang immediately smiled at the woman beside her and said, "Yuan Niang, look, this is the young lady I told you about." With that, she beckoned to Su Mo'er. "Su Miss, please come forward."
Surrounded by unfamiliar faces, Su Mo'er was somewhat familiar with Yang, so she stepped forward and paid her respects, "Mo'er greets the old maid."
"No need for such formality," Yang said, pointing to Yuan Niang beside her, "This is Yuan Niang. She will be the teacher in charge of instructing you all in the coming days. You can call her Yuan Aunt."
This statement was directed at both Su Mo'er and the other young women.
Su Mo'er immediately followed suit and paid her respects to Yuan Niang along with the others, "Greetings, Aunt Yuan."
Later, with Yang's introduction, everyone learned of Yuan Niang's background.
In her youth, she was a famous courtesan at the Yangzhou Qingguan brothel. As she aged, she inherited the establishment from the previous madam, and then retired to focus on training lean horses, gaining great fame throughout the southern region. It was said that many of the horses she trained had been selected as concubine gifts for noble households in the capital.
Upon hearing this, the looks in the eyes of the others toward Yuan Niang changed. Except for Su Mo'er, who remained calm, the other young women showed a mixture of awe and disgust.
Yuan Niang seemed oblivious to their reactions and continued to smile as she calmly said, "All of you beautiful ladies from Changzhou are well-known and well-bred. It is clear why you have come to the captain's mansion. This time, I am honored to be here to teach you all the rules and etiquette of serving others at the invitation of the captain. Our time together will be short, just a couple of months. I hope that each of you will be mindful of your conduct. I won't say much more, just remember, while the master leads you to the door, it's up to each of you to succeed in the end."
After she finished speaking, she fell silent, and the expressions of those present began to flicker slightly, indicating that they were calculating something in their minds.
Su Mo'er also breathed a sigh of relief in secret. Her family was poor, and she didn't have many skills. But now, with Yuan Niang's guidance, combined with her own natural beauty, she felt confident that she would be able to pass muster when the time came.
The reactions of the others did not escape the glances of Yang and Yuan Niang. They exchanged a glance and smiled.
Yang then said, "Alright, ladies, you've had a rough journey today. I won't say much more. Let's just use today to get to know each other. Starting from tomorrow, we will begin formal training. During this time, I will take care of all the little details for you. If you have any problems, you can come to me at any time."
With that, she and Yuan Niang served tea, and the others observed and then took their leave, with Su Mo'er being the first to speak up.
After that, the others also followed suit and took their leave.
Once they had left, Yang looked at Su Mo'er and asked, "How do you think she will do?"
...
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The author has something to say:
Don't worry, my darlings! The cold, unsmiling, righteous and virtuous prince, who shuns women and is dedicated to the people, is about to make an appearance~