How could someone be unhappy living in a matriarchal society?

Chapter 96 First Meeting with the Grand Tutor

In the early morning, sunlight filtered through the clouds, casting a soft glow, and the sky appeared as a hazy gray.

On a morning in early June, the weather was not yet hot, and a cool breeze brushed against my face, bringing a refreshing touch.

The birds were singing merrily in the branches, as if welcoming the arrival of a new day.

A gentle breeze blew through the window, carrying the scent of grass and flowers into the room.

Chu Ci slowly opened her eyes, stretched, and slowly sat up from the bed.

I took a cup of cool tea from the low table, took a sip, and immediately felt refreshed and my mind became clear.

Shi An heard her get up, rubbed his sleepy eyes, and called out in a slightly hoarse voice, "My lady..."

The tone of his voice revealed a sense of dependence and intimacy.

Chu Ci turned to look at Shi An and asked softly, "Are you awake? Do you want to sleep a little longer?"

Shi An shook his head, propped himself up, sat up, and hugged her tightly from behind.

Chu Ci's lips curled up slightly as she looked at the hand at her waist, gently squeezed it, and asked with concern, "Are you thirsty? Would you like some water?"

"I want to drink it."

Chu Ci used her inner strength to heat the cold tea in the cup, handed it to Shi An, and said gently, "Here, drink it."

Shi An took the teacup, took a small sip, and felt the warm tea travel from her throat to her stomach. Shi An comfortably closed her eyes.

Seeing his adorable appearance, Chu Ci couldn't help but reach out and stroke his hair, her eyes filled with deep affection.

"Let me help you get dressed."

"Okay." Shi An nestled in Chu Ci's arms and obediently cooperated.

Raise your hand when you should raise it, and put it down when you should put it down.

Chu Ci would occasionally kiss Shi An's cheek, and a warm and harmonious atmosphere filled the two of them, making even the surrounding air seem sweeter.

After getting dressed, Shi An smiled and hugged Chu Ci's neck tightly, refusing to let go. "My wife treats me so well, it makes me even more inseparable from her."

Chu Ci grasped Shi An's hand and left a light kiss on the back of it. "I did it on purpose, so that you wouldn't be able to leave me."

Shi An's face flushed slightly as she hugged Chu Ci tightly and kissed him passionately. The two lingered in each other's arms for a while before finally getting out of bed.

Recently, Chu Ci has particularly enjoyed taking Shi An out to eat.

There is a steamed bun shop not far from home. Although the shop is famous for its steamed buns, Chu Ci's favorite is their preserved egg and lean pork congee, which he often brings Shi An to try.

The boss greeted them warmly, smiling as he asked, "Madam Chu, is it the usual today?"

Chu Ci smiled and nodded in reply, "That's right."

Before long, two bowls of steaming hot lean meat porridge and three baskets of small, exquisite steamed buns were served on the table.

Shi An picked up her chopsticks, gently picked up a small steamed bun, dipped it in vinegar, and took a small bite.

The steamed buns were fresh out of the steamer and still hot; when you bit into them, steam was still rising from them.

Shi An didn't rush to swallow it, but instead blew on the bun in small sips, trying to cool it down a bit before eating it.

Chu Ci picked up the bowl and drank half a bowl of porridge in one gulp, immediately feeling a warm sensation in his stomach.

She sighed contentedly, slowly raised her head, and her gaze inadvertently swept across the outside of the shop.

A thin, small child was standing at the door, gazing longingly at the steamed buns on the table inside the shop.

He was dressed in tattered clothes, his hair was a mess, and he looked only slightly better than a beggar.

Chu Ci reached out and picked up two steamed buns, walked to the door and handed them to the child.

The child was a little timid, but he still took the bun and then quickly turned and ran away, as if afraid that someone would take his food away.

Seeing this, the shopkeeper sighed softly and said to Chu Ci, "That boy's name is Wang Hezhi. His family used to live nearby. His parents ran a small business and lived a decent life. But later, the business ran into trouble, and the family was heavily in debt. His mother couldn't bear the pressure and chose to hang herself, leaving behind a sickly father who depended on him for survival. Now, he can only make a living by begging."

Chu Ci nodded silently, indicating that he understood, and returned to his seat to continue eating.

Chu Ci nodded and went back to continue eating. There are many pitiful people in this world, and she would help them if she could.

When Shi An saw his wife return, he took her hand and said, "My wife has a truly kind heart."

Chu Ci smiled and shook her head, saying, "What's this? If I were truly kind, I should have adopted him and cured his father's illness as well."

Shi An lowered his eyes and pondered for a moment before slowly saying, "Is great kindness good, but small kindness not kindness? As far as I'm concerned, my wife only needs to do what she wants to do, and there's no need to worry about anything else."

Chu Ci was touched. If they weren't outside, she really wanted to kiss Shi An properly, "In your heart, I'm always good."

Shi An's eyes curved into crescent moons as she answered in a lighthearted tone, "Of course, the wife is always the best."

After breakfast, Chu Ci escorted Shi An home, and then rode his horse to the residence of Grand Tutor Song.

The address of Grand Tutor Song's residence was given to her by Lady Jin.

After dismounting, Chu Ci handed the visiting card to the female guard at the door, asking her to go and announce his arrival.

Not long after, a well-dressed maid came out with the guards. She looked Chu Ci up and down several times before leading him inside.

The Grand Tutor's Mansion was not large and its decorations were simple.

Chu Ci followed the maid to the study, where she saw the white-haired Grand Tutor standing in front of the table, practicing calligraphy diligently.

"Grand Tutor, the person has arrived."

Song Xunzhang looked up when he heard the voice, and his eyes lit up when he saw Chu Ci standing at the door. He smiled and said, "It's such a beautiful wife. Come and sit down."

Chu Ci entered the study, bowed to Grand Tutor Song, and then sat down at the table.

Grand Tutor Song casually pulled an ancient book from the table, flipping through it as he asked indifferently, "Old Li wrote me a letter, and he mentioned you in it."

Chu Ci nodded in response, "I did indeed study under Master Li for a period of time."

Grand Tutor Song stopped turning the pages, his gaze fixed on the pages as if he were reading something important, and casually asked, "How is her health?"

Chu Ci replied very seriously: "I'm in good health, I'm raising donkeys."

Grand Tutor Song paused for a moment after hearing this, then smiled and said, "Her hobbies have changed after all these years."

Chu Ci nodded gently; this donkey was a gift from her.

"Grand Tutor, I will be taking the imperial examination this September and would like to study policy essays under your guidance."

Grand Tutor Song looked at Chu Ci and said with a smile, "Answer me a few questions first."

"it is good."

The Grand Tutor read aloud part of the text from the book, then asked softly, "What is your understanding of what I just read?"

Chu Ci lowered her head and pondered for a while, then clearly and logically explained her understanding of the passage.

Grand Tutor Song nodded slightly after hearing this, but neither expressed his agreement nor raised any objection.

She turned the page again, began reading another passage, and continued to ask questions about the Chu Ci.

This question-and-answer process continued for about half an hour.