General, Madam Called You To Farm - Chapter 572

General, Madam Called You To Farm
Chapter 572 – The Big Boss’s favorite (2) 

Translator : Moon Lee
Editor : Tea
This translation made by Moonlight Teatime.
Please read my translation only at Moonlight Teatime. 
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“How can a gentleman become acknowledged if he deviates from the principle of benevolence?”

“A gentleman will not have time to leave benevolence and virtue for a selfish desire. Even in a hurry and urgent situation, he must abide by the principles of benevolence and be with benevolence in times of turmoil..”

“Even Confucius himself had never seen anyone genuinely like or hate a person of benevolence and virtue.”

“What could be greater and noble than benevolence for those who truly love practising it? As for those who dislike unkind people, they do so because they are virtuous people and will not let unkind things affect them.”

“Can’t someone try their best to be benevolent all day long?”

“I (Confucius) have never seen anyone whose strength is insufficient to perform benevolence. There are indeed possible excuses, but I (Confucius) have not seen any.”

Teacher Jiang had only asked for the next line, but she directly recited two full passages.

The slap to Princess Hui’an’s face was resounding.

Teacher Jiang hadn’t expected her to recite so much at once and was momentarily stunned. 

He gestured vaguely. “V-very good, Princess Jingning. You may be seated.”

Princess Hui’an was so furious her face turned green!

—

The second class was calligraphy.

There was no need to bring their own brushes, ink, paper, or inkstones, as the palace academy provided them.

What Teacher Jiang taught was a regular script. After his lecture, he handed out practice sheets for the students to work on.

-Regular script (Chinese calligraphic style) / Kai ti 楷体

He moved around the room, observing how his students were progressing.

Princess Hui’an’s handwriting was… indescribable.

Teacher Jiang’s mouth twitched.

He suddenly realized that this princess’s image of diligence was purely performative. In truth, she was completely inept. 

He then made his way to Princess Jingning’s side.  

Princess Jingning really surprised him, her calligraphy was vigorous and powerful, retaining a woman’s elegance while also carrying a man’s boldness.  

He nodded inwardly, quite pleased.  

As for Su Xiaoxiao beside her, he didn’t pay her any attention at all.  

He continued to review the others’ handwriting.  

These young ladies had all been carefully selected, each with exceptional general ability, so their calligraphy was naturally not lacking.  

Among them, Qin Yanran and Leng Zhiruo stood out the most.  

County Princess Lingxi had been accompanying the Grand Empress Dowager in the inner palace for quite some time and arrived late. She came only when the class was nearly over.  

“Her Highness the Grand Empress Dowager was slightly unwell, and County Princess Lingxi attended to her for a long time, which delayed her studies.” 

Eunuch Tan, the Grand Empress Dowager’s attendant, helped to explain.  

Teacher Jiang politely said that it was no issue and invited County Princess Lingxi to take a seat.  

There were two empty seats left in the classroom, one in the last row and one beside Princess Hui’an.  

Without a second thought, County Princess Lingxi headed straight for the last row.  

The reason was simple:  

County Princess Lingxi and Princess Hui’an were rivals in love.  

What neither of them realized was that their true rival was currently sitting beside Princess Jingning, a small plump hand clutching a brush, scowling fiercely as she scribbled and doodled over her practice sheets.  

Compared to doing business, the school day felt endlessly slow.

Finally, the morning lessons came to an end. 

Palace attendants arrived to escort everyone to Mingyue Pavilion for lunch and midday rest.  

Because Qilin Hall was within the jurisdiction of the imperial court’s official affairs, and officials passed through regularly, female students were permitted to be there. 

However, staying to sleep or rest within the hall would have been improper etiquette.  

Each student was assigned their own private room.  

The princesses could return to their own palaces if they wished. 

Princess Hui’an had no desire to stay for lunch and returned to Consort Xian’s Qixiang Palace. 

Princess Jingning also intended to return to her own residence in Kunning Palace.  

“Your Highness.”  

A young maid serving Princess Jingning handed her an embroidered box.  

Princess Jingning asked, “What is this?”  

The maid replied, “I’m not sure.”  

“Who gave it to you?” 

Princess Jingning inquired.  

The maid answered, “It was sent by Miss Su. She asked me to deliver it to you.”  

“Open it.” Princess Jingning instructed.  

“Yes.” 

The maid said, opening the box. 

A sweet, buttery fragrance wafted out.  

Inside were wife cakes and egg yolk pastries.  

-Wife’s cakes / Lao Po Ping (老婆饼)

-Egg yolk pastry 

Was her classmate trying to show goodwill? 

Perhaps…… She wanted to share a meal together?  

Princess Jingning’s imagination once again took over. 

She pictured the plump little girl eating alone, isolated and mocked by the others, too upset to swallow her food, her eyes welling with tears.  

She sighed, “Very well, invite her to come and eat with me.”  

And so, Su Xiaoxiao, who had just sat down to sample the imperial dining hall’s food, was ‘firmly’ escorted away by Princess Jingning’s attendants.  

Su Xiaoxiao: “……”  

What’s going on here?   

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