The Marquis Mansion’s Elite Class

Chapter 137

Auntie Hong’s mastery of etiquette wasn’t just because her family had hired a former palace maid to teach her, but also because her sisters were all obedient and cooperative, which allowed her to learn quickly and well.

Zong Jincheng, however, was a different story.

This child, who had been spoiled rotten in the Marquis Manor since childhood, was known throughout the Capital City as a little troublemaker. Teaching him etiquette could arguably be considered the most challenging task of the era.

When Auntie Hong heard about Xu Wan’s efforts to teach him to read, she was filled with admiration, though she doubted she could do the same. Auntie Hong had no confidence in her ability to handle such a rebellious child.

But Xu Wan didn’t give up. Instead, she continued to persuade her, “Others might not be able to do it, but you definitely can. I’ve seen how well you’ve taught Wenxiu, and since the brothers are so close, Jincheng will surely listen to you.”

The little troublemaker, who was being held down, immediately proved her wrong, shouting, “Listen to who? I won’t listen to anyone! Xu Wan, give up already! My manners are the best in the world—I don’t need to learn anything!”

Cui Zhi: “…”

Even Cui Zhi couldn’t bear to listen anymore.

Young Master Jincheng’s confidence was completely baseless.

He was such a braggart.

Xu Wan held him down with one hand while scolding, “You? The best? More like the worst—you’d have to start looking from the bottom of the list.”

The phrase “bottom of the list” was a sore spot for Zong Jincheng.

Every time it was mentioned, it reminded him of the vast gap between him and Qin Ye. The little troublemaker immediately flew into a rage, shouting, “Ahhh! I’ll fight you to the death…”

The little bull charged forward with all his might, but unfortunately, his wicked stepmother easily subdued him, twisting his arms behind his back and forcing him into a helpless position.

“Do you surrender?” Xu Wan asked.

The little troublemaker: “!”

Humiliation!

Utter humiliation!!

His face turned red with anger, his chest heaving violently, and his legs kicking wildly. Determined not to miss any chance, he tried one last desperate struggle.

Auntie Hong couldn’t help but laugh.

Though the little troublemaker was indeed a handful, he was also incredibly endearing. His unyielding spirit was something even Wenxiu didn’t possess. Despite all the chaos, he was always full of energy and vitality.

Auntie Hong thought that perhaps it was because of spending time with such a child that her own obedient son had become more cheerful, bright, and confident.

It reminded her of the day she first met Zong Yan.

The sky had been gloomy, and the people who had been bullying her were so ugly and cruel. But then, a young man appeared. He was dressed in the brown training uniform of the Martial Academy, carrying a quiver on his back, and seemed to glow as he swiftly chased away the bullies.

The last rays of the setting sun shone on him as he crouched down, revealing a face full of confidence and brightness. His eyes were clear and bright as he softly asked if she was okay.

That was all she remembered.

Auntie Hong thought that Xu Wan was right.

Jincheng listened to Wenxiu, and if she were to teach him, it might be easier than if someone else did.

Wenxiu had become the way he was now because of Xu Wan’s guidance, and she and her son should be grateful and strive to repay her.

“By the way, I just spoke with Mother…” Xu Wan, noticing Auntie Hong’s prolonged silence, thought she was trying to come up with a way to refuse. She then remembered she hadn’t yet mentioned the monthly allowance.

This was the most practical way to motivate a worker facing a great challenge.

But Auntie Hong simply said, “Then I’ll give it a try.”

Xu Wan: “??”

Just… like that?

I haven’t even mentioned the money yet!

Now even she was unsure and asked again, “Really? You’re willing to teach this little rascal?”

The little troublemaker was still yelling, “Who’s a rascal? I’m the most well-behaved and adorable!”

Xu Wan: “…Go away, you braggart.”

“Who’s a braggart!!!”

Seeing the little troublemaker about to rebel again, Auntie Hong quickly interjected, “Wenxiu said that Jincheng is actually quite obedient. I believe he just hasn’t been exposed to proper teaching, so he doesn’t understand these things yet.”

Xu Wan raised an eyebrow.

She remembered Wenxiu saying something similar.

It seemed the mother and son truly believed the little troublemaker just needed proper guidance.

Although Xu Wan felt the same way.

But with all three of them on the same page, teaching the child would be much easier.

Hearing Auntie Hong’s words, the little troublemaker immediately felt vindicated. He smugly turned to Xu Wan and said, “See? She’s my brother’s mother. My brother loves me the most, so she’ll love me the most too. She won’t take your side—take that, ha!”

Xu Wan gritted her teeth and played along, “Oh, how devastating.”

Auntie ?????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????Hong: “…”

Is this how the advanced class teaches?

Truly unique.

And so, the matter of teaching etiquette was settled. When Auntie Hong learned about the monthly allowance, she tried to decline, but Xu Wan’s worker mentality quickly convinced her:

“Relying on heaven or others is never as reliable as relying on yourself. Money in your own hands is the most dependable.”

No matter what unexpected events might occur in the future, having some savings would give her the ability to withstand risks. So Auntie Hong accepted the money.

Even if it was just for Wenxiu’s sake, she would save it carefully.

The next day, Baili Xi and his wife came to formally acknowledge their relationship and brought a handwritten note, giving Auntie Hong a new name.

From that day forward, she was no longer Yan Suxue, the daughter of Chancellor Yan, nor was she the nameless Auntie Hong of the Marquis Manor. Instead, she was Baili Weihong, the adopted daughter of Baili Xi and the legitimate wife of the second branch of the Marquis Manor.

The entire family celebrated with a joyous meal. The Old Marquis happily added Zong Wenxiu to the family registry as the legitimate son, while the Old Marchioness presented him with a meticulously prepared jade pendant.

Zong Jincheng glanced at it—it was exactly the same as his own pendant. But his was still outside, unrecovered, and he felt a pang of unhappiness. However, after thinking it over, he realized it was his own fault and not anyone else’s.

He pouted but quickly cheered up again. It didn’t matter—he would eventually redeem his pendant, and then he and his brother would have matching ones!

“Wan’er, Hong’er, come take a look—the new clothes I ordered for you have arrived.”

The Old Marchioness had a lifelong passion for shopping. Since her two daughters-in-law weren’t big spenders, she took it upon herself to order clothes for them. The Marquis Manor’s financial power was no joke—dozens of outfits had been made in just two days.

Maidservants brought in tray after tray of clothes, filling the tables and even the chairs. The rest of the more exquisite garments were displayed on hangers, showcasing their luxurious, jewel-encrusted designs.

Baili Weihong had never seen such a spectacle. She stared wide-eyed, speechless for a long moment before finally asking, “Mother, have you made enough clothes for us to last a lifetime?”

Xu Wan, standing beside her, couldn’t help but laugh. She leaned over and whispered, “This is probably just for this year.”

“!”

Was this the power of being as rich as a nation?

Baili Weihong was utterly stunned.