Chapter 9 The Dictionary of Dahan

When Mammy Li heard the footsteps outside, she immediately came out of the kitchen into the yard and asked with a shocked face, “Miss, why are you back so early today?” Su Erya smiled sheepishly and explained, “Nothing, the Second Mother came to see eldest brother. It was not wise to stay there. So, I came back first. Nanny Mammy, is there anything good for lunch today?” Mammy Li was surprised. She wiped her hands, took off her apron, hurried over and held Su Erya’s hands, looked at her and asked nervously, “Second Madam didn’t make trouble for you, did she?” “No, eldest brother was there,” Su Erya said, giggling foolishly. “Alas...” Mammy Li sighed. No matter how well-intentioned the young master was, he was still the son of the Second Madam. Once the young master better understood the ways of the world, he might not care so much about Second Miss. These thoughts had long hovered in the heart of Mammy Li. It was just that Su Erya was so happy right now that she didn't want to say a word. After lunch, Su Erya picked up branches in the yard to practice writing. Mammy Li shook her head and smiled, thinking that she was playing. Su Erya practiced until the evening, when she finally shook her tired arm and took a break. After a month of hard work, she fully recognized Xuangong’s first key words. In her previous life, she had understood about 80% of the Xuangong. It would be no problem to start practicing now. But just to be on the safe side, she wanted to wait until she understood it all. “Second sister, I’m coming to see you!” Suddenly, the gate of the courtyard was knocked, and the voice of Su Qingtan came from outside the door. Su Erya immediately removed the branch to open the door. Su Qingtan, seeing Su Eryaa’s bright face, smiled. He touched Su Erya’s forehead and said, “You’re not angry, sister? My mother, she’s just thinking about me. She didn’t mean to blame you.” Su Erya waved her hand, “I’m fine. Second mother did it for you.” “You are so considerate.” He had his hand behind his back which he now showed her and said, “Look at what I’ve brought you.” Su Qingtan was holding a thick copybook of basic words in his hand. The cover of it was much more exquisite than what Su Erya read in the study before. The Dictionary of Dahan! Su Erya was stunned. She had seen this book before. In her previous life, her disabled husband used it to teach her. “This is a dictionary issued by Dahan government, and it covers most words and interpretations. There is a special institution of learning in the provincial office where I will go. This dictionary is no longer useful. I give it to you today. My mother won’t let you go to the study, so you have to learn by yourself.” “Thank you, eldest brother!” Su Erya took the dictionary carefully, as if it was a precious treasure. The last eight parts of Xuangong were full of new characters. It was difficult to understand. This book was exactly what she needed to help her. “It’s just a book. Do you need to be so happy?” Seeing the eyes of the second sister shining, Su Qingtan could not help laughing. “This is the first gift from my eldest brother. I’m really very happy.” Su Erya smiled happily. Su Qingtan’s heart became warm. She was really a silly girl. Time was flying. Su Qingtan had been studying poetry and practicing martial arts every day for two months. It was less than a month before the county nomination would be announced. Su Huanli now came to the Eastern Courtyard to supervise his son and help him review his lessons. But he was still very nervous. Last year, he had lost almost half of the family fortune. The county magistrate Li Shanbao was insatiably greedy. If the prices offered by other families were higher, Tan’s position would be at stake. “Don’t worry too much, master. The young master is well-versed in both the letters and martial arts. You are on par with those young men in the County. If Li Shanbao goes too far in his greed and picks someone based on bribes alone, the young master can go directly to the province city to take part in the martial arts competition!" the old housekeeper said. Su Huanli snorted coldly, “What do you know? It’s much more difficult in the County. And the way of the sword is dangerous. Over the years, many people have gone only to lose their hands and feet there! Tan is the eldest son of Su family. I will not allow him to take such risks!” “But Lord Li...” The old housekeeper looked worried and sighed, “What else can we do about it?” Su Huanli was very angry. The Su family wouldn’t have been in such an awkward position if Su Zipei hadn’t done what she did last year. *Knock, knock.* At that time, there were some gentle knocks outside the courtyard gate. “Father, this is Erya. I’ve come to give you some snacks,” a gentle voice spoke. Erya? Su Huanli frowned, and the housekeeper immediately explained, “The First Madam and the Third Miss...The Second Miss was seriously injured and has been recuperating in the eastern courtyard.” “Hmm! What bullshit!” Su Huanli was angry before, and when he heard the housekeeper mentioning his third daughter, Su Zipei, he grew even angrier. Then, Su Erya pushed the door and came in with a tray. She put the tray on the tea table next to Su Huanli. “Are...are you Second Miss?” The old housekeeper opened his eyes wide in shock as if he was seeing Su Erya for the first time.