Xu Jilan and Xu Qinli rode their horses to the archery grounds, laughing and competing as they went.
Back at the Xu residence, Xu Manman sat in her room, her fingers moving slowly over the strings of the guqin.
Outside the door, her mother, Madame Li the wife of Xu Jilan's second uncle stood listening with a critical expression.
"Xu Manman, your technique is still lacking. Practice more," Madame Li said firmly.
Xu Manman sighed quietly.
She wished she could ride horses like Xu Jilan, but her mother did not approve of such behavior. Instead, she was expected to focus on music, poetry.
Madame Li's expectations were clear.
She wanted Xu Manman to attend the prestigious Mingxin Academy for Young Ladies, a place known for training refined young women.
At the academy, students were taught music, poetry, and calligraphy.
Although activities like archery and horse riding were included, they were not given much importance.
Xu Manman continued to play, though her heart was not fully in it.
She knew that disobeying her second aunt would bring consequences.
Still, she could not help but wonder what it would be like to live more freely—like Xu Jilan.
"You must attend the prestigious Mingxin Academy for Young Ladies," Madame Li said again.
"It is the best institution in the land, and I will not allow you to bring shame to our family."
Xu Manman hesitated.
"Mother… must I really attend the academy?" she asked softly.
"Of course," Madame Li replied.
"It is the proper path. You will learn discipline, culture, and refinement. You will become a true lady worthy of our name."
Xu Manman lowered her gaze and continued playing the guqin.
Her hands moved automatically, but her mind wandered elsewhere.
She felt restricted by expectations.
Every action seemed guided by others rather than herself.
Deep inside, she longed for freedom
to ride horses,
to feel the wind,
and to make her own choices.
As she played, her thoughts drifted again to Xu Jilan.
Xu Jilan seemed different.
Her upbringing gave her a sense of independence that Xu Manman envied.
Xu Manman wondered what it would be like to live like her.
To make her own decisions.
To follow her own path.
But she also understood the risk.
Disappointing her second aunt was not something she could easily face.
She paused briefly in her thoughts.
After all, the academy still offered some of those skills.
Archery, swordsmanship, and horse riding were included, though they were not the focus.
Her lips curved slightly.
"After all… it's the same academy," she thought.
"I'll find a way to do things my own way."
"Again!" came her mom's voice from outside.
Xu Manman straightened at once and resumed playing, returning to the present.