The first to arrive were seven Youming Palace People who bowed and greeted, "Subordinates pay respects to Third Young Master Yang (as per the confidential letter from the Palace Master, before the Young Palace Master assumes the role of Youming Palace, he is to be addressed as Third Young Master Yang in the presence of outsiders, and reverently as Young Palace Master in private), and to Ms. Yang."

"You are Grandpa Kong's subordinates, not those of my household," Yang Mengchen corrected with a smile. "From now on, just refer to yourselves as 'I'."

"Yes, Ms. Yang," seeing that the Young Palace Master offered no objection, the seven people respectfully complied.

Yang Mengchen said, "Grandpa Kong and Grandpa Shao have gone fishing by the river and won't return until close to noon. Brother, you can take them to the Academy's dormitory to rest for a while first."

Yang Chengxuan immediately led the seven people towards the Academy.

Old Hai and Weichi Kong had an old grudge. Even living in the same East Wing Room, they seldom saw each other, and when they did, they ignored one another. Precisely speaking, Old Hai wanted to speak to Weichi Kong, but Weichi Kong wouldn't pay him any attention.

Therefore, Yang Mengchen did not have Old Hai test the learning of those seven people; besides, she also believed that the people Weichi Kong brought in were not mediocrities.

"Miss, there are more than a dozen people outside looking for Mr. Song," Ma Liang came in and respectfully reported.

It must be Song Bochao's friends and students who had arrived. As Yang Mengchen instructed Ma Liang and proceeded to the guest hall, she said, "Please have them wait in the outer courtyard guest hall, and send someone to the ancestral hall to call for Mr. Song right away."

Ma Liang left to carry out her orders.

Upon reaching the guest hall in the outer courtyard, she saw people sitting or standing, sipping tea, or chatting, each of them exuding an air of scholarly refinement from their brows and eyes.

When they saw Yang Mengchen enter with five maids, everyone ceased their conversations and turned to look at her, their eyes filled with inquiry and curiosity.

"Esteemed guests, you must have had a tiresome journey." Facing the scrutinizing gazes, Yang Mengchen wore a faint smile on her face, "I have sent someone to call for Mr. Song, please wait here for a moment."

Presumably, this young lady must be Ms. Yang mentioned in Brother Bochao's (Teacher's) letter, indeed graceful and dignified, learned and sensible. The crowd nodded to themselves in approval.

Song Bochao had not returned, but Uncle Heng had brought in the people sent by Long Xuanmo into the guest hall.

The middle-aged woman leading them appeared to be in her thirties. A pine and cypress pattern jade hairpin adorned her simple hairdo; she was thin and tall with a handsome yet serious face, devoid of any trace of harshness. Dressed in a simple green garment, she exuded an impressive dignified and authoritative air, clearly indicating a noble status.

Long Xuanmo had mentioned in his letter that he would arrange for a sister to come over, since the maids by her side were young, inexperienced, and some matters were inconvenient for them to handle. Understanding Long Xuanmo's good intentions, Yang Mengchen did not refuse. The middle-aged woman before her was most likely the Sister Jin Long Xuanmo had referred to.

Indeed, a female teacher among the first group of guests stepped forward and spoke to the middle-aged woman warmly, "Sister Jin, what brings you here? How could the Empress Dowager bear to let you leave the palace?"

Before coming here, she had taught the young ladies at the Duke of Zhenguo Mansion, where she had encountered Sister Jin carrying out the Empress Dowager's orders on two occasions. The mansion's people had shown great reverence to Sister Jin. She hence paid special attention, learning that Sister Jin was deeply favored by the Empress Dowager, and even the current Emperor showed her some leniency.

"Madam Xu is also present." Sister Jin had a good memory and recognized her as a teacher from the Duke of Zhenguo Mansion, "Prince Chen has entrusted me with his confidence, thus arranging for me to serve Ms. Yang closely."

Prince Chen was actually acquainted with Ms. Yang? And he arranged for a sister from the Empress Dowager's palace to serve Ms. Yang closely?

The crowd was greatly astonished, especially Madam Xu who noticed the jade hairpin in Sister Jin's hair, her face revealing surprise.

Sister palace maid?

In the Imperial Palace, there were palace maids known as 'sister palace maids,' usually those who had made outstanding contributions and held Fifth Rank or higher, most of whom were elderly people who had served for many years by the Emperor, the Empress Dowager, and the Empress.

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