Chapter 14 (1/2)

Madam Su had no objections about leaving Su Feng Nuan at the Grand Secretariat Manor. After lunch, she quickly left without her.

Leaving behind Su Feng Nuan who was looking at Madam Su’s backside as she left, those expressions, even Madam Wang could not bear to watch.

Wang Lu was steel-hearted on educating Su Feng Nuan in ettiquites, and sent someone to invite to the Grand Secretariat Manor the now retired old Mo-Mo who had once taught the Empress Dowager and the Queen.

This old Mo-Mo was already eighty, although a slave, but because of training two Queens, her seniority was high. The entire court, all royalties and officials, even the Empress Dowager and the Emperor, all paid her some respects.

The old Mo-Mo arrived at the Grand Secretariat Manor on the same day, with servant supporting her along the way, trembling each step she took.

Wang Lu called Su Feng Nuan to come in front of the old Mo-Mo. Afterwards, he said to Su Feng Nuan. “Liu Mo-Mo is old, not to say bumping into even if just angered, you’d be in big trouble. So, don’t think about horsing around, be a good student, and when Liu Mo-Mo says that you have passed, that’s when you don’t have to learn anymore.”

Su Feng Nuan’s face collapsed quickly.

Wang Lu instructed for Madam Wang to arrange Liu Mo-Mo to the reside in Su Feng Nuan’s quarter, to teach her from clothing and food to ceremonial etiquette, not separating from her side.

Su Feng Nuan looked at Liu Mo-Mo. To teach her, Wai-gong found a Mo-Mo of such old age who could be blown down by a cast of wind. How can she not listen and dare to act up? She’d even be afraid of talking loudly and not able to afford any thing happening to this Mo-Mo.

Thinking in her heart, Wai-gong1 is worthy of being a high-ranking official for this many years, someone that even Guo-zhang2 need to pay respect to. Really is a crafty old man.

After Madam Wang settled down Liu Mo-Mo, she saw Su Feng Nuan standing pitifully at the door. Smiling, she said to her, “Liu Mo-Mo lived in the Palace for most of her life. She moved out of the Palace only because she was old. The entire court, only your Wai-gong has the merit to invite Liu Mo-Mo. You should pay attention to learn the etiquette with her, Liu Mo-Mo’s knowledge is very rich, perhaps even unable to use it all up in your life. Your Wai-gong is well-intentioned.”

Su Feng Nuan could only nod.

Madam Wang again ordered the servant serve attentively and left.

Liu Mo-Mo waited till after Madam Wang left, sitting on a chair and stretched out her dry hands at Su Feng Nuan.

Su Feng Nuan could only walk over carefully and stood three steps in front of her.

Liu Mo-Mo smiled lovingly, “Xiao Ya Tou3 come closer, my eyes are blurry, let me take a closer look at you.”

Su Feng Nuan took two more steps.

Liu Mo-Mo looked at her for a moment, smiled and said, “Xiao Ya Tou is a blessed person.”

Su Feng Nuan lifted the corner of her mouth, “There was a old bull-nosed Taoist that once said that too.”

“Oh? Has anyone said that too?” Liu Mo-Mo asked with interest. “Which old bull-nosed Taoist? Does he have a name?”

Su Feng Nuan thought for a moment, “His name was Qing Feng.”

“Oh him, I know him.” Liu Mo-Mo smiled. “He has a big nose, and when he is angry it looks like a cow’s nose, you call him bull-nose, is the most appropriate.”

Su Feng Nuan blinked her eyes.

Liu Mo-Mo smiled and grabbed her hand, asking lovingly, “I heard that you have learned martial arts from your father? You know martial arts?”

Su Feng Nuan nodded, “Learn a little, flowery acts of sword and knives.”

“Xiao Ya Tou4 is modest, I heard it today, you fought in front of the Empress Dowager, more than a dozen imperial guards have been defeated by you. How is that just flowery acts?” Liu Mo-Mo smiled and looked at her, “It is still early today, let’s go outside, you show Mo-Mo a few tricks, let Mo-Mo experience it too.”

Su Feng Nuan was shocked and was quickly shook her head. “I don’t dare to swordplay in front of Mo-Mo.”

Liu Mo-Mo smiled, “It’s because you think my old bones are no good anymore? You listened to your Wai-gong and afraid something will happen to me? You don’t need to worry; nothing will happen to Mo-Mo by a little sword play.”

Su Feng Nuan still shook her head.

Liu Mo-Mo smiled while looking at her, “I’ll sit at the doorway and you’ll be in the courtyard, far away from me. I also like to watch swordplay. If do it well, these etiquettes, we’ll keep the trainings to a discreet.

Su Feng Nuan’s eyes lit up upon hearing so, “Liu Mo-Mo you really mean it?”