A Matter of Education

Li Yichou’s lip twitched slightly as she heard those words.

She felt a sudden urge to press her palm to her forehead.

However, considering that the woman before her was her savior and her current boss, she suppressed the impulse.

She said helplessly, “Miss Su, you truly are too strict. No mother in the world educates their child like this. The girl isn't even two yet... making her learn these things is truly forcing growth.”

Li Yichou felt a bit at a loss.

She had the distinct impression that Su Qing was someone who had never raised a child before.

Though Li Yichou herself had never married or had children, she had been the Sect Leader of the Yue-Nu Sect and had looked after many children there.

Most of the disciples of the Yue-Nu Sect were orphans they had taken in, while only a few were sent there by their parents.

Because of this, the natural talent of most disciples was... well, not particularly impressive.

There were only a handful of truly gifted ones.

If their sect had been filled with geniuses, perhaps they wouldn't have been overrun so quickly, and she, the Sect Leader, wouldn't have ended up in such a state.

Su Qing rubbed her chin thoughtfully and said, “Is that so? Hmm, I don't know much about that. When my own daughters weren't even two, they were learning these things too... so I’m just used to it. Besides, this little one isn't my child. It’s just a coincidence that we share a surname.”

In reality, they had learned far more than just this.

They had learned things that were even harder for mortals to comprehend.

However, Su Qing didn't intend to mention those details. For mortals, such things were far too advanced.

Li Yichou froze for a moment upon hearing Su Qing’s words. “This child isn't yours?”

“Of course not... I just picked her up.” Su Qing wasn't at all hesitant to tell the little girl the truth about her origins.

After all, she had never intended to take on another daughter who wasn't her own.

Furthermore, this little one wouldn't stay with her forever; she would eventually have to leave her side.

Rather than hiding the truth, it was better to be upfront from the beginning. This would also prevent trouble in the future.

Besides... Su Qing was still waiting for the day this little one went back to reclaim what belonged to her!

Speaking of which, Su Qing felt a bit of regret.

The head of the Su family had gradually quieted down after causing trouble a few times. She didn't know if the man was preparing for a major move or if he had truly given up.

Of course, she was only slightly curious. If he stopped looking for trouble, she was happy to enjoy the peace; she had no reason to be dissatisfied.

Unaware of Su Qing’s internal thoughts, Li Yichou was surprised by her words and said, “I thought she was your own! But even if she’s an orphan you took in, you’re still very good to her. It’s just... you still shouldn't force her growth like this. She’s too young to absorb these things. I don't know what your own children were like, Miss Su, but clearly, this child isn't suited for that kind of education.”

Su Qing curled her lip and spread her hands. “Since you think it’s not good, then you can take over her education. I’d be happy to have the free time anyway. She was going to learn martial arts from you sooner or later.”

Su Qing didn't care who taught the child, as long as her ultimate goal was met: for the girl to have the ability to protect herself by the age of ten.

At the very least, she should be able to take down ten grown men on her own. That way, as long as she didn't run into anyone exceptionally powerful, she could still 'reason' with people—whether she used her fists or her words was another matter.

“That’s not what I meant...” Li Yichou thought Su Qing was angry and quickly explained, “I just hope you’ll go a bit easier on the girl.”

Seeing Li Yichou’s reaction, Su Qing knew the woman was overthinking things. She shook her head and smiled. “Hmm? In any case, I’ll leave it to you! It works out perfectly so I can relax a bit. However, her education shouldn't be too lax either...”

Though Su Qing handed the responsibility to Li Yichou, she didn't want the woman to let the little one slack off too much.

Li Yichou could only give a helpless smile and nod. “Since you’ve put it that way... I understand.”

“Good, I’ll leave her to you~ But for the next few days, focus on recovering from your injuries!”

Su Qing wasn't so unreasonable as to exploit her employees. Since Li Yichou was still injured, there was no need to make her start teaching a child immediately.

However, Li Yichou was clearly not the type to sit idle. She shook her head and said, “I’ve taught many children before; it’s not a difficult task. I can start now, it’s no trouble. Besides, since I’ve come to work for you, Miss Su, I shouldn't be idle. I want to help as much as I can!”

Seeing her determination, Su Qing didn't say much more and simply nodded. “Alright, that’s fine... but please change how you address me. I told you not to call me 'Doctor,' but I didn't tell you to call me 'Big Sister.' Every time you call me that, it reminds me of a certain monkey jumping up and down, and it gives me a headache.”

“...”

Li Yichou was left somewhat dazed by Su Qing’s comment.

Why would being called 'Big Sister' remind her of a monkey?

After thinking it over, she assumed the 'monkey' Su Qing mentioned was just a figure of speech—perhaps there had been someone very annoying in her past who acted like a monkey, leading her to say such a thing.

With that conclusion, Li Yichou nodded.

“Then... how should I address you?” Li Yichou asked.

Su Qing rubbed her chin and thought for a moment. “Just do what Ao Yiyi and Hu Lin’er do. Either call me 'Miss' or just 'Sister.' Avoid 'Big Sister' and the like. It feels annoying and makes me feel old.”

Even though Su Qing was an old monster nearly a thousand years old, she preferred not to mention her age if she could help it.

Li Yichou didn't refuse. She nodded slightly and said, “Then I shall call you Miss.”

Su Qing curled her lip, not particularly caring. “That works too. Well then, there’s plenty to do today, so let’s get to work!”

Li Yichou nodded. She didn't ask Su Qing what she should do; she simply started moving on her own.

Watching Li Yichou, Ao Yiyi sent a message to Su Qing via Divine Sense: “Sister... you are still so kind-hearted.”

Su Qing was momentarily stunned but replied with a beaming smile, “Kind-hearted? I just don't want to waste such a good little seedling.”

Ao Yiyi smiled and said no more.

Days in the medical hall were occasionally busy, but today was clearly not one of those days. It was exceptionally quiet—so much so that a bored Su Qing actually went out to look for patients to 'play' with.

Su Qing’s medical skills were indeed extraordinary. However, after she had cured most of the patients, those who used to need frequent treatment no longer required it, so the number of visitors naturally decreased. While this was a good thing, Su Qing found herself quite bored.

While Su Qing was away, Li Yichou looked after the hall with Ao Yiyi and the others while also teaching the little one.

As soon as Su Qing left, Su Qingyu immediately dropped the obedient act she maintained in Su Qing’s presence and became much more cheerful and lively. Even though Ao Yiyi and the others were watching to make sure she didn't cause chaos, it was undeniable that the girl was much more relaxed without Su Qing around.

Watching the change in the child, Li Yichou couldn't help but sigh.

She thought to herself, 'How hard does the Miss usually press this little one? As I thought, she’s far too strict with her.'

“Are you usually very afraid of the Miss?” she asked.

“?” Su Qingyu looked at Li Yichou, thought for a moment, and then shook her head.

“...” Li Yichou looked at her in surprise. “You’re really not afraid?”

Su Qingyu shook her head again.

To Su Qingyu, while Su Qing was indeed exceptionally strict and she was sometimes afraid when Su Qing assigned her homework or made her learn too much, she naturally loved Su Qing very much. In her eyes, Su Qing, Ao Yiyi, and Hu Lin’er were her closest family.

Seeing this, Li Yichou simply smiled and patted her head. “What a good child...”

Whatever Li Yichou was thinking, her eyes suddenly filled with tenderness.

Nearby, Ao Yiyi watched this and rubbed her chin, but she didn't interfere. For her, as long as Su Qingyu was doing well, that was enough; there was no need to overthink the rest.

Time passed quickly.

In the blink of an eye, over a month had gone by.

During this month, Li Yichou, who had been seriously injured, had fully recovered. She had also become a familiar and accepted presence; everyone in town now knew that a beautiful new employee had joined the best medical hall in the city.

Aside from being accepted by the townspeople, Li Yichou had also gained a preliminary understanding of the people in the hall over the past month. She discovered that everyone was different from what she had initially perceived.

They were all exceptionally easy to get along with, with no arrogance of being masters. They lived like ordinary people and were very friendly—especially Ao Yiyi.

Furthermore, after this month, Li Yichou had a completely new understanding of the little girl.

She had originally thought Su Qing was purely forcing growth and that the child wasn't learning anything. But she realized she was wrong; Su Qingyu actually was absorbing the lessons.

Though it was exceptionally difficult, the girl had managed to learn everything Su Qing had previously taught her. This little girl might truly be a genius.

However, even knowing this, Li Yichou’s desire for Su Qing to let the girl relax a bit remained unchanged. Excessive pressure too early was not conducive to a child’s growth—she knew this better than anyone, as her own master had been a terrifyingly strict figure.

On this day, the weather was scorching hot.

Although the peak of summer this year wasn't as intense as in previous years, it was still far from cool. Fortunately, the medical hall was exceptionally refreshing. Li Yichou didn't know what Su Qing had placed in the hall, but it was so cool that it felt like the inside and outside of the hall were two completely different worlds.

“A month has passed, and it seems your pursuers haven't found a trace of you!” Su Qing said to Li Yichou, who was helping organize herbs after the last patient had left. “It looks like my disguise was quite effective!”

“It is all thanks to you, Miss,” Li Yichou said with a smile. “You changed my face and I changed my name, so naturally no one can find me. If the people from that first attack had left alive, someone might have come looking for trouble this month. But since that group died at your hands, things have been much quieter. I just don't know how long this peace will last...”

Su Qing spoke dismissively, “It doesn't matter... take it day by day. If they really do come to the door, it won't matter; I will step in and send them all to see the Buddha and King Yama. Coincidentally, I’m on good terms with King Yama; he won't mind if I send a few people his way.”

Li Yichou didn't take Su Qing’s words literally, assuming she was just exceptionally confident in her strength and her ability to kill everyone in one go. After all, who would imagine that Su Qing actually knew King Yama?

“I have full confidence in your strength, Miss,” Li Yichou nodded.

She understood the gravity of the situation, and she had personally witnessed Su Qing’s power. During this time, Li Yichou had actually sparred with Su Qing. Even if Su Qing stood still, Li Yichou found it hard to gain any advantage; the moment Su Qing struck back, she was defeated instantly. How could she not understand Su Qing’s prowess?

“By the way... I’ve been a bit bored lately. How about I teach you some martial arts? I only know some hard external conditioning and don't know any internal arts, but teaching these to you should still be of some use,” Su Qing said to Li Yichou after a moment of thought.

Su Qing had indeed been quite idle lately, as most of the work of teaching Su Qingyu had been handed over to others. The medical hall didn't have many patients every day, and even when Su Qing went out for a stroll, she didn't always run into someone in need of help. Being so bored, she turned her attention back to Li Yichou.