Marrying The Imperial Elder Chapter 23

As though she had not noticed the suspicion in Father Zhen’s eyes, Zhen Tingyun’s expression remained unchanged, her eyes still curved in a cheerful smile.

Following up on Madam Pei’s words, she replied with a smile: “It’s not really that I couldn’t find the time… In truth, whether it’s Father and Mother or Elder Sister and Little Brother, all of you are my closest family. How could I possibly rank one above another? The reason I only made socks for Father and Little Brother is because I only knew their sizes. I got those measurements from Grandmother, after all.”

Hearing this, Father Zhen’s expression softened immediately.

Of course.

His mother had always favored boys over girls. Naturally she would only have asked for the measurements of her son and grandson. If Zhen Tingyun wanted to make socks, those were the only sizes she could have known.

Thinking of how he had misunderstood her, and remembering that his youngest daughter had been separated from her parents at such a young age and must have suffered greatly all these years, Father Zhen felt both ashamed and sympathetic.

The way he looked at Zhen Tingyun became much gentler.

Naturally, Zhen Tingyun noticed the change in his mood. She then drew two decorative braided cords from her sleeve. Blushing slightly as though embarrassed, she continued: “The journey was rushed, so I only had time to braid two cords for Mother and Elder Sister. They’re rather crude, and I was too embarrassed to present them. Originally, I had planned to buy some pearls or jade ornaments after arriving in the capital and attach them before giving them to Mother and Elder Sister. I simply didn’t expect Elder Sister to ask about it, so I can only embarrass myself by presenting them early…”

In truth, these cords had simply been something Zhen Tingyun had braided casually during the journey.

Now they happened to be useful as gifts.

After all, in Zhen Tingyun’s opinion, given how Madam Pei and Zhen Yiyun had treated her today, neither of them deserved pearls or jade.

People like them were only worth these casually made cords.

Madam Pei smiled upon hearing this. She immediately accepted the two cords from her daughter’s hands and looked them over. Selecting the emerald-green one, she handed it to Zhen Yiyun and said with a smile: “It’s your younger sister’s thoughtfulness, after all. You should accept it. Such a fresh color suits young girls like you perfectly.”

Zhen Yiyun immediately resumed the calm and gentle demeanor she had displayed earlier. Lowering her head gracefully, she accepted the cord with both hands and turned toward Zhen Tingyun with a smile. “Then thank you, Second Sister.”

Madam Pei also smiled at Zhen Tingyun and said reproachfully: “Look at you. Even without pearls or jade, your sister and I like these cords very much. You’re simply overthinking things.”

Then she continued: “We are family, blood relatives. Why must you be so cautious and formal? Thinking so much only makes you seem distant.” Her gaze remained gentle, but her tone shifted as she took the opportunity to educate her daughter. “As the saying goes, it’s the thought that counts, not the value of the gift. Do you think we covet your precious treasures? As long as your filial heart is sincere and your feelings are genuine, why would you need pearls and jade as decoration?”

It had to be said that compared to Zhen Yiyun’s method of slipping in barbed comments and poisoning people’s impressions, Madam Pei’s words sounded warm, sincere, and full of motherly affection.

Moreover, when parents offered instruction, whether children agreed inwardly or not, they were still expected to listen.

Zhen Tingyun took a deep breath. Lowering her head respectfully, she curtsied. “Your daughter understands.”

Madam Pei’s speech was righteous and reasonable, neatly covering up Zhen Yiyun’s earlier mistake.

However, Old Lady Zhen, seated nearby, was displeased. With a cold snort she said: “What authority you have! Tingyun and I have only just returned, and already you’re lecturing your daughter right in front of me. Madam Pei, are you saying I failed to raise my granddaughter properly? Are you trying to give me a show of authority?”

Madam Pei’s expression changed slightly. Back then she had suffered greatly because of Old Lady Zhen’s preference for boys over girls. She had never expected Old Lady Zhen to actively speak up on behalf of a granddaughter. Yet the more this happened, the more worried Madam Pei became about Zhen Tingyun.

What good child could possibly come from being raised by someone like Old Lady Zhen?

Still, Madam Pei was skilled at concealing her thoughts.

Though she thought this inwardly, outwardly she lowered her head meekly and replied softly: “If Mother puts it that way, this daughter-in-law truly feels ashamed beyond words…”

Father Zhen instinctively prepared to smooth things over, as he always did. But Zhen Tingyun spoke first.

Covering her mouth with a smile, she said: “Grandmother, you’ve misunderstood Mother’s meaning.”

Then she lifted her head and looked at Madam Pei with a bright smile. “Mother is telling me that now that the whole family has reunited and we’re finally home, there’s no need to be so restrained anymore. We can simply say whatever is on our minds.”

Father Zhen could not help smiling. “That’s exactly right.”

Zhen Tingyun turned toward him and blinked. “Father, I’ve prepared gifts for all of you. Doesn’t that mean all of you should have gifts prepared for me as well?”

When a young girl blinked her eyes and acted spoiled, it was usually quite endearing. Father Zhen was already feeling guilty toward his daughter, so when he heard her, he immediately smiled and replied: “A few days ago, I happened to acquire a whole box of gemstones. I’ll have your mother send them to you later. They’ll be perfect for making several sets of jewelry.”

Zhen Tingyun immediately smiled. “Thank you, Father.”

Then she quickly turned to Madam Pei, Zhen Yiyun, and the others, asking one after another: “Mother, Elder Sister, Little Brother, did you also prepare gifts for Grandmother and me?”

Holding the braided cord in her hand, Zhen Yiyun was thoroughly displeased.

What a greedy girl.

She had only given some cheap socks and braided cords, yet she actually had the nerve to ask them for gifts in return.

Thinking this, a trace of displeasure inevitably appeared on Zhen Yiyun’s face.

Madam Pei immediately noticed. Turning around, she shot her daughter a warning glare.

Zhen Yiyun quickly came to her senses, lowered her head, and concealed her expression, once again becoming the dignified, composed young lady without the slightest flaw in her manners.

Because of Old Lady Zhen, Madam Pei had long held an unspoken prejudice against this youngest daughter who had been raised by her mother-in-law. As a result, she was not particularly fond of Zhen Tingyun’s behavior in openly asking for gifts.

Still, she was the girl’s mother.

Deep down, she retained a trace of guilt and pity for this daughter.

Moreover, they were in front of others.

So she merely smiled and replied gently: “Your sister, your brother, and I have been looking forward to your arrival with Mother for a long time. How could we possibly fail to prepare gifts? There are simply too many things to bring out one by one. Don’t worry. Tomorrow I’ll have someone sort everything out and send it all to you together with the box of gemstones your father promised.”

Zhen Tingyun immediately nodded. Inwardly, she was already calculating how much an entire box of gemstones might be worth. Outwardly, however, her face was filled with the affection and admiration of a devoted daughter. “Thank you, Father and Mother, and Elder Sister and Little Brother as well.”

Old Lady Zhen was also pleased. Her granddaughter had truly become more capable. She knew how to ask for things and get tangible benefits! That cleverness was definitely inherited from her.

Since they had already secured some real gains, Old Lady Zhen was not the sort of person who kept complaining after getting what she wanted.

She stopped talking and graciously smiled.

For a time, whether the smiles were genuine or fake, everyone in the hall wore one on their face.

Seeing his family reunited and appearing so harmonious and affectionate, Father Zhen felt greatly comforted. Laughing heartily, he personally stepped forward to help Old Lady Zhen up. “Madam Pei and I have already prepared a banquet. We’ve been waiting for Mother and Ting Jie’er. Now that our family is finally reunited, it’s the perfect opportunity to enjoy a reunion meal together.”

Hearing the words “family reunion,” Old Lady Zhen could not help shedding tears once again. Choking with emotion, she said: “It’s a pity your father lacked the fortune to live longer and passed away so early. Otherwise, that would truly have been a complete family reunion.”

Everyone hurried to comfort her again. Only after much persuasion did they finally get Old Lady Zhen seated for dinner.

To be fair, both Old Lady Zhen and Zhen Tingyun had spent half the day traveling and were genuinely hungry. Old Lady Zhen in particular had grown accustomed to living freely in the countryside. Now that she was hungry and faced with such a feast, she ate enthusiastically and noisily, attracting quite a few sidelong glances.

Father Zhen and Madam Pei, however, had already been mentally prepared. They remained perfectly composed and even occasionally encouraged Old Lady Zhen to try various dishes.

Zhen Yiyun and Zhen Hengzhe, on the other hand, had never witnessed anything like this before.

Faced with their countryside grandmother, they could not help feeling a measure of disdain, though their upbringing prevented them from saying anything aloud.

After they finally endured the reunion dinner, Madam Pei quietly cast Father Zhen a meaningful look.

Father Zhen immediately smiled and said: “Mother, your courtyard has long since been prepared. Shall I escort you there to rest?”

Old Lady Zhen nodded and then asked: “What about Second Girl?”

“Ting Jie’er will stay in the same courtyard as her elder sister,” Father Zhen replied with a smile. “The sisters haven’t seen each other for many years. Living together will help them become closer.”

Old Lady Zhen had originally intended to keep Zhen Tingyun by her side. But after hearing this, she reconsidered. Zhen Yiyun was already a student at a women’s academy. Since Zhen Tingyun intended to take the women’s academy entrance examination, she would undoubtedly need advice and experience from her elder sister. Living together would indeed be more convenient…

With that thought, Old Lady Zhen looked at Zhen Yiyun and deliberately instructed her: “Second Girl is planning to take the women’s academy examination. There are only a few months left now. As her elder sister, you must teach her more about your experience.”

Zhen Yiyun froze for a moment.

Standing nearby, Zhen Hengzhe was equally stunned. Unable to hold back, he widened his eyes and burst out laughing. “Grandmother, perhaps you don’t know what the women’s academies in the capital are really like? Elder Sister got into the academy last year. Although she had Teacher He’s recommendation, she still had to pass the entrance examinations step by step. For Second Sister… I’m afraid that’s impossible.”

To be fair, Zhen Hengzhe was not really being malicious.

In his eyes, both his grandmother and his second sister had come from the countryside. He had heard that they had not read many books and lacked knowledge and experience. People like that had probably only heard of the academies’ reputation from others. Yet they could not accurately assess themselves and were now talking about taking the entrance examinations.

It seemed completely unrealistic.

Old Lady Zhen was immediately unhappy.

Still, he was her precious grandson, so she forcibly suppressed her anger and replied stiffly: “Why is it impossible? If your elder sister could pass, then naturally your second sister can as well!”

Zhen Hengzhe adored his elder sister more than anyone. In his mind, she was beautiful, kind, and perfect in every way, practically a fairy. Now, hearing Old Lady Zhen compare his beloved elder sister with a countryside girl like his second sister made him so angry that his face turned red. Stiffening his neck, he protested: “How can Grandmother say such a thing?!” 

How could Second Sister possibly be compared with Elder Sister? 

In his opinion, this second sister from the countryside was not even equal to one finger of his elder sister’s.

Did she know anything about the qin, chess, calligraphy, and painting?

Did she know anything about poetry, literature, etiquette, and music?

Did she know anything about horseback riding, archery, or mathematics?

…

She knew nothing.

Yet she opened her mouth and declared that she wanted to enter a women’s academy. She truly had no idea how high the heavens were or how thick the earth was. If word got out, wouldn’t it be their family’s reputation that suffered?

Zhen Hengzhe was still young. Although he meant no harm, his words became somewhat reckless in his agitation.

The moment those words were spoken, even setting aside Zhen Tingyun’s reaction, Old Lady Zhen’s face had already darkened considerably.

Father Zhen and Madam Pei looked displeased as well and immediately prepared to reprimand him.

The first to speak was Zhen Yiyun. “Little Brother, how can you talk like that? The fact that Second Sister has such aspirations is a very good thing in itself. Even if she may not pass this year, if she truly wishes to, she can try again next year. And if not next year, there is always the year after that. We siblings are bound by the same blood and should support one another. Whether it is you or Second Sister, you are both my closest family. As the eldest sister, all I wish for is for you both to do well. If there is anything I can do to help, naturally I will help.”

This speech of Zhen Yiyun’s was both reasonable and heartfelt, displaying all the bearing of a proper eldest sister.

Both Father Zhen and Madam Pei looked at their eldest daughter with obvious pride and approval.