Tang He had long since put away his feather fan. His expression was respectful and cautious. Although he obeyed and sat down, he looked as though he was prepared to stand up at any moment to answer a question or apologize.
On the other side, Xie Qiuyan also took a seat as instructed. He was similarly respectful and careful, but there was an unmistakable sense of relief and lightheartedness in his demeanor, as though a great burden had been lifted from his shoulders.
Although Fu Changxi had returned to the Western Hills Estate the previous night, he had not intended to meet anyone immediately. Instead, he first sorted through the fragmented memories he had recovered, determined which people could currently be trusted, and only then ordered the shadow guards to summon Tang He and Xie Qiuyan. Moreover, given the special status of these two men, they attracted far too much attention. That was why Fu Changxi had chosen to meet them at night.
Once they were seated, Fu Changxi glanced at Tang He. “You should have guessed that the reason I didn’t meet you until now is because something unexpected happened.”
Tang He nodded carefully. Though somewhat uneasy, he did not dare ask further questions.
Only Xie Qiuyan still looked somewhat bewildered.
After some thought, Fu Changxi decided to tell them a little about his memory loss. At present, only a limited portion of his memories had returned. His words and actions would inevitably reveal something to those close to him. Rather than concealing it, it was better to be straightforward. By informing his trusted subordinates directly, they could also help cover for him when necessary.
Furthermore, both Tang He and Xie Qiuyan had accompanied him to his fiefdom years ago. At the time, the frontier had been bitterly cold, with northern tribes frequently causing disturbances along the border. It had been far from a desirable posting. Those who had accompanied him there and remained by his side until now were naturally his most trusted aides and confidants.
After hearing his explanation, Tang He and Xie Qiuyan felt considerably relieved. Although Wangye still could not remember many things, he had suffered no serious harm and still trusted them just as he always had.
For subordinates, there was nothing more heartening. When a ruler treats his ministers as men of exceptional worth, they repay him with exceptional loyalty.
However, Fu Changxi’s very next sentence was: “The double in the ceremonial procession could never have deceived the people in the palace, much less those old foxes in the Grand Secretariat. So how exactly did you manage to keep my situation hidden until now?”
Xie Qiuyan immediately turned to look at Tang He.
People always said that one daughter was worth three thieves. But in Tang He’s opinion: One Xie Qiuyan was worth three pitfalls.
D*mn it.
We agreed that if something happened, we’d shoulder it together. But the moment Wangye asks a question, he looks straight at me! Now Wangye definitely knows it was all my idea!
That b*stard is setting me up!
Cursing Xie Qiuyan inwardly, Tang He still did not dare be careless under Fu Changxi’s gaze.
He could only answer honestly: “After we arrived near the capital and still had not received word from Wangye, we had no choice but to claim that Wangye had fallen ill and remain outside the city rather than enter the capital.”
“Of course, if that were all we did, it certainly wouldn’t fool the people in the palace or those in court.” After a pause, Tang He cautiously glanced at Fu Changxi before continuing: “So I secretly sent someone into the palace, claiming that he had come under Wangye’s orders to discuss the arrangements for the ceremonial reception outside the capital with the Grand Secretariat and the Empress Dowager. We proposed that His Majesty personally leave the city to welcome you, his imperial uncle, back to the capital. The Empress Dowager naturally refused, saying that such a thing would undermine the dignity of the Son of Heaven, and she rejected the proposal. As a result, Wangye’s entry into the capital was naturally delayed.”
Even Fu Changxi had to admit after hearing this: “A good plan. And a great deal of nerve.”
Tang He replied: “…Wangye overpraises me.”
The corners of Fu Changxi’s lips lifted slightly. “Do you think I’m praising you?”
Tang He: “…”
Fu Changxi said calmly: “By now, both inside and outside the court, I’m afraid everyone regards me as some ambitious traitor harboring improper intentions. Furthermore, the Empress Dowager rejected the proposal for the emperor to receive me outside the city. If I return now just like this, others will only think I lost my nerve and bowed my head to the Empress Dowager. Still, this matter of delaying my return cannot continue indefinitely.”
Tang He had no idea what to say.
In the end, Fu Changxi spoke first. “Prepare writing materials. I’m going to write a letter to Grand Secretary Sun.”
Tang He carefully studied Fu Changxi’s expression and then boldly asked: “Wangye… you still remember Grand Secretary Sun?”
Fu Changxi glanced at him expressionlessly. “…Find any idle fellow on the street and ask around. You’ll quickly learn that the current Grand Secretary’s surname is Sun. Besides, when I left the capital for my fiefdom, Sun Qichang had already entered the Grand Secretariat. Naturally I know who Grand Secretary Sun is.”
Tang He immediately lowered his head. “It was this minister who was foolish.”
As he spoke, he cast a meaningful glance at Xie Qiuyan, who had remained silent beside him.
Xie Qiuyan looked completely baffled. “…Why are you looking at me?”
Tang He flicked open his feather fan and assumed the air of someone borrowing another’s authority to intimidate others. “Why aren’t you hurrying to prepare paper and brushes for Wangye? I still need to explain the current situation to Wangye and help him sort through everything. Only a useless fellow like you doesn’t even know how to run errands properly!”
“Do you have no sense at all?!”
Xie Qiuyan: “…”
D*mn it.
He really wanted to strangle this surnamed Tang fellow.
***
Early the next morning, before dawn had even broken, Father Zhen had to get up and prepare for court.
The husband and wife shared a close relationship and had always risen and slept together. Madam Pei did not summon the maids. Instead, she personally helped Father Zhen put on his court robes.
After washing up, the two ate breakfast together. The carriage was already waiting outside.
Madam Pei had servants light lanterns and personally escorted her husband to the gate. Having been lectured by Madam Pei the night before and slept poorly as a result, Father Zhen now felt somewhat uneasy.
Holding his wife’s hand, he instructed her: “Pay a little more attention to Mother and Ting Jie’er.”
Madam Pei gave him a shove. “I know. Hurry along and don’t miss the proper hour.”
Father Zhen sighed before finally leaving, climbing into the carriage, and heading off to court.
Madam Pei watched her husband depart. A trace of fatigue showed on her face. She then returned to the main courtyard with her maids and servants and summoned Bai Momo, whom she trusted greatly.
She had the old woman bring out a list she had prepared several days earlier. Together they checked the items again, packed everything up, and planned to send them later to Old Lady Zhen and Zhen Tingyun.
Thinking of the welcoming gift Zhen Tingyun had requested the previous day, Madam Pei considered it for a moment. Tapping the list meant for Zhen Tingyun with her fingertip, she said: “The master said yesterday to add a box of gemstones. Add two boxes of pearls from me as well. They’ll be useful whether for jewelry or complete adornment sets, just right for young girls.”
After all, she was still her biological daughter. Madam Pei was willing to be generous.
After finally finishing the preparations, Madam Pei reflected that young girls were delicate and that Zhen Tingyun had just completed a long journey. She would surely sleep in a bit today. Thus she rested in her own room for a while and deliberately went later than she originally intended.
Unexpectedly, when she arrived, Zhen Tingyun had already finished breakfast. She was seated at her writing desk, completely focused as she practiced calligraphy with a brush.
Seeing this, Madam Pei could not help overthinking things again. As expected, she thought, with Old Lady Zhen’s temperament, how could she possibly tolerate anyone sleeping late? This daughter of mine must be accustomed to rising early. Still, is she genuinely diligent right now, or merely pretending?
Though such thoughts ran through her mind, Madam Pei maintained a smile. Without announcing herself, she quietly walked over and stood beside Zhen Tingyun, watching her write.
Zhen Tingyun originally had no intention of paying attention to anyone. Whenever she practiced calligraphy or read books, she became completely absorbed. Even Old Lady Zhen would not casually disturb her. However, with Madam Pei standing beside her, even silently, her presence was impossible to ignore. At present, Zhen Tingyun still lacked the composure to completely disregard her own mother and continue practicing as though nothing were there.
She could only set down her brush and smile. “Mother, please wait a moment. I’ll have someone bring water so I can wash my hands.”
Liushun was already familiar with Zhen Tingyun’s habits and quickly brought over a basin of water.
After washing her hands, Zhen Tingyun dried them with a handkerchief and applied a little moisturizing cream. Then she came forward, supported Madam Pei to a seat, and asked with a smile: “Mother, what brings you here?”
Madam Pei sat down but did not answer immediately.
Madam Pei possessed keen judgment. After only a brief look, she could tell that Zhen Tingyun’s calligraphy was genuinely good. It was obvious she had worked hard at it. She had already grasped proper structure and technique. Most notably, her brushwork was vigorous and powerful, carrying a distinct flavor of Wei Stele calligraphy, a style rarely seen among young ladies of the inner chambers. Thinking further, Zhen Tingyun had been raised by Old Lady Zhen in a small rural town. For her calligraphy to have reached this level was practically miraculous.
More than that, when Zhen Tingyun set down her brush, washed her hands, and smiled while speaking, every movement flowed naturally and effortlessly, like drifting clouds and flowing water. She carried herself with calm dignity and refinement. There was none of the rusticity or small-minded provincial air that Madam Pei had imagined.
Of course, much of that was Yuanhui’s doing. Although he remembered little of his past, he was extraordinarily particular in his habits. At first he had exercised some restraint. But after Zhen Tingyun began calling him “Teacher,” he completely relaxed. Whether in daily living, clothing, food, or manners, he had exacting standards. Zhen Tingyun had spent so much time by Yuanhui’s side and was eager to learn that she had naturally absorbed much through constant exposure. Without realizing it, traces of that influence now revealed themselves.
Madam Pei naturally knew nothing of all this. Watching her daughter, she could not help feeling somewhat conflicted.
This daughter seemed rather different from what she had imagined.
Fortunately, she had always been quick-witted, and she soon concealed those complicated feelings. Picking up the conversation, she said: “You silly child. Didn’t you ask us for a welcoming gift yesterday? As your mother, of course I had to come personally, bring your things, and have a chat with you while I was here.”
The truth was that Zhen Tingyun had only said it casually the night before. Mainly because she held no real expectations toward her parents, siblings, or family. Although she had mentioned it in passing, after one night’s sleep she had completely forgotten about it. Now that Madam Pei brought it up, Zhen Tingyun instead felt a little awkward.
After a moment, she said quietly: “Thank you, Mother.”
After all, she was still her biological daughter. Though she could not compare to Zhen Yiyun, whom Madam Pei had personally raised, it was not as though Madam Pei had no feelings for her at all. Seeing her daughter remain so distant and formal with her, Madam Pei felt somewhat uncomfortable. In a low voice, she said: “We’re family. Why would you need to thank me?”
Had it been Zhen Yiyun, she would probably have already thrown herself into Madam Pei’s arms, hugging her arm and acting affectionately. But Zhen Tingyun merely sat there quietly, looking at her with wide eyes, as though waiting for her to continue.
Madam Pei sighed inwardly. She handed the list to Zhen Tingyun and let her look it over. “Most of these are fabrics and jewelry, things you’ll be able to use right away. Later, you can choose your preferred fabrics first. This afternoon, tailors and embroiderers will come to take your measurements. It would be good to make several new outfits. As for the box of gemstones your father gave you, I’ve added two more boxes of eastern pearls. Whether you want to make jewelry sets, hair ornaments, or something else, it’s entirely up to you.”
Zhen Tingyun accepted the list and glanced through it. She could tell that Madam Pei had genuinely put thought into it.
The fabrics and jewelry were all new, exactly as Madam Pei had said, items she could immediately use. Clearly they had been specially prepared for her. There were also several valuable antiques and decorative pieces that would look impressive when displayed. Even without counting the boxes of gemstones and eastern pearls given by her parents, the contents were already worth several hundred taels of silver.
The Zhen family was by no means one of those fabulously wealthy households where “pearls were as common as dirt and gold as plentiful as iron.” To give a daughter goods worth several hundred taels the moment they met, despite not including larger assets like estates or shops, was already extremely generous.
As they spoke, Madam Pei summoned an older servant and two maids. “This is Lin Momo, and these are Pinglan and Qiusi. From now on, they’ll stay by your side and serve you.”
Zhen Tingyun was startled. “There’s no need. I already have Liushun and Bazhen with me.”
Madam Pei smiled. “Your grandmother can’t do without attendants either. Besides, elderly people are often attached to familiar faces. As a younger generation member, why don’t you give way a little and leave Bazhen and Liushun with your grandmother? I’ll assign these new people to you instead. That way you’ll have people around you to talk things over with and people to help you get things done.”
This was where Madam Pei’s thoughtfulness showed. Old Lady Zhen had always been difficult and demanding. If too many new servants were assigned to her, she would likely find fault with all of them. It would be far better to leave the two maids she was accustomed to using by her side. Since she trusted them already, she would naturally feel more at ease. Then a reliable and careful Momo could quietly keep an eye on things in her courtyard. That way, nothing was likely to go wrong.
As for Zhen Tingyun, she was now at an age where, despite being new to the capital, she would soon need to enter the social circles of noble young ladies. She needed proper maids and Momos who understood etiquette and could guide her. Only then could she avoid being looked down upon and reduce the chances of making mistakes.
Zhen Tingyun was not foolish. After thinking it over, she understood that although these newcomers would probably not be as easy to work with as Liushun and Bazhen, they would still be useful. Moreover, Liushun and Bazhen would likely be even more useful by her grandmother’s side.
Thus she only hesitated briefly before nodding. “Mother has thought everything through. Your daughter thanks Mother.”
Seeing her accept so readily, Madam Pei felt extremely satisfied. She exchanged a glance with Bai Momo beside her. The Momo immediately brought over a gilded old rosewood box and handed it to Zhen Tingyun. “Ordinarily, the young ladies of our household receive a monthly allowance of two taels of silver. But since you’ve only just arrived, I’ve made the decision to advance you a full year’s allowance. It will be more convenient that way.”
Zhen Tingyun opened the box. Inside were bright, gleaming silver ingots. There appeared to be more than twenty taels altogether, actually somewhat more than a year’s allowance.
“Mother spoils me so much that I hardly know what to say.” At the sight of the silver, Zhen Tingyun’s face immediately brightened with delight. She no longer bothered with formal words of thanks and instead said: “If I have all these things, then Grandmother surely won’t be left without any. I imagine Mother still plans to bring gifts to Grandmother later. I was just thinking of going to pay my respects to her as well. Why don’t we go together?”
The dynasty placed great emphasis on filial piety.
Though Madam Pei privately resented her mother-in-law, she still had to maintain a respectful appearance and present gifts as propriety demanded.
Zhen Tingyun knew how difficult Old Lady Zhen could be. If Madam Pei went alone, she would almost certainly suffer some unpleasant treatment. It would be better if she accompanied her. She could smooth things over, help ease tensions, and repay Madam Pei’s kindness in her own way.
Madam Pei had not expected such a suggestion. Still, she truly disliked dealing with Old Lady Zhen. Having her daughter accompany her was not a bad idea at all. Smiling, she nodded. “My daughter is very thoughtful.”
Neither mother nor daughter was the sort to dawdle. After making a few simple preparations, they headed together toward Old Lady Zhen’s courtyard.
Older people generally required less sleep. Old Lady Zhen had already been awake for quite some time. However, after traveling for so many days, she had felt sluggish upon waking and remained lounging on the kang bed for a while. By now she had only just finished breakfast.
When she saw Zhen Tingyun arrive, she was naturally delighted. But she had little goodwill toward Madam Pei, her daughter-in-law. Her brows lifted and her eyes narrowed, giving her a distinctly sideways, disdainful look.
Even Zhen Tingyun had to admit that Old Lady Zhen was an exceptionally difficult mother-in-law. After all, Madam Pei’s father had taught and supported Father Zhen in his early career. The Pei family was now powerful and influential. Even out of consideration for the Pei family, Old Lady Zhen should not have behaved this way. Furthermore, they were now in the capital, Madam Pei’s home ground. If Old Lady Zhen continued acting like this, she would ultimately gain nothing from it.
Therefore, Zhen Tingyun took the initiative and spoke first. “Grandmother, how did you sleep last night?”
Old Lady Zhen pursed her lips. “So-so, I suppose.” Only then did she point toward the seats nearby and say: “You may all sit down.”
Zhen Tingyun helped Madam Pei sit down first before moving to Old Lady Zhen’s side and saying with a smile, “Grandmother, you don’t know, Mother prepared so many fabrics and pieces of jewelry for me. This afternoon she’s even having tailors and embroiderers come take our measurements to make new clothes. I’ve already looked at them all; they’re things I’ve never seen before. So I shamelessly tagged along with Mother today, thinking I could also see the wonderful things she prepared for Grandmother. You’re the head of our family, after all. The things for you must be the very best. I simply had to broaden my horizons.”
Hearing that Madam Pei had come to deliver gifts, Old Lady Zhen’s expression softened somewhat, though she still put on airs as she scolded her granddaughter: “You silly girl with no discernment. Are a few little trinkets really worth going on about like this?”
Zhen Tingyun replied, “If Grandmother doesn’t care for them, then reward them all to me instead. That way I can make a few more outfits.”
How could that be allowed?!
Old Lady Zhen immediately dropped her lofty posture and inwardly cursed: Truly, one girl is worth three thieves! Ignoring the little debt collector, Zhen Tingyun, who was asking for things, she turned to Madam Pei and asked, “What did you bring? Bring them up and let me have a look.”
Madam Pei had not expected Old Lady Zhen to be in such a good temper today, so easy to speak with. She could not help letting out a sigh of relief and quickly instructed the servants to bring over the fabrics, jewelry, and other gifts that had long since been sorted and prepared.
Once the items were brought out, they were indeed even more valuable than the things Zhen Tingyun had received, especially the jewelry. Most of it was gold and silver, glittering brightly enough to dazzle the eyes. This was also because Madam Pei knew that Old Lady Zhen had no fondness for antiques or curios. The only things she truly liked were gold and silver, so she had no choice but to prepare gifts accordingly.
Sure enough, the moment Old Lady Zhen saw these items, she visibly softened. Rarely, she even smiled at Madam Pei. “You’ve been thoughtful.”
Madam Pei immediately lowered her head and replied politely, “It’s enough that Mother likes them.”
In truth, Old Lady Zhen could hardly stand Madam Pei’s refined, affected manner. But Zhen Tingyun was sitting nearby, looking through the gifts while chattering away: “Grandmother, with so many wonderful things, won’t you reward me with a little something too?”
Madam Pei felt that sounded inappropriate and quickly admonished her: “Ting Jie’er, how can you speak to your grandmother like that? These all belong to your grandmother, and most of the styles aren’t suitable for young girls anyway. If you like them, I’ll get you more next time.”
Old Lady Zhen had originally been quite unwilling to give her granddaughter anything. Yet hearing Madam Pei say that unexpectedly piqued her interest. She reached into the pile of gold and silver and rummaged around. First she picked up a gold neck ring, weighed it in her hand, and felt it was too heavy. Then she picked up a gold bracelet and still thought it somewhat too substantial. Next she found a pair of jade pendants, but worried that jade might be more valuable than gold. At last she selected only a gold ring and stuffed it into Zhen Tingyun’s hand. “There, take this.”
Zhen Tingyun beamed with delight. “I knew Grandmother was generous and always loved me.”
Truthfully, although Old Lady Zhen was stingy, if someone managed to make her happy, she was willing to give younger family members a little something and show off her generosity. Of course, there was also an implied message: If you continue serving me well, I’ll have more good things for you in the future.
So seeing Zhen Tingyun so delighted over merely receiving a ring, while she herself still possessed an entire pile of treasures, Old Lady Zhen felt extremely satisfied and pleased. She lifted her chin proudly. “When you shamelessly pester me for things like this, what can I possibly do with you…?”
Only Madam Pei remained completely bewildered. “…”
She truly could not understand why Old Lady Zhen looked even happier after Zhen Tingyun had successfully wheedled something out of her.
And hadn’t Old Lady Zhen always favored boys over girls? Why had she suddenly become so affectionate toward Zhen Tingyun?
Maintaining her dignified expression, Madam Pei reluctantly echoed, “Well, that’s certainly nice.”
Other than that, she had no idea what to say.
Since Zhen Tingyun had succeeded in cheering Old Lady Zhen up, and Madam Pei had also brought so many gifts, Old Lady Zhen’s mood improved considerably. She no longer put on a sour face toward Madam Pei and even invited her to stay for a while. Mother-in-law and daughter-in-law drank tea, ate pastries, and exchanged a few words. The atmosphere was surprisingly harmonious, unlike anything they had experienced before.
Had Zhen Tingyun not remembered that she still had several sheets of large-character calligraphy left to practice, and had not yet practiced her bamboo xiao, she would have found it impossible to settle her mind. After sitting only a short while, she announced that she needed to return.
Madam Pei rose to leave as well. Otherwise, Old Lady Zhen might very well have insisted that both mother and daughter stay for lunch.
In fact, Old Lady Zhen very much wanted to keep her youngest granddaughter beside her for some private conversation. Mainly because she had only recently arrived in the capital and felt uncertain. She wanted to put on airs before her daughter-in-law, yet lacked confidence. More than anything, she wanted to hear her granddaughter’s opinion. But she also knew that Zhen Tingyun was working extremely hard preparing for the girls’ academy examinations. She spent every day studying and only had a little free time in the evenings.
So Old Lady Zhen did not keep her, thinking that speaking later that evening would be just as good.
Madam Pei had never imagined that Old Lady Zhen could change so much. Today, she had even spoken far fewer cutting remarks and had hardly made things difficult for her.
As a result, when she and Zhen Tingyun left together, she still felt somewhat dazed.
After finally coming back to herself, Madam Pei could not help sighing and said to Zhen Tingyun, “Your grandmother likes you so much. When you have time, spend more time talking with her.”
That way, there would be fewer troubles at home as well.
With an obedient expression, Zhen Tingyun replied, “As her granddaughter, it is only right that I be filial to Grandmother.”
Her daughter seemed clever, even better and more useful than she had imagined. Madam Pei felt a growing affection for her. After a moment’s thought, she removed a bracelet of tourmaline beads from her wrist and handed it over with a smile. “Your maternal grandmother gave this to me back then. It isn’t particularly valuable, but you can wear it for fun. When the time comes to pay your respects to your maternal grandmother and the others, wear this with you. They’ll surely be pleased to see it…”
In a few days it would be the birthday of the Third Miss of the Pei family. Madam Pei intended to bring both Zhen Yiyun and Zhen Tingyun with her. It would be a good opportunity for Zhen Tingyun to meet the elders on her maternal side. Giving her daughter an item with a family history attached to it was naturally an act of kindness.
Smiling, Zhen Tingyun accepted it. Calculating all the various gifts she had received recently, she felt that she had made quite a small fortune.
It seemed that coming to the capital this time had not been without its benefits.
She had practically become a little rich lady.
***
Because she had accompanied Madam Pei on a visit to Old Lady Zhen’s courtyard, by the time Zhen Tingyun returned and resumed her calligraphy practice, it was already lunchtime after she finished writing five sheets of large characters.
She had no choice but to leave practicing the xiao until midday. But then, in the afternoon, tailors came to take measurements and make clothing. By the time she had finished all her business and sat down to dinner, the sky was already dark.
Zhen Tingyun did not mind this at all. As long as there was food to eat, what difference did it make whether she ate early or late?
Yet just as she was eating, an unexpected guest arrived: Zhen Yiyun.
Zhen Yiyun had just returned from the girls’ academy. Although the academy did provide boarding for some students, the dormitories were mainly reserved for girls from out of town or from poor families. Students like Zhen Yiyun generally commuted daily.
She appeared to have come straight from school and was still wearing the blue-and-white skirt and blouse unique to Yuhua Girls’ Academy, with a jade-green silk cord tied at her waist. The outfit itself could hardly be called beautiful. But Zhen Yiyun was tall and slender, with a graceful, delicate waist. Her beauty was such that even simple hairpins and coarse cloth could not conceal it. Thus, even in such a plain uniform, she appeared exquisitely lovely and elegant, possessing an extraordinary bearing.
Seeing her elder sister arrive, Zhen Tingyun had no choice but to put down her chopsticks, rise to greet her, and ask, “Why has Elder Sister come?”
With a smile on her face and a gentle voice, Zhen Yiyun replied, “The day after tomorrow is Third Cousin Sister’s birthday. We’ll all be attending. I thought I should tell you a bit about the cousins on Mother’s side of the family…” This was something Madam Pei had instructed her to do the previous night. So as soon as classes ended today, she came over, naturally intending to demonstrate the kindness and affection expected of an elder sister.
Zhen Tingyun was actually rather curious about this.
Although, according to what Zhen Yiyun had said in the dream, her eldest cousin Pei Rusong was the “original male lead” and supposedly her destined match, she knew very little about Pei Rusong or the Pei family and remained only half convinced.
Still, since she would be visiting her maternal grandparents’ family, it was certainly better to learn something about them in advance and make preparations.
So Zhen Tingyun nodded. “Then I’ll have to thank Elder Sister.”
With a gentle expression, Zhen Yiyun sat down and carefully explained the Pei family’s situation.
In truth, although the Pei family was more prosperous and populous than the Zhen family, it was not particularly complicated. Old Master Pei had married Madam Wei. They had two sons and one daughter, all born of the principal wife:
Eldest son: Pei Chengliang
Second son: Pei Chengcai
Youngest daughter: Pei Yuanjun
The eldest son had one son and one daughter:
Eldest grandson: Pei Rusong
Third granddaughter: Pei Mingzhu
The second son had three daughters and one son:
Eldest granddaughter: Pei Mingzhen
Second granddaughter: Pei Mingya
Fourth granddaughter: Pei Manli
Second grandson: Pei Lizhen
The birthday being celebrated this time belonged to Third Miss Pei Mingzhu.
As the legitimate daughter of the eldest branch of the family, and with an outstanding full brother like Pei Rusong above her, she was more favored by Old Master Pei and Old Madam Pei than her other cousins. Naturally, it would not do to make any mistakes at her birthday banquet.
Zhen Yiyun had always been close to her maternal relatives and was thoroughly familiar with everyone’s likes and dislikes. Smiling, she suggested, “Third Cousin Sister especially loves jade. Younger Sister could perhaps find some fine jade jewelry as a gift. She would surely treasure it dearly.”
Fine jade jewelry was extremely expensive. Although Zhen Tingyun had recently made a small fortune, she was still unwilling to spend it so readily. Thus she merely responded vaguely, “Mm. I’ll think about it.”
Naturally, Zhen Yiyun knew that this younger sister had only just arrived and was probably short on money, so she said nothing further.
After all, Madam Pei, as their mother, would certainly prepare an appropriate formal gift. The family’s dignity would not be compromised. Any additional gifts exchanged afterward would simply be gestures of affection between cousins.
She had already reminded her sister and fulfilled her duty as an elder sister. If Zhen Tingyun still managed to offend people, that would have nothing to do with her. It would simply prove that Zhen Tingyun was foolish and lacking in social awareness.
Indeed, after Madam Pei’s advice, Zhen Yiyun had come to understand many things.
In this world, the one thing that could never be defeated was time.
While Zhen Tingyun had spent thirteen years in the countryside accompanying Old Lady Zhen, a vulgar and foolish old woman, Zhen Yiyun had been the treasured jewel of Father Zhen and Madam Pei. Beautiful and intelligent, she had excelled in her studies from childhood, rivaling even boys. She occasionally produced brilliant observations and clever remarks, causing Father Zhen to lament that she had not been born a son. Moreover, thanks to her foreknowledge of the plot, she had successfully become a disciple of Teacher He.
Teacher He was one of the most renowned talented women in the realm.
Even in the original story, it was only after becoming Teacher He’s student that Zhen Tingyun gained the opportunity to achieve fame throughout the capital.
But since Zhen Tingyun had been left behind in the countryside, Teacher He and the future reputation that came with her had naturally become Zhen Yiyun’s prize instead.
Most importantly, relationships were built through shared time and companionship.
Whether it was Father Zhen, Madam Pei, or the relatives on her mother’s side, their hearts would naturally be much closer to her than to Zhen Tingyun, who had just arrived from the countryside.
In truth, Zhen Tingyun had already lost.
She had been losing for thirteen years.
Just as Madam Pei had said the previous night: No matter what, she can never compare to you. Why bother arguing with her over such things?
Take this birthday gift, for example.
Even if she had told Zhen Tingyun what Third Cousin Sister liked, did Zhen Tingyun actually have the money to buy fine jade jewelry?
Zhen Yiyun, on the other hand, had already come of age. In the second month of the year she would undergo her coming-of-age ceremony. To teach her household management, Madam Pei had long ago entrusted her with an estate and a shop.
As a result, she had plenty of spending money. She could buy whatever she wanted and could afford to be generous in maintaining social relationships.
So Zhen Yiyun had come to terms with everything. She was perfectly happy to play the role of a good elder sister. After all, the advantage was hers. No matter what, she could always keep Zhen Tingyun beneath her.
She remembered that a famous person in her previous life had once said: “Strategically, despise the enemy; tactically, take the enemy seriously.”
…
Thinking this, the smile on Zhen Yiyun’s face grew even gentler. Looking at Zhen Tingyun with eyes as soft as water, she spoke in an even more tender voice: “Younger Sister has only just arrived, so perhaps you don’t know. Mother deliberately chose Third Cousin Sister’s birthday banquet as the occasion for you to make your appearance, and she did so for your benefit. First, this is our maternal family’s home, not outsiders. Even if something goes wrong, they can smooth things over. And if they cannot smooth it over, they can at least help conceal it. Second, Third Cousin has always had a wide circle of acquaintances. Many young ladies from prominent families in the capital will certainly attend her birthday banquet. Even the young county princess from Yan Wang’s residence may come. With me there to introduce you, you’ll be able to meet friends your own age. And third…”
At this point, Zhen Yiyun blinked and smiled warmly. “Grandfather and Grandmother are both very easygoing people. Even our two aunts are generous. By then, Younger Sister, you’ll be receiving quite a few more greeting gifts.”
There was a teasing undertone to those words, but Zhen Tingyun really was a little tempted by the idea. So she put on an expression of gratitude and delight and hurriedly said, “It’s fortunate that Elder Sister told me all this. Otherwise I’d still be completely in the dark.”
Zhen Yiyun sat a little longer before finally rising to take her leave. “I still have to attend the girls’ academy tomorrow and need to go back to review my lessons, so I won’t stay any longer.”
Zhen Tingyun escorted her to the door, then had the half-eaten dishes and cold food cleared away. She left Liushun and Bazhen to pack up their things so they could move to Old Lady Zhen’s courtyard the next day. As for herself, she got up and went to find Old Lady Zhen for a chat.
Earlier that morning, Old Lady Zhen had seemed rather depressed, so Zhen Tingyun felt she ought to go comfort her.
Unexpectedly, before she even reached the courtyard, she could already hear Old Lady Zhen’s hearty laughter. There was none of the gloom Zhen Tingyun had imagined.
In truth, Father Zhen, as a devotedly filial son, paid much more attention to Old Lady Zhen’s emotional state than Zhen Tingyun, who was immersed in her studies. So as soon as he finished work at the yamen, Father Zhen returned home and brought Madam Pei and Zhen Hengzhe with him to accompany Old Lady Zhen for dinner.
Thus, Old Lady Zhen sat in the seat of honor. Her son was seated on her left and her grandson on her right, her two precious treasures. She was practically standing at the pinnacle of life. She was so delighted that she ate an extra bowl of rice at dinner, and her laughter simply would not stop. Even Zhen Tingyun outside the courtyard could hear it.
To be honest, Zhen Tingyun felt a little sour about it.
I thought you were waiting for me to come keep you company. Who would’ve guessed you were over here enjoying yourself with your favorite son and grandson, not even thinking about me!
When Old Lady Zhen spotted Zhen Tingyun, she spared her a glance amid her busy enjoyment and curled her lip. “Why have you come?”
Zhen Tingyun: “!!!”
A grandmother who favored boys over girls really was infuriating!
Fortunately, although Old Lady Zhen was getting old and her eyesight was poor, she could still read a little of her granddaughter’s expression. The moment she saw the change on Zhen Tingyun’s face, she came to her senses. Before her granddaughter could speak, inspiration struck. “Oh my, Second Girl, you’ve finally come! Your father bought me a jin of osmanthus cakes. I kept saying I couldn’t possibly eat that much myself. Wasn’t I just waiting for you to come help me finish them?”
As she spoke, Old Lady Zhen waved her over and personally handed her a piece of osmanthus cake. “Quick, eat. The pastries here in the capital really are delicious, fresh and made with generous ingredients!”
Father Zhen and Madam Pei both froze slightly. They had never imagined that someone as blatantly biased toward boys as Old Lady Zhen could have moments of affection like this toward a granddaughter.
Zhen Tingyun, however, felt much better. Quite contentedly, she accepted the osmanthus cake, then greeted Father Zhen, Madam Pei, and Zhen Hengzhe one by one.
Father Zhen felt deeply guilty toward his daughter, so he called her to sit beside him and spoke gently: “I heard from your mother that you got up early this morning to practice calligraphy and didn’t even rest at noon. Your diligence greatly pleases me as your father. Still, you’re young. You must take care of your health. If you exhaust yourself, the result will be the opposite of what you intend.”
After taking a few bites of osmanthus cake, Zhen Tingyun felt her mouth becoming dry. She poured herself a cup of hot tea from the side, took a drink, and then replied: “It’s really not that tiring. After practicing calligraphy in the morning, I saw that it was getting late, so I moved xiao practice to noon. After lunch, I memorize music scores and play the bamboo xiao as a form of relaxation. Once I’ve relaxed enough, I go back to practicing calligraphy. When my hand gets tired, I read arithmetic books to clear my mind.”
The more she explained it, the more Zhen Tingyun felt that her schedule was both flexible and perfectly reasonable.
After all, when she had been traveling with Yuanhui, she had pasted paper onto the walls of the carriage and practiced calligraphy while on the road. That had been truly exhausting. Then Yuanhui would make her go out and ride horses, leaving her drenched in sweat, and afterward she would come back and continue practicing calligraphy. Back then, everything from her wrist to her fingertips trembled from fatigue…
Thinking back on those hardships, her current level of effort did not seem difficult at all. In fact, she rather enjoyed it.
Suddenly remembering her riding and archery training, she casually asked: “Father, the girls’ academy also tests riding and archery. Reading, calligraphy, and xiao practice are easy enough to do at home, but riding and archery aren’t. What should I do about those?”
To be honest, every time she thought about having nowhere to practice riding and archery, she wanted to run off and stay at Yuanhui’s haunted residence. Remote as it was, the estate bordered the Western Hills, making horseback riding and archery extremely convenient. But now that she had returned home, leaving the house was no longer so easy. She could only suppress the idea for now and consult her father first.
Father Zhen genuinely had never considered the issue.
Although the girls’ academy examined students in the Six Arts, many noble young ladies were poor at riding and archery. As a result, the academy had adapted to circumstances and relaxed its requirements somewhat. Young ladies who were not skilled in those two subjects could choose one alternative from chess, painting, poetry, or lyric composition. However, the highest grade obtainable through such a substitution was only a B. For example, Zhen Yiyun was reasonably good at riding but truly terrible at archery, so she had chosen painting as a substitute. In the final Six Arts examination, she had received A grades in ritual, music, calligraphy, mathematics, and riding. Painting, which replaced archery, earned her a B
Five A’s and one B.
She had been the undisputed top student, a source of great pride for both Father Zhen and Madam Pei.
Therefore, Father Zhen had never expected that, with such a busy schedule, Zhen Tingyun was still thinking about riding and archery.
He first praised her: “’To forget food in one’s determination and forget sorrow in one’s joy.’ Such diligence from my daughter is truly rare…” As he spoke, his gaze drifted toward Madam Pei.
Understanding his meaning, Madam Pei took over the conversation with a smile. “We do have an estate outside the city. It’s not very large, but it’s enough for riding horses. Still, there’s no need to rush yourself so much. You can’t eat hot tofu in a hurry. The girls’ academy examination isn’t something that can be rushed. Just put your mind at ease and let your elder sister help you prepare gradually. Even if you don’t pass this year, there’s still hope next year.”
Although Old Lady Zhen had already mentioned Zhen Tingyun’s intention to take the girls’ academy examination the previous day, neither Father Zhen nor Madam Pei had taken it seriously. After all, Zhen Tingyun had spent her childhood in the countryside with Old Lady Zhen.
They knew better than anyone what kind of person Old Lady Zhen was and what conditions in the countryside were like. In their eyes, the fact that Zhen Tingyun could read and write, and write quite well at that, was already close to a miracle.
Passing the girls’ academy examination? That was simply unimaginable.
Now they saw her practicing calligraphy, learning the xiao, studying arithmetic, and even worrying about riding and archery. To Father Zhen and Madam Pei, it seemed that their daughter was trying to accomplish too much too quickly. They felt she was overly eager for success and far too impatient by nature.
Zhen Tingyun raised her eyes to look at Madam Pei and pursed her lips. “Mother also thinks I won’t pass the girls’ academy examination?”
Madam Pei paused. “I merely think that in dealing with life, one should keep one’s feet firmly on the ground.”
Tilting her head, Zhen Tingyun looked at her. Then she suddenly smiled, her eyes curving into crescents. “Mother, how about we make a wager? If I get into the girls’ academy, you’ll give me that estate outside the city?”
In fact, that estate had already been given by Madam Pei to her eldest daughter, Zhen Yiyun, to manage. It was essentially part of her future dowry. Yet when Zhen Tingyun spoke in this manner and wore such an expression, Madam Pei’s heart skipped a beat. For some reason, she felt a surge of impatience and irritation.
After a moment of silence, she finally said, “If you can really get in, what is one estate worth?”
As if she had not noticed Madam Pei’s reluctance, Zhen Tingyun clapped her hands and laughed. “With Mother promising me an estate, I’ll have to work even harder!”
Father Zhen had originally intended to advise his daughter to take care of her health and balance work with rest. But seeing her lively, spirited little face, he swallowed the words back down.
Forget it. It’s not a major matter. As long as my daughter is happy.
Madam Pei had originally been considering hiring a tutor to make up for the gaps in her daughter’s education. But after this exchange, annoyance stirred within her, and she swallowed those plans as well.
What she thought instead was: The girl has only just come from a small countryside village. It’s natural for her to think too highly of herself. Letting her stumble once, suffer a setback, and temper her character wouldn’t be a bad thing. Then she’ll learn how high the heavens are and how thick the earth is.
Only Old Lady Zhen nodded enthusiastically from the side, delighted. Without hesitation, she settled the matter on the spot. “This is your mother adding to your future dowry. Why aren’t you thanking her?”
Zhen Tingyun obediently rose and thanked Madam Pei.
Being cornered by this pair of living treasures, a grandmother and granddaughter working together, Madam Pei felt somewhat stifled and spoke much less afterward. Only Father Zhen, delighted to see family harmony, continued acting as peacemaker.
After chatting for a while, they finally saw that it was getting late and prepared to leave. Zhen Tingyun had wanted to stay behind and talk with Old Lady Zhen a bit longer, but seeing the old woman’s tired expression, she did not linger and returned to her own courtyard.
Unexpectedly, upon returning, she walked right into a dramatic scene unfolding in her yard.
![The Shadow Guard is also the White Moonlight [Rebirth]](https://i2.wp.com/lazygirltranslations.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/1724126829-7102-The-Shadow-Guard-is-also-the-White-Moonlight-Rebirth.png?resize=151,215 "The Shadow Guard is also the White Moonlight [Rebirth]")
