Chapter 17: Patience and Perseverance

Early the next morning, the clear chirping of birds filled the air above Lanxi Garden, accompanied by the sound of reading aloud.

The servants cleaning the courtyard couldn't help but smile as they watched the young master reading. With his presence, the gloom that had shrouded Lanxi Garden for the past six months seemed to dissipate, and the place was finally brimming with vitality.

After getting ready, Yueyao went to the study to look for calligraphy models. She had already mastered the running script and didn't need to practice it anymore, so she decided to learn a new style. She couldn't find any calligraphy models after searching for a while, so she thought she should buy some from the market.

Seeing Yueyao flipping through books, Hualai asked, "Miss, what are you looking for?"

Upon hearing that Yueyao was looking for calligraphy models, Hualai paused for a moment before saying, "Miss, I remember Madam gave you a calligraphy model before. Let me go and find it." As she spoke, she suddenly realized her mistake. Every time she mentioned Madam to Yueyao, it would make her sad.

Although Yueyao felt sorrowful, she couldn't dwell on it as before. Upon hearing Hualai's words, she thought of her mother's beautiful plum blossom calligraphy. She used to admire her mother's elegant and exquisite plum blossom calligraphy, which looked like dancing seal script from a distance and blooming plum blossoms up close.

Seeing Yueyao lost in thought, Hualai called out, "Miss, Miss."

Yueyao came back to her senses and sighed softly. It had been more than twenty years, and even the best memories had faded. "Just find it for me," she said. If she could learn plum blossom seal script, it would be wonderful. Every woman in the inner chambers hoped to write a beautiful and enviable plum blossom calligraphy. However, this style was very difficult to practice.

Yueyao wanted to learn plum blossom seal script not to impress others, but because she thought that if she could write it beautifully, she could earn a good income by selling her calligraphy, even if she didn't sell her paintings. She had heard that a well-written plum blossom calligraphy could fetch ten taels of silver in the market! If it could fetch such a high price in a small town, it should be even more valuable in the capital.

Yueyao realized it was time to pay her respects to her grandmother. Although her grandmother had said she didn't have to go, Yueyao didn't take her words seriously. When elders told you not to go, it was out of pity. If you went on your own, it showed filial piety. Yueyao had originally planned to take Zheng'er with her, but seeing his injury, she gave up the idea. It wasn't because her grandmother didn't like Zheng'er, but because his foot was still injured. He could walk a few steps in the courtyard without any problem, but Yueyao was afraid his wound would reopen if they walked too far, which would be troublesome.

After leaving the house, she saw Nanny Gu staring at her intently. Yueyao knew what Nanny Gu was thinking. Without showing any emotion, she said, "Nanny, come with me."

Nanny Gu was surprised. She didn't know why Yueyao had been distant from her these past few days. But now that Yueyao was willing to be close to her again, she naturally welcomed it.

Zheng'er tugged at Yueyao's clothes, not wanting her to leave. Yueyao knew he was afraid she wouldn't come back if she left, so she squatted down and gently said, "Zheng'er, I'm going to pay my respects to grandmother now. I'll be back in just an hour. When I come back, I'll check on you. If you're lazy, I'll have to punish you."

Hearing Yueyao say she would be back soon, Zheng'er relaxed a bit. He obediently nodded and said, "Don't worry, sister, I won't be lazy."

Lanxi Garden was quite far from the main house where the old lady lived, and it took about fifteen minutes to walk there. Yueyao used to think it was quite far, but now she thought it was a good opportunity to exercise. Her body was too delicate and had been pampered, which wasn't good.

Yueyao remembered what her teacher had said, that childhood was the time to lay the foundation for a healthy body. If the foundation was laid well and the body was well nurtured, there would be fewer health problems in the future. So Yueyao decided that not only would she exercise, but she and Zheng'er would also take supplements. By doing both, they could strengthen the foundation of their bodies.

As she walked along the road, she enjoyed the freedom to breathe fresh air and the delightful sound of birds from the books.

As she approached the main house, she heard laughter and chatter from inside. She hadn't encountered this before because she usually arrived late. Today, she arrived early and coincidentally met her three elder cousins who were paying their respects.

Upon entering the house, Yueyao immediately noticed the precious rosewood carved screen in the main hall. It was said that this rosewood screen was acquired during the time of the grandfather. Yueyao was puzzled as to why her grandmother had ordered it to be displayed.

Unable to resist, Yueyao walked over to examine the screen closely. She wasn't coveting its value; she was drawn to the unique patterns on it.

Yueyao was pulled back to reality by the sound of cheerful laughter in the room. Seeing the puzzled look on the maid's face, Yueyao smiled but didn't explain, as there was no need to.

The maid didn't ask either and led Yueyao into the room. Yueyao saw her three cousins, each with a joyful expression on their faces.

When the old lady saw Yueyao, she beckoned her to come forward. She had heard from the servants that Yueyao had started teaching Zheng'er to recognize characters and had taught him until late at night.

Yueyao was dressed in a cherry blossom-colored jacket with embroidered lace, matching a skirt of the same color. After paying her respects and bowing to the old lady, she approached her.

The old lady said kindly, "You were teaching Little Zheng to recognize characters and read last night, weren't you?" It was not a question, but an affirmation. The old lady was well aware of everything that happened in Lianxi Yard.

YueYao knew that YueJia had not been able to escape her grandmother's watchful eyes. She nodded with a smile and said, "Little Zheng is five years old this year and has not received any formal education, so I took it upon myself to start teaching him."

The old lady had a clear understanding of YueYao's talents. YueSan had completely inherited her second son's intelligence, and it was her son who personally entrusted YueYao with Little Zheng's education in reading and writing, so YueYao's talent was more than enough.

YueBing, with a curious look, asked, "Sister San, our third uncle was quite eloquent. He memorized the Hundred Family Surnames and the Three Character Classic in a single day, and not a single word was wrong in his dictation. I wonder how Little Zheng would compare?" It was obvious that her words were not well-intentioned, as everyone in the Yue family knew about Zheng's aptitude, almost to the point of calling him a fool.

The old lady looked to YueYao.

YueYao knew that YueBing was not speaking kindly, but she still spoke the truth, "Little Zheng is doing fine. He learned ten characters yesterday."

As soon as YueYao finished speaking, the room fell deadly quiet. Everyone looked at her in astonishment.

YueYao also knew that in the eyes of rural folks, teaching a child ten characters in a day would still be considered good. However, in the scholarly Yue family, such words could not be said. It was embarrassing!

YueBing covered her mouth and laughed, "Sister San, you really have patience." She wasn't sure if her sister's brain had rusted. With this kind of aptitude, it was a stretch to say that he was doing fine. How could Sister San say that with a straight face?

The old lady looked at YueYao thoughtfully. Given YueYao's previous arrogance, it wouldn't be surprising for her to disdain teaching a child with such poor aptitude. However, despite YueBing's sarcasm, YueYao remained unperturbed. The old lady began to wonder about YueYao's behavior.

YueYing was eagerly anticipating YueYao's reaction. YueHuan, as always, acted as if she were just a backdrop. Her role as a backdrop had always been well-played.

YueYao seemed to not understand YueBing's mockery and said with a smile, "Second Sister is right. Little Zheng's aptitude is indeed below average. But in my opinion, aptitude is not the focus. I believe that as long as Little Zheng is diligent, persevering, and able to endure and strive persistently, he will definitely not be inferior to others." Seeing YueBing about to speak, YueYao immediately knew that she wouldn't say anything good, so she continued with a smile, "I don't expect Little Zheng to be like our grandfather and father, achieving high honors in the imperial examination. I just want him to understand etiquette and propriety, and to be able to uphold the family's prestige in the future, which would be enough."

With these words, YueYao had already shut down what others wanted to say. She had already said that she didn't expect Little Zheng to succeed in the imperial examination. Therefore, to continue to criticize his poor aptitude would be unreasonable.

After hearing this, a glint of insight flashed in the old lady's eyes. Indeed, given Zheng's aptitude, it would be difficult for him to even become a scholar, let alone an official. Third Sister knew that there was no hope for him in the imperial examination, yet she was still so dedicated to teaching. This proved that her words were genuine. The current Third Sister seemed mature, responsible, and thoroughly thoughtful, resembling an adult. The old lady never would have expected that her second daughter-in-law's dream would open her Third Daughter's mind.

YueBing laughed and said, "Sister San, let's go and visit Little Zheng together later. What do you think?"

YueYao pursed her lips and did not respond. Since she was being bullied like this, she didn't want to argue, so she protested with silence.

YueYing, seeing the atmosphere turn cold, smiled and said, "I heard that Little Zheng is very shy. Sister San, are you worried that we might scare him?"

YueYao nodded apologetically and said, "Second Sister, Little Zheng is indeed very shy. He won't even let the maidservants near him. I'll bring a few maidservants to Lianxi Yard after a few days once he gets used to me. Grandmother, Little Zheng has injured his leg, and I'm afraid that making him walk such a long way will reopen the wound and leave a scar in the future. That's why I decided not to bring him today. I hope grandmother won't blame me." YueYao expressed this with great tact. If her grandmother truly cared for this grandson, she would not have left him to fend for himself in the outer courtyard.

The old lady did not realize that YueYao had put so much thought into this. "Now that you have brought him to your courtyard, how do you plan to arrange for his care?"

The old lady knew YueYao's stance; she did not want those who would curry favor. Although YueYao said she had to ask for her permission in this matter, the old lady was sure that YueYao had her own plans. The old lady was happy to oblige since Third Sister had this idea.

After hearing this, YueBing laughed and said, "Sister San, you told my mother yesterday that Little Zheng has no one to look after him, and my mother has carefully selected a few maidservants. These maidservants have always been diligent and are all born into the family. They won't have any ulterior motives. Later, you can take them to Lianxi Yard." It was already a habit of YueBing to issue orders. Except for the old lady, no one dared to defy her wishes. However, YueBing had not considered whether YueYao would comply with her request.

YueYao had originally planned to discuss this matter with her grandmother after everyone left, but now that YueBing had brought it up, she naturally went along with it. She smiled and said, "Grandmother, I would like to ask for your help in picking a suitable mother for Little Zheng." She then handed this task to Mrs. Deng. She believed that her grandmother had already received the message. If her grandmother truly cared for her, she would surely agree. If not, she would think of another way.

The old lady unexpectedly glanced at Yueyao and realized that this girl had started to think carefully. She smiled and said, "A few days ago, Mrs. Deng sent someone to convey a message to me, saying that she wanted to come back and serve you. However, I have already chosen someone to manage things by your side, and it's not possible to have two managers in one courtyard. So I declined her offer. Now that Zhenge is lacking a manager, Mrs. Deng has always been the most reliable person to serve your mother. It's most appropriate for her to serve Zhenge now." The old lady had already chosen the manager by Yueyao's side. She couldn't let Mrs. Deng replace the person she had chosen.

Although Yueyao had predicted that her grandmother would agree with her wishes, she didn't expect her grandmother to agree so readily. Yueyao was moved and said, "I am unfilial, and now I have to trouble my grandmother for me." Mrs. Deng had been loyal to her mother, and she had never married in her lifetime, always serving by her mother's side. Yueyao had also grown up under Mrs. Deng's care and was very close to her. With Mrs. Deng by her side, she would have an extra support.

The old lady smiled and patted Yueyao's head, "Silly child, your grandmother is not that old yet. You don't need to worry about me."