Chapter 34: Begonia Garden

Ma's Mansion, being the Princess's separate residence, had been an immense project at the time. The entire complex featured entwined attics and was bursting with colorful flowers. Inside the garden, a pond stretched over an acre. Willow branches hung by the pond, draping strips of green silk ribbons that danced lightly in the breeze, exuding an indescribable charm.

Yueyao smiled and said, "Uncle, this place is truly picturesque, simply breathtaking."

Ma Chengpeng smiled and said, "If you think your uncle's mansion is nice, come over every few days and stay for a while."

Upon hearing this, Yueyao beamed brightly, "That would be great. Then I can often enjoy such beautiful scenery." Yueyao hadn't thought about visiting the Ma Family frequently before because she detested Lady Cheng. However, after seeing her uncle this time, she changed her mind. Her uncle was the head of the Ma Family, and as long as he was around, no one could bully her. Lady Cheng would definitely be kind to her outwardly, and as for Ma Linlin, she could just ignore his remarks as if they were the wind. She had overcome far more difficult times in her previous life; a few gossipy words were nothing to fear.

Yueyao decided that in the future, if not every month, then at least every three to five months she would come and stay for a while. Firstly, getting out of the Lian Mansion would give her a break; secondly, spending more time with her uncle would deepen their bond, ensuring his protection in the future. Perhaps by establishing a good relationship with her older cousin, she would also have someone to cherish and defend her.

Ma Chengteng saw Yueyao reacting this way and smiled. However, his smile faded quickly, worried that the child must have truly suffered a lot at the Lian family. Otherwise, she wouldn't react this way.

Ma Chengteng had actually felt uneasy previously when Yueyao repeatedly declined invites to Ma's Mansion. Although the old nanny he sent claimed that Yueyao needed to transcribe scriptures and couldn't come, being rejected surely didn't sit well with him, especially with Lady Cheng adding her whispers; gradually, he stopped suggesting that Yueyao should come to stay and only sent people to visit her every now and then. Now it seemed it wasn't that Yueyao didn't want to come, but rather that the people in the mansion had been neglectful, making excuses. He had been negligent.

Yueyao walked to the entrance of Begonia Garden. Just as she remembered, there were pink walls, gray tiles, and shiny, ruyi-shaped black doors. The small structure consisted of a main hall flanked by side rooms, which included additional smaller chambers.

Yueyao followed Ma Chengteng into the courtyard, entirely planted with Begonia Flowers, specifically the Western Begonias.

Yueyao knew her mother had loved Begonia Flowers, so when she was a maiden, many Western Begonias were planted in the courtyard. Western Begonia Flowers were accompanied by Magnolia, Peony, and Osmanthus, together create an aura of "opulent splendor." Yueyao was aware that the flowers of the Begonia emitted a fragrant scent when they first bloomed. Before flowering, the buds were bright red like dots of rouge, turning pale pink after blooming, reminiscent of the rosy dawn.

Unfortunately, it was not the season for the Begonias to bloom. If it were their blooming season, coming here to enjoy the flowers would be ideal. Yueyao thought about returning next spring or summer when the flowers would be in full bloom.

As Yueyao was captivated by the scenery, Ma Chengteng also slowed his pace.

The group entered the house. The main hall had black lacquered columns and white stone floors, with a statue of Goddess of Mercy hanging on the wall directly opposite the door. Flanking it were dark purple and gold dragon script couplets. Below, a long black nanmu table rested, flanked by rose chairs on each side.

Yueyao entered the Western Chamber. The interior furnishings were not the luxurious nanmu wood but were all made of green bamboo, arranged very simply. A large bookshelf, filled with various books, was positioned along the left wall. Near the window stood a book desk, set with a delicate brush and inkstone, and incense box. On the other side was a small table with several low stools, atop which rested a bronze lamp and two tea cups.

Yueyao was stunned, this, this arrangement was completely different from what it had been during her last visit. What happened, why is everything completely different?

Ma Chengteng said with a smile, "Your mother liked to keep decorations simple and elegant. I always said it was too plain, but she insisted on arranging it this way. Although your mother left the boudoir, this place has remained unchanged all these years, just like when your mother was here."

Tears welled up in Yueyao's eyes. The reason she hadn't met her during her previous life was probably because she had come two years later.

Ma Chengteng led Yueyao to the backyard, where a large expanse of dense apricot trees was planted. Ma Chengteng said with a smile, "Your mother planted these. She loved eating Apricot Flower Cake the most. Every year, during March and April, your mother would make Apricot Flower Cake."

Yueyao lifted her head, her eyes brimming with longing and anticipation, "Uncle, when the apricot blossoms next year, I would like to come here to see them. At that time, I will also make Apricot Flower Cake."

Seeing his niece's admiring attitude, Ma Chengteng naturally agreed happily, "When March comes next year, your uncle will bring you to the mansion to stay for two months."

Yueyao's face showed ecstasy. "Really? Uncle, can I really?"

With an affirmative answer, the smile on Yueyao's face grew even more brilliant. Generally, nieces and uncles belong to different generations and wouldn't have much to talk about. But Yueyao knew that if she wanted Ma Chengteng to care for her twice as much and remember her, she needed to deepen their emotional bond. As long as she wanted, topics would naturally arise.

As a scion of a noble family, Ma Chengteng had studied Guqin, Chess, Calligraphy, and Painting. As a scholar and gentleman, he greatly enjoyed these refined pursuits. Moreover, he held a good reputation among the social elites.

In fact, Ma Chengteng felt quite lonely in the mansion. His stepmother, Lady Cheng, was utterly clueless about these matters, not to mention having any insight. His eldest son was too dull, spending all his time on the imperial examinations, barely scraping by, leaving no time to learn these arts. His second son was clever but focused solely on amusement; no matter how much he taught, it was hopeless, requiring frequent enforcement of family discipline. This left him exhausted and frustrated. His daughter, even more so, detested Guqin, Chess, Calligraphy, and Painting. Now, seeing Yueyao at such a young age with such good comprehension filled him with joy, as they engaged in enthusiastic conversation.

Although Yueyao's skills were not top-notch, having studied for many years, she was still second-rate. She could hold a conversation about Guqin, Chess, Calligraphy, and Painting, especially about Calligraphy and Painting where she was quite authoritative. She could easily continue discussing whatever Ma Chengteng talked about.

As Ma Chengteng and Yueyao talked more, he grew more astonished. He had always heard that Yueyao was talented in painting, but he had not realized that this child was also so good at writing and knowledgeable about other subjects. At such a young age, knowing so much, Ma Chengteng was truly delighted.

Toward the end, Ma Chengteng couldn't help but say to Yueyao, "Yaoyao, why don't you paint something for your uncle to see?" He had always heard of his niece's talent in painting but had never witnessed it. Now, having talked for a while, he was quite excited.

Yueyao was somewhat embarrassed.

Ma Chengteng said with a smile, "Just casually paint a few strokes for your uncle, it doesn't have to be a complete painting."

Only then did Yueyao nod.