Chapter 5: Little Miss Mishaps 5

Wu Yihan directed Minglan to the corner of the side pavilion where a zither is located. He then directed his little sister to sit infront of the instrument. Clearly he wanted her to play for him.

" Eleventh brother. I am not feeling quite well." Minglan said as she helplessly took a sit on the player's seat. She knew this brother of hers is fond of her music.

Three days ago, Minglan was bored enough to play with the zither that was put aside in her rooms. She played songs from memory and songs that Bella have heard during her short eight years of life. Coincidentally, Wu Yihan decided to drop by that day and found out that this younger sister of his is actually quite gifted in terms of music.

Now this led to the young lad to find opportunities to make her play, at least in his presence or of their father whom the boy knew will be happy to hear of her notes. But as mentioned, Minglan is weak. Even if she wanted to, she cannot do a long performance as even a three minutes long song will wear her out.

"I know you are not feeling well, but indulge me for now." Wu Yihan said as a tired look flashed upon his face.

"Did something happened?" Minglan asked full of concerns.

"Its the usual sister." He said as he rubbed the younger's head. He again marvel the fragility and the smallness of this younger sister he have.

"Are you sad?" Minglan tried to pry.

Minglan knew that each children in this household are treated differently. Like her who is mostly neglected, other children faces different expectations and treatment. From what she knew the eldest legitimate son is treated as if he is an ancestor, whose words and orders have to be followed, but of course the boy is also tasked to bring honor in the family by outshining other children of same generation or atleast maintain the prestige of the family.

From what she heard in the grapevines, the children other than her is subject to various studies and duties from the young age. The legitimate ones other than the eldest son is thoroughly educated with skills a child of their status should have, not to mention their biological mother is a perfectionist who accepts nothing but the best. Leading this little Yihan to be very pressured and stress most of the time.

The illegitimate ones on the other hand should have it easier, but due to some sort of rivalries between the mothers they are also force to outshine their fellow siblings just to please them. Her sixth brother have once stated that illegitimate ones like him is bound to be independent at some point, but their mothers should have not forced it to them. Now if it weren't for familial piety, most of the male children of the family is willing to ignore their mothers, after all they did do their best but clearly it should have put them in mind not their petty rivalries. The boy then once again lament the loss of brothers and sisters due to their selfish parent.

But thinking about it well, Yihan have it well as so the rest of the male children of the family. Atleast when they are able enough they could escape their mothers' nagging and have their own will. The girls of the family is not as fortunate to have that luxury, making them live in the teachings of these type of women who didn't know better than scheming others' happy life.

As if he have found some sort of salvation, he said. "So sister be a dear and fullfil my request."

Sighing a particularly heavy sigh, Minglan nod and placed her fingers unto the strings of the instrument.

A soft relaxing sound rang in the pavilion. It was smoothing spirit lifting melody, that the boy unconsciously closed his eyes to savor them.

Minglan played a song that Bella have once heard. It was supposed to be played with a Kalimba, but since she have none of the instrument, she improvised and translate the notes into the zither. But really the song is still not perfectly appropriated, and is still not perfect for someone who knew of the song. Though regardless of her opinion, it sounds pleasing to her listeners.

After three minutes, the song came to a stop. Minglan was panting and her brows were dripping with sweat. The sight made her brother feel pity and thanked her for indulging his selfish request.

"It's brother, but I want a new book for my labor." Minglan said as she wiped her forehead with the towel Ling offered her.

"No problem lil sis. I'll offer you my whole collection if you will always play for me." Wu Yihan said cheekily.

Minglan had a complicated face as she is mixed wether she should be happy or sad with the prospects of having more books and having to work her stamina to perform for this brother of hers.

The two spent time like this. They fooled around and frolicked with one another. Although it was cut short when Minglan have to retire early as her body decided that it have enough being outside.

Wu Yihan escorted her to her courtyard and made sure she is comfortable enough when he went out.

"Young Miss you should really take care of yourself." Ling said as she felt her master's temperature, noting that her forehead is a bit feverish. " Your fever is back again."

Minglan only smiled cheekily and said in dazed manner. "But I had fun. I only got few opportunities to be like this. No way I'm letting it go like it was just nothing. And its rare that me and Yihan gets to get together. Madam is not pleased with me after all."

Ling like always sighed resigned to her master's stubbornness. She could only make sure that this fragile young girl will be safe enough to live a carefree life. With her master's abovementioned statements, she really cannot rebuke the logic.

Relationship in this mansion is really complicated. Even the relationship between Minglan and Ling is complicated too, but it's better is this kind of things to be far away as far as possible from the sickly miss. It will just put some unnecessary burden to the sickly girl.

Coaxing her master to drink another bowl of medicine, Ling then prepared the bed for Minglan to rest with.

Minglan thankfully watched and felt the sincere care the other provides. Her care is the closest of a mother touch she could have, so this time she didn't let the girl not know of what she thought.

"Ling you'll make a great mother."

Ling totally not expecting that paused on that sentence. Flustered, she stuttered and said. "-M-miss! What are you saying!"

"Why its true." Minglan said as her eyes felt heavy by the second. "You cared for me and provided for me.... Like the concubine mothers to their children...you want the best for me... I kind of en..."

She might wanted to talk some more but she slept halfway her words, leaving the blushing maid to heat up even more.

Ling was extremely flustered with her master's words. She wanted to rebuke them, but seeing the peaceful face of her sleeping she cease even the thought of it.

"Miss.... you're a treasure this household does not deserve. My care is my loyalty. I'm afraid I'll be the worse mother for you are my all." Ling murmured below her breath as she caressed the sleeping girl's face. She then properly tucked her in and said softy. Afterwards she took a few steps away.

"Sleep well my miss. May you be blessed of good dreams..." Ling said as she went to her post outside the room.