Chapter 13: Ancient Books

Lady Mo suddenly didn't know what medicine Yueyao was selling in her gourd. But she didn't think too much about it, thinking that even if Third Girl really was instigated by those around her, it was okay to educate this fool. Such a simple-minded fool wouldn't be in the way of anything. However, she had to check what had been going on with this girl lately. Her actions these past few days were very suspicious. Lady Mo felt like she was losing control.

Lady Mo's mind turned quickly, but her face showed nothing. She took a handkerchief and gently wiped Yueyao's tears, her movements tender. She spoke softly and gently, "Silly girl, how could this be your fault? It's all because those crafty slaves are lawless. Don't worry, I will punish them severely and make sure they don't dare to misbehave again."

Yueyao suppressed the disgust in her heart and, with a grateful expression, said, "Thank you, Auntie. I trust you to take care of Brother Zheng's matter."

Once she saw Yueyao's emotions had stabilized, Lady Mo said, "Yueyao, you are also weak in health, and having Brother Zheng live with you will be too much for you to bear. Yueyao, Brother Zheng is already five years old; he should start his education. He can't always stay in the inner house. I will prepare a yard for him in the front courtyard and move him there. Don't worry, I will carefully select his maids and nannies."

Yueyao thought to herself, just as expected: "I have already discussed with Grandma, and for the time being, Brother Zheng will live with me. He hasn't learned anything before and doesn't know anything. Auntie, as you know, Brother Zheng is not too clever, and I really can't rest easy putting him out there now. I want to keep him with me first and teach him to read and write. After a year or so, when he can recognize a few characters, it won't be too late to send him to school." Just sending him out like this would be strange if Brother Zheng could get along. If he lost his self-confidence, he might end up worse than he is now. Better to let herself enlighten Brother Zheng and nurture him for a year. Then, she could find an academy for him to study. Not seeking any great accomplishment, only hoping he could grow up safely and uphold the second branch of the family.

Seeing that Yueyao brought up the Old Madam, Lady Mo had no more to say. She changed her approach: "Yueyao, are you really sure you can take care of Brother Zheng? Can your health endure it? The doctor said you need to rest well."

Lady Mo always felt something was off. In the past, Yueyao would listen to most of what she said. If she didn't, Nanny Gu would persuade her, then she would comply with her wishes. Now this girl was full of ideas. And she had received news that this girl had started to dislike Nanny Gu. What exactly changed Third Girl as if it were overnight?

Yueyao was resolute: "Auntie, I will take care of myself and will definitely be able to take care of my brother as well. I won't worry Grandma, please rest assured." Listening to you would really be falling into a trap.

Lady Mo softly brushed a few strands of hair from Yueyao's forehead and said gently, "Since you have decided, I won't try to persuade you. Just send a maid to tell me if you lack anything. Don't be hard on yourself."

Yueyao curtsied, without any pretense: "Brother Zheng's previous clothes are either too short or torn, not a single one is wearable. They're all tattered. I was hoping to have the sewing room make a few more outfits for Brother Zheng."

As soon as Yueyao finished speaking, the surrounding area was so quiet you could hear a needle drop.

Lady Mo's face stiffened, what did she mean by not a single wearable piece of clothing? Being the steward's wife, such a statement from Third Young Lady could be taken as a comment on her negligence. This girl had also learned to speak indirectly. She really had grown and achieved something.

Lady Mo was annoyed inside, but her face didn't show it. She immediately agreed: "I have already ordered the sewing room to rush the production of Brother Zheng's clothes. Other items will also be sent over later. But making the clothes will take at least two to three days. I will find a few garments your elder brothers wore when they were young to send over. Just make do with these for a few days, how about that?"

Yueyao's face clearly showed displeasure. The sewing room had enough staff; why would it take days to deliver the clothes? She could have her maid make two sets of clothes for Brother Zheng before evening meal. There was no need to wait several days. And why should Brother Zheng have to wear old clothes? Despite the coldness in her heart, Yueyao replied with a controlled tone, "Thank you, Auntie, for the trouble for Brother Zheng. But as for the clothes, don't bother. I've already ordered my maid to make some for Brother Zheng. They'll be ready in a couple of Shichen."

The maids and old nannies around them all bowed their heads.