Chapter 17: Patience and Perseverance_2

Yueyao walked into the room and immediately noticed the rosewood silk-screened partition in the main hall. This partition was of remarkable value. It was said to have been purchased during the reign of the Great Grandfather. Yueyao felt somewhat puzzled, wondering what her grandmother's intention was in having this item displayed.

Unable to resist, Yueyao walked over and carefully examined the partition. Yueyao was not coveting this valuable screen; it was the unique pattern on it that captivated her.

Her thoughts were suddenly pulled back by a burst of crisp laughter in the room. Seeing the curious expression on the face of the maid beside her, Yueyao smiled but offered no explanation; there was no need.

The maid did not ask any questions and led Yueyao into the room. Yueyao entered and saw three young ladies, each with a face full of joy.

The Old Madam, having heard from the servants downstairs that Yueyao had started to teach Brother Zheng how to read and had taught late into the night, waved her over as soon as she saw Yueyao approaching.

Yueyao, dressed in a jiaoling robe adorned with meadow grass-colored silk and a skirt embroidered in the same hue, bowed and performed the ritual greeting to the Old Madam before approaching her.

The Old Madam affectionately said, "You started teaching Brother Zheng to read and study last night." It was not a question but an affirmation. The Old Madam knew everything that happened within the Lanxi Courtyard.

Yueyao knew that nothing in the Lian family could escape her grandmother's eyes. She nodded and said with a smile, "Brother Zheng is five this year and had not yet begun his education, so I started him on it."

The Old Madam knew very well the extent of Yueyao's abilities. Third Girl had entirely inherited the intelligence of her second son, who had personally taught Yueyao. His teaching was sufficient for Yueyao to instruct Brother Zheng in reading and writing.

Yuebing, with a curious expression, said, "Third younger sister, back in the day, our uncle could eloquently recite the Hundred Family Surnames and the Three Character Classic in one day without a single mistake in dictation. I wonder how Brother Zheng fares?" The remark was clearly meant to provoke, as everyone in the Lian family knew Tingzheng's capacity was lackluster to the point of being almost foolish.

The Old Madam looked towards Yueyao.

Knowing Yuebing's malice, Yueyao still truthfully replied, "Brother Zheng did quite well; he recognized ten words yesterday."

As soon as Yueyao had spoken, the room fell silent so abruptly that the sound of the wind rustling the trees outside became distinctly audible. Everyone stared blankly at Yueyao.

Yueyao also knew that recognizing ten words in one day might seem decent to common folk, but in a scholarly family that had produced generations of scholars, such a statement could scarcely be uttered. It was embarrassing!

Yuebing covered her mouth and chuckled, "Third younger sister is truly patient." It was unclear if her mind was rusted over. With such limited ability and yet calling it good, how could third younger sister utter such words?

The Old Madam gazed thoughtfully at Yueyao. Given Yueyao's usual pride, such poor ability, almost akin to an imbecile's, would certainly be beneath her. However, faced with Yuebing's sarcasm today, Yueyao remained composed. This made the Old Madam somewhat suspicious of Yueyao's demeanor.

Yueying was looking forward to what kind of performance Yueyao would give, while Yuehuan was just like before, considering herself part of the scenery. After all, she had always been very good at playing that part.

Yueyao seemed not to understand Yuebing's mockery, "Second sister, you're right, Brother Zheng's talents are indeed somewhat inferior to the average person. However, I believe that having good abilities is not the key point. I trust, as long as Brother Zheng is persistent, has the willpower, and can tirelessly strive onward, he definitely won't be worse than others." Yueyao saw Yuebing open her mouth to speak and knew she certainly wouldn't say anything good, so she continued smiling, "Nor do I expect Brother Zheng to be like our grandfather and father, achieving Second Place Scholar or Tanhua. I just want him to be well versed in manners and capable of supporting the second branch of the family, and that will be enough."

Yueyao's meaning was very clear, she didn't expect Brother Zheng to achieve much. She didn't hope for him to pass the imperial examinations and then enter the court to serve as an official. Her goal was simply to help Tingzheng become knowledgeable and capable, to continue his father's legacy, ensuring Brother Zheng didn't waste his potential—no other demands were made.

Her words effectively sealed off what anyone else was planning to say. She had already stated she didn't expect Brother Zheng to pursue officialdom through the imperial examinations. To then criticize Brother Zheng's capabilities would seem overly critical.

Upon hearing this, a flash of insight appeared in Old Madam's eyes. Indeed, given Tingzheng's abilities, let alone becoming a Palace Graduate or Juren, even achieving the rank of Scholar was difficult. Seeing Third Girl thoroughly committed to teaching, despite knowing there was no hope of him passing the exams, testified to her sincerity. Now she seemed like an adult; not only was she responsible, but she had started to understand affairs deeply. Old Madam hadn't expected that the dream that had welcomed the Second Son's Wife into this home had awakened such understanding in Third Girl.

Yuebing giggled, "Third younger sister, let's go later with you to see Brother Zheng. What do you think?"

Yueyao pursed her lips, silent. With such bullying upon her, it wasn't appropriate to argue, so she protested with her silence.

Yueying, noticing the awkward silence, then added with a smile, "I heard Brother Zheng is quite shy. Third younger sister, are you worried we might frighten him?"

Yueyao murmured an assent, apologetically saying, "Second sister, Brother Zheng is indeed very shy. Even the maids cannot get close to him. Let me take a few days until he gets used to me, then I'll bring him to meet you sisters. Grandmother, Brother Zheng hurt his leg, and I fear that walking so far might tear open his wound and leave a scar later. So I took it upon myself not to bring him along, I hope Grandmother won't blame me." Yueyao was very tactful in her expression. If the Grandmother truly cared for this grandson, she wouldn't have let him fend for himself in the outer courtyard.

Old Madam hadn't realized Yueyao had thought so much, "Since you've taken him to your courtyard, how do you plan to manage the people who will serve him?" She was aware of Yueyao's attitude; she didn't want those who would simply curry favor. Although Yueyao mentioned that she needed to get permission from her grandmother, Old Madam had already confirmed that Yueyao had her own plans. Since Third Girl had this idea, she was happy to oblige.

Upon hearing this, Yuebing laughed, "Third younger sister, yesterday you mentioned to my mother that Brother Zheng lacks a Steward Mother and Maids; my mother has already carefully selected a few maids who are diligent and family-born servants, so there's no worry about them harboring any ill intentions. You should bring them to Lanxi Courtyard later." Yuebing was accustomed to giving orders, other than Old Madam, others usually wouldn't contradict her. However, it probably hadn't crossed her mind whether Yueyao would accept this favor.

Yueyao had originally planned to discuss this matter with her grandmother after everyone had left, but now that Yuebing had brought it up, she naturally went along with it. She smiled and said, "Grandmother, Yueyao would like to ask you to choose a reliable Nanny for Brother Zheng." She had already hinted about desiring Nanny Deng to return. Believing that the Grandmother must have received the news, if the Grandmother truly cared for her, she would surely heed her request. If not, other plans could be made.

Old Madam unexpectedly glanced at Yueyao; the young girl was actually starting to be tactical. She too smiled and said, "Some days ago, Nanny Deng sent someone to convey a message to me, expressing her wish to return and serve you. However, I've already chosen the Steward Mother for your side. One courtyard can't have two Steward Mothers, so I had it declined. Now that there's a need for a Steward Mother for Brother Zheng, Nanny Deng, who has always served your mother loyally, is the most fitting choice, really. Yueyao already had a Steward Mother designated for her by Old Madam, and couldn't let Nanny Deng replace the chosen one."

Although Yueyao had anticipated that her grandmother would go along with her wishes, she hadn't expected her to agree so readily. Yueyao was genuinely touched and said, "Yueyao is indeed unfilial, still troubling Grandmother at this time." Nanny Deng had been utterly devoted to her mother, remaining unmarried for her entire life just to serve by her side. She had watched Yueyao grow up and had been completely open-hearted with her. Having Nanny Deng by her side would be akin to gaining an extra limb.

Old Madam chuckled, patting the back of Yueyao's head, "Silly child, Grandmother isn't so frail yet, no need to worry about me."