Chapter 22: Make a Move

Hong Mei brought over a bowl of Silver Ear and Lotus Seed porridge.

Yuehuan took the small Tian White Porcelain bowl and couldn't help but marvel at how delicate and beautiful it was, lamenting that such ancient craftsmanship had been lost.

After finishing the porridge, Yuehuan asked, "Does the Third Young Lady's maternal family have anyone else?" There better not be a Brother Baoyu. Well, even if there was a Brother Baoyu, this Third Girl isn't Younger Sister Lin. Moreover, the Third Girl is now living in her own home, not dependent on others. So she wouldn't lament her fate. But what if there's a Grandmother Jia who comes to live with them? In the end, if feelings develop with Brother Baoyu, well, then I'll persuade this young lady not to go to Ma's Mansion anymore (You're really overthinking it, the Third Young Lady is raised by the Ma family. The Lian family cannot afford to lose this face).

Maternal Aunt Su laughed, "The Third Young Lady's legitimate uncle, Lord Ma, currently holds a position in the Ministry of Rites, a Fourth Rank official. I heard that Lord Ma is extremely fond of the Third Young Lady and has always wanted to take her to his mansion for a short stay. However, the Third Young Lady has been copying scriptures and hasn't visited Ma's Mansion yet."

Yuehuan laughed upon hearing this, realizing she was overthinking. The Third Young Lady's maternal family isn't the Jia Mansion, her legitimate uncle is a high-ranking official and loves her dearly. Well, I hope this Third Girl doesn't meet the same ending as Younger Sister Lin (Yueyao lamented: In my past life, I wasn't even as fortunate as Younger Sister Lin, at least she died cleanly).

Tingli, listening to Ah Gui speak about the recent changes in Yueyao's life, furrowed his brows but ordered Ah Gui to call Tingyi over. The old books annotated by his uncle were all in Tingyi's hands. Tingyi had already become a Scholar and was to participate in the autumn imperial examination this year. These books were of little use to him, of course. Needless, the so-called little use only applied to Tingyi, who had already passed the child's exam. Books annotated by a Tanhua, especially a learned and talented one like Yueyao's father, were invaluable to many people.

Tingyi, without saying much, replied, "All right, I will have someone send them to Fourth Miss when I get back." Tingyi didn't think much of it, thinking it was not unreasonable for Yueyao to do this. After returning home, he neatly gathered these books and had his servant send all of them to Lanxi Garden.

Yueyao, looking at the dozen or so books sent back, felt somewhat disappointed. However, she rationalized it. Her eldest cousin was a Juren already and was preparing for the next year's spring imperial examination. Her second cousin was about to attend this year's autumn imperial examination.

Tingli was right; Yueyao indeed wanted her father's books back. These books would be very useful to Brother Zheng. The other books wouød have to wait until Brother Zheng had finished his studies. For now, these dozen or so books were enough for Brother Zheng to study.

Yueyao initially planned to read them herself; she would comprehend the books thoroughly before teaching Tingzheng. Of course, all these would have to wait until Brother Zheng had learned to read.

Tingli and Tingyi respectfully agreed, considering this matter minor. However, the event of Yueyao sending books to the courtyard quickly came to Lady Mo's knowledge. She specifically inquired about this matter. Knowing that it involved sending books, and that Yueyao had requested them, Lady Mo felt uneasy. This girl was getting bolder with her ideas and was no longer someone who could be easily controlled by those around her.

Tingyi, unaware of Lady Mo's contemplations, sincerely said, "Mother, these books were originally borrowed from Lanxi Courtyard. Now that Brother Zheng needs them, it's only right to return them."

Lady Mo, with a gentle expression, said, "What Lanxi Courtyard, aren't they the Lian family's books after all? After lunch, you both return to the study to read. We have already delayed half the day. This is a crucial time and must not be slackened." The break was two days, but Lady Mo generally didn't like them to stay at home, interfering with their studies.

Tingli and Tingyi respectfully agreed.

After her sons had left, Lady Mo, with a suspicious expression, murmured, "What is the Third Girl really up to?" Yueyao's behavior was becoming increasingly baffling to Lady Mo. As she was speaking, she heard that Second Young Lady had come to pay respects to Madam.

Upon hearing about Yuebing's visit, Lady Mo thought about the issue her daughter had recently caused, and it was troubling. Yueyao had not guessed wrong; the incident of Yuehuan getting her head injured was indeed caused by Yuebing. At the time, Yuebing, angry from being scolded by Lady Mo, used Yuehuan to make a point, and ended up pushing Yuehuan to the ground, breaking her head. Lady Mo had already silenced the servants, and at such a critical time, naturally could not punish Yuebing. Yuebing had behaved for a few days seeing that Fourth Miss was unharmed, and then reverted to her usual self.

Lady Mo worried in her heart, "This won't do. This temperament of my daughter must be curbed. If I let her continue this way, it's not loving my daughter, but harming her. I must find a nurturing nanny soon to establish proper rules and etiquette. Otherwise, when the sisters go out together after the mourning period, by then, Third Young Lady might completely outshine my daughter."