Chapter 37: Female Cousins

The next day, Yueyao tidied herself up and, taking Brother Zheng along, went to pay respects to Lady Cheng. Upon arriving at the main house, she saw two young ladies by Lady Cheng's side.

To the right was Cheng Lizi of the Cheng Family. Yueyao was very familiar with her, for in her past life, she had been the wife of Ma Peng. The girl was dressed in a jade green Jade Smoke Shirt with a hundred-pleated skirt draped in mist green grass print beneath. Around her waist, she had tied a large butterfly knot with gold-threaded Soft Smoke Luo. Her shoulders delicately crafted and waist exquisitely slender, her brows and eyes picturesque, she was indeed beautiful. Moreover, she appeared quite fragile. The Cheng Lizi that Yueyao remembered had been sharp-tongued and critical, much like a fierce mother tiger. But now she seemed every bit the lady of a respected household. Thus, it's said that appearances can be quite deceiving.

To the left was another familiar face to Yueyao, her cousin Loo Ying, who was ten years old this year, the daughter of her maternal aunt. This aunt had been born out of wedlock and, having lost her husband a year ago and unable to continue living at her husband's family, sought refuge back at her parents' home. Regrettably, Ma Chengteng was indifferent toward this concubine-born sister of his. Only, to prevent others from seeing him as neglectful and ruthless to his half-sister, out of consideration for his reputation, did he provide shelter for her and her daughter.

However, Nanny Deng, who had been out gathering information the previous night, returned and informed Yueyao that this aunt and cousin were highly unpopular with Lady Cheng.

Today, Loo Ying was dressed in a goose-yellow Embroidered Flower Dress with emerald green persimmon calyx motifs, her hair done in a Fallen Horse Hairbun, a Gold Step-Shake fixed in place and adorned with Beeswax Stone Bead Flowers, while a pair of Red Gold with Purple Crystal Pendants hung from her ears. Her attire was luxurious, but Loo Ying's appearance was average, the kind that wouldn't stand out in a crowd. Coupled with her youth, such a richly elegant ensemble was somewhat incongruous.

Yueyao felt a bit of forehead-smoothing frustration. Who taught her to dress and adorn herself this way? What was she thinking!

Loo Ying knew that her uncle had spent the previous afternoon and evening with Yueyao and felt incredibly jealous. When she had arrived at Ma's Mansion, her uncle had been at court, and it took half a month before she finally saw him in person. He had merely asked a perfunctory question before leaving her in the care of Lady Cheng, and during her nearly one-year stay at Ma's Mansion, she had only seen her uncle a few times, each meeting brief and indifferent. Yet Yueyao had just arrived and was already receiving her uncle's affection. Why should there be such favoritism given that they were both nieces? The jealousy and resentment in Loo Ying's eyes did not go unnoticed by Lady Cheng and Cheng Lizi, and of course, by Yueyao as well.

Did Yueyao see the look of jealousy in those eyes? Jealous of her? The girl must be deranged. No wonder Nanny Deng and her daughter were two of a kind, superficial and petty-minded.

Yueyao felt disdainful inside, but maintained a faint smile on her face as she exchanged greetings with the two. Yueyao's decorum was impeccable, even Lady Cheng couldn't find fault with it.

Loo Ying's smile didn't reach her eyes, "Sister Yueyao, I heard our uncle invited you several times to come to the mansion, but you declined each time. Why did you eagerly come this time?"

Nanny Deng's expression changed. Yesterday, she had visited some old friends to inquire about news. Granny Liu had said that this Miss cousin had no sense of decorum, spending her days ingratiating herself with Ma Linlin and Cheng Lizi. Indeed, she seemed even more contemptible than the rumors suggested.

Lady Xiao Ma had married a Sixth Rank Military Official. In the Great Yuan Dynasty, civil and military officials were equally esteemed, though Loo Ying's father had obtained his position more by fate than by heritage, his ancestors having been mere farmers. Thus, there were many petty relatives. After the death of Loo Ying's father, the concubine, in collusion with the main family, almost swallowed up Lady Xiao Ma's dowry. Left with no choice, Lady Xiao Ma had to turn to her natal family for help.

Lady Cheng was no paragon of virtue herself but was obliged to provide for them since her husband insisted. However, she completely disregarded the mother and daughter, leading Loo Ying to overestimate her own importance.

Unaffected, Yueyao's smile didn't waver, "Initially, I had taken a vow before Buddha to transcribe the Classic of Filial Piety, so when uncle sent for me, I couldn't come. Now that I have completed transcribing the scriptures, naturally, I must pay a visit to my uncle and aunt." She concluded with a graceful curtsey, "Aunt, it's all Yueyao's fault. Although there was a reason, I have certainly let down uncle and aunt's kind intentions."

What could Lady Cheng say? Yueyao was demonstrating filial piety, which is greater than heaven. Lady Cheng personally helped Yueyao up, "Silly child, you're so devout. I couldn't be happier. How could I possibly blame you?"

Cheng Lizi smiled and spoke, "Sister Yueyao is truly pious. But Sister Yueyao is quite impressive! I heard uncle spent the whole day with you. It seems uncle and cousin have endless things to talk about."

Upon hearing this remark, Lady Cheng's expression turned cold, and she shot Cheng Lizi a sharp glance. What kind of talk was that? An uncle looking after his niece is perfectly proper. Such words, if spread, could give rise to unfounded speculations about unsavory dealings.