Having passed the Chuihua Gate, and circumventing the auspicious and luxurious screen at the entrance, Mu Qiu traversed the vestibule to find herself in front of a bright and orderly courtyard.
It was Yisong Courtyard, where Old Madam Lian resided. There were altogether five main rooms, with beautifully carved beams and painted eaves supported by fancy corner brackets. Running rooms lined both sides of the raised walkways where various caged birds chirped vividly, their calls crisp and melodious, adding a trace of vitality to the serene courtyard.
As Yueyao beheld these majestic upper chambers, the family history of the Lian family and their current status once again floated through her mind.
The Lian family had started as mere peasants, slowly coming into prominence with the rise of a scholar among them. Generations nurtured this legacy until eventually a top scholar, who became an Imperial Tutor, emerged from their lineage. No one held more prestige than the Imperial Tutor, and thus, the Lian family firmly established their foothold in the Capital City.
The pinnacle of the Lian family was reached with Yueyao's great-grandfather, Lian Cheng. Known for his outstanding scholarly achievements from a young age, he clinched the top scholarly title and caught the emperor's eye. He later ascended to the high office of Chancellor, serving directly beneath only the emperor. Worn out from toil, he died and was mourned across the kingdom. The previous emperor was so grieved that he personally inscribed the plaque "Scholarly Family" as a gift to the Lian family.
Her grandfather had been a renowned scholar and ranked as the second-top scholar in his examinations but had not endured many hardships. During his father's lifetime, he enjoyed smooth sailing. But after his father passed away, he lost his protection and became entangled in a lawsuit through machinations of others. Fortunately, the former emperor, remembering the hard work of the great grandfather, merely dismissed her grandfather from his official post.
Her father, Lian Dongbo, true to his name, was well-learned and elegant and eventually ranked Tanhua in the examinations. Had it not been for an accident, his career would have shone brightly...
Mu Qiu nudged Yueyao, indicating that they had reached the main residence. "Young Lady, why are you lost in thought again?"
Yueyao came back to her senses, a strong scent of medicine hitting her. She frowned slightly but quickly realized it was inappropriate to show such expressions; it would be deemed unfilial. She coughed lightly as a pretense.
Nanny Zheng, the personal maid by Old Madam Lian's side, was about to speak but paused, looking up at Yueyao in surprise. The sorrowful look on the Third Young Lady's face had significantly faded.
Nanny Zheng had been quite worried previously. The Old Madam had been mourning the passing of the Second Old Master for a long time. Each time she saw the despondent and grieving Third Young Lady, her mood worsened, aggravating her condition. So, each visit from the Third Young Lady had made Nanny Zheng nervous. Seeing her now, not so besieged by grief, eased her mind. "Third Young Lady has arrived, the Old Madam was just mentioning you! Please, come in."
Entering the main hall, Yueyao headed towards Old Madam Lian's main room. Inside, she observed a rosewood bed inlaid with mother-of-pearl and marble, next to which stood a similar material couch, set against a peony-themed fortune-screen.
"Young Lady, the Old Madam is calling for you," Mu Qiu whispered softly. The young lady had been distracted since waking up. Now, standing in front of the Old Madam, she was lost in thought again. What exactly had happened to her yesterday?
Yueyao looked towards Old Madam Lian on the bed. Her face was full of silver hair, showing signs of exhaustion and a mournful expression. The grandmother was suffering from grief over her father's death. She knew her grandmother truly loved her father deeply.
Old Madam Lian beckoned, "Third Girl, come here. Come to your grandmother. Let me see, are you really alright? Don't overexert yourself."
Seeing her affectionate grandmother, the tight string in Yueyao's heart finally snapped, and she burst into loud wails, crying heartbreakingly and exhaustively.
Seeing Yueyao cry so sorrowfully, a severe look flashed in the Old Madam's eyes, "What's the matter? Has someone mistreated you?" She was not yet dead, and people dared to mistreat her granddaughter.
Nanny Zheng felt a tightness in her chest but was somewhat puzzled. These past few days, she had made sure everyone treated the Third Young Lady well; no one dared to mistreat her.
Yueyao cried for a long time, unable to be consoled by anyone. After a while, she wiped her tears, "Grandmother, I was just worried about your health. No one has bullied me. Grandmother, you must take good care of yourself."
Old Madam Lian's expression softened upon hearing Yueyao's words, and Nanny Zheng brought a large pillow to support her back.
Leaning against the large pillow, Old Madam carefully observed her only direct descendant left by her youngest son. Although the child still looked somewhat frail and ill, her bright eyes, rosy lips, and moist skin revealed an aristocratic lady's grace in every movement.
Looking at her, so resembling her late son, the Old Madam remembered her filial youngest son, now forever separated by death, and her heart ached immensely. Tears instantly filled her eyes again.
It was only with much comforting from Nanny Zheng by her side, and persuasion from Yueyao, that she calmed down, "Grandmother, it's all my fault. I shouldn't have upset you. If my parents knew you grieve for them every day, they would not rest peacefully even in death. Please take care of yourself, Grandmother."
Not to mention Nanny Zheng, even the Old Madam was somewhat surprised. Ever since Yueyao went to Hualin Temple, the Great Grandmaster had said that if Yueyao truly had filial piety, she should fill scripture scrolls for the salvation of her parents. Yueyao believed this and copied scripture scrolls every day without the help of others.
Old Madam stroked Yueyao's head, thinking about her own imminent death. The eldest son did not manage internal affairs, and his wife appeared filial and charitable on the surface but was malicious underneath. Her own children would not be harmed, but Yueyao's fate was uncertain. She really did not feel at ease. Now, all the family's assets in the second branch were in her hands, and Lady family did not dare to touch them. But what about after her time had passed? The Inner Courtyard would be at Lady family's mercy. Could this child escape that?
Old Madam was also aware of her failing health, knowing she did not have many years left. Now she could live each year as it came. She had to make arrangements for this child, "Yueyao, you are also eight years old this year. In a few days, I will call for the nurturing nanny. Yueyao, you should learn the rules with her." Old Madam felt that Yueyao sometimes focused too narrowly; the Great Grandmaster had said to copy the Classic of Filial Piety, but she had not specified it had to be completed within a year. As long as it was done sincerely, finishing within three years was acceptable. She had mentioned this to Yueyao before, but she would not listen. Only now, seeing that Yueyao's demeanor had changed, did she tentatively say it.
Yueyao remembered that in her past life, the Lian family had called for a nurturing nanny, and at that time, she was wholly focused on copying the Sutra of Rebirth, not wanting to spare time to learn the rules. Because she disregarded the nanny's teachings and relied solely on her mother's instruction in proper conduct, she missed a lot despite no one finding fault in her manners.
Seeing Yueyao silent, Old Madam thought Yueyao was unwilling, "Yaoyao, learn more from the nurturing nanny; it will be useful to you. If fate allows them to give you more guidance, it will be your good fortune. Then you can avoid some detours in the future."
Hearing Old Madam's words, Yueyao felt even more heartache. Her grandmother truly loved her and wanted the best for her. These nannies were generally experienced people. If she had also accepted such teachings previously and been more open to the world, the outcome would have been different.
Yueyao steadied her mind and said softly, "Grandmother, don't worry. When the nanny arrives, I will study diligently. But Grandmother must also take care of herself. With my parents gone, I only have Grandmother left." These words made Old Madam feel a pang in her heart.
Madam Qiao Hui, Old Madam's Personal Maid, brought over a bowl of Bird's Nest Porridge. Yueyao took the porridge but did not give it to Old Madam immediately. Instead, she tested the temperature herself before feeding it to Old Madam.
After Old Madam finished the porridge, Nanny Zheng took the scripture scrolls, ready to read them to Old Madam. Listening to the scriptures was a daily necessity for Old Madam.
Yueyao let Nanny Zheng hand her the scriptures, and she read them to Old Madam. She had been copying the scriptures for ten years, so she could recite all the women's scriptures in the Inner Courtyard by heart. Thus, her reading flowed naturally.
Old Madam glanced at Yueyao, surprised at her proficiency with the scriptures. But considering that Yueyao was now copying them daily, she closed her eyes and continued to listen intently.
Yueyao, seeing a deathly aura enveloping Old Madam, was shocked. The most important thing for a living person is their vital energy, which if lost, can lead to rapid decline.
Suddenly, Old Madam Lian opened her eyes when she no longer heard Yueyao's voice and asked, "Third Girl, what's wrong?" The reading had been going well, so why had it stopped?
Yueyao gathered her thoughts, "It's nothing, just wondering what the meaning of the scripture text was just now." She continued reading to Old Madam.
Old Madam was somewhat puzzled, but seeing Yueyao's calm face, she did not pursue the matter further. Instead, she continued listening to the scripture texts with her eyes half-closed.
In the room, maids and old nannies attended from both sides. Yueyao sat on a small stool, softly reading the scripture texts, her gentle voice comforting to those who listened.
On the long table, a three-legged, gold-plated, cloisonné enamel incense burner emitted wafts of intoxicating fragrance. Old Madam listened, her eyes slowly closing.
After Yueyao finished a section of the scripture text, she gently said to Old Madam, who had her eyes half-closed, "Grandmother, Yueyao will take good care of her health and fulfill filial duties on behalf of my parents."
Old Madam held Yueyao's hand, a smile emerging, "Yueyao has grown up." Although unsure of the reason behind the child's change, she was glad for it.
Yueyao smiled as well, "Grandmother, when the weather is good, I will accompany you outside. It's stuffy inside the house and not good for your health."
Old Madam took note of the changes in Yueyao's demeanor. This child, what had she encountered? Suddenly, she had let go.
Nanny Zheng smiled and said, "Third Young Lady is truly filial. Old Madam, when the sun is nice, let Third Young Lady accompany you outside for a walk. It will prevent you from complaining about being stuck inside." The things Third Young Lady said would indeed be heeded by Old Madam. Moreover, Third Young Lady no longer showed a sorrowful expression like before, easing Old Madam's mind. It was good news for those who served around them.