Yueyao had a very fixed daily routine. Every morning, she paid her respects to Old Madam Lian, taught Brother Zheng literacy in the forenoon and practiced calligraphy for a Shichen Chinese Time in the afternoon and evening, spending the rest of her time copying scriptures. She was extremely busy.
Yueyao had wanted to paint, but since it was the first year of mourning for her parents, she decided to wait another nine months before picking up her paintbrush. Thus, her painting supplies were set aside in a side room.
Old Madam Lian found Yueyao to be quiet and well-behaved, except for her odd behavior of performing the Five Animal Frolics in the morning. Normally, this was prohibited, but Doctor Tang had said that Yueyao was too frail and needed some exercise, which led Old Madam Lian to agree. She insisted, however, that once Yueyao's health improved, she must stop, as it damaged the image of a gentlewoman. Old Madam Lian agreed, mainly because Yueyao was also doing this to improve her health and not cause her worry, which pleased Old Madam Lian.
Just as Yueyao was thinking about how to get her uncle to take her to visit the Ma family, Lian Dongfang, who had been assigned duties in another province, returned.
Lian Dongfang was now the pillar of the Lian family. His successful return from his official duties was certainly a cause for celebration, and naturally, the whole family gathered together.
Having received a message from Old Madam Lian, Yueyao went to the Upper Chamber with Brother Zheng. Yueyao didn't have much of an impression of this uncle, for in her past life, Lian Dongfang had always been busy outside and rarely visited the inner house, so Yueyao had seldom seen him.
Lian Dongfang focused on external affairs other than his sons. Lian Dongfang typically did not involve himself in household affairs. Matters within the estate were decided by Lady Mo, so Yueyao was uncertain whether Lian Dongfang even knew about this affair, but now was not the time to investigate.
Even before entering the courtyard, Yueyao could hear the laughter and cheerful voices inside. Leading Brother Zheng by the hand, she entered the courtyard and immediately saw her uncle sitting at the lower end of her grandmother's seat.
Lian Dongfang wore a long azurite robe with straight lapels, a fragrant color cloud brocade belt with hidden patterns around his waist, auspicious cloud square shoes on his feet, and his long hair fastened with a jade hairpin. He bore a 30% resemblance to his father.
Yueyao, leading Brother Zheng, paid her respects to Lian Dongfang.
Lian Dongfang nodded at Yueyao, noting that the child looked much more spirited than before he had left. When Lian Dongfang saw the timid Brother Zheng, however, his brow furrowed. A son of an official servant, he thought his brother should have disposed of him earlier, for keeping him tarnished the Lian family's reputation. But now that his brother had only this single descendant left, keeping him was no matter, as he wouldn't lack for food.
As the head of the family, Lian Dongfang ruled in the Lian household. Naturally, he could not conceal his displeasure, and it showed on his face.
Brother Zheng, sensing Lian Dongfang's dislike, fearfully shrank closer to Yueyao.
Seeing Brother Zheng's lowly demeanor only increased Lian Dongfang's displeasure. How could someone with such pettiness ever stand out?
Lian Dongfang's expression was noticed by everyone in the room. No one else showed any reaction, not even Old Madam Lian.
Yet, Yueyao, in front of everyone in the room, touched Brother Zheng's head and reassured him with a smile. Yueyao had thought things through on her way here. She did not count on Lian Dongfang. In her previous life, when she was in dire straits, she never even saw Lian Dongfang's shadow. She was sure, even if the uncle had not taken part, he must have known about it. Hence, in this life, she not only should not rely on this uncle but also had to be wary of him and the entire Lian family.
Since she did not count on him, she no longer needed to hold any fear in her heart. She would take care of her brother herself in the future and not let the main branch raise him. Whatever Lian Dongfang's feelings toward Brother Zheng were, they did not matter. She did not need his affection to live.
Lian Dongfang could not believe that Yueyao would openly challenge his authority as the head of the family, and his face darkened immediately. Not even Yueyao's father, Lian Dongbo, acted anything but respectfully in his presence.
Yueyao did not care about Lian Dongfang's changing expressions. After comforting Brother Zheng, she just stood there silently.
Although Lian Dongfang was highly dissatisfied, he did not voice any scolding. No matter what, Yueyao was still his niece, not his own daughter. Scolding her too much might make it seem as if he was mistreating the bloodline left by his own brother. Of course, had it been his own daughter, she would not have dared to contradict him like this. Yueyao's actions were seen as impudent in Lian Dongfang's eyes.
Old Madam Lian was shocked, wondering why Yueyao would diminish her eldest's dignity in front of everyone. When had this child become so impertinent? In her view, Yueyao was an extremely respectful girl. Why was she acting so out of character today? Could it be just because the eldest had shown dislike for Tingzheng?