All three daughters from the main branch arrived.
In recent days, Yueyao had also had Nanny Deng teach Brother Zheng some basic etiquette. They couldn't afford another blunder like last time: "Eldest sister, second sister, fourth sister."
Each of the three had prepared a gift for Brother Zheng. Yueying had prepared a pouch, Yuebing had prepared a Safekeeping Silver Lock Pendant, and Yuehuan had prepared a sachet.
Nanny Deng looked at the gifts that were brought out and her face darkened immediately. Were these gifts for a beggar? It was either a pouch or a sachet, and even the Second Young Lady had only prepared a silver lock pendant.
After Brother Zheng received the gifts, he politely said to them, "Thank you, eldest sister, second sister, fourth sister." The efforts of Nanny Deng over the past days had indeed paid off. Brother Zheng's manners were impeccable.
Yuehuan had seen Brother Zheng before, and seeing him again now, she couldn't help but marvel once more at how beautiful the children of ancient times were! Her younger brother, Tinglun, was quite handsome, but he paled in comparison to the child before her eyes. Truly a lovely little boy—if she could, Yuehuan really wanted to rush forward and pinch his cheeks.
Yuebing playfully said, "Tingzheng, how many characters did you recognize today?"
Yueying looked at Yuebing and said, "Third younger sister, Tingzheng started his lessons late and learns slower than other children. Once he joins the school, he will do better."
Yuebing chuckled lightly, "Join the school? What's the difference?"
Yuebing's words carried an implication. Naturally, they referred to the Third Young Master, Tingchao. Tingchao was the most mischievous of their generation. Although the Lian family maintained strict rules, it was a pity that he still turned out crooked.
Yuehuan said nothing but looked toward Yueyao.
Yueyao smiled and said, "Second sister, you mentioned to me last time that you wanted several patterns. Wait a few more days, and I will draw some for you. Once you've finished the embroidery, keep one for me too."
Yuebing was pleased when she heard the first part of Yueyao's statement, but her expression soured at the latter part. Everyone was well aware of the quality of her embroidery.
Yuehuan also knew that Yuebing's embroidery was subpar, but she hadn't expected Yueyao to counterattack so effectively. It was said that one should not slap the face or expose shortcomings, and this was indeed the best retaliation.
However, Yueyao ignored Yuebing's expression, "Brother Zheng, go back to the study and review the characters you didn't memorize thoroughly a few more times. Sister will come over to join you shortly." Yueyao had never intended to let Brother Zheng play and chat with everyone. Now with Yuebing's insinuations, did they really think she was made of clay?
Brother Zheng crisply responded, "Alright." Then, after greeting everyone, he turned and returned to the study. Mu Qiu and Dong Qing followed him.
Yueying said with some envy, "Brother Zheng is really obedient and studacious." This was truly from her heart. Brother Chao, although clever and lively, was only interested in playing and was unbearably naughty, not ambitious at all. Although Brother Zheng was less gifted, his diligence and ambition were always reassuring. If only Brother Chao were like this, how wonderful that would be!
Yueyao laughed, "Yes, Brother Zhenzhen is indeed very well-behaved and obedient. Although there are things that are not as we wish, nothing in this world is perfect. I just need to put in more effort. Look at me, talking with you all and I've forgotten to ask you to sit. Qiao Lan, Hua Lei, serve the tea."
Yueying felt that Yueyao had indeed changed, becoming more generous and upbeat. When she had first returned, this third younger sister was often sorrowful and teary. Later, she buried herself in copying scriptures, showing no vitality. But now, she seemed much more open.
Yuebing was also puzzledly looking at Yueyao; her change was too drastic.
As for Yuehuan, she was again inwardly sizing up Yueyao. She always felt that this Third Young Lady, whether in actions or character, was far superior to them.
Once the four sisters sat together and began eating fruits and snacks. Yuebing was the first one who couldn't hold back, "Third younger sister isn't copying scriptures anymore?" In the past, the three sisters visited twice, and each time Yueyao was copying scriptures. After two visits, they stopped coming.
Yueyao shook her head, "I still copy every day, but only at night. During the day, I need to teach Brother Zheng to recognize characters. I believe our parents in heaven would prefer that I help Brother Zheng succeed academically. Him being successful is better than copying countless scriptures."
Yuebing quickly remarked, "If third younger sister doesn't mind, why not let my elder brother teach Brother Zheng? Wouldn't that be even better?" Though the words seemed well-intentioned, to Yueyao's ears, they carried malice. Since when was Yuebing so kind-hearted?
Yueyao laughed, "Brother is among the top students at Bailu Academy and is even considered one of the best in Capital City. Having Brother tutor Brother Zheng is indeed a fortune for him. However, Brother Zheng is still just learning to recognize characters. Having Brother tutor him would not only waste Brother's time, I also fear it would make Brother Zheng feel the gap is too vast and might lead him to dislike studying." It's like an ugly duckling who already feels dumb among the group of ducks and has developed an inferiority complex. If you also have him follow a swan around every day, over time, he will definitely lose all his self-confidence. Once such a consequence forms, he will surely grow to dislike studying.
Of course, Yueyao also knew that Lady Lian would never allow Brother to tutor Brother Zheng. Even Grandmother and Uncle would not agree to it. Brother is the future pillar of the family, so how could they allow him to spend his efforts on Brother Zheng, who has no prospects.
Yuebing then said, "Third Younger Sister also doesn't need to work so hard. Sending Brother Zheng to the Clan School and letting the Teacher educate him would be better."
Yueyao smiled gently, "That's something to discuss later. Right now, Brother Zheng can only recognize a few characters. Sending him to the Clan School would just add trouble for the teacher."
Seeing her good intentions rejected again by Yueyao, Yuebing's expression turned slightly unpleasant. However, she knew her limits; Yueyao was not like Yueying and Yuehuan who she could bully at will. If she upset Yueyao, Grandmother would know and punish her later.
Yuehuan was surprised upon hearing Yueyao's words. "Is this little girl too perceptive, excessively so? An eight-year-old thinking so far ahead. If Yuehuan did not know that Yueyao had never suffered amnesia or other abnormal behavior, she might suspect that Yueyao, like her, had also crossed over from another time."
Yueying was greatly surprised by Yueyao's words. This was no longer the third younger sister who only quietly copied scriptures: "I didn't expect Third Young Sister to be so considerate for Brother Zheng. He is indeed fortunate." Yueyao now had no parents, but Grandmother favored her, and her maternal family often sent people to visit. Holding onto nearly half of her mother's dowry, she didn't need to live at the mercy of others. For Yueyao to take care of Brother Zheng, being the legitimate eldest daughter, and the eldest sister acting like a mother, wasn't it his good fortune? Sadly, she still had to depend on her legal mother, and her maternal aunt and legal mother were at odds. Her brother was unbearable; she didn't know what to do in the future. Yueying was deeply worried.
Yueyao, detecting the sigh in the narrative, laughed, "He is my only real brother, for whom else should I plan?" It was just the two of them left in the second branch. The siblings really relied on each other for survival.
Yueying took the opportunity to learn from Yueyao, hoping it would be useful. Yueyao didn't withhold any secrets, simply explaining how she tutored Tingzheng, "Actually, the most important thing is to be patient, if you are impatient, you can't teach."
Yueying was somewhat disappointed.
Yuehuan truly had a newfound respect for Yueyao, "Third Elder Sister really is patient." Teaching children, especially those who are not very sharp, surely required plenty of patience.
While they were speaking, Qiao Lan carefully held a cloisonne plate with lotus patterns, filled with pastries, and the maid brought some fruit.
Shortly after, Hua Lei presented a pear-yellow wooden tray carved with Begonia flowers, which held a purple clay teapot surrounded by two pairs of Ru ware blue and white tea cups with pine, bamboo, and plum patterns.
Before even drinking, the fragrant aroma of the tea was noticeable.
Hua Lei carefully placed the tray down, took out the tea cups, and prepared the tea. Then she respectfully offered it to each young lady. The last cup was presented to Yueyao. After everything was arranged, she discreetly stepped back behind Yueyao.
Yueying seemed enlightened.
However, Yuebing found it quite dull. Thus, she shifted to a topic of her interest, "I heard from my mother that the nurturing nanny will arrive in a few days. I've heard that nurturing nannies are rather fierce." Yuebing was worried upon hearing the news; in her family, she was the only legitimate daughter, spoiled by her parents and cherished by her brother, everyone indulged her. She disliked restrictions, and knowing that the nurturing nanny was coming made her uneasy. What made her even more anxious was that her mother had already hinted that she must learn proper manners.
Yueyao laughed, "Second Older Sister, in Capital City, all young ladies must learn manners from nurturing nannies. We are no exception. When she arrives, we just need to study diligently." In her previous life, she had not learned proper manners well; this life, she was determined to do so.
Yueying looked at the two, feeling somewhat gloomy. She heard from her maternal aunt Chen that the nurturing nanny was mainly to instruct Yuebing and Yueyao, and incidentally teach her and Yuehuan. The clear distinction between legitimate and illegitimate branches in the Lian family could be compared to heaven and earth. She worried about her future prospects.
Yuehuan said little, but remained observant of Yueyao. After watching for a while and feeling that Yueyao seemed precocious but noticing nothing inappropriate.
Yueyao looked at Yuehuan, "Fourth Younger Sister, did flowers bloom on my face, for you to stare at me like this?" In fact, Yueyao was alarmed. She didn't understand why Yuehuan kept looking at her. Perhaps this outsider sensed something amiss with herself too.
Yuehuan was startled and quickly responded, "I heard from my maternal aunt that Third Elder Sister excels in Guqin, Chess, Calligraphy, and Painting, and is a renowned talented lady. And I understand nothing? I feel somewhat ashamed." She wouldn't feel ashamed on her own, but if it were really as the rumors said, from the bottom of her heart, she admired her.
Yueyao shook her head, "It's merely following Teacher for a couple of days to learn some painting, enough to doodle. How does that make me a 'talented lady'? It's all groundless speculation from outsiders." In her previous life, she was preoccupied with the title of 'talented lady,' which ultimately cost her dearly. This life, she resolved not to associate with 'talented lady.'
Not to mention Yuehuan, even Yueying and Yuebing were surprised. They didn't expect Yueyao to be so modest. Observing Yueyao's earnest demeanor, everyone couldn't help but wonder if the rumors were indeed true.