Ma Chengteng was somewhat surprised, "Why?" My niece is talented, and having talent should be something to proclaim. It's such a good thing, so why not let people know about it?
Yueyao smiled bitterly, "Uncle, if all these get out, I could definitely gain a reputation as a talented lady. But those things are not good for me. 'A tree that stands out in the forest is easily broken by the wind.' I don't want to be at the mercy of the storm, under constant scrutiny. Uncle, if Dad were still here, I naturally wouldn't be afraid. But now it's different." In her previous life, she had outstanding talents and was named the top talented lady of Capital City, but what good did that do! It brought nothing but others' resentment and ostracism, and she gained no benefits from it.
Being a Fourth Rank official in the government at his age, Ma Chengteng was naturally no fool. He quickly understood Yueyao's concerns. Ma Chengteng originally wanted to say that Yueyao was overthinking, and that he would take good care of her. But seeing the pleading look in Yueyao's eyes, he finally nodded, "Alright, if you don't want others to know, your uncle won't spread the word. If Mr. Yu Shan doesn't comment on it, then let it be." A gentleman's friendship is valuable for its honesty. If Mr. Yu Shan asks who painted this, he could only tell the truth that the owner of the painting did not want to disclose it.
Yueyao said smilingly, "Thank you, Uncle."
Ma Chengteng looked at his niece, who seemed more composed than his own daughter, feeling as if something was stuck in his throat. Without her parents, Yueyao had to start planning at such a young age. He then touched Yueyao's forehead, "Silly girl, with Uncle here, no one will bully you."
Yueyao eagerly nodded, "Mm. I believe in Uncle." She did believe him. It's just that thinking of her uncle having only two more years to live made Yueyao worried.
The two talked, and even had their dinner in the Begonia Garden.
Lady Cheng, upon hearing that her husband had taken Yueyao into Begonia Garden and they had been talking there until dinner, clenched her fists tightly.
Bi Se, a personal maid and confidant of Lady Cheng, thought to herself, it was fortunate that she was just a niece, and only eight years old at that. Otherwise, Madam would have more serious concerns.
Granny Liu heard that the Old Master had been with Cousin Miss in Begonia Garden till now. She could not help but say, "Cousin Miss is no simple character." It had been a long while since the Old Master had spent so much time in the back yard. Even his visits to Madam's place were only on the first and the fifteenth of the lunar month. Most other times, he would be engrossed in his study.
A maid, also Ma Peng's personal maid, said quietly, "Mom, I heard that Madam really dislikes Cousin Miss. Maybe Cousin Miss can help us." The personal maid was worried thinking about Lady Cheng's plan. If Madam succeeded in having Eldest Young Master marry a lady from the Cheng Family, their future would be bleak.
Granny Liu dismissed the maid's words, "Nonsense, what are you talking about? Cousin Miss is a guest, how could she be involved in the affairs of Ma's Mansion."
The maid immediately fell silent.
Ma Chengteng, rarely encountering such a congenial conversational partner, lost track of time as they talked. He, too, had his dinner in the Begonia Garden.
After dinner, there was no further exchange with his niece. Instead, Yueyao asked Ma Chengteng to assess Brother Zheng. Although Yueyao was proficient in Guqin, Chess, Calligraphy, and Painting, she was completely clueless about external affairs. Having Ma Chengteng's evaluation gave her some peace of mind.
After evaluating, Ma Chengteng shook his head. The child had nothing but a handsome appearance, utterly incapable of significant responsibility. However, seeing the beseeching look in Yueyao's eyes, he tried his best to find some merits to praise Tingzheng.
Yueyao had Mu Qiu take Brother Zheng out, then she explained Brother Zheng's situation, "Uncle, I just want to find a patient tutor for Tingzheng. Now, it's just Tingzheng and I left in the second branch. In the future, Tingzheng must support the second branch. I can't be lax with him at all. Uncle, I know Tingzheng's situation too, and I don't expect him to pursue the path of an official, but I do want him to be able to support the second branch." Yueyao's meaning was that the tutor shouldn't be too rigid or harsh, should be caring, most importantly patient, and of course, should possess good knowledge and character.
Ma Chengteng, after pondering for a moment, said, "I'll have someone start looking tomorrow. We'll surely find someone. With such talents, aspiring for the highest ranks in the royal exams is tough, and becoming a Palace Graduate is dreaming; Juren would depend on luck. At best, he might make it as a Scholar."
Yueyao eagerly nodded, "Uncle, there's another matter. Brother Zheng has not been included in the family registry yet. Uncle, I want to register Brother Zheng under Mother's name. What do you think?" Previously, Yueyao's mother, Madam Ma, had mentioned registering Brother Zheng under a deceased Maternal Auntie's name, that was said but not yet registered. Now directly registering in Madam Ma's name could save some trouble.
Ma Chengteng was surprised, "You mean to register Brother Zheng under your mother's name?"
Yueyao explained to Ma Chengteng that registering Brother Zheng under her mother's name would be beneficial for Tingzheng's future career and marital prospects, "Uncle, Tingzheng's biological mother comes from a humble background. If registered under Mother's name, it would be better for his future prospects and marriage. Uncle, I will follow your decision first. If you agree, then I'll ask grandmother later. I just worry that Eldest Uncle and Eldest Aunt might disagree. They don't like Tingzheng." Yueyao was seeking help from Ma Chengteng first.
Ma Chengteng touched Yueyao's head and said, "With Uncle here, they will agree." He felt that Yueyao's idea was very appropriate. Registering him under his sister's name would firstly allow his sister, in her afterlife, to enjoy the offerings for descendants. Secondly, it would foster a closer relationship between Yueyao and Tingzheng.
Now that Yueyao's father was gone, the second branch was left with only this one male. Registering him under the legal mother's name was naturally unproblematic. Despite a humble origin, he was blood kin. That was always better than an adoptee.
Yueyao said very gratefully, "Thank you, Uncle."