Ling Xiao studied a few essays with his teacher in the morning, and before noon, he asked for leave to return to the Marquis' Mansion.
Ling Ruxue, who had the day off, usually visited to compare his essays with Ling Xuan's. Ling Xuan, born to Xia Lan, was Ling Ruxue's eldest son.
Ling Xiao had never felt close to Ling Ruxue, even after living together for more than ten years. The feeling was mutual. Ling Ruxue held no affection for the two children left by his first wife, instead doting on the children born to Xia Lan. This favoritism often resulted in Lord Ling reprimanding him.
Now approaching fifty, Ling Ruxue was no longer the foolish, disliked young man he had once been; he had become more composed. However, his talents were limited, and Lord Ling could only secure him a position as an assistant official in the Ministry of Justice, with no prospects for advancement.
Lord Ling, who once aided Taizu in conquering the world, was a man of talent and ambition, known for his contributions. Now, with a son who hadn't achieved much, he felt a sense of melancholy. However, he took pride in his grandson, Ling Xiao, a bright child who, at less than ten years old, had designed a highly accurate bow and arrow, leading to improvements in the military's crossbows. This earned him high praise from Taizu, filling Lord Ling with pride.
For Ling Xiao, this was no great feat. He was originally a college student engaged in engineering mechanics research and possessed a wealth of knowledge from earlier scholars. His interest in military equipment made it easy for him to improve these weapons. Although he could have invented more complex items, he refrained to avoid drawing attention.
Lord Ling had taught Ling Xiao to restrain himself from a young age. When Lord Ling assisted Taizu in establishing the dynasty, he refused Taizu's offer of a princely title three times, only accepting the title of Shoukang Marquis after much persuasion. Over the following twenty years, seven other nobles were stripped of their titles, demonstrating Lord Ling's wisdom in accepting a lower rank.
Having learned from Lord Ling, Ling Xiao knew how to hold back. When Ling Ruxue asked to test their essays that day, Ling Xiao agreed casually without much interest.
Ling Xuan, who had begun his studies earlier and had been taught by Ling Ruxue himself, was naturally more advanced than Ling Xiao.
After questioning him for a while, Ling Ruxue stroked his beard in satisfaction and said, "Xuan'er has made great progress. Ling Xiao, learn more from your big brother."
"Yes," Ling Xiao nodded, raising an eyebrow at Ling Xuan, who felt a sudden pang of unease. The two left the study.
Once outside, Ling Xuan visibly relaxed. Smiling, he patted Ling Xiao on the shoulder. "Are you busy today? Minister Du's son invited me for a drink. Want to come?"
Ling Xiao narrowed his eyes and replied with a smile, "No, big brother. Go ahead. I need to catch up on my studies."
Though Ling Xiao avoided getting involved in Ling Xuan's affairs, he knew a little about the household's dynamics. Ling Xuan, now sixteen, was on the verge of receiving an official position arranged by Ling Ruxue. Recently, he had begun socializing with the children of aristocratic families, drinking and gambling in secret.
Seeing Ling Xuan feign ambition in front of Ling Ruxue and Lord Ling made Ling Xiao uncomfortable. Without saying a word, he turned and walked into the backyard.
The jewelry store had finished a hairpiece Ling Xiao had ordered for Ling Zhi. He had designed it himself, choosing the finest materials and commissioning a master craftsman. Arriving late yesterday, he hadn't had a chance to deliver it to Ling Zhi's quarters. Now, he finally had time.
Ling Zhi's governess was teaching her needlework when Ling Xiao entered. Upon seeing him, everyone greeted him before he asked them to leave. Ling Zhi, a ten-year-old still attached to her brother, smiled and ran to him. "Brother, why did you come to see me today? Is Father back?"
Ling Xiao smiled, taking an exquisite, gold-painted sandalwood box from his satchel. "Open it and see," he said with a grin.
Ling Zhi giggled, opening the box to reveal a small golden hairpin, carved with over a dozen peonies. The center peonies were adorned with tiny ruby-like drops hanging on thin chains, crafted with exquisite care. Alongside the hairpin were two matching gold hairpins and a pair of gold filigree bracelets, all set with ruby drops in a coordinated design.
Though young, Ling Zhi had already begun to appreciate beauty. She hadn't seen any girl wearing such jewelry and could tell at a glance that her brother had created a new design just for her. Clutching the gorgeous hairpin, she beamed. "Thank you, Brother! It's so beautiful. I'll wear it tomorrow!"
Ling Zhi had lost her mother at birth, leaving her in an even more vulnerable position than Ling Xiao. As a girl without a mother's love and guidance, she might have felt neglected. Fortunately, she received love from her grandparents and her brother, ensuring she was never lacking.
"If you like it, wear it now, so I can see it," Ling Xiao said, sitting down with some snacks. "Pine nuts!" he exclaimed happily.
Ling Xiao had inherited Lord Ling's love for nuts. They enjoyed everything from pine nuts to hazelnuts, making nuts a staple in their daily snacks.
Ling Zhi giggled, saying shyly, "Mammy taught me. I made these pine nuts myself, just for you, Brother."
Ling Xiao took a few more bites, praising her. "You're growing up, Sister. Not bad... Send some to Grandpa later; he'll love them."
The maids helped Ling Zhi with her hair, styling it into a high bun and adding the new jewelry. Ling Zhi admired her reflection, smiling brightly. "It's so beautiful… I'll make more treats for you, Brother!"
Ling Xiao chuckled, gently tapping her nose. "You're becoming quite the talent."
As they chatted, Mother Li, a senior maid who had come with Madam Shi's dowry, approached, smiling. "Second Master and Second Miss, please join us for lunch. Madam wishes for more company at the table."
Noticing Ling Zhi's new hairpin, Mother Li admired it with delight. "Look at the golden hairpin on Second Miss's head—the gems look as though they're dripping from the peony flowers. I've never seen anything so beautiful."
"Mother Li, you're making her blush even more," Ling Xiao joked.
Mother Li, understanding that Ling Xiao had designed it to make Ling Zhi happy, commented, "Second Master's creations are indeed a trendsetter. Within a month, I imagine every lady in the capital will want similar flowers in her hair." After some friendly banter, she bowed and left.
At noon, Ling Xiao and Ling Zhi went to Madam Shi's courtyard, where they were joined by Ling Yi, Xia Lan's daughter. After exchanging greetings, they sat down. Madam Shi, over seventy but still in good health, looked around. "Where's Xuan? Did he not join us?"
Ning'er, Madam Shi's senior maid, replied, "The eldest young master went out with a minister's son who invited him."
Ling Yi, aware of her brother's upcoming official appointment, beamed with pride. "Yes, my brother has been busy with social invitations from noble families."
"Ah, Ling Xuan is making strides," Madam Shi said, though she harbored mixed feelings about him and Ling Yi. Despite her reservations, she had always treated them fairly. She was aware of Ling Ruxue's plans for Ling Xuan's official position and privately thought he was rushing things, likely influenced by Xia's family.
The atmosphere grew slightly tense, but Mother Li stepped in with a well-timed comment. "Madam, look at Second Miss's hairpin. I've never seen anything so beautiful, with gems that seem to flow down. Second Master is truly gifted."
Noticing Ling Zhi's hairpin, Madam Shi invited her over for a closer look. She smiled, admiring it. "It's exquisite, both the shape and material… But it doesn't match well with your pearl earrings." She called to Mother Li, "Bring my ruby earrings for the Second Miss. And a pair of cat's-eye earrings for the eldest young lady."
Ling Zhi and Ling Yi thanked her, and Madam Shi helped put on Ling Zhi's earrings, smiling warmly. "They suit you beautifully."
Ling Xiao, cracking sunflower seeds nearby, sighed. "Where's my reward?"
Madam Shi laughed, "What reward do you want? I don't have anything you can wear!"
They continued to laugh and chat until a maid announced that the meal was ready, and Madam Shi invited everyone to eat.
After the meal, as they sipped tea, Ling Yi, envious of Ling Zhi's hairpin, couldn't help but ask Ling Xiao with a smile, "Second Brother, could you get me one just like that?"
Ling Xiao set his teacup down, looking at Ling Yi intently. Ling Yi, noticing his gaze, felt a sudden unease.