Madam Wen thought of the embroidered fan Xue Ning had given her earlier. It was indeed quite beautiful, but because she had concealed the fact that it was from Gusu Cixiu Wushuang, Madam Wen felt somewhat uncomfortable.
She muttered to herself, “Why didn’t this child tell the family earlier?”
Pretentious and awkward, even if she could embroider, she still couldn’t compare to Xue Mingzhu, whom she had raised with her own hands, skilled in music, chess, calligraphy, and painting, and who never hid anything from her.
A child not raised by her own hands was, after all, distant from her.
Xue Youdao’s expression softened for once. “At least she knows what’s proper, understanding that everything should prioritize the Xue family.”
Xue Mingzhu clutched her handkerchief, nearly tearing it apart, her lowered eyes unable to suppress her jealousy.
Xue Ning was actually Gusu Cixiu Wushuang? How could that be? She didn’t want Xue Ning to gain this reputation at all, to have it spread and known throughout the capital, watching Xue Ning bask in glory!
Xue Mingzhu spoke up, “Elder Brother, although Ningning’s embroidery is exceptional, I think it’s better not to let this matter spread. If Old Madam Jiang finds out that the embroidery was done by Ningning, she would surely think you lacked sincerity. A screen obtained from your own sister naturally wouldn’t compare to one painstakingly purchased at a high price.
Moreover, if everyone in the capital learns of this, they might come to us with requests. We would be in a difficult position—whether to comply or not—since Ningning’s temperament isn’t necessarily obedient enough to embroider properly, and things could go wrong later…”
Xue Youdao nodded and said, “Mingzhu is right. This matter should not be spread. Since she hasn’t mentioned it herself, there’s no need to bring it up in the future.”
Xue Youdao, however, thought of another implication: in the future, when he needed to make connections in official circles, he could have Xue Ning create some embroidered pieces. Others would simply think he had acquired them at a high price, making them more impressive as gifts.
Xue Mingzhu breathed a sigh of relief, thinking with schadenfreude, “So what if Xue Ning is Gusu Wushuang? With just a few words from me, she’s still suppressed at home.”
The next day.
Xue Ning went to the General’s Mansion to visit County Mistress Xie An, but she didn’t even make it through the gate.
The steward directly told Xue Ning, “The Old Madam said the County Mistress is ill and cannot receive guests. Besides, Miss Xue the Fifth is an unmarried young lady. When visiting a place like the General’s Mansion, proper etiquette should be observed.
If you wish to come, your family’s matriarch should first send a visiting card and arrange a date before you return. Coming here rashly like this is improper.”
Xue Ning was turned away at the door. In such a situation, she had no choice but to return home for now.
Before leaving, however, she caught sight of several maids inside the mansion carrying Bi He, who was unconscious and covered in whip marks. Anxiously, she turned to the gatekeeper.
“Bi He! What happened to her?”
The steward replied impatiently, “The General said this maid failed to properly serve the County Mistress in the courtyard and instead left the mansion to sell the County Mistress’s belongings. Such betrayal of her master naturally warrants punishment.
But ultimately, these are the General’s Mansion’s internal affairs and have nothing to do with Miss Xue the Fifth. Please refrain from spreading rumors after you leave, lest you tarnish the reputation of our General’s Mansion.”
Xue Ning clenched her fists, her heart filled with urgency. She knew she had to find a way to enter the General’s Mansion and see Sister Xie as soon as possible. With Bi He now in trouble, it was likely that medicine and physicians were even more neglected for Sister Xie.
Xue Ning hurried back to Xue Zhai, intending to ask her mother to write a visiting card for her to send to the General’s Mansion.
“Fifth Miss, Madam is not here. She is currently at Xiyan Yuan accompanying Fourth Miss in her guqin practice.”
Nanny Liu smiled as she spoke to Xue Ning, then turned to the young maid behind her, saying, “Be careful with these items. They are all frequently used by Fourth Miss. Deliver them quickly to Xiyan Yuan.”
“Fifth Miss, if you need to see Madam, why not come along with me?”
Xue Ning nodded and silently followed.
Returning to Xiyan Yuan once more, everything felt familiar yet changed.
The swing she had loved most, once beside the courtyard, had been dismantled. All the evening glories had been dug up, while Madam Wen bustled about, instructing gardeners to carefully plant peonies in their place.
Even though she had prepared herself mentally, seeing this scene still stung Xue Ning deeply.
What Xue Mingzhu liked was always noticed by everyone, while the few things Xue Ning cared about seemed to go unnoticed and unremembered.
When Xue Mingzhu saw Xue Ning, she looked startled, then, as if afraid Xue Ning would cause trouble, tugged at Madam Wen’s sleeve and hid behind her, whispering softly.
“Ningning is here… Ningning, I didn’t mean to replace the evening glories. It’s just… Mother said these flowers have an unlucky meaning. Evening glories bloom only for one night before withering, not as auspicious as peonies, which symbolize wealth and prosperity. She was worried it might affect the courtyard’s feng shui, especially since I need to practice the guqin to enter the palace as a candidate for study companion.”
Xue Ning ignored Xue Mingzhu, her gaze fixed on Madam Wen, expressionless and calm.
“Mother.”
Madam Wen felt somewhat awkward. Having taken over Xue Ning’s courtyard and dug up her favorite flowers, she knew she was in the wrong. Yet, as a mother, she couldn’t bring herself to apologize to Xue Ning, nor did she believe she had done anything wrong.
Madam Wen averted her eyes and offered a placating remark, “Once Mingzhu passes the selection for study companion, she will enter the palace daily to accompany the princess. Then, this courtyard will no longer be needed and can be returned to you. You can restore it to the way you like it then.”
“However, I think it might be better if you don’t change it back. Those evening glories are rather plain and insignificant, and that swing was old and worn. It’s fine that it was removed. You should also improve your taste a little.”
Just then, Xue Zhaofei rushed in, followed by two servants carrying finely carved wooden planks.
His eyes bright with enthusiasm, he said cheerfully, “Cousin, shall I build a swing worthy of you?”
Xue Mingzhu smiled sweetly, “Thank you, Sixth Brother.”
Then, she shot a provocative glance at Xue Ning, “Ningning, if you like this swing, I can lend it to you. You’re welcome to come and play anytime.”
Only then did Xue Zhaofei notice Xue Ning standing in the corner. His grip on the wooden planks tightened unconsciously, a hint of guilt flashing across his face.
“Fifth Sister… why are you here?”
Xue Ning simply looked at Xue Zhaofei and said, “I never knew Sixth Brother knew how to build a swing.”
The swing in her courtyard had been old and worn. When she had wanted to replace it before, her family had dismissed it as frivolous, saying she should focus on her studies of music, chess, calligraphy, and painting instead.
At the time, she had asked Xue Zhaofei for help, but he had impatiently replied that he didn’t know how and would think of something when he had time.
It turned out he wasn’t incapable—he simply didn’t think she was worth the effort.
Xue Zhaofei’s handsome face flushed red with a mix of embarrassment and irritation at being exposed. “Xue Ning, what do you mean by bringing up the past? As my elder sister, you should be more accommodating. It’s just a swing—surely you’re not so petty as to hold it against me or Cousin, are you?”
Besides, didn’t cousin promise you that you can come play anytime you want? Once she’s gone, won’t it all be to your advantage…