Early the next morning, Ye Cishu followed Ye Wanshu in rising early, washing up, and standing in the courtyard of Shou'an Hall.
Before leaving the courtyard, Ye Wanshu even dabbed a bit of powder on Ye Cishu's lips.
This made her look even more delicate and frail.
"Mother said that these past few days you haven't been well, and the doctor needs to check your pulse daily," Ye Wanshu whispered into Ye Cishu's ear.
Ye Cishu instantly understood—it was about pretending to be ill.
It must have been ordered by Old Master Ye.
They stood in Old Lady Ye's courtyard for about the time it takes an incense stick to burn before hearing any movement from inside Shou'an Hall.
Ye Cishu quickly straightened her posture.
Ye Wanshu stood at the very front, behind her was Ye Ningshu, the daughter born to Concubine Su and also the second young lady of the Ye Family.
After Ye Ningshu came Ye Xiushu, the third young lady of the Ye Family, born to Concubine Lan.
Standing at the very back was Ye Cishu.
Strangely enough, the ages of these four young ladies were almost consecutive, with the eldest, Ye Wanshu, only turning nineteen after the New Year.
Ye Ningshu was four months younger than Ye Wanshu, Ye Xiushu was five months younger than Ye Ningshu, and Ye Cishu was another five months younger than Ye Xiushu.
However, those standing here were all daughters of the Ye Family's second branch. The eldest branch also had two daughters.
Recently, they had gone to their maternal relatives in Guazhou, sparing them from standing in line with Ye Cishu and the others.
Additionally, the third branch of the Ye Family had three daughters, but because they had caused a commotion in front of the old lady some days ago, they were punished by Third Master Ye with confinement and were forbidden from leaving their courtyard for at least two months…
Hearing a sudden cough from inside Shou'an Hall, the four young ladies of the Ye Family standing outside immediately straightened their postures.
Following the old maidservant by Old Lady Ye's side into Shou'an Hall, the sisters, led by Ye Wanshu, paid their respects to the old lady.
After taking their respective seats, Ye Cishu noticed that Shou'an Hall was already occupied.
Lady Ma, Wife of the Eldest Son of Ye, sat in the first seat below the old lady, while Lady Li, Wife of the Second Son of Ye, sat on the other side.
Lady Zhou, Wife of the Third Son of Ye, sat beside Lady Li.
Additionally, Concubine Su was also standing behind Lady Li.
Ye Cishu found it a bit strange. Old Lady Ye did not like concubines coming in to serve, but today she had summoned Concubine Su…
The old lady smiled and asked about everyday matters.
She asked Ye Wanshu what she had been learning recently under Lady Li's guidance.
She asked Ye Ningshu if her progress in calligraphy and painting under the tutor had been noticeable lately.
She also asked Ye Xiushu how much silver she had earned recently and whether she had lent money at interest to the servants again…
Finally, she asked Ye Cishu how her health was.
"Ci'er's complexion doesn't look too good. Is she still not feeling well? Has Second Madam called for a doctor?" Old Lady Ye asked kindly.
Lady Li hurriedly replied.
"Last night, we went to Ping An Tang to invite Doctor Liao.
Unfortunately, Doctor Liao had gone out of the city to see a patient and said he would return before noon today.
We've already informed him to come and check Fourth Young Lady's pulse as soon as he returns.
Old Lady, yesterday Fourth Young Lady was frightened. After returning, she kept feeling discomfort in her chest. I suppose she won't be going out for a while," Lady Li said quickly.
Old Lady Ye nodded.
"If she doesn't go out, then she doesn't go out. After all, the Ye Family estate is large. If Ci'er wants to get some fresh air, there's plenty to explore!
Take good care of your health. When your Old Aunt returns, you can go pay your respects," Old Lady Ye said with a smile.
Upon hearing this, everyone in Shou'an Hall was first taken aback, then grew eager with anticipation.
"The Old Aunt is coming back? This is truly joyous news. The Old Master has been looking forward to this for many years, hasn't he?" First Madam Ye said with a smile.
"Yes, the residence has been repaired for so many years, with people specially assigned to take care of it. We've finally welcomed the master back," Second Madam Ye also chimed in with a smile.
"The Old Aunt has seen the world, and we'll get to experience it too," Third Madam Ye added.
Old Lady Ye laughed heartily, her joy evident without any need to hide it.
"The Old Master said the Old Aunt is returning to pay respects at the ancestral graves. She’s expected to arrive in about a month. By then, the Ye Family will likely be very busy. That Concubine Su… your nephew, the one who just passed the Jieyuan examination…" Old Lady Ye asked, looking at Concubine Su standing behind Madam Li.
"Is the Old Lady referring to Xiaosheng?" Concubine Su asked softly.
"Yes, Xiaosheng! The Old Master specifically instructed yesterday that since the Ye Family will be busy lately, Young Master Su needs to prepare for next year's imperial examination in the capital, and his studies must not be delayed. We shouldn’t let trivial matters hinder Young Master Su’s future. The Old Master has a residence on the back street, which is the quietest place and was originally used to host distinguished guests from the capital. For now, it will be allocated to Young Master Su and his mother. Additionally, maids, servants, and nannies will accompany them. Young Master Su can focus entirely on his studies. Concubine Su, since you’re closer to them, please convey this. It’s not that the Ye Family is driving them away; we’re doing this for Su Jieyuan’s sake," Old Lady Ye said with a smile.
Concubine Su had initially felt a bit uneasy, but upon hearing that Old Master Ye was offering the residence on the back street to her cousin and her son, her discomfort immediately vanished. That residence was far more spacious and comfortable than the courtyard they currently lived in. With the Old Aunt returning, the Ye mansion would surely be chaotic, so it was actually better for her cousin and her son to move out.
"Thank you, Old Master and Old Lady, for your consideration!" Concubine Su curtsied lightly.
Old Lady Ye knew that Concubine Su came from an official family that had fallen into decline, which was why she had become the concubine of her second son. She pretended not to notice Concubine Su’s demeanor. Recalling Old Master Ye’s instructions from the previous night, Old Lady Ye maintained a kindly and benevolent smile.
"Rui’an, bring out the box prepared last night," Old Lady Ye said.
The Old Lady’s personal maid immediately brought out a black wooden box. Old Lady Ye gestured for the maid to hand it to Concubine Su.
"This is on the Old Master’s orders. Young Master Su is now a Jieyuan, which means he holds an official title. When he attends poetry gatherings, flower-viewing events, or tea parties with friends and classmates, he’ll need money. The Old Master asked me to prepare some, all in this box. Additionally, there are some gold ingots in various designs. It’ll be convenient for Young Master Su to carry a few in his pouch when he goes out for social engagements. They’re also in the box. Please take them all with you," Old Lady Ye said with a beaming smile.
Concubine Su accepted the instructions and took the box.
Ye Cishu watched all of this calmly.
Logically speaking, Old Master Ye must have realized yesterday how Su Xiaosheng had schemed. But this current approach…
Ye Cishu thought of the phrase "spoil to ruin."
Quietly letting someone become obsessed with something, making them forget their original intentions…
After finishing with that matter, Old Lady Ye suddenly remembered something.
"I nearly forgot something.
Didn't the family always take out a shop from the public funds at the end of each year as a reward for the younger generation?
This year, because Old Aunt is returning, this matter has been moved up.
In three days, in the courtyard of Shouxi Hall, the younger generation will hold a competition.
We'll still follow the Ye Family's old rules: whoever calculates the accounts fastest and most accurately will get that shop.
It doesn't matter if you don't get first place; everyone will get an extra two thousand taels of private silver at the end of the year.
Wanshu doesn't need to participate. She already has plenty of shops in her hands; let her make way for her younger siblings," Old Lady Ye said with a smile.
Ye Wanshu pursed her lips and smiled.
Ye Cishu's eyes widened even more.
Oh my, the Ye Family is indeed wealthy, giving shops to the younger generation at the end of the year!
Isn't it just accounting?
This is her strong suit!
"Grandmother, can everyone participate?" Ye Cishu asked softly.
"Of course, as long as they are my grandchildren and unmarried, they can all participate.
Take good care of your health these two days and try to participate in three days.
We all know you're good at using the abacus.
Last year, you got dizzy halfway through the calculations. Don't waste the opportunity again this year!" Old Lady Ye said with a laugh.
Ye Cishu smiled sheepishly.
Everyone in Shou'an Hall was laughing happily.
Only Concubine Su and her daughter wore faint smiles on their faces.