Chapter 18 “Miss, these are new clothes sent by Sister Erzhen from the main quarters. Two sets are for the New Year, and the other two are for when our eldest young lady marries. Would you like to try them on first? If any don't fit well, we can take them to be altered.” Baiying carried the clothes over on a tray, her face beaming with joy.Yaoniang set down the book in her hand and tried them on. Finding them all a perfect fit, she had the maids perfume them with incense before storing them in the wardrobe.Just as she was about to sit down, word came from outside that the Third Young Lady had arrived.Luo Jingrou entered, holding a hand warmer. Today she wore a jacket and skirt of white with pinkish-green bamboo and plum blossom embroidery, lending her an air of refined elegance.“Third Sister.” Yaoniang quickly rose and greeted her with a bow.Luo Jingrou discreetly surveyed the layout of the eastern wing, feeling that Mrs. Yu had truly revealed her true colors. Previously she had been as meek as a melon, but now that her son's health had improved, she stood tall and proud.Looking at Yaoniang's quarters, she spotted the hibiscus-patterned white jade cup on the kang table, clearly just used for drinking water.She sneered inwardly, yet a smile graced her face: “Fifth Sister, no need for such formality. I heard about the family matters over at Ganquan Residence. Rest assured, that Shifang has been confined to her room, and Aunt has been locked away copying scriptures. Amitabha.”Had this been the old Yaoniang, she would have felt grateful, believing Jingrou was siding with Mrs. Yu and the main branch.But now she knew full well this was Luo Jingrou's tactic—first pretending to stand on your side, acting as if she had your best interests at heart, coaxing out your true feelings, then leading you into mistakes and unsettling your mind.Yaoniang had long since stopped falling for such tricks, so she deftly changed the subject: “Let's not dwell on that matter. How have things been at Ganquan Residence lately, Third Sister? I heard that Eldest Sister's formal engagement has been settled, and the house is piled high with embroidered goods. Mother won't let me near them for fear I'll ruin something. She also said the betrothal gifts from the Fenyang Prince's mansion are so numerous that several storehouses can't hold them all. Third Sister, do you think once Eldest Sister marries, we'll have to kowtow to her when we meet?”At this, Yaoniang looked a bit troubled: “I'm not like you, Third Sister, born into a marquis household. I'm truly afraid I'll make a fool of myself if I get the etiquette wrong.”Luo Jingrou had intended to needle Yaoniang, but instead found herself struck by the remark. Indeed, by status, she was no lesser than Luo Shilan—her talent and looks were no worse either—yet from now on, the two would be as different as clouds and mud.If she couldn't marry into a good family, she'd have to kowtow to Luo Shilan for the rest of her life. How would her relatives look down on her when they met?Unable to sit still any longer, she exchanged a few perfunctory words and rose to leave.Watching her retreating figure, Yaoniang couldn't help but shake her head. She had deliberately driven her away. Luo Jingrou had always been proud and arrogant, needing to surpass others in everything. For instance, the marquis household might not actually dote on her all that much, but she would craft the image of being the favorite granddaughter of the Marchioness of Yanping. She even acted close to Mrs. Yu outwardly—not out of genuine fondness, but to show that she had both parents alive and was well-bred and proper. Her life could not tolerate even the slightest hint of being inferior to others.With Luo Shilan's wedding approaching, many distant relatives of the Luo family had come to the capital to offer congratulations. Thus, Mrs. Yu led the household in preparing the guest rooms, especially those in the garden, and Yaoniang accompanied her.Mrs. Yu looked radiant, taking Yaoniang's hand and saying, “It's so cold—why did you come out?”"Daughter just wants to keep Mother company! Now that Fourth Sister's tutor has caught a chill, we don't have lessons, and I find sitting around with nothing to do terribly dull." Yaoniang said coaxingly.The mother and daughter slipped out through the side gate. Mrs. Yu first went to Apricot Blossom Court to check on Old Madame Yu and her granddaughter Yu Yan, confirming that they had ample charcoal and everything they needed for food, clothing, and daily life. She was about to take her leave.But Old Madame Yu seemed to have something to say. Yaoniang knew exactly what it would be—in her previous life, Cousin Yu had come to stay with her at the end of this very year. That had led to the incident where she was nearly molested by Luo Jingxi. Moreover, while staying with her, Cousin Yu shared all her allowances, and they had even quarreled.Whenever she grew upset and lost her temper, she would still feel sorry for Cousin Yu, who had lost both parents. But their relationship was never close—it seemed that after she began gaining weight, her mother wanted her to eat less, and she couldn't control herself, while Cousin Yu liked to subtly point out how thin she herself was.That had hurt Yaoniang deeply back then, and so their relationship had soured.Yu Yan stole a glance at her grandmother, then turned to Yaoniang and asked, "Are you still attending lessons these days?""No, we've stopped. Besides, with the happy occasion at our house and so many relatives coming, there are no more classes. Now, when there's nothing to do, I just rest at home."As Yaoniang finished speaking, she heard Old Madame Yu say, "I've been feeling a bit unwell these past few days. Your niece has been attending to me day and night, but I've been keeping her from getting any rest. Could you find a place for her to stay for a few days? Otherwise, this child will burn herself out like a candle. She's the only remaining blood of your elder brother, after all."Though Mrs. Yu harbored some resentment toward Old Madame Yu, her brother had always been good to her. Back when she was still at home, her mother would only boil egg tea for her brother, and he would secretly leave her more than half of it.So when she looked at Yu Yan again, even knowing full well that the old lady was likely lying for the sake of Yu Yan's marriage—after all, Yu Yan was no longer young and needed to socialize and secure a betrothal—Mrs. Yu still found herself agreeing.But then Yaoniang spoke up: "Mother, since we're already preparing the guest rooms, I recall there's a small, neat little courtyard behind our Huining Study. It's quiet and elegant—Cousin could stay there for a few days. And if she fears loneliness, she can come play at our Wenhua Hall during the day."Mrs. Yu had been worrying about where to place Yu Yan. Arranging for her to stay with Yaoniang would naturally be best, and since Yaoniang had suggested it herself, she agreed at once: "I'll have someone call a doctor for Mother first, and have that courtyard prepared today. Tonight, Nanny Zhu will accompany Yan'er there to keep her company."Old Madame Yu had nothing more to say. Yu Yan's face was full of disappointment—she had hoped to take this opportunity to move into Wenhua Hall, so that later even if her aunt tried to send her back, it would be difficult, and she could also socialize more. She hadn't expected to remain in the garden.As she fretted, Yaoniang felt a twinge of pity. She shouldn't ruin someone else's prospects—after all, there was no deep enmity between them. So she smiled and said, "Cousin, we're having guests tomorrow. Why don't you come over and join in the fun?"Even if Yaoniang hadn't said it, Mrs. Yu would have, but seeing her daughter take the initiative, she couldn't help but feel a surge of admiration.Yu Yan and Old Madame Yu were overjoyed as well. They didn't hope for much—just a good marriage for Yu Yan, and the grandmother and granddaughter would ask for nothing more.In Mrs. Yu's view, a good match simply meant a family of clean background, decent character, and an ambitious young man—that was enough. Whatever the old Madame Yu and her granddaughter were hoping for, she no longer cared to know; after all, she couldn't fulfill any higher demands anyway.Early the next morning, Yaoniang was still stifling a little yawn as she went to her mother's place. As she entered, she saw her father and mother laughing and talking about something, but the moment she stepped in, her father seemed to revert to his usual demeanor.Luo Zhizheng said to Mrs. Yu, "I received a letter last night saying that my cousin's father won't be coming—he sent his son instead. The letter also mentioned that Ziheng lost his wife last year and hopes you can help find him a new wife.""Alright, I'll keep that in mind." Mrs. Yu nodded.Luo Zhizheng still had to go to the government office, so he ate a few hurried bites before ordering the sedan chair to the Ministry of Personnel. It was the season of the triennial evaluation of officials, and everyone in the bureaucracy was on edge—naturally, the Ministry of Personnel had become the most important department of all.These matters of state had nothing to do with Yaoniang. After they finished their meal, Mrs. Fan came over with a smile and said, "Madam, the old lady has asked us to come over—she says Madam Cao will be visiting shortly."Mrs. Yu said delightedly, "Could it be the Cao family of Dongyang Marquis?"Mrs. Fan nodded: "Indeed. Madam Cao and our family are old relatives, and she doesn't put on airs at all. Yesterday when you went to the garden, the maidservants the Cao family sent were all extremely proper and well-mannered."They brought their people and went to Old Madame Dou's place. The old lady had loved almond drinks since her youth, and even in her old age she kept the habit—it was said that almond drinks were the best for whitening the skin.On such an occasion, Mrs. Ren still came out. Mrs. Yu acted as if there were no grudge at all, addressing Mrs. Ren as "Sister-in-law." After all, she was the victor. Yaoniang couldn't help but nod inwardly—Mrs. Ren had already lost all face, with the servants having seen her throw a tantrum, and she had no dignity left in front of Old Madame Dou. Even Shifang remained confined to her room. Her mother had not only slapped her twice but had also gained considerable authority, and everyone had seen her father's stance, so no one above or below dared to slight them.As for herself, thanks to her parents' protection, her standing had risen greatly, and no one treated her lightly.With all that, why bother holding a grudge? Would an elephant bother with a tiny ant?Beneath Mrs. Jiang sat the eldest young lady, Luo Shilan. She rarely came out, but today she did—perhaps because Madam Cao was coming.She specifically beckoned Yaoniang over and handed her a segment of tangerine: "Come sit by me."Compared to Luo Jingrou, Luo Shilan was the one in the family who valued family honor the most. She had long been troubled by Mrs. Ren, fearing she might cause some scandal. Fortunately, she had offended the eldest branch, and Old Madame Dou had disciplined Mrs. Ren—otherwise, it would have been shameful in front of the relatives.That said, Shifang really did have a sturdy constitution. She had been out in the cold for most of the night before last, yet today she could appear here as if nothing had happened. Still, she remained as careless and rash as a child, and Yaoniang simply had no words for her.She was absolutely not a bad person, but she was always muddle-headed and kept harming those around her.In less than the time it takes to drink a cup of tea, Madam Cao arrived, accompanied by a young boy in a red brocade robe. Madam Cao was about thirty years old, with an oval face. She hurriedly bowed to Old Madame Dou, who said, "No need for such formality."After Madam Cao took her seat of honor, she said to the boy in red, "Wanxuan, pay your respects to all the elders."The boy made a round bow, looking quite proper and composed.Yaoniang found his appearance somewhat familiar—he resembled a young boy she had once saved from a lake in her previous life. But she had sneaked off to play by the lakeside back then, and after pulling him out and seeing him wake up, she had run away. However, that was beside the point; this boy was actually Cao Wanxuan.He was one of the main rivals vying for Shifang's affections, and it turned out to be him all along—the one who ultimately won the lady's heart. Seeing events unfold just like in a storybook, Yaoniang found it quite amusing.

The Second Wife’s Daughter