Pingzhang Hou was a loud-voiced old man, holding two iron walnuts in his hand that occasionally made a "click" sound. He dressed very plainly, in a gray robe with worn cuffs, looking even more shabbily dressed than the house steward. But Yingzhen knew this little old man didn’t care about such things.
He was born with a silver spoon in his mouth. His mother, Su Yan, was a famous female general recorded in the history of the Qi Kingdom, having won countless battles. His father was a renowned military strategist. He inherited the wealth from both sides, making him extremely rich. Such a person should have worn golden shoes and ridden a white horse, embodying the grace and elegance of a noble prince.
But in reality, it was not so. Before the age of twenty, Pingzhang Hou was exceptionally skilled in martial arts and had even followed his father to the battlefield. However, after marrying at twenty, he developed a severe heart condition and could no longer practice martial arts. Because of this, he poured all his energy into his three sons. The eldest son, Su Fu, actually preferred reading as a child, but he was appointed as the Heir early on and thus had to practice martial arts, albeit reluctantly. He spent more time discussing poetry, literature, or official careers with his guests.
The third uncle, born to Concubine Wu, was also skilled in horseback riding and archery, but only enough to pass the Imperial Examination. When it came to actual combat, it was almost impossible.
Her father was actually the one who brought the most pleasant surprise to Grandfather. At a young age, he passed the military imperial examination. His two sons, Su Zhi, with his ape-like arms and wasp-like waist, clearly looked strong and robust, and the second son, Su Jin, was also sturdy and lively. It was just a pity that, because the eldest son was the Heir, the Marquis could not show too much favoritism toward her father.
Now that the eldest uncle had passed away, and her father had demonstrated his skills yesterday, Pingzhang Hou had already announced in advance that Su Run would be the Heir. In a few days, they would all go to the capital together.
"The eldest daughter-in-law will stay in the hometown with Duange and Yajie to observe mourning. They will go to the capital next year after the mourning period ends."
Princess Ningyuan suppressed her displeasure. "Yes."
She was someone who knew when to yield and when to stand firm. Yingzhen saw this clearly. If Princess Ningyuan were to object now or try any tricks, it would likely earn Pingzhang Hou’s displeasure.
As a widow with young children, even though Princess Ningyuan was the daughter of Prince Shun’an, life might not be easy for her.
Pingzhang Hou had little patience for dealing with the womenfolk. After finishing his words, he left. Once he was gone, the women breathed a sigh of relief. Yingya remained calm and composed. "Grandmother, today my mother’s small kitchen made goose oil melon seed cakes that are very crispy. I specially brought a plate for you to taste."
The old lady felt even more guilty, thinking to herself, "They still treat me with such respect!" She then deliberately praised Yingya. "Among all my granddaughters, you are the only one who always remembers what I like to eat. You are truly filial."
Yingya shyly replied, "Grandmother, you flatter me too much."
After saying this, she glanced at Yingzhen. "Sister Yingzhen, come and try some too. I usually enjoy making these in my spare time, but I don’t know if you’ll like them."
Anyone would say this girl was truly broad-minded, graceful, and sweet-looking. Who wouldn’t like her?
In her past life, Yingzhen had also liked this elder sister very much. It wasn’t until she encountered misfortune and Yingya benefited from it that she realized how foolish she had been. In this life, she would never be fooled again.
"Whatever Elder Sister makes, I’m sure to like it. But I also have something good for Elder Sister."
Even Princess Qinghe did not know what her daughter intended to give to Yingya. She only saw Yingzhen glance back, whereupon Suxin steadily stepped forward holding a small box. When the box was opened, inside lay a night-luminescent pearl the size of a thumb.
Even a noble daughter like Princess Ningyuan, granddaughter of Prime Minister Meng, felt it was too precious. Yingzhen smiled and said, "This is a night-luminescent pearl bestowed by His Majesty when I turned ten, as a reward for my father's meritorious service in suppressing the rebellion. It was originally given to me as a birthday gift. Since I just returned yesterday, and among all my sisters, Eldest Sister has been the kindest to me—Grandmother also praised her to me—I thought it most fitting to give this to her, as the saying goes: 'A precious sword is best gifted to a hero.'"
Yingya declined, "This is far too valuable, Third Sister. I cannot accept it."
Princess Qinghe also felt it should not be given, but seeing Yingzhen's determination, she said, "Yaya, this is your sister's sincere gesture. What could be truer than the bond between sisters?"
"Yes, if Eldest Sister does not accept it, it would mean she does not acknowledge me as her sister."
In truth, such night-luminescent pearls were merely made of fluorite. Back when her father was suppressing bandits, the bandit leader specialized in crafting these. Yingzhen still had a whole hu-measure of them in her private treasury.
Only after such persuasion did Yingya finally accept it.
Seeing Yingzhen act so generously, the old madam felt much more at ease.
Among all the sisters, Yingya was usually the most generous, but at most she would give things like palace hairpins. Rarely, almost never, would she gift something like a night-luminescent pearl. Yingyue was so envious she pouted. Yingmei from the third branch craned her neck to look, thinking to herself that she must build a good relationship with Third Sister—this one was the true wealthy patron. She further resolved to stay away from Eldest Sister Yingya in the future. Even though everyone had been warm to her yesterday, it seemed only Yingya received all the attention.
Among the two cousin young ladies, Yuan Mengying thought the same. Lin Wan, however, did not mind, though even the usually composed Fifth Sister Yinglan felt a twinge of envy.
This was precisely what Yingzhen wanted. The way to conceal one matter was to create an even bigger one. The mother and daughter of the Eldest Branch wanted to endure humiliation and bear the burden, waiting for the old madam to fight for their interests again. But by openly displaying generosity, if they still demanded more, they would appear ungrateful.
Sure enough, Princess Qinghe understood her daughter's intention. She said to Princess Ningyuan, "Eldest Sister-in-law, rest assured. Once your mourning period is over, I will personally send someone to fetch you."
Then, Princess Qinghe turned to the old madam and said, "Mother, should we find a martial arts instructor for Duange? We brought back several highly skilled masters this time."
"No need," Princess Ningyuan immediately replied. After a pause, she added, "We already have a martial arts instructor at home. Duange has been learning for many years. Changing now would only unsettle him."
Princess Qinghe, ever understanding, said, "In that case, I won't trouble myself to find another. Let Zhige and Jinge learn instead. In the future, the three brothers can spar together."
Third Madam Lady Liu suddenly felt uplifted. "Second Sister-in-law, could you recommend a martial arts instructor for our Yuge?" The concubine of Su Huai, the eldest son of the third branch, was already favored and well-educated. Her own son struggled academically and was often scolded. Taking a different path might be a good alternative.
After all, Lady Liu herself came from a martial arts family. Although her natal family had declined significantly, she still did not reject the idea of learning martial arts.
Yingzhen understood in her heart. Clearly, this wasn't a bad thing—it could even be an opportunity to showcase her skills in front of the Marquis. Who knows, she might even reclaim her peerage title, especially since Pingzhang Hou was known to favor those skilled in martial arts. Yet, her aunt had refused. Did this mean her eldest cousin, Su Duan, might be unable to practice martial arts? Given how anxious her aunt seemed, perhaps he even had some illness. How strange.