On the day the Etiquette Governess arrived at the residence, the Duchess rose earlier than usual.
In the Main Chamber, the windows were half open, and the morning light streamed in, illuminating a small huanghuali table by the couch until it gleamed. Guiqiong was leading the servants in tidying up the Side Hall, while Danzhi stood nearby reporting that the Etiquette Governess’s quarters, daily necessities, and tea service had all been arranged. They were only waiting for her arrival to escort her in.
The Duchess sat on the couch, a string of prayer beads in her hand. After listening for a moment, she suddenly said, “There is one more matter. Your Maternal Aunt will also be coming shortly.”
The moment those words fell, the room fell silent.
Wen Yunyi, seated below, had been flipping through the newly delivered household register from the previous day. Upon hearing this, she raised her eyes. Xu Mingshu reacted more directly—she froze for a moment and blurted out, “Why is Maternal Aunt coming at this time?”
The Duchess continued, “Your Maternal Aunt sent word yesterday. She heard that we have invited an Etiquette Governess from the Imperial Palace and wishes to send Lingyun to stay for a few days, so she may listen and learn as well.”
Xu Mingshu immediately curled her lips in disdain.
“She still needs to learn etiquette?”
The Duchess glanced at her. Her tone was not harsh, yet it carried weight. “You should first make sure you understand your own etiquette before speaking of others. Since they are coming, they are guests. Whatever you think in your heart is your own matter—do not let it show on your face.”
Xu Mingshu choked on her words and could only respond with a sullen “Yes.”
The Duchess said no more. She gathered the prayer beads into her palm and spoke calmly, “Your Maternal Aunt has not had an easy life these past years, and Lingyun is her only daughter. I am not unaware of her intentions. Still, we are family. Since she has asked, we must at least maintain appearances.”
Though the Duchess occasionally mentioned her natal family, she rarely spoke so plainly. There was both dissatisfaction and annoyance in her tone, yet she had not turned them away outright. It was clear that this younger half-sister was someone she could neither cast off nor fully accept.
Wen Yunyi listened and understood the situation, though she did not ask a single question.
After leaving the Main Chamber and walking toward the Main Courtyard, Qing Tao had been holding back her words. Only when they reached a quiet corner under the corridor, with no one around, did she lower her voice and say, “Your Ladyship, hearing Madam mention Madam Li just now reminded this servant of an old story.”
Bai Lan tilted her head. “Where did you hear this from now?”
Qing Tao quickly replied, “It’s not something I made up. Previously, when I went to deliver items to the Main Chamber, I overheard two older female servants in Madam’s courtyard talking. They were both Madam’s dowry maids from years ago. When they spoke of Madam Li, they acted as if it were common knowledge, so it shouldn’t be false.”
Wen Yunyi did not slow her steps and said only, “Go on.”
Encouraged, Qing Tao lowered her voice even further. “It is said that when the Duchess was still in her maiden home, she was the legitimate daughter of the Minister of Rites. The Li family held high status, and their household rules were strict. Madam Li, though born of a concubine, should have been able to marry into a respectable family with the Li family’s standing. But when she was young, the sisters once went out together to burn incense, and there they encountered a poor scholar.”
Bai Lan’s eyelids twitched slightly.
Qing Tao continued, “That scholar was extremely handsome—so handsome it was said to be almost dangerous—and he was skilled with sweet words. Upon meeting Madam Li, he claimed that though he came from a humble background, he was ambitious and would study diligently, earn official rank, and then return to marry her in glory. Madam Li was young and soft-hearted at the time, and she was truly deceived. Later, she insisted on marrying him, causing a great commotion that the family could not stop.”
Her voice dropped even lower, as if aware the matter was not suitable for open discussion.
“The two older servants also said that Madam Li was so devoted to that scholar that… before she was even formally married, she had already become intimate with him. The Li family, in order to conceal the scandal and preserve her reputation, had no choice but to grit their teeth and marry her off.”
After these words, the corridor fell quiet.
A breeze slipped beneath the bamboo blinds, making the edge of the curtain sway softly.
Seeing that Wen Yunyi’s expression remained unchanged, Qing Tao continued, “But after she married him, she discovered that aside from his looks, the scholar was nearly useless. Though he claimed to be a learned man, he lacked drive. Year after year, he failed the examinations. Yet he was skilled at coaxing Madam Li, softening her heart every time.”
Bai Lan frowned slightly. “But isn’t that Lord Zheng now serving in the Ministry of Rites?”
“He is,” Qing Tao said with a curl of her lips, “but only because of the Li family’s support. Those two older servants said that if not for the Li family and the Duchess helping him both openly and behind the scenes, he wouldn’t even have attained his current position as a sixth-rank bureau director. It may sound like a capital official’s title, but in truth, it is nothing much in the capital. There are countless people above a sixth-rank director. In front of truly prominent families, such a position is barely worth mentioning.”
Wen Yunyi’s expression remained calm as she continued walking.
But in her mind, everything had already been sorted out.
With such a background, if Zheng Lingyun still wished to marry well, the only leverage she had left was the Duchess’s connections and reputation.
Qing Tao lowered her voice again. “No wonder Madam Li rushed to send Zheng Young Lady over as soon as she heard about the Etiquette Governess from the Imperial Palace.”
Bai Lan now understood as well. “On the surface, it is to learn etiquette. In truth, it is to use the Duke’s Manor to elevate Zheng Young Lady’s status.”
Wen Yunyi brushed her sleeve lightly, her tone indifferent. “Before she even enters, prepare her courtyard and provisions. As for the rest, we will see after we meet her.”
At her words, Bai Lan and Qing Tao both fell silent.
Around noon, the mother and daughter arrived.
The first to enter was Li Hanzhi.
She was a few years younger than the Duchess and now a mother herself, yet traces of her youthful gentleness still lingered in her features. Today, she wore a pomegranate-red brocade jacket woven with gold floral patterns. The color was somewhat too bold for her age, yet her fair complexion allowed her to carry it. Still, the slight sense of forced elegance could not be concealed. As soon as she entered, a smile spread across her face, though her steps were slightly hurried, as if she both longed to see them and carried a faint, lingering caution from years past.
“Madam,” she said softly the moment she saw the Duchess.
The Duchess raised her eyes and looked her up and down. When her gaze fell on the pomegranate-red jacket, her lips moved faintly, though she said nothing. She merely responded, “Since you’re here, sit.”
Li Hanzhi seemed accustomed to her tone and was not offended. Instead, she smiled more warmly, stepped forward, and offered her greetings. Her etiquette was proper, showing that despite her unsatisfactory marriage, the foundation instilled by her natal family remained.
The young lady behind her was quieter.
The moment Zheng Lingyun entered, nearly everyone’s gaze fell upon her.
She was exceptionally beautiful, with skin like snow and features like the moon. Her eyelashes were thick like raven feathers, casting a delicate shadow when she lowered her eyes. Her nose was elegant, her lips like cherries, and there was an innate charm in the way her eyes moved. She wore a smoky blue silk dress, her waist slender, with only two small pearls at her ears. Though her attire was not ostentatious, she still drew attention the moment she stood there.
Xu Mingshu, who had been sitting lazily, unconsciously paused the colorful threads in her hand upon seeing her.
Zheng Lingyun lowered her head and greeted them, her voice soft and steady. “Greetings, Maternal Aunt. Greetings, Your Ladyship. Greetings, Cousin.”
Each phrase was precise, her tone perfectly measured.
The Duchess’s expression softened slightly compared to when she had looked at Li Hanzhi. “Rise. Was the journey smooth?”
“Thank you for your concern, Maternal Aunt. It was,” Zheng Lingyun replied gently.
Watching from the side, Li Hanzhi’s eyes revealed a trace of pride, as if her daughter’s mere presence here could restore the dignity she had lost over the years.
Xu Mingshu, however, was already beginning to feel uneasy.
They had met before during family visits, but they were never close. Though their ages were similar, their personalities and thoughts were worlds apart. They usually exchanged only polite greetings, with little real affection.
Xu Mingshu had always been the most eye-catching presence in the Duke’s Manor. Now, with Zheng Lingyun’s arrival, even without considering anything else, that face alone had already drawn away a portion of attention. The vague discomfort in her heart surfaced immediately, though she could not show it outwardly and merely nodded stiffly in response.
Wen Yunyi, seated to the side, took everything in.
Just as everyone settled, a servant came to report that the Etiquette Governess had arrived in the Side Hall.
Even the Duchess straightened slightly this time.
“Invite her in.”
Soon, an older woman in a dark teal jacket entered.
She was advanced in age, with graying hair neatly arranged. Her attire was plain, without any unnecessary adornment, only subtle patterns at the cuffs and collar, making her appear even more composed. Her steps were unhurried, her back straight. In a single glance, she had already taken in everyone in the room.
“This old servant is surnamed Tao,” she said, bowing to the Duchess. “Greetings, Madam.”
This was the Etiquette Governess from the Imperial Palace.
The Duchess rose slightly in acknowledgment, her expression unusually solemn. “You have come from afar; thank you for your efforts. I entrust Mingshu to your care.”
Governess Tao lowered her head. “You are too kind. The Young Lady is at the right age—this is the best time to learn etiquette.”
At the words “the best time,” Xu Mingshu’s face nearly fell. Yet with Governess Tao present, she did not dare show it too clearly and could only straighten her back further.
Governess Tao turned to look at her. “This is the Young Lady?”
Xu Mingshu hurriedly stood and performed a bow. “Yes.”
But she had been raised with indulgence, and though her gesture appeared proper, the finer details were lax.
Governess Tao took one look and said gently, “Your shoulders are slightly relaxed. Raise your hands half an inch more, and your waist will straighten naturally.”
Her tone was calm, not harsh, yet impossible to evade.
Xu Mingshu flushed and instinctively glanced toward the Duchess, but before she could, Wen Yunyi spoke calmly, “Younger Sister, do it again.”
The words were light, yet they cut off any thought of seeking help.
Xu Mingshu swallowed her frustration and performed the bow again.
This time, Governess Tao nodded. “Acceptable.”
The Duchess watched everything clearly but said nothing, simply lowering her head to drink tea.
Li Hanzhi finally found a chance to speak. “As expected of someone from the Imperial Palace—you see everything at a glance. If Lingyun could learn here for a few days, it would be her good fortune.”
Governess Tao’s gaze fell on Zheng Lingyun.
Zheng Lingyun had remained silent since entering. At the mention of her name, she rose and bowed again—this time even more precise, her fingers perfectly aligned.
Governess Tao observed her before saying, “This Young Lady has grown well. Her etiquette has not been neglected.”
This was already high praise.
Li Hanzhi beamed. “She is obedient at home, though inexperienced. If she can learn here, it is thanks to Mingshu.”
The Duchess understood her intentions clearly. She merely said, “Since you are here, you may all learn. Etiquette is never a bad thing to acquire.”
With that, the matter was settled.
After sitting a while longer, Governess Tao took her leave, led by Danzhi to inspect her prepared quarters and the classroom for the next day.
Once everyone dispersed, the Main Chamber finally relaxed.
Xu Mingshu, who had been holding herself rigid, immediately slumped once the governess left and turned to Wen Yunyi. “Sister-in-law, why did you help them speak against me just now?”
There was grievance in her tone, and a hint of probing.
Wen Yunyi glanced at her. “If I hadn’t spoken, Governess Tao would have focused on you even longer.”
Xu Mingshu froze.
The Duchess let out a cold laugh. “Did you really think your sister-in-law would indulge you?”
Embarrassed, Xu Mingshu muttered, “I didn’t mean to misbehave…”
Ignoring her, the Duchess turned to Wen Yunyi. “From now on, Mingshu’s lessons—her meals, clothing, schedule, and attendants—will all be managed by you. Since Lingyun is staying, treat her according to the standards for a guest young lady. Do not slight her, but do not elevate her excessively either.”
“I understand,” Wen Yunyi replied calmly.
By the time they left the Main Chamber, the sun was already high.
Bai Lan followed behind, reporting on the prepared residences, servants, tea, and daily arrangements.
Wen Yunyi said, “Add a gauze curtain by Zheng Young Lady’s dressing table. The afternoon sun from the west will be harsh—it may dazzle her when she looks in the mirror.”
“Yes,” Bai Lan replied.
Xu Mingshu, who had been walking listlessly, could not help but say, “Sister-in-law, you’re even considering details like that for her?”
Wen Yunyi flipped through the register in her hand, her tone calm. “If a guest is uncomfortable, it is the Duke’s Manor that loses face.”
That single sentence silenced her.
Xu Mingshu opened her mouth but said nothing more. She understood now that her sister-in-law was not merely kind, nor did she rely solely on strict rules. She handled everything flawlessly, leaving no room for criticism—but neither was she easy to take advantage of.
As they reached the entrance of the covered corridor, a young maid was leading Zheng Lingyun to her courtyard.
Hearing the movement, Zheng Lingyun turned slightly and offered a graceful bow. Sunlight filtered through the bamboo blinds, falling across half her face, her long lashes casting a soft shadow that lent her an added charm.
At the sight of her, Xu Mingshu’s discomfort resurfaced, and she instinctively moved half a step closer to Wen Yunyi.
Wen Yunyi noticed but did not look at her. She merely nodded in acknowledgment.
Zheng Lingyun did not linger and withdrew properly.
After she left, Xu Mingshu could not help muttering, “That cousin doesn’t seem like someone easy to deal with.”
Bai Lan’s eyelid twitched at the remark.
Only then did Wen Yunyi turn her head. “If you truly think so, then you should be even more careful with your words when you see her.”
Xu Mingshu choked, knowing she was not being frightened but warned, and could only respond with a subdued “Oh.”
Wen Yunyi said no more. She closed the register in her hand, passed it to Bai Lan, and continued toward the Main Courtyard.
A breeze passed through the corridor, stirring the bamboo blinds.
Behind her, Xu Mingshu hurried to catch up, still quietly complaining about how the Etiquette Governess had pointed out her faults at first glance. Yet her hand naturally reached out to hook onto Wen Yunyi’s sleeve. Though she complained, her steps stayed close, as if she herself had not yet realized that she had already begun to instinctively draw near to her.