When Anning returned ho with Lin Lianshuang, Xiao Yuan also happened to be coming back.
Lin Lianshuang got out of the carriage and saw Xiao Yuan. Without any shyness, she gracefully saluted. Xiao Yuan returned the salute and went to the front yard.
Anning took Lin Lianshuang into the back courtyard.
As they walked, she said, "This house was originally Yu Youcai’s. However, after he incited the people to riot, our master executed him directly, and we ended up buying this house to use it ourselves."
"Buy?"
Lin Lianshuang raised an eyebrow.
Anning smiled, "Of course we bought it. Do you think we would seize it forcefully? Every penny spent on this house is accounted for. Recently, part of it was used to repair roads, including the one we just passed by."
Lin Lianshuang found it quite curious, "Now that Mr. Xiao controls the three Nanyi Prefectures, all the people here must follow his orders. It would be easy to just seize the house, so why buy it?"
As they walked, Anning explained, "No one should seize another’s property without reason. Yu Youcai indeed rebelled, harming many people, but his house was private property. Even after he was executed, his property beca public, and no one could privately claim it. If you want to live there, you have to buy it. The money could be used for road repairs or buying grain to help the people."
Hearing this, Lin Lianshuang thought Mr. Xiao acted with great style, a broad mind, and ideas that were quite unique.
She also thought about the many things she’d seen in Nanyi Prefecture these days, and the people’s evaluation of Mr. Xiao, drawing so conclusions in her heart.
As they spoke, Anning and Lin Lianshuang arrived at Linglang Courtyard.
"This courtyard was empty before. Before I went to invite you, I had my daughter tidy it up a bit. Miss Lin, have a look, and if there’s anything you find unsatisfactory, just let know, and I’ll have it rearranged."
Entering the courtyard, they saw the flowers and trees flourishing.
Even though it was winter, because the climate in Nanyi Prefecture is naturally warm, the leaves on the trees never fall, and the courtyard was lush and green.
The courtyard wasn’t large, but it was cleverly arranged. Most places were planted with flowers and trees, and there was a small pond with so fish, with two large lotus urns on the side storing water, likely for household use or fire prevention.
Following the stone path, they ascended a few steps and entered the house.
The main building had three rooms, with two wings on each side. The three main rooms were open, and the entrance was very spacious, a layout Lin Lianshuang appreciated.
Inside, there was a clear arrangent of tables and chairs. Behind the table was a large eight-panel painted screen, with a shelf next to it holding a vase of fresh flowers. On the other side stood a general jar, and a few steps away were a dressing table and a royal concubine couch, followed by an intricately carved bed.
The room was very carefully arranged. Not only were there fresh flowers of various kinds, but the dressing table had costics and accessories, and a low side table beside the bed held a wood-carved miniature pastoral scene, seemingly not hastily arranged but ticulously set up over ti.
Anning smiled, "My daughter isn’t good at other things, but she really puts her heart into this. She loves arranging rooms and coordinating outfits and accessories."
Lin Lianshuang took a roll of painting from the general jar and opened it to look, exclaiming, "This painting... truly has the style of a master."
"You’re too kind," Anning smiled, standing beside Lin Lianshuang, "It’s just a humble work done in my spare ti, but I didn’t expect my daughter to dig it out and display it here."
Lin Lianshuang looked at the painting, then at Anning, with admiration, "People often call a talented lady, so even call Miss Lin from the Lin Family, but I say you’re the real master. In front of you, I’m nothing."
Anning waved her hand, "You shouldn’t say that. My daughters read your poems and say they are beautifully written. I could never write like that."
Lin Lianshuang smiled, "You’re too modest."
She carefully hung the painting again and looked at it for a long ti, "I must learn more from you another day."
Outside, Xiao Fu whispered, "Mother, Miss Lin, it’s ti to eat."
Anning clapped her hands, "Look at . Ever since I saw Miss Lin, I’ve been so happy that I forgot everything else. It’s al ti and I didn’t even rember—a terrible mistake."
Lin Lianshuang, who was usually eloquent, found herself at a loss for words due to Anning’s enthusiasm.
Anning linked arms with her, "Let’s go have dinner, and we can talk afterward."
That evening, Anning dined with her five daughters and Lin Lianshuang.
During the al, Xiao Yin told several jokes, and Xiao Hui introduced her sisters to Lin Lianshuang. With the laughter of five girls, the atmosphere was very harmonious.
After dinner, Anning personally escorted Lin Lianshuang to her courtyard, settled her in, and assigned two maids to attend to her before returning.
Back in the main room, Xiao Yuanzheng was sitting, reading.
Anning walked over. Xiao Yuanzheng put down the book, "All settled?"
Anning nodded, "I think Miss Lin has a bit of a chivalrous spirit, and she’s bold and generous like a man. No wonder she doesn’t like the restrictions of the inner courtyard and doesn’t want to marry."
Xiao Yuan pulled Anning to sit down, "Do you think she can manage?"
Anning nodded, "She has the makings of a pri minister."
Xiao Yuan chuckled, "Let’s test the waters with her and see if she’d like to be a tutor for our daughters or if she’d prefer to take on more responsibilities."
"I think she wants to do things."
Anning thought about Lin Lianshuang’s deanor and words, "Who knows, we might have a female pri minister one day."
"Alright then."
If Lin Lianshuang truly had the capability, Xiao Yuan would be happy to see it happen.
That night, Xiao Yin went to sleep in Xiao Hui’s room.
Compared to her real sister Xiao Fu, for so reason, Xiao Yin found it easier to talk with Xiao Hui.
This didn’t an Xiao Yin wasn’t close to Xiao Fu. She was closer to her than to others, but when it ca to discussing things, she preferred confiding in Xiao Hui.
Perhaps this was due to their experiences.
Xiao Fu was educated as a typical ancient boudoir, even though she had beco bolder and more independent, many of her ideas didn’t resonate with Xiao Yin.
Xiao Hui, however, was different.
Having lost both parents, Xiao Hui grew up begging on the streets. She didn’t receive formal education when she was young, enduring hardship and learning life’s lessons through experience. Her initial education ca from Xiao Yuan and Anning, who did not impose boudoir rules on her and her sisters but aid to teach them strength and independence.
So, Xiao Yin, being an orphan from the modern era, found it easier to connect with Xiao Hui.
Lying together on the bed, with the room ward by a brazier, and covered with thick, soft cotton blankets, made them so comfortable they didn’t want to move.
"Sister Hui,"
Xiao Yin turned to face Xiao Hui, "Do you think mother kept Miss Lin to teach us reading?"
Xiao Hui was feeling sleepy, rubbing her eyes, "I don’t know, but I think it’s more likely that Miss Lin is here to help mother. Mother manages all the resources of Nanyi Prefecture, handles relationships with the families, and needs to keep father’s subordinates calm. She has too much on her plate and needs soone to share the burden. Miss Lin is perfect for that."
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