A few people thought it was a good idea, but couldn’t imdiately figure out exactly how to play. Tong Xiyan is allergic to pollen, and although there are no flowers planted in the back garden, there are still so here and there. Second Aunt’s place is even more impossible, with a courtyard full of blooming flowers emitting fragrance everywhere.
Due to her condition, Tong Xiyan seed a bit downhearted. Xiqiu walked over to her side, locked arms with her, and smiled, "Why not have a gathering at my place? My courtyard is surrounded by bamboo, and as long as it’s well protected, it should be fine. Sitting in the quiet and picturesque bamboo grove on a bright spring day, wouldn’t Fourth Sister find it delightful?"
Her words made Tong Xiyan’s eyes sparkle. She gratefully glanced at Xiqiu, knowing that Xiqiu always preferred tranquility. Now, she was willing to host a banquet at her own courtyard despite the bustle of so many people. This kindness touched her heart, and she couldn’t reject her offer: "Sixth Sister’s idea is excellent. Mother doesn’t know how much I long to go on an outing. However, every spring, I’m so uncomfortable that I don’t wish to leave the room. Now being able to step out, even if only a few steps, is still wonderful."
Having said so, Lady had no objections and looked at Xiqiu with satisfaction, saying, "Then I’ll leave it to you to organize. Have Nanny Qian run so errands for you."
Tong Xiyang was taken aback, with an expression of stiffness on her face, while Tong Xiyu bowed her head, fleeting envy in her eyes.
Xiqiu subtly raised her eyebrows, but her tone revealed unease, "Mother, I’m afraid I won’t do well."
Lady waved her hand, "You’ve always been reliable, and besides, Nanny Qian will be there to assist you. Whatever you don’t understand, you can ask her."
This was a rare opportunity to prove herself!
Xiqiu stood up, nodded, and responded.
After they all left, Lady spoke to Nanny Fang, "In the next few days, you personally go to Puning Temple, donate so incense money and make so arrangents. We will go pay our respects on March 3rd."
Nanny Fang was stunned and asked softly, "Is it about that matter?"
Lady nodded, a smile revealing from the corner of her mouth, "We must et eventually."
Xiqiu excused herself from the sisters and returned to Zhiqu Courtyard.
As soon as she sat down, Eighth Miss Tong Xiyu arrived, prompting Xiqiu to swiftly put on her shoes and co out, "Why is Eighth Sister here? Co inside and have a seat."
Tong Xiyu was dressed in a spring green cotton gauze jacket, with a lucky silver lock around her neck, a moon-white pleated skirt, and her tall figure with long legs. Although she was a year younger than Xiqiu, she was just as tall. Her facial features weren’t particularly striking, not as outstanding as Tong Xiyang’s, but she had a gentle and virtuous aura that made her quite pleasant to look at. Speaking to her naturally softened one’s tone.
"Sixth Sister," Tong Xiyu greeted with a bow, standing sowhat shyly in the courtyard.
Xiqiu also wasn’t a naturally outgoing person. Her conversations with the Eighth Miss totaled only a few dozen phrases over the past five years, but she often heard the graceful lody of Yaoqin in the courtyard, realizing her younger sister was skilled in playing the instrunt.
Whether intentional or traditionally inherent, Xiqiu understood that the things that prestigious ladies learned should be diverse. At least when the eldest lady was present, that’s how it was. However, when it ca to their turn, Lady said learning too much would be unmanageable. Thus, besides reading through "Won’s Precepts," "Won’s Training," and "Won’s Virtue," they each chose one thing to specialize in.
Third Miss chose calligraphy, along with dabbling in poetry, songs, and essays. Fourth Miss was well-read and adept at ntal arithtic. Xiqiu didn’t know what she had chosen initially, but when she arrived, she abandoned her previous studies and picked up embroidery. In terms of culinary skills, she had mories from her past life, confident in her capabilities.
As for Eighth Miss, besides her musical talent, Madam i taught her culinary arts hands-on, which finally gave her a practical skill.
Embroidery, culinary arts, and even abacus were essential courses for the esteed ladies, ensuring competence in serving their in-laws and husbands and managing household affairs. In contrast, music, chess, calligraphy, and painting were rely pursuits for cultivating temperant. Which family matron would idly indulge in music, poetry, and chess? Wouldn’t that make her no different from the won outside?
Perhaps, this was the outco Lady desired?!
Looking back at the situation of the concubines in the mansion over the years, almost six or seven concubines ca and went. Those who bore sons either died prematurely or had stillborns. The remaining were all daughters. Only her own concubine bore the Seventh Young Master, and that was due to the three years she spent with the First Master while he was in office, carefully concealing the matter from Lady to ensure a successful delivery. Because of this incident, Lady managed to say sothing to the Master that led him to completely neglect the concubine. The Seventh Young Master was raised in the inner chambers, becoming mischievous and unruly. If it weren’t for her employing so tactics to have the Master agree to moving him out of the inner courtyard and hire a tutor, he would likely be even more uncontrollable now.
She never dared to underestimate Lady’s thods!
"Sixth Sister," Tong Xiyu’s voice interrupted her thoughts.
She saw Tong Xiyu clutching a kerchief, head lowered, "I don’t know what to gift Fourth Sister for her birthday. What does Sixth Sister plan to give?"
Xiqiu pushed the pastel dish of fruits toward her and smiled, "I haven’t thought of anything either. With a few days left, there should be a solution. However, considering Lady’s statents today, doing as in previous years might not be appropriate." She gestured for her to try the preserved fruits.
Tong Xiyu thanked her but still looked troubled, "Fourth Sister lacks for nothing, and my embroidery is nothing to boast about. Otherwise, I could gift a handkerchief or pouch. If I’d only listened to Aunty earlier and focused on learning embroidery like Sixth Sister..."
Xiqiu was taken aback. Was her learning of the instrunt not by choice but guided by others, to the point where even Madam i couldn’t convincingly change her decision?
"Sixth Sister, I... what should I do?"
Xiqiu observed her closely, finding her sincere rather than probing for secrets, and offered a smile, "Sister is young; it’s not too late to learn now. If you truly can’t think of a gift, how about making a bowl of longevity noodles for Fourth Sister by hand? When it cos to culinary skills in this mansion, none of us compare to you."
Tong Xiyu’s eyes lit up with joy, but soon dimd again, "A bowl of noodles... Fourth Sister might be...
It’s uncertain about Lady’s intentions, fearing she might fall short.
Xiqiu didn’t object to her but wasn’t foolish enough to make decisions either, showing a hint of hesitation, "It shouldn’t be the case..."
Disappointnt flashed in Tong Xiyu’s eyes, and she spoke no more, "Then I’m heading back."
Suddenly, Chunliu’s voice ca from outside, "Greetings to Third Miss. Third Miss, please co inside."
Xiqiu raised her eyebrows, wondering what kind of wind was blowing today, bringing such unexpected guests, one after another.
She saw a mont of panic flash across Tong Xiyu’s face.
The curtain was lifted, and Tong Xiyang entered wearing a peach-pink coat with double gold embroidery, a lake-green stitched skirt, her hair adorned with jingling hairpins and jade hairpins, her eyebrows picturesque, walking gracefully. Upon seeing Tong Xiyu, she wasn’t surprised and remarked, "How coincidental today is, visiting Sixth Sister’s place, and running into Eighth Sister."
The room was engulfed in spring scenery, with the vibrant reds and gentle greens contrasting Xiqiu’s sowhat worn lotus-colored coat, making it appear a bit plain.
She smiled, giving up her main seat, holding Third Miss with one hand and Eighth Miss with the other, ushering them onto the bed, "Although it’s spring, it’s still very cold. Everyone usually has things to do, and it’s rare to have such a mont. Why don’t we all get on the bed to warm up together?"
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