Aristocratic Family - Chapter 12

Chapter 12 : Older sister and younger brother

Yueyao led Tingzheng into the room and opened the trunk to find a suitable set of clothes for him to change into. However, after searching for a long time, she couldn’t find any clothes that met her standards. All the clothes were either too short or made of poor-quality fabric that felt rough to the touch.

Not only had the people taking care of Tingzheng been negligent, but the seamstresses and servants in the needlework room had also been stingy with the materials. This showed how much Madam Mo had neglected Tingzheng.

Yueyao stared blankly at the old clothes in the trunk. Just then, Hua Lei brought over some water, and Yueyao took the handkerchief, dipped it in the water, wrung it out, and used it to wipe Tingzheng’s face. She cleaned his little face and hands thoroughly.

Yueyao looked at the clean Tingzheng and was taken aback again. She felt a sense of familiarity when looking at him. Suddenly, it dawned on her that Tingzheng’s features resembled hers. No wonder Madam Mo wouldn’t want her to see Tingzheng; if she saw a child who looked so similar to herself, she would likely be concerned.

Tingzheng saw Yueyao staring at him and became a bit scared, “Sister.”

Yueyao snapped back to reality and took Tingzheng’s small hand, “Come with sister.”

Although Tingzheng wasn’t smart, he was sensitive. He carefully asked, “Sister, are you taking me with you?”

Yueyao touched Tingzheng’s small face with compassion, “It was sister’s fault before. Sister didn’t take good care of you, and that’s why you suffered so much. From now on, with sister here, no one will dare to bully you.”

Tingzheng obediently held Yueyao’s hand, indicating that he was willing to follow her.

However, just as they stepped out of the courtyard, they saw Concubine You approaching, dressed in a lake-blue outfit. Concubine You wore a simple yet elegant hairstyle, adorned with a silver hairpin and two delicate silk flowers pinned behind her ears.

Concubine You didn’t wear any makeup, but she looked well-rested and content. Among the three concubines, the other two had been dealt with by the eldest uncle in Jiangnan. Only Concubine You, being a household servant and having Tingzheng with her, was allowed to stay. Otherwise, she would have been dealt with as well.

Yueyao’s eyes flashed with a hint of sharpness, but she quickly regained her composure. It was so fast that no one noticed the change in her expression. Her father hadn’t even completed the three-year mourning period, and Concubine You was already indulging in pleasures.

Yueyao remembered that not long after Tingzheng’s birth, Concubine You had remarried. It was said that she had become the principal wife of another household and was living quite well.

When Concubine You saw Yueyao, she was startled and immediately bowed, “This servant didn’t know the young lady was coming. Please punish me, young lady.” As she spoke, her eyes involuntarily drifted to Yueyao’s hand holding Tingzheng’s, and her heart trembled.

What was Third Young Lady doing?
Did she want to take Tingzheng away?

Yueyao glanced at Concubine You casually and said indifferently, “Tingzheng is my father’s only son, and I will take good care of him. It’s been hard on Concubine You these years.” Although a young lady of noble birth didn’t need to say so much to a concubine, Yueyao still maintained the necessary courtesy.

Concubine You’s legs trembled beneath her, but she quickly raised her head and said, “Young lady, you’re still young. Taking care of Tingzheng would be a burden for you.” If Tingzheng stayed with her, she would have many conveniences. As the young master, Tingzheng would receive a generous allowance, and when he grew up, he would be filial to her.

Yueyao said coldly, “Tingzheng is my brother, and it’s my duty to educate him. Why would it be a burden? It seems Concubine You is living quite well here. You’ve gained a lot of weight since you came to the capital.”
In ancient times, elder sisters often took on a motherly role and personally educated their younger brothers.

Given that the second household now had only two members, it was even more fitting. Yueyao was known as a talented young lady in Jiangnan, which was why the old lady had agreed to her request so readily. The reason lay in Yueyao’s capability to undertake this task.

Concubine You was so frightened by Yueyao’s words that her heart almost leaped out of her chest. Yueyao was mocking her for living well and gaining weight, implying that she wasn’t grieving over the deaths of the second master and mistress. Such a serious accusation would be fatal for her.

Concubine You didn’t understand why Third Young Lady had become so sharp-tongued. She hastily protested, “Young lady, it’s unjust. This servant has been reciting scriptures for the master and mistress every day, without daring to be lazy.”

Yueyao’s eyes revealed mockery. “Reciting scriptures every day” – she didn’t even know where Concubine You had been for most of the day, and yet she claimed to be reciting scriptures daily. It was a joke. Yueyao didn’t bother to waste time watching her act and prepared to leave with Tingzheng.

However, Concubine You grabbed Tingzheng’s clothes and cried pitifully, “Tingzheng, you’re my lifeblood. You can’t abandon me. What will I do if you leave?”

Tingzheng didn’t hesitate and tightly grasped Yueyao’s hand, as if afraid that she would let go and leave him with this woman again.

Yueyao reassured Tingzheng and then coldly smiled at Concubine You without responding to her words. Arguing with a father’s concubine would lower her status.

Yueyao looked at Zheng Mama, who had been silent the entire time, and said, “Zheng Mama, I’ll leave this to you to handle.”

With that, Yueyao didn’t even glance at Concubine You and walked away with Tingzheng.

Zheng Mama was taken aback by Yueyao’s assertive behavior from start to finish. When had the young lady become so strong-willed?

Or had she been too grief-stricken and immersed in scriptures, neglecting external affairs, making everyone think she was easy-going? Perhaps the young lady had always been strong-willed.

Zheng Mama had previously heard that the young lady was a bit bookish and had thought so for the past half year. But now, she seemed like a different person. It seemed that reality differed from the rumors.

Thinking this, Zheng Mama immediately shouted to the servants and maids who had followed her, “What are you standing there for? Go and pull her away!” As the legitimate daughter of the household, although her parents were gone, the old lady treated her like the apple of her eye. Now that the young lady was assertive, Zheng Mama didn’t dare offend her.

The servants and maids immediately went to pull Concubine You away.

Zheng Mama saw Concubine You clinging tightly and saying unclear things. Her expression changed, “Concubine You, the old lady has agreed to let Third Young Lady personally educate Young Master Tingzheng. As someone raised in the mansion, you should know the rules.” With the old lady’s words, not even the master and mistress would dare to disobey. If Concubine You continued to cause trouble, the old lady would have her sold out without anyone daring to say a word.

Concubine You had thought it was just Yueyao’s whim, not knowing she had the old lady’s approval. Within the household, the old lady’s words were equivalent to the emperor’s decree. No one dared to disobey.
She immediately let go.

Yueyao successfully took Tingzheng away. As they walked, she noticed that Tingzheng was slowing down, even furrowing his brow. She stopped and asked softly, “What’s wrong? Are your feet hurting?”

Tingzheng shook his head.

Yueyao wanted to carry Tingzheng, but her weak body and young age made it impossible. Hua Lei offered to carry him, but Tingzheng refused, clinging tightly to Yueyao’s hand, afraid that if he let go, she would abandon him again.

Yueyao saw the panic in his eyes and felt his fear. She crouched down, removed Tingzheng’s shoes, and saw a long cut on his foot, bleeding.

Yueyao held Tingzheng, tears streaming down her face. In her past life, Tingzheng had died young due to neglect. She, as his sister, had failed in her duties and owed it to her parents in the afterlife. Yueyao thought she had cried out all her tears in her past life, but it seemed she still had more. Being able to cry meant she still felt pain and had hope for the future.

Tingzheng wiped away Yueyao’s tears with his hand and said softly, “Sister, don’t cry. I’m not in pain. Sister, don’t cry.” Despite his words, his eyes were also welling up with tears.

Hua Lei and Mu Qiu didn’t understand why Yueyao was crying so heartbrokenly, so they tried their best to comfort her.

Yueyao stopped crying and said softly, “Since you don’t want them to carry you, would you like sister to carry you on her back?”

Mu Qiu wanted to stop her, but Hua Lei held her back. Hua Lei whispered in Mu Qiu’s ear, “Although it’s not according to the rules, it can strengthen the bond between siblings. If they get along well, Young Master Tingzheng can protect the young lady in the future.”

Mu Qiu stood still.

Tingzheng initially refused, but when he saw Yueyao crouching in front of him, he obediently climbed onto her back, wrapping his thin arms around her neck and resting his small head on her shoulder.
He whispered, “Sister, I’m fine.”

Yueyao’s entire body trembled, and she almost couldn’t hold back her tears again. However, she managed to swallow them back. The road ahead would be long and arduous for both siblings. To ensure Tingzheng’s safe growth and her own well-being, she needed to plan carefully.

Mu Qiu stood aside, worried but knowing that Yueyao wouldn’t change her mind once she had made up her mind. The servants and maids who attended to Yueyao knew that once the young lady had decided on something, she wouldn’t budge. This was a point that Hua Lei had found particularly challenging.

So Mu Qiu didn’t try to persuade her, instead watching carefully from the side, afraid that Yueyao would trip and fall.

Zheng Mama observed Yueyao’s behavior with suspicion. Everyone in the mansion knew that Third Young Lady was talented and had a noble character, much like the second master. But now, seeing how she treated her brother, it seemed that the rumors were unreliable.

Zheng Mama thought about Yueyao’s transformation, wondering why she had changed so much from the girl who mostly stayed in her courtyard, copying scriptures and occasionally paying respects to the old lady.

Yueyao walked very slowly, and to be honest, she was now someone who rarely stepped out of her door. Unlike in her past life when she had taken care of her body well in the Buddhist temple and was able to travel long distances alone. Now, her body was weak, and after being sick for a few days, she started sweating on her forehead after carrying Tingzheng for a while.

Tingzheng saw Yueyao’s struggling and said carefully, “Sister, let me walk myself. I can do it.”

Yueyao was touched and self-reproachful after hearing such considerate words. What had she done in her past life? No matter how Tingzheng was born, they were still blood-related siblings. How could she have abandoned him and not taken good care of him?

Before Yueyao could say anything, Hua Lei spoke up, “Young Master, let this servant carry you, and let the young lady rest for a while. You can rest assured that the young lady will always be by your side.”

Tingzheng didn’t understand why Yueyao was crying, but he used his small hand to wipe away her tears and said, “Sister, I’ll let her carry me.”

Yueyao nodded, as she really couldn’t hold on much longer. If she continued to carry him, she might faint. Fainting wasn’t a big deal, but she was worried that her grandmother would think she’s not suitable to educate Tingzheng due to her poor health. Now that Tingzheng was in the front courtyard, she didn’t feel at ease without someone reliable around.

After Yueyao put Tingzheng down, Hua Lei carried him on her back, and Mu Qiu supported Yueyao. They soon returned to Lanxi Courtyard.

The small maid guarding the courtyard was surprised to see Yueyao bringing back a young boy. However, when Hua Lei said it was Young Master Tingzheng, they weren’t surprised anymore. Hua Lei immediately ordered, “Go clean up the side hall.”

Gu Mama received the news and thought Yueyao was just being impulsive. But when she saw Yueyao actually bringing Tingzheng back, her face turned pale.

Yueyao saw Gu Mama’s evasive expression and remembered how she had been whispering in her ear that Tingzheng was of humble birth, dull, and stupid. Because of those words, Yueyao, who had high self-esteem, had looked down on Tingzheng from the bottom of her heart.

Later, Hua Lei mentioned it a few times in front of her, but she had ignored Tingzheng due to her disgust. Tingzheng’s premature death was partly Gu Mama’s fault.

A fierce glint flashed in Yueyao’s eyes. She really didn’t want to see this traitorous woman around her anymore. It seemed she needed to take action soon.

Mu Qiu ordered on the side, “Go heat some water.”

But Yueyao thought for a moment and said, “Dongqing, go get that piece of blue satin. Have the maids make some new clothes for Tingzheng immediately. These clothes he’s wearing can’t be worn anymore.”

It’s summer, and summer clothes are simple. A few maids could sew one or two sets in a day.

Yueyao had two first-class maids, Mu Qiu and Hua Lei, and four second-class maids, Dong Qing, Dong Mei, Xi Juan, and Xi Yu. All six maids were carefully selected by Madam Ma for Yueyao.

Dong Qing hurried to the storage room to get the fabric. Madam Ma’s dowry, including the contracts for the manors and shops, was in the old lady’s hands. However, other dowries like satin and jewelry were kept in Lanxi Courtyard under Yueyao’s supervision.

Yueyao personally took Tingzheng to bathe, with Xi Juan and Xi Yu assisting.

Mu Qiu, Hua Lei, and Dong Qing, along with a few other second-class maids, were genuinely welcoming of Tingzheng’s presence. They had been worried about Yueyao, who had been grieving and copying scriptures every day, becoming increasingly weak and fainting twice.

With Tingzheng around, Yueyao would have to take care of him, and her grief would decrease as her attention was divided.
Yueyao was talking to Tingzheng when she heard that Madam Mo had arrived.

Yueyao personally went out to greet Madam Mo, who was wearing a new lilac-colored aozi with butterfly and grape patterns, paired with a plain Hangzhou-style skirt. Madam Mo’s face was filled with a loving smile, giving off a benevolent aura.

Yueyao bowed to Madam Mo, “Madam.”

Madam Mo walked over, her face full of affection, “Child, why are you being so formal with me? Just tell me if there’s anything you need.”

Yueyao exerted great effort to suppress her disgust and said with her head bowed, “Madam is already busy managing the household affairs. How could I trouble you with such trivial matters? That would be unfilial of me.”

If Madam Mo truly cared, why didn’t Tingzheng have any fitting clothes to wear?
The people below were all sycophants, and if Madam Mo truly cared, Tingzheng wouldn’t have suffered so much. In her past life, Yueyao had been misled, and upon closer inspection, she realized that Madam Mo wasn’t genuinely kind.

The word “filial” made Madam Mo’s face twitch. It sounded good, but she felt awkward. Filial piety was typically reserved for one’s biological parents, not a madam like herself.

Madam Mo smiled and patted Yueyao’s hand, “I know you’re a filial child, and you’re also straightforward. However, no matter how busy I am, I wouldn’t neglect your matters. Yueyao, tell me the truth, has anyone bullied you recently?”

Yueyao shook her head, “With grandmother and madam watching over me, who would dare to bully me? Besides, no one in the mansion has the guts to offend their master.”

This was indeed the truth. Before the Shen family broke off the engagement, even when all her belongings were taken away, no one had openly disrespected her in the mansion. As long as she had value, Madam Mo wouldn’t mistreat her.

Madam Mo saw that Yueyao’s words seemed genuinely heartfelt and hesitated before speaking. Since her mother-in-law had already spoken, Madam Mo just wanted to test Yueyao’s attitude.

Madam Mo couldn’t understand why Yueyao would suddenly want to take care of this foolish boy. She had a hundred reasons to dislike Tingzheng. He was stupid and clumsy, and even the children in the mansion would be embarrassed to claim him as their own. What had happened to the proud and aloof Yueyao?
Could it be that someone had provoked her? But that didn’t seem likely. Madam Mo couldn’t figure out Yueyao’s motives.

Yueyao saw Madam Mo’s thoughtful expression and thought that Madam Mo had come specifically to try to move Tingzheng away, fearing that he would cause some trouble. Yueyao clenched her fists and put on a sorrowful face, “Madam, when I saw that old woman bullying Tingzheng just now, I felt so sad. As his sister, I didn’t even know that my brother was going hungry every day, being scolded and beaten by the servants. Fortunately, my mother appeared in my dreams and told me about it. Otherwise, if anything happened to Tingzheng, my father’s only bloodline would be cut off. What would be the use of copying scriptures then?”

Without needing any external stimuli, tears began to fall from Yueyao’s eyes.

Madam Mo was taken aback.