Aristocratic Family - Chapter 18

Chapter 18: The Rubbing

Yuebing glared at Yueyao fiercely. Her mother had taken great pains to select reliable servants and maids for Tingzheng, but Yueyao didn’t seem to appreciate it at all. If she had known Yueyao would react this way, she wouldn’t have bothered her mother.

The old lady seemed to ignore Yuebing’s unfriendly gaze and said, “Now that we’ve decided on the mama for Tingzheng, do you have any thoughts on the maids who will serve him?”

Yueyao lowered her head, pretending to think for a moment before saying, “I plan to assign Mu Qiu and Dong Qing to Tingzheng. If there are any other positions that need to be filled, we can select them carefully later.”
Mu Qiu was too honest and would be better suited to serve Tingzheng, while Hua Lei was too clever and would be more useful in other roles. Besides, Hua Lei was a home-born servant, and Yueyao would need to rely on her in the future.

The old lady looked at Yueyao thoughtfully. Deng Mama was experienced and capable, Mu Qiu was loyal and honest, and Dong Qing was lively and active, but lacked experience. Without Deng Mama, Mu Qiu and Dong Qing might not be suitable as personal maids, but with Deng Mama’s guidance, they could complement each other well. It was clear that Yueyao had put a lot of thought into this.

Yueyao had chosen to keep Hua Lei, a clever and resourceful maid, as her own personal maid. Hua Lei was a home-born servant, and it was natural for Yueyao to keep her. Moreover, Hua Lei’s family had been favored by Yueyao’s mother, and Yueyao would need to rely on them in the future.

The old lady looked at Yueyao with newfound appreciation. This child was already thinking strategically and preparing for the future.

It seemed that her guess was correct, and Yueyao’s mother had indeed told her more than just about Tingzheng. The old lady sighed inwardly, knowing that she couldn’t favor one side over the other.

Yueyao’s heart was racing as the old lady gazed at her for a long time without speaking. She tried to maintain a calm expression on her face and asked, “Grandmother, is there anything wrong with my arrangements?”
She was worried that the old lady might not agree with her. Yueyao had made up her mind that even if the old lady disagreed, she would still find a way to get the people she wanted.

The old lady smiled and said, “Your arrangements are excellent. However, it seems that you’ll be short of maids now. Let’s assign Qiao Lan to serve you. Qiao Lan has been by my side, and she’s steady and reliable. I’ll be at ease knowing she’s taking care of you.”

Qiao Lan immediately stood up and bowed to Yueyao. Qiao Lan was a senior maid who had been serving the old lady. She was only 14 years old and had been promoted to her current position less than a year ago. She had a pale, oval-shaped face and bright, clear eyes. When she smiled, her lips curved like a tranquil crescent moon.

Yueyao smiled and said, “Thank you, grandmother, for your kindness.” Yueyao didn’t know much about Qiao Lan, but since the old lady had chosen her, she must be good.

Yuebing pouted discontentedly, “Grandmother always favors third sister.”
Not only had the old lady chosen suitable servants, but she had also selected maids for Yueyao. The old lady was biased, just like she had been with Chen’s mother, who had always opposed Yueyao’s mother.
Now, the old lady was favoring Yueyao.

The old lady glanced at Yuebing, and Yuebing shrank back in fear. The old lady didn’t say anything to Yuebing, but she would instruct the teaching momo to discipline her strictly later. There was no point in scolding her now.

“I’m tired. You all can leave now,” the old lady said.

Yueyao was puzzled. She had wanted to ask her grandmother about the mama who would be serving her, but the old lady hadn’t mentioned it yet. Who could this mysterious person be?
After Yueyao left, the old lady asked Zheng Mama, “How long have Madam Mo’s dowry Hua Mama and Third Young lady’s wet nurse, Gu Mama, been in contact?”

Zheng Mama replied, “About half a year.” The old lady leaned against a pillow with a blue-green brocade and gold cloud pattern. She knew everything Madam Mo knew, but what Madam Mo didn’t know was that Lian Dongbo had written a letter to her when he was seriously ill.

He told her that most of the family’s assets would be turned over to the public household, and the remaining amount would be left for Yueyao’s own use. The old lady estimated that it was probably around 20,000 to 30,000 taels of silver.

The old lady wasn’t dissatisfied with Lian Dongbo’s arrangements. She was old and in poor health, and if everything was left to her, it would all become public property after her death. So, she thought it was reasonable for her son to leave some money for Yueyao’s own use.

However, Madam Mo behavior was truly hateful. Yueyao had only been back for half a year, and Hua Pozi had already been in contact with Gu Pozi for half a year. This meant that Madam Mo had been probing into the family’s assets as soon as Yueyao returned.

Lian Dongbo hadn’t told the old lady about another sum of money that he had entrusted to his close friend. It wasn’t that he didn’t trust the old lady, but he was worried that she would be sad. If the old lady knew that he had entrusted his wealth to a close friend rather than his own brother, it would not only hurt her feelings but also harm Yueyao’s interests.

The old lady had previously seen Yueyao deeply immersed in copying scriptures and knew that Yueyao couldn’t handle money well. She didn’t want to bother herself with it, thinking that it would be better for Yueyao if she didn’t get involved.

However, she had been suppressing Madam Mo for too long, and Madam Mo harbored resentment towards her. If she showed too much favoritism to Yueyao, Madam Mo would likely vent their anger on Yueyao. Now, the old lady thought that maybe she had been wrong.

As Yueyao approached Lanxi Courtyard, she saw Tingzheng standing at the door, stretching his neck to look out. When he saw her, he ran over happily. Dongqing followed behind him, saying, “Young lady, the young master said you were coming back. I didn’t expect to see you walking over as soon as you arrived.”
It was a bit magical, but it was indeed true.

Yueyao smiled and led Tingzheng into the courtyard by the hand. Once inside, she had the maids take Tingzheng to the study while she went to change her clothes.

When Yueyao arrived at the study after changing, she saw Tingzheng diligently practicing his writing. She stood quietly by his side, watching him. Although Tingzheng’s handwriting was a bit awkward and hard to read, he hadn’t made a single mistake out of the ten characters.
Yueyao nodded slightly in approval.

Qiao Lan brought in tea and water, moving silently and not daring to disturb the two. She gently set down the cup, making barely a sound. Yueyao felt Qiao Lan’s presence and glanced at her.

Qiao Lan felt a bit nervous and asked, “Young lady, did I do something wrong?”

Yueyao put down the book in her hand and said, “From now on, whether it’s in the study or in the bedroom, don’t come in unless I call you.”
This rule applied not just to Qiao Lan but to everyone, including Deng Mama.
No one was allowed to enter without her permission.

Qiao Lan felt relieved when she realized Yueyao was addressing everyone, not just her. “Yes, I’ll be more careful in the future.”
Yueyao nodded and said, “Good. Qiao Lan, I heard from Hua Lei that you’re from outside. Where’s your family, and who do you have left?” She wanted to make sure that Madam Mo hadn’t bribed Qiao Lan’s relatives to coerce her into doing something against her.

Qiao Lan’s expression remained calm. “Young lady, I was sold to the mansion when I was five years old. It’s been nine years now. I’ve long forgotten where my family is and who I have left.” Even if she remembered, Qiao Lan wouldn’t dare say it out loud. It wouldn’t be good for her if she did.

Yueyao stared into Qiao Lan’s eyes for three seconds before smiling casually. “Really, you don’t remember anything?”

Qiao Lan panicked and knelt down. “Young lady, I wouldn’t dare deceive you. I was so young back then, I really don’t remember anything.” The young lady’s eyes seemed to see right through her.

Yueyao didn’t press the issue. “I hope you remember your words. I don’t have high expectations from you. Just serve me loyally and honestly, and I won’t mistreat you. Otherwise…” She didn’t need to finish the sentence. Anyone who betrayed her would suffer consequences, but she wouldn’t kill them. She had other ways to make them regret their actions.

Qiao Lan’s back was covered in cold sweat. Anyone who said the third young lady didn’t understand the ways of the world and was too noble to care about anything would be proven wrong. She would make sure to prove her loyalty. “Young lady, rest assured, I will be loyal to you.” A servant who betrayed their master would only have one fate: death.

Yueyao didn’t want to argue with Qiao Lan further. “You can go now.” She continued teaching Tingzheng to read. With a day and night of effort, Tingzheng was able to recognize twenty characters, which was faster than expected.

After Tingzheng finished writing the ten characters, he looked up and said, “Sister, I’m done.” He stood up, holding the paper with both hands, and handed it to Yueyao.

Yueyao took the paper and praised, “Well done, our Tingzheng is really great, not a single mistake.” Children need to be praised, especially Tingzheng, who needed more confidence.

Tingzheng’s face lit up with a bright smile. Yueyao knew that Tingzheng had psychological scars, worrying that she would abandon him. So, she usually indulged him and tried to make him feel more confident. She wanted him to believe that she wouldn’t abandon him and help him adapt to his new environment.

During Yueyao’s break, Hua Lei came over and said, “Young lady, I’ve found the calligraphy model.” She hadn’t wanted to disturb Yueyao while she was teaching Tingzheng.

Yueyao wanted to see the calligraphy model her mother had left behind. “Let’s take a look.” She told Tingzheng to continue practicing his writing and went to the study to examine the model.

When Yueyao took the model from Hua Lei, she felt both disappointed and delighted. It wasn’t the calligraphy model her mother had left behind, but it was a rubbing, and a good one at that. The rubbing was made using the ink rubbing method.

Yueyao’s father, Lian Dongbo, loved collecting rare rubbings and would often practice calligraphy in his free time.
Yueyao had learned a thing or two from her father.

When Yueyao opened the rubbing, she saw eighteen large characters. She was an expert and knew that the light ink rubbing brought out the elegance and subtlety of the characters, revealing every detail. Hua Lei couldn’t help but exclaim, “Young lady, these characters are beautiful, like a bunch of plum blossoms.”

Yueyao whispered, “It’s the plum blossom seal script. From a distance, it looks like flowers, but up close, it’s characters. The flowers and characters are integrated, with the flowers hidden within the characters and vice versa.”

Plum blossom seal script but in Paper fan.

Yueyao looked at the date of the inscription and was surprised to find that it was from the Tang Dynasty, making it an antique. Such a thing was priceless. If she wasn’t mistaken, her mother had copied the 18 characters from this rubbing and then developed her own plum blossom seal script, which was admired by many.

Hua Lei was amazed. “It’s so exquisite. Young lady, are you planning to use this calligraphy model? If you master it, your handwriting will be just as beautiful.” Such beautiful characters were rare, and if Yueyao could master them, she would be one of a kind.

Yueyao smiled slightly. The plum blossom seal script was a unique style that embedded plum blossoms within the characters, making them a natural part of the script. The seal script was already difficult to read, and the addition of plum blossoms made it even more challenging. It was hard to imagine that anyone could learn it, let alone master it.

Yueyao remembered a gathering where a girl claimed to be able to write the plum blossom seal script. Everyone asked her to demonstrate, and while her writing was indeed beautiful, another girl whispered that she only knew how to write the script but didn’t understand its essence. The girl who wrote the script was mortified.

Despite the difficulty, Yueyao was determined to learn and master the plum blossom seal script. She thought for a moment and then came up with a plan.