Chapter 9: This Country Bumpkin Competes with Me for Everything

Chapter 9: This Country Bumpkin Competes with Me for Everything

After her conversation with Wet Nurse Zhou the previous night, Zheng Jinxiu was no longer as annoyed when she saw Lady Zheng doting on Zheng Jinyu with concern.

The higher one climbs, the harder one falls.

Let her bask in her glory for a few days.

"Master, Nanny Zhang says that with time, our Jinyu will surely grow into a well-educated and refined young lady."

Master Zheng stroked his beard and chuckled. "After all, she's our child. Even if she was living amongst the common folk, she'd still surpass ordinary people."

"That's right."

Now, the Zheng couple had high hopes for Zheng Jinyu; their praises for her were incessant.

Looking at their ecstatic expressions, Zheng Jinxiu couldn't help but chuckle.

How far had they come? They were already this delighted just because she could balance a few plates.

When news breaks that Zheng Jinyu is an illiterate good-for-nothing, let's see if they can still laugh.

Zheng Jinxiu scurries after them, her voice sugary sweet. "Father, Mother, in just a few days, Second Brother and Third Brother will be returning. They'll surely be delighted to see their sister."

Madam Zheng looks at her with tenderness and smiles. "Indeed, when they come back and see Jinyu, they'll be overjoyed."

Master Zheng suggests to Madam Zheng, "We should send them a letter later, asking them not to return empty-handed. They can't just show up and expect to acknowledge a sister – wishful thinking."

Madam Zheng giggles. "Yes, yes, you always think of everything, my Lord."

Lady Zheng smiled faintly, choosing not to comment. She was relieved that she had visited Second Brother and Third Brother a few days prior.

If she hadn't, they might genuinely have started looking forward to meeting this 'younger sister' after receiving their parents' letter.

Given how they had seen her on that day, when their parents sent them another message, it would only confirm in their minds that their parents were indeed favoring one child over the others. It would only make them despise Zheng Jinyu even more.

After dismissing the messenger, Lady Zheng instructed someone to invite Zheng Jinyu from the Yusheng Courtyard.

"Daughter pays her respects to Mother."

A gentle smile spread across Lady Zheng's face as she waved her over. "Come here, my dear, sit by your mother."

Zheng Jinyu approached her mother gracefully and sat down beside her.

Lady Zheng scrutinized her daughter with great care, finding her more pleasing to the eye with each passing moment. She was indeed her flesh and blood.

In just over half a month since she returned home, Jinyu's complexion had become much rosier.

Confident that with proper care, she would surely not be inferior to the well-bred young ladies who had grown up in the capital city.

"You've been back for so many days now, mostly learning manners with Nanny Zhang. Mother hasn't even had the chance to have a proper conversation with you."

Zheng Jinyu listened quietly, allowing Lady Zheng to continue speaking.

"Besides your eldest brother, you have two more brothers who were also born from me. Your Second and Third Brothers are twins, and twins tend to be weaker at birth, so they couldn't become generals. Your father arranged for them to pursue scholarly studies. They're currently studying at a scholarly institution and will return in about ten days. Then you'll get to meet them."

Zheng Jinyu's face lit up with joy. "That's wonderful, Mother. Will Second Brother and Third Brother like me as much as Eldest Brother does?"

"Of course, you are their little sister, after all."

"Will they be easier to get along with than Elder Brother?" Zheng Jinyu asked, filled with both delight and apprehension.

Lady Zheng wore a loving smile. "Definitely more amiable than your elder brother. He spends all his time in the military camp with a stern, unsmiling face, and he's strict with people. If you think he's approachable, then your second and third brothers will be even better."

"Should I do anything special?"

Recalling how well her two younger sons treated Jinxiu, Lady Zheng assured her confidently.

"No need at all. You don't have to do anything; they'll like you just for being there."

Zheng Jinyu displayed an eager demeanor. "That would be wonderful, Mother. I can't wait to meet my brother soon."

Upon her return from Lady Zheng, the maid Chunmei hurriedly approached her.

"Second Miss, how did it go with Lady Zheng?"

Zheng Jinyu gave her a casual glance. "Lady called me over to foster a mother-daughter bond. Are you also inquiring about that?"

Chunmei promptly replied, "I dare not, I only worry that Second Miss might be at a disadvantage."

Zheng Jinyu tossed her a valuable golden hairpin. "Keep it safe. It's from Lady."

Chunmei felt reassured by the sight of the extravagant hairpin. Apparently, Lady treated Second Miss quite well.

Of course, she was her biological daughter after all. Chunmei realized she had made the right choice in supporting her.

She carefully put away the hairpin and continued, "Today, Eldest Miss spent the whole day with Madam Senior. Second Miss, you should also visit Madam Senior's courtyard frequently. Although Lady oversees the household affairs, Madam Senior still holds the highest status in the residence."

Zheng Jinyu softly acknowledged, understanding that the maid was reminding her and expressing her loyalty.

However, she was ultimately someone chosen by Zheng Jinxiu, and this irked Zheng Jinyu.

Chunmei continued, "As for Second Young Master and Third Young Master, I've learned that Miss has gifted them with smoked pine ink. May I ask your thoughts on what you should present to them?"

"Nothing at all."

"But... wouldn't that be somewhat inappropriate?"

Zheng Jinyu spoke coolly, "You don't need to say more, I have my own judgment."

"Indeed." Chunmei acknowledged softly and withdrew.

Zheng Jinyu was well aware. Her two elder brothers had already been influenced by Zheng Jinxiu's manipulations. Whatever she did now would undoubtedly earn their dislike.

Thus, she took the initiative to ingratiate herself with Lady Zheng. Lady Zheng assured her that they would surely take a liking to her and even claimed that they were more amiable than their eldest brother.

Yet, the moment they returned, they would seek trouble with her. That would be a slap in Lady Zheng's face.

But why would these two brothers, whom she had never met before, harbor resentment towards her for no apparent reason? She was an innocent, clueless soul who had never wronged them.

At this thought, Zheng Jinyu found herself unexpectedly looking forward to it.

...

Three days after Nanny Zhang's etiquette lessons concluded, Lady Zheng summoned Zheng Jinyu once more.

Seated below her was a middle-aged woman.

The lady was dressed simply and elegantly, with her hair neatly coiled up without any flashy hair ornaments or excessive jewelry.

About her lingers a subtle aroma of ink, almost imperceptible.

If Zheng Jinyu's assumption was correct, this lady was the female tutor who had taught Zheng Jinxiu. From this day forth, she would also become her disciple.

As Zheng Jinxiu's mentor, she would naturally favor Zheng Jinxiu.

The original host was despised by the entire family, and this woman played a significant role in that.

"Jinyu, quickly come over and pay respects to Miss Ji,"

Zheng Jinyu stepped forward and gracefully curtsied, "Jinyu has come to pay her respects to Master Ji."

In the presence of Madam Zheng, this Master Ji treated Jinyu with warmth, extending his hand to help her up.

"Miss Zheng, there's no need for such formality. Please rise quickly."

Madam Zheng chuckled and said, "Master Ji, from this moment on, Jinyu is also your disciple. It's only right for her to show respect."

She then called a servant over and invited Ji Shu to take the seat of honor. Addressing Jinyu, she continued, "Jinyu, come quickly and serve Master Ji some tea."

"Yes, Mother."

Taking the tea from the maid, Zheng Jinyu respectfully presented it to Ji Shu.

"Master, please have some tea."

Both Lady Zheng and Ji Shu were taken aback.

Lady Zheng laughed in delight. "Mr. Ji, isn't this child quite commendable?"

Ji Shu's stern expression softened as she took the tea with a smile. "Well done, you're a good child."

She sipped the tea and said, "By drinking the tea you've offered, I am now your master. You may rise."

At that moment, Zheng Jinxiu rushed in and caught sight of Ji Shu helping Zheng Jinyu to her feet.

There were teacups on the side table, indicating that the apprenticeship ceremony had already taken place.

Zheng Jinxiu felt uneasy inside, but she didn't show it. Instead, she said cheerfully, "Master, does that mean you're also my sister's master now?"

Ji Shu held a particular fondness for Zheng Jinxiu. Upon seeing her enter, the smile on his face lost its polite detachment, revealing genuine affection from the bottom of his heart.

"Jinxiu, come here."

"Yes, Master."

Zheng Jinyu and Zheng Jinxiu stood on either side of Ji Shu.

She entwined their hands together and said with a smile, "Starting from today, I will teach both of you."

None was more delighted than Lady Zheng; to her, one daughter had effectively become two. Seeing them getting along amicably, she could not help but wear a wide grin from ear to ear.

She promptly instructed her servants to add another desk in the women's academy at home.

That room, which was initially Jinxiu's personal study, would now be shared by two.

Though she wore a pleased expression and spoke of having a companion, of being a fellow student, she seethed with anger inside.

Why should she have to share what was rightfully hers with this wild country girl?

Parents, elder brother, the title of Miss Zheng... This odious country lass, she wants to compete with me for everything.