Chapter 12: A Daughter So Excellent It’s Intimidating

Chapter 12: A Daughter So Excellent It's Intimidating

The second and third young masters were twins, raised together and sharing meals.

However, when they married, they would each have their own courtyards.

Thus, the well-appointed Bamboo Elegance Pavilion was intended for the third young master's marriage in the future.

To everyone's surprise, Madam Zheng said, "They're only sixteen. In our Zheng family, our sons don't marry until they reach the age of twenty. That's still four years away. By then, both Jinxiu and Jinyu will be married, so why would we lack a residence for him?"

Well... That's true.

"I'll take care of the arrangements then. Madam, do remember to explain this properly to Third Young Master, so he won't feel upset."

Madam Zheng chuckled. "Rest assured. My sons dote on their younger sister immensely; they would willingly give her anything. A courtyard is but a small matter. If it means Jinxiu will be comfortable, he'll be overjoyed."

Madam Zheng's unwavering confidence stemmed from her belief that her sons were obsessed with spoiling their sister and would never begrudge her anything.

She had witnessed firsthand how much they adored Jinxiu.

Upon finishing her lessons today, Zheng Jinyu overheard her maid, Chunmei, excitedly mentioning that Lady was planning to move them to the Bamboo Elegance Pavilion.

With animated brows, Chunmei declared, "That courtyard is hardly any less grand than Miss Jinxiu's residence and far better than our current home in the Yusheng Courtyard. Miss, Lady dotes on you."

Qiu Ju, however, seemed worried. "But that courtyard was meant for Third Young Master's marriage. If Second Miss were to occupy it, I wonder if Third Young Master might take offense."

Initially disinclined to move, Zheng Jinyu immediately suppressed the thought of refusal when she learned that the courtyard belonged to Zheng Hongxu.

An idea had formed in her mind, and she decided to wait for her two elder brothers to return before making any decisions.

If the two of them were to unjustly despise her, she would not hold back and would certainly seize the Bamboo Elegance Pavilion.

But if Second Brother and Third Brother turned out to be decent people, she wouldn't want to snatch away the courtyard they were planning to use for their weddings.

The next day, Lady Zheng brought up the matter to her.

Before Zheng Jinyu could speak, Zheng Jinxiu, who was beside her, exclaimed in surprise, "Mother, isn't that pavilion reserved for Third Brother's future marriage? What will happen to Third Brother if Sister moves in there?"

Both Lady Zheng and Zheng Jinyu turned to look at her.

Lady Zheng acknowledged her daughter's excessive reaction and promptly clarified, "What I meant was, I've previously heard Third Brother discussing how to renovate that courtyard to please his future third sister-in-law. He must hold it in high regard."

Lady Zheng replied, "Your future third sister-in-law is still a mere concept; we don't even know which family's maiden she'll be. How could we know her preferences? We'll discuss your third brother's marriage when the time comes for you girls to wed. Only after a lady has been chosen should we inquire about her likings."

Zheng Jinxiu felt awkward and forced a smile, "That does make sense. I believe Third Brother will understand."

Lady Zheng turned her attention to Zheng Jinyu, "Jinyu, that courtyard has always been maintained and renovated annually. If you wish, you can move there today."

Zheng Jinyu replied, "Mother, I think I'll wait for now. It's ultimately a courtyard prepared for Third Brother. I'll move only after he returns and gives his consent."

Well, they'll be back in a few days anyway.

Madam Zheng was taken aback for a moment before her smile widened. "Very well, Jinyu, you've thought of everything. Don't worry, your Third Brother will definitely agree."

...

The Ji family ran a scholarly academy, with a long tradition of education. Half of the nobles in the capital sent their children to study at the Ji family's school, and half of the well-born young ladies hired female tutors from the Ji family to educate their daughters.

However, their teaching methods were different from those of a thousand years later. Classes usually took place three to five days within a ten-day period, with the schedule varying.

After a day of lessons, Jining would always allocate ample time for Zheng Jinyu to absorb what she had taught, based on the student's actual progress.

Teaching Zheng Jinyu was a different matter. Given how quickly she learned, Jining's daily teachings were fully digested by Zheng Jinyu on the same day. As a result, Jining visited her consecutively for five days.

On the sixth day, it was Jining who requested a two-day break.

Of course, this was agreed upon between her and Zheng Jinyu – five days of lessons followed by two days of rest.

After the fifth day, Jining needed to report to Lady Zheng about the lessons. Zheng Jinyu took the opportunity to have a private conversation with her.

"Master, would you please not tell my mother that I have memorized most of the Book of Songs and Chu Ci?"

Jining appeared puzzled. "Why not? Wouldn't it be wonderful for your mother to know how gifted you are?"

Zheng Jinyu replied, "I'm not against her knowing, but I'm worried she might boast about it. I haven't been back for long, and I don't wish to gain fame too soon. If I were to fail in the future, people would be disappointed in me."

Jining smiled. "I understand your concern now. At your young age, you think quite thoroughly, while I didn't consider that. Alright, I'll speak to your mother wisely."

"Thank you, Master."

"Madam has invested in me to instruct you, and I shall honestly relay your situation and concerns to her," Zheng Jinyu said tactfully, intentionally leaving room for this response.

In the original story, Lady Zheng favored Zheng Jinxiu not only because of the protagonist's halo that made her the darling of the family, but also due to her own exceptional qualities.

Thus, in Lady Zheng's eyes, she needed to surpass Zheng Jinxiu in order to gain her special attention.

However, Zheng Jinyu was not keen on achieving fame too soon; it would spoil the fun.

"Very well, I'll follow Master's advice."

Jining went to Madam Zheng to present Zheng Jinyu's studies. With each remark, she managed to delight Madam Zheng thoroughly.

Again and again, Madam Zheng exclaimed how it was no wonder she was her own flesh and blood, with a sharp mind akin to her own.

Fortunately, Zheng Jinyu wasn't present, or else she would have felt sorrow for the original owner once more.

Jining smiled and said, "Second Miss's intelligence and wit are truly rare in one's lifetime. Her ability to retain information after a single glance seems to be a trait only found in the legendary scholarly sages."

Madam Zheng exclaimed eagerly, "Really? Then won't my daughter become renowned and leave a lasting legacy?"

Upon hearing this, Jining's expression shifted once more, and she let out a soft sigh.

Madam Zheng was taken aback. "Mr. Little Ji, what's the matter?"

"Madam, if Jinyu were a son, she would undoubtedly become a great scholar, remembered throughout the ages. But alas, she is a woman. In this world, it is not acceptable for women to surpass men,"

Madam Zheng's face froze. "What... should we do then?"

"Mrs. Zheng repeatedly agreed and hastily thanked Jining.

Despite her promise to keep it secret, she couldn't resist sharing the news with Master Zheng that very night.

Master Zheng was utterly astonished. "Is that true?"

"Yes, our daughter is so exceptional that I'm afraid to even mention it. What should we do in this situation?"

"Mr. Little Ji has already given you instructions, hasn't he? Keep your tongue in check and don't brag about it like you did with Jinxiu."

"Alright, alright, I understand."

Madam Zheng felt deeply content.

Though her husband had two concubines, he only occasionally favored them in his youth. As he grew older, he seldom visited their chambers, preferring to stay in their shared quarters with his wife.

The two concubines were also quite submissive. One was a servant girl from her own family, who had been given to her as a companion when she married.

The other was a selection prepared by her mother-in-law, all of them were honest individuals.

With harmonious relations between husband and wife, a submissive concubine, and a cordial relationship with her mother-in-law, the noble ladies of Beijing could not help but envy her.

Now that her own daughter has returned, and is so outstanding, she truly has no further desires in life.

...