Chapter 5: Ability Does Not Depend on Status

Chapter 5: Ability Does Not Depend on Status

This was the day after Yao Niang climbed the mountain and came to the academy. Indeed, on her way there, Qian Niang and Ying Niang did not wait for her, which she had anticipated. In the past, her parents were not together; her father was with his first wife in the capital, while her mother was in Jin Ling, and Yao Niang herself lived with her grandparents in the northwest. Now they had all returned, and her father had come specifically to her mother's side. Naturally, Qian Niang and Ying Niang would not be pleased.

Sure enough, after she settled down, Qian Niang and Ying Niang arrived late. Qian Niang gave her a slight smile, but Ying Niang ignored her completely.

Since Ying Niang ignored her, Yao Niang naturally ignored her as well.

Xin Wan was absent from the academy due to illness, while Yan Rubei, who was sensitive to heat, constantly wiped her sweat with a handkerchief. Zhao Fang, however, had no factional ties and chatted freely with Yao Niang.

Fortunately, Mr. Yu arrived at this moment. Today, he was not teaching poetry or literature but painting.

Mr. Yu smiled and said, "Painting has been a specialized field since the Eastern Han Dynasty, with the establishment of the 'Hongdu Academy.' Even in our dynasty, some have become members of the Jinyiwei through their painting skills. Today's painters can be divided into two categories: scholar-painters and professional artists."

"May I ask, sir, what is the difference between these two?" Yao Niang asked, curious.

Mr. Yu explained, "Scholar-painters mostly paint not for fame or wealth but out of inspiration, expressing their true emotions and feelings. Professional artists, on the other hand, paint for a living, which is fundamentally different. You young ladies are learning painting to cultivate your minds, not to earn a living. Moreover, as daughters of noble families, you must excel in the six arts, especially poetry, painting, calligraphy, seal carving, and art appreciation."

After Mr. Yu finished speaking, the students took out their painting tools. He began by teaching them gongbi flower-and-bird painting, which includes depictions of birds, animals, flowers, fruits, and insects. It was said that mastering these would pave the way for learning ink wash and freehand painting.

After an hour of painting, Yao Niang breathed a sigh of relief. Mr. Yu looked at their paintings and praised Qian Niang, saying she had a natural talent for painting.

In Qian Niang, Yao Niang saw something extraordinary. When they used to meet guests together, all three sisters wore identical attire. Despite this, even the servants knew the differences among them. Yao Niang had heard her wet nurse, Aunt Gu, say that although people claim that both legitimate and illegitimate children receive the same upbringing, others would still treat legitimate children differently. This subtle distinction could only be truly understood by those experiencing it firsthand.

Even Yao Niang noticed that Lady Zhen could sit and eat with her mother, while Aunt Yin and Aunt Feng stood by to serve.

But now, seeing Qian Niang's talent in painting, it was clear that legitimacy did not matter as much as personal ability.

One must always rely on one's true abilities.

"Second Sister, Mr. Yu assigned us to paint a water buffalo, but I don't know how to do it," Ying Niang said, feeling lost.

Qian Niang replied as usual, "I'm not very good at it either, but if I manage to finish it, I'll help you."

Ying Niang hugged Qian Niang's arm, seemingly showing off to Yao Niang, "Only Second Sister has always been kind to me."

If this had happened before, Yao Niang would have felt hurt, thinking she was being treated differently. But now, she thought that if her second sister could paint well, why couldn't she?

Only what one truly learns becomes one's own, and no one can take it away.

At lunchtime, when Mrs. Jie saw her daughter frowning, she asked, "Is your leg hurting, my dear?"

"No, it's because Mr. Yu taught us painting today. Did you know that Second Sister, who usually doesn't stand out, excelled today? Mother, I suddenly realized something. Although Brother isn't close to us, once he passes the exams, no one will think Grandmother deliberately kept him distant. Instead, they might think Grandmother raised him better. So, I believe that no matter how kind and lovely I am, if I'm incapable, it won't matter," Yao Niang said.

Mrs. Jie looked at Yao Niang in surprise, "For someone your age, having such insight is remarkable."

"I will study hard today, even if I can't surpass them, I won't fall too far behind," Yao Niang resolved.

Mrs. Jie nodded, "Good, I'll stay with you later."

Compared to Yao Niang, Mrs. Jie was more skilled and thoughtful. She hadn't formally studied painting but watched her daughter paint and read, and she drew flower patterns nearby. Yao Niang praised her mother's work.

"Yao Niang, you're eight years old this year. I want to set up a courtyard for you in the back yard, with a dedicated study room that has better lighting," she said, stroking her daughter's head, feeling both affectionate and determined that her daughter should learn to manage servants.

Yao Niang felt a bit reluctant, "I want to sleep with you, Mother."

"Silly girl, in a few years, you'll be a grown woman. The day after tomorrow, your grandmother's nephew's grandson is getting married, and I need to take you to meet relatives," Mrs. Jie said, patting her daughter's head. She knew she needed to plan ahead for her daughter's future, as the Yan family, though respectable, had many sons and grandsons, and their focus was now on education and virtue.

Yao Niang frowned, "But I don't want to take leave."

Mrs. Jie smiled, "It won't be a problem. After your afternoon class, we'll go together, okay?"

"But what if Grandmother says something?" Yao Niang worried.

Mrs. Jie shook her head, "Don't worry."

Yao Niang, understanding her mother's concern, said, "Then I won't go."

Mrs. Jie insisted, "We should go. That way, you'll have more playmates. We only have you in this branch. Once your courtyard is ready, you can invite the Quan family over to play."

"Alright, I'm always with you, Mother. Back then, when I lived with Grandmother, a granddaughter of the provincial governor gave me a box of pastries and books, but I didn't return the favor, so she stopped playing with me. I love you, Mother, and wish you were my mother again in the next life. But if I choose a grandmother, I'd pick Brother's grandmother," Yao Niang said, recalling the past with resentment towards her grandmother.

To others, this might sound disjointed, but Mrs. Jie understood everything. Clearly, Old Lady Quan favored her son and neglected her daughter.

Mrs. Jie patted her daughter's hand, "Let's focus on painting the water buffalo."

"Okay," Yao Niang nodded firmly.

She spent the afternoon painting the water buffalo, took a short rest, and then resumed reading her books until Yan Yingqi came for dinner. The dishes on the table were all prepared by Mrs. Jie, including the appetizing sour red lotus root and the savory yam dish. There was also wine-marinated shrimp, which Yan Yingqi loved.

Lady Zhen, being from Hebei, preferred northern cuisine, while Aunt Yin made some small dishes, but none matched Mrs. Jie's skill. Mrs. Jie was literate and brewed coconut wine, which was refreshing and sweet without being intoxicating.

Yan Yingqi, unusually hungry, asked the maid to bring another bowl of rice and told Mrs. Jie, "Your food suits my taste best."

"Thank you, it's just a few simple dishes," Mrs. Jie smiled.

After dinner, Yao Niang showed her water buffalo painting to Yan Yingqi, who offered some guidance. Meanwhile, Mrs. Jie continued her embroidery.

Just as they were enjoying a peaceful evening, someone outside announced, "Sir, Master Zhou has arrived."

Master Zhou? Mrs. Jie and Yao Niang exchanged puzzled looks, while Yan Yingqi got up and said, "He's the son of the Imperial Tutor from the capital. The Imperial Tutor is my mentor. I wonder why he's here now. I'll go see him."

Mrs. Jie glanced at her husband, "You should change your clothes first."

Yan Yingqi nodded, "Right, I'll change."

Yao Niang was left alone until she learned that Master Zhou had stayed for dinner and was now residing in their home. Red Sleeve brought in a platter of fresh grapes and mentioned, "They say Master Zhou looks like a celestial being, similar in age to our eldest son. Father has arranged for him to live in the Wutong Courtyard and study with our eldest son."

Mother Gu asked, "Wutong Courtyard is next to our eldest master's courtyard, both within the inner quarters. It seems this young Master Zhou will be staying with us for some time."

"Indeed? Sister Suxin from Madam’s side personally opened the storeroom to furnish the courtyard. I saw two servants carry the four-panel sandalwood screen with cherry blossoms that Madam brought as part of her dowry to Wutong Courtyard," Qingdai added, well-informed.

Yao Niang was still young and only thought it was an honored guest, but Lady Zhen had many more concerns, especially since her greatest worry had come true.

"Zhou Lingguang is the son of the head of the Imperial Academy, and his father is a renowned scholar of our time. They say his son is also an exceptional prodigy. Regardless of why he sought our help, befriending him would certainly be beneficial. Eldest Master did this clearly to pave the way for Yan Jingzhao." Since arriving in Jin Ling, Lady Zhen felt everything was out of place.

She was from Hebei, where they mostly ate wheat-based foods, but in Jin Ling, rice dishes were common, and the locals loved fish, which she found too fishy. Alternatively, the food was overly sweet and glutinous.

She had assumed that no matter what, Yan Yingqi would at least show her respect and involve her in matters like hosting guests.

But he didn't consult her at all, placing Zhou Lingguang with Yan Jingzhao, clearly to help Yan Jingzhao build connections. Having grown up in the political world, Lady Zhen knew well that even if one was talented, without support or recognition, one's career could be fraught with difficulties, even leading to unjust blame and an untimely demise.

If she didn’t do something soon, her position would be threatened.