Chapter 6: Rise

Chapter 6: Rise

It rained heavily during the night, the branches outside the window rustling with the sound of pouring rain and thunder. However, Yao Niang slept deeply, completely unaffected by the storm.

In the morning, Qingdai helped her comb her hair and dressed her in a light yellow climbing-collar gauze skirt, topped with an oiled cloak, before she went to school.

This oiled cloak was made of silk coated with oil, which could keep the rain out. As a result, apart from her slightly dampened hair ends, the rest of her remained dry. The maids were also experienced and quickly dried her off with clean towels once she sat down.

Yao Niang's water buffalo painting was praised by Mr. Yu, who said, "You must have put in a lot of effort. It used to be quite stiff, but now it shows some improvement."

"Thank you for your praise, Sir. I will work even harder," Yao Niang sighed in relief.

Ying Niang, of course, received praise as well, but Yao Niang knew at a glance that it was done by her second elder sister. Therefore, she didn't feel intimidated. In her view, although her painting wasn't as good as her second elder sister's, at least she had done it herself without any deception.

During a break, Yao Niang noticed Xin Wan hadn't arrived yet, so she asked Qian Niang, "How is Sister Xin's health?"

Qian Niang shook her head. "Still the same. She can't tolerate extreme heat or cold, and she can't eat much. Grandma is very worried and has invited a doctor to see her. He said she has weak spleen and stomach and plans to make her some ginseng spleen-strengthening pills."

"When the weather clears up, I'll go visit Cousin Xin. By the way, Second Sister, my mother said she would prepare a courtyard for me. When it's ready, you, Sister Bei, and Sister Zhao should all come over to play." Yao Niang invited everyone.

Zhao Fang envied her. "That sounds wonderful!" Although she and her brother lived comfortably at their aunt's house, they were still guests and couldn't do everything freely like the daughters of the Yan family.

Yan Rubei, who had her own embroidery room, shared her experience. "Third Sister, don't skimp on the cabinets. Also, place the embroidery frame where there's good light. Don't leave it until the end."

Yao Niang smiled. "My mother will take care of all that; I won't worry about it."

"You're right; Second Aunt is meticulous," Yan Rubei agreed.

After a few more laughs and jokes, Yan Rubei handed out gifts, saying they were kites sent from Shandong. Everyone knew that Yan Rubei's mother, Lady Ming, was skilled in business and never forgot anyone, including Zhao Fang, who was staying with the Yan family.

Since the kites were large and heavy, they needed to fetch them from the second branch. They also wanted to thank Lady Ming personally, so they all went together.

Lady Ming was elegantly dressed and looked like a noble lady if not for her merchant background. Seeing them arrive, she was delighted and ordered various snacks and fruits to be served.

"We came to thank you, but now you're treating us instead," Qian Niang said, feeling a bit embarrassed.

Lady Ming waved her hand. "It's nothing. You rarely come here, so stay a little longer."

Although Yao Niang usually didn't live with her second and fourth sisters, they always bowed and thanked her together when visiting others.

Lady Ming chatted about various household matters, especially asking Yao Niang, "I heard you have a guest? Someone from the capital?"

"Yes, he's studying with my brother. His father is apparently the Sacrificial Wine of the Imperial Academy," Yao Niang replied innocently.

Lady Ming smiled. "Have you met him, Third Miss?"

Yao Niang shook her head.

"Go ahead and choose your kites from the table," Lady Ming gestured.

Several kites were laid out on the table, including a catfish, a Monkey King, a mantis, and a dragonfly. Yao Niang particularly liked the dragonfly kite with its beautiful red wings.

Unexpectedly, Ying Niang also liked it and clung to Yan Rubei's arm, begging, "Sister Bei, can I have the dragonfly kite?"

Yao Niang, who only acted this way with her own mother, saw her favorite kite being claimed and reluctantly chose the Monkey King kite instead.

When they returned, Lady Ming spoke to her daughter, "I've found out that the Zhou family is a prominent clan from Runan. Young Master Zhou is named Lingguang. You must seize this opportunity."

Yan Rubei blushed. "What are you talking about!"

"This isn't the time to be shy. You're approaching marriageable age, and your father and I have only you. You should think about your future. I know you have high aspirations. I thought Zhao Xian was a good match, so despite disliking your third aunt, I still tried to curry favor with her for your sake. But the Zhao family doesn't appreciate it. Zhao Xian's father is just a Magistrate, while Young Master Zhou is the son of the Sacrificial Wine of the Imperial Academy. If you marry well, it will fulfill your wishes." Lady Ming advised earnestly.

Yan Rubei nodded silently.

Meanwhile, Yao Niang left with her sisters and saw a tall, slender young man entering. She recognized him as Zhao Fang's older brother, Zhao Xian. He had a long face and high cheekbones, but his eyes were clear.

Yao Niang glanced at Zhao Xian and told Qian Niang and Ying Niang, "My brother said this Zhao young master is very talented."

Qian Niang remained silent, but Ying Niang looked at Zhao Xian and asked, "Third Sister, why have the Zhao siblings been living with us for so long if they have a home?"

"I don't know," Yao Niang shook her head.

Qian Niang, who had been quiet, spoke up, "I heard that Lord Zhao works diligently and hasn't remarried, so no one manages the household. That's why the Zhao siblings are staying with Third Aunt."

Ying Niang tilted her head and smiled. "Third Sister, how does Zhao young master compare to the Zhou young master who arrived yesterday?"

Yao Niang blushed. "Girls shouldn't ask such things. I'll tell Madam about it."

"Fine then," Ying Niang chased after Yao Niang playfully.

As they were playing, Yan Jingzhao led a young man around fourteen years old towards them. The young man wore a moon-white robe, his hair tied back with a golden crown. Despite his young age, he had a refined appearance and walked with grace.

Yan Jingzhao didn't expect to meet them there and introduced the young man, "Brother Zhou, these are my sisters."

Zhou Lingguang glanced at the three girls and nodded with a smile before continuing on with Yan Jingzhao.

Yao Niang was hungry and bid farewell to Qian Niang and Ying Niang to return for lunch, eating two bowls of rice. Jie Shi couldn't help but laugh, covering her mouth. "Are you turning into a little tiger, eating so much?"

"Mother, today I went to Lady Ming's place for the kites and played with Fourth Sister. I must be tired," Yao Niang touched her neck.

Jie Shi raised an eyebrow. "Did she ask you about our guest?"

Yao Niang was surprised. "Mother, how did you know?"

Jie Shi understood Lady Dong's nature well—she wouldn't act unless there was something in it for her. She had bribed everyone to gather information and was very well-informed.

When Lady Zhen returned, Lady Dong visited her frequently, hoping to arrange a marriage for her daughter. Now with a suitable young man, it was no surprise that Lady Dong was interested.

She realized Yao Niang was perceptive and decided to teach her a lesson. "Our family isn't very large, but it's not small either. So remember, even if you know everything, reveal only a third of what you know."

Yao Niang nodded, seemingly understanding. Jie Shi continued, "This Zhou Lingguang, because of his outstanding demeanor, the palace has hinted that he should participate in the selection for prince consort. Zhou Jijiu does not wish for it, so he sent him south to our home. This is just between you and me; don't tell anyone else. He's here to study with your brother. You're eight years old now, and since ancient times, boys and girls shouldn't sit together after seven. So, don't go to the Wutong Courtyard anymore."

"Okay. But why doesn't he want to be a prince consort? In the plays, the top scholar always marries a princess," Yao Niang found this quite curious.

Jie Shi smiled, "Being selected as a prince consort would end his career prospects, especially for someone who values education. It's not a good thing." She then stroked her daughter's head, "You're getting older now, and I need to talk to you about adult matters. Listen carefully."

Yao Niang nodded vigorously.

Jie Shi hugged Yao Niang, feeling relieved. She knew that Zhou Lingguang was fifteen years old, while her daughter was only eight. The age difference was significant, and their family had high hopes for him. Jingzhao mentioned that he had been reading non-stop since arriving last night. Such dedication reminded her of Yan Yingqi.

Such diligence and ambition at just fifteen, prioritizing his future so much, meant he would likely prioritize his career over everything else. Such a person would make a good official but might not be an ideal husband.

Just like Yan Yingqi, who seemed respectable on the surface, but it was all superficial.

Finding a husband doesn't necessarily mean he must be powerful or noble, but he must be kind, honest, and reliable.

"After eating, walk around the veranda for a bit to digest, then rest," Jie Shi instructed Yao Niang before calling over Nurse Song.

Nurse Song entered and said, "Madam."

Jie Shi's expression changed from the affectionate one she had shown Yao Niang. She spoke coldly to Nurse Song, "Zhen Shi can't wait any longer. After just a few days, she wants to stir up trouble. Fortunately, I stayed in Jin Ling to recover and bribed some people to send messages for me."

"Yes, the main madam used the rain as an excuse to attend the governor's wife's birthday banquet, where she met Lady Guan. They talked happily. Could she be trying to sow discord with the Guan family already?" Nurse Song asked.

Jie Shi shook her head, "It's more than that. She probably wants to arrange Jingzhao's marriage. If she takes the lead, it will further solidify my position as merely a favored concubine. She's attacking both my heart and my status!"

Nurse Song was puzzled, "Over the years, you've never competed with her for favor. Why does she treat you this way?"

As they were talking, Su'e, the servant girl from the third matriarch, arrived. Su'e was young and beautiful, with a rather bold personality. She came to deliver shoe patterns and curtsied upon entering, smiling, "The matriarch said that once the young master's wedding is over, she'll go to Henan. Knowing your skill with needlework, she wants you to make a few pairs of shoes for our lord."

Jie Shi didn't even raise an eyebrow, agreeing readily, "Sure, don't worry."

After Su'e left, Nurse Song was furious, "Madam, Su'e is just an attendant to the matriarch. Why should you make shoes? They probably want you to do their work. This girl keeps coming over these days."

Jie Shi said bitterly, "There's only so much trouble in this house. Zhen Shi is the external threat, and Su'e is the internal one. The matriarch fears that Jingzhao might get closer to me if he stays to study, so she's trying to insert her own people."

"What are you going to do?" Nurse Song asked anxiously.

Jie Shi stood up, her eyes determined, "I've been too tolerant for too long. I won't back down anymore. My tolerance has led to my son distancing himself from me, my daughter being treated unfairly, and even myself being targeted. Zhen Shi is overstepping her bounds, and the matriarch is treating me like a fool."