Chapter 12: The Zhen Family Cannot Be Underestimated

Chapter 12: The Zhen Family Cannot Be Underestimated

In the morning, as Yao Niang woke up, she heard birds singing harmoniously outside the trees. She turned over, wanting to sleep more, but then she heard that Yan Rubei had come. Aunt Gu instructed the maids to bring water for washing and combing her hair, muttering, "Why so early? Our girl needs more sleep!"

Yan Rubei had brought chess pieces with her. Seeing Yao Niang getting ready, she sat on a nearby spring stool and said, "I got a set of white jade chess pieces yesterday. They feel wonderful in the hand. I thought we could have a game together."

Yao Niang approached and saw a green-glazed porcelain chess jar beside her, which indeed looked like a treasure.

Living in a large family, the most important thing was perceptiveness. Fortunately, Yao Niang was very perceptive in this regard. She turned to Yan Rubei and said, "I don't really know how to play chess; I just practice with chess books."

"When I was your age, I couldn't sit still either," Yan Rubei smiled.

Without mentioning other things, Yan Rubei was indeed quite talented. While teaching Yao Niang chess, she offered many useful suggestions. When Qian Niang and Xin Wan arrived and saw Yan Rubei there, they found it somewhat surprising.

Seeing them, Yao Niang instructed Hongxiu and Qingdai to prepare tea and snacks, then put aside the chess book and gathered everyone to chat.

"In a few days, it will be Mid-Autumn Festival. In previous years, everyone was scattered far and wide. Now that we're all back together, Grandmother said we should celebrate at your place. We'll worship the moon together," Yao Niang told everyone.

Qian Niang was usually quiet, but Xin Wan was delighted. "It's great that you can come. Thank you for sending me toys and new books when I was sick; they helped pass the time."

Yao Niang waved her hand. "When I first came back, Sister Xin taught me a lot. It's only right. Now that our teacher is on leave, you should come here more often; I get lonely by myself."

As they spoke, Su Xin brought a plate of lychees and grapes, saying that Lady Jie knew the girls were visiting and sent these over.

The grapes were plump and juicy, and the lychees were crystal clear, their fragrance filling the air.

Su Xin smiled. "These fruits were chilled in the well. Lady Jie said to wait a bit before eating them."

"Alright, Qingdai, pick out a small plate and warm it with hot water for Cousin Xin," Yao Niang instructed.

Seeing her lady being so thoughtful, Su Xin nodded approvingly. She added, "Lady Jie also said that during the Mid-Autumn Festival, Master will test your knowledge. She suggested you study with the sisters more."

Yao Niang was surprised. "Father wants to test us? I've been lazy lately; I'll start reading now."

Xin Wan, who was usually very talented, decided to go home and review her studies to surpass others. Qian Niang, however, thought about how Father treated Yao Niang well, despite their separation for a few years, and felt that Second Lady was gentle and kind.

After Su Xin left, the sisters played music, chatted, and did embroidery, enjoying themselves. Unbeknownst to them, Yao Niang noticed that Yan Rubei had left. She asked Qingdai about it.

Qingdai replied, "Miss Bei said she had something to do and didn't want to disturb you."

"Well, she played chess with me for a while; she must be tired," Yao Niang said.

In reality, Yan Rubei wanted to create some coincidental encounters, but unfortunately, she didn't run into Zhou Lingguang and returned shyly.

Second Lady of the Ming Family didn't blame her daughter. "You are a noble lady; you cannot lower your status. Since that's the case, visit Yao Niang more often. Even if you meet him once out of ten visits, it's worth it."

"But Mother, traditionally, marriages are arranged by parents and matchmakers. Even if I meet him, what difference does it make?" Yan Rubei wasn't stupid. Zhou Lingguang was merely a guest of the Yan family, specifically the third branch. What could they do?

Second Lady leaned back, feeling bitter. "In the end, it's because your father is still just a student at the Imperial Academy, and your grandfather is only a governor."

If the second branch held a high office, they wouldn't need to worry. Jin Ling had many eligible bachelors for her to choose from.

Unfortunately, Yan Rubei lacked a close brother, unlike Zhao Fang. Third Lady of the Jun Family had a good relationship with her husband, and Zhao Fang had a younger brother, Zhao Xian, who was around the same age as Yan Jingzhao and often visited.

So when Zhao Xian came to discuss poetry, he suddenly challenged Yan Jingzhao and Zhou Lingguang. "Recently, I came across a couplet. If you two can solve it, I'll treat you at Cui Liu Lou."

Zhou Lingguang and Yan Jingzhao were renowned scholars and eagerly accepted the challenge.

Zhao Xian pondered for a moment and recited the upper half of the couplet, which wasn't overly complex but intriguing.

"Monk painting lotus flowers."【1】

It sounded simple, but it was a palindrome, meaning it read the same backward and forward.

Yan Jingzhao thought of a response, "Moonlight shining on the wall, monk reflecting," but it didn't fit the palindrome requirement.

Even Zhou Lingguang laughed. "The difficulty lies in the palindrome."

They couldn't think of an answer and asked who created it. Zhao Xian chuckled. "My sister made it as a joke. We often compose couplets together. I thought it was challenging, so I brought it to you for ideas."

Yan Jingzhao and Zhou Lingguang were surprised.

It turned out to be a girl's creation. Yan Jingzhao knew the Zhao family well. Zhao's father was highly educated and virtuous, though not particularly successful in his career. His son, Zhao Xian, was open-minded and talented, valuing sibling relationships. Yan Jingzhao and Zhao Xian shared similar interests and quickly became friends, praising the Zhao family's values.

Zhao Xian invited them to discuss scholarship, and both Zhou Lingguang and Yan Jingzhao agreed happily. Zhou Lingguang visited Zhao Xian frequently and occasionally met Zhao Fang, who showed no feminine shyness and even discussed poetry with them.

Meanwhile, Yan Rubei never encountered Zhou Lingguang at Yao Niang's place, and Yao Niang never mentioned him. She even gave two rings to Yao Niang's maids but gained nothing and sensed Zhao Fang's presence.

Finally, the day before Mid-Autumn Festival, she didn't come. Yao Niang hurried to Jie Shi and complained, "Sister Bei hasn't come today. I finally have time to take a nap here."

"Laziness, don't talk about naps. By the way, the Guan family sent two boxes of imitation flowers. Open them and see if you like them," Jie Shi smiled.

Yao Niang didn't open them but asked, "Did they send them to the main house?"

Jie Shi nodded. "Yes, they sent two boxes to the main lady as well."

Yao Niang was unhappy. "Isn't she supposed to be my future mother-in-law? She should send more to you. This shows she doesn't respect you."

Jie Shi bit her lip. She understood that Zhen Shi's charitable work in the local area had been effective. She collaborated with local gentry for charity and even involved Lady Guan.

Zhen Shi's capabilities were indeed formidable, using both beauty and strategy. She had a beautiful Yangzhou courtesan to divide affection and used open strategies externally, making her a formidable opponent.

This Mid-Autumn Festival would be a gathering where she aimed to win over Yan Yingqi.