Chapter 32

Chapter 32

"Are you saying that Elder Sister gave a painting to the Prince Qi's Heir?" Yao Niang looked up from her embroidery frame at Qingdai, who had just returned.

Qingdai nodded eagerly. "Several of those who accompanied Miss that day mentioned it. Otherwise, how would I have known?"

Yao Niang suddenly stood up. "How could the paintings I made at home end up outside? What is this Elder Sister doing? I thought she kept them as mementos for herself."

After saying this, she restrained her temper and sent for Yan Ningxin to verify if this was true.

Yan Ningxin was still clueless when she arrived, wondering if her third sister was upset because she hadn't given her a gift in return for the painting she had asked for. But at the time, it was the third sister who refused any thanks.

However, seeing Yao Niang as usual, she felt relieved and asked, "Third Sister, did you call me here for something?"

Yao Niang smiled. "The family lessons have been suspended for a few days, and I haven't seen Elder Sister for some time. I remembered there was a flaw in the painting I gave you before, so I wanted to take it back and fix it. That's why I called you over; I'll make the changes and then you can take it back."

Yan Ningxin was taken aback. She had already given away the painting and didn't expect Yao Niang to want it back. So she laughed it off. "Third Sister, there's no need for trouble. It looks fine to me; there's no flaw."

This only made Yao Niang more concerned. If Yan Ningxin had admitted her mistake immediately, Yao Niang might have forgiven her, knowing that Yan Ningxin wasn't very concerned about propriety between men and women. But if she had actually given it away and pretended not to know, that was lying, which was a serious issue.

So Yao Niang said, "Elder Sister, since I want to fix it, there must be something wrong. It's not a bother; just find it and bring it here."

Yan Ningxin, of course, couldn't do that. She tried to evade the question but saw Yao Niang scrutinizing her, so she confessed, "Third Sister, to be honest, I gave it to my cousin. He's going to his fiefdom, and we may never meet again, so I gave it to him."

"You gave it to the Prince Qi's Heir? Why didn't you tell me beforehand?" Yao Niang was very angry.

Yan Ningxin shrugged. "If I had told you beforehand, you definitely wouldn't have agreed."

Though this was true, Yao Niang could no longer treat her with courtesy. "Elder Sister, whenever you asked me to paint, I never refused. I spent many days on it before giving it to you. Yet you gave it to someone else without a word. This makes it hard for us to get along as sisters."

She changed "outsider" to "someone else" because originally, no one in the house knew her painting had ended up with the Prince Qi's Heir. If she had made a fuss, it would only cause trouble for herself.

Yan Ningxin sighed. "Third Sister, it's my fault."

Yao Niang looked at her. "Enough. In the future, if you borrow flowers to offer to others and disregard propriety, I will certainly tell the adults."

Yan Ningxin promised, "Third Sister, what I did was wrong. I won't do it again."

Yao Niang slowly nodded.

As Yan Ningxin left, Jinzhan commented, "Actually, once the painting was given to you, it belonged to you. Why should Third Miss care so much? I think she's worried you didn't mention her name."

"But I still gave it to an outsider, which was also my fault," Yan Ningxin reproached herself.

Jinzhan said, "If propriety were so strict, wouldn't Third Miss also be at fault for playing music with Eldest Young Master?"

"Enough, Jinzhan. I know you're trying to protect me, but if anyone heard these words, what would happen? Besides, Third Sister's temperament is no less challenging than Fourth Sister's, though she doesn't show it as openly." Yan Ningxin reminded her.

In fact, Third Sister was even harder to deal with than Fourth Sister. If possible, she didn't want to offend her.

Especially since everyone said Yan Jingzhao was talented and good at writing essays. If he passed the provincial exams, he would become a scholar, with a promising future. As his younger sister, the servants now fawned over her.

Fortunately, Third Sister had said she wouldn't tell Father or Second Madam, so she wouldn't go around spreading it.

In fact, that same day, Yao Niang indirectly mentioned it. Coincidentally, Yan Yingqi was free and having dinner with them.

"Father, I didn't expect Third Sister to give the painting I gave her to the Prince Qi's Heir. I wanted to fix a flaw, but now it's gone to Shandong." Yao Niang pouted.

Yan Yingqi put down his chopsticks, frowning. "What?"

To Yan Yingqi, this raised too many questions. Did Yan Ningxin secretly try to play matchmaker between the Prince Qi's Heir and Yao Niang? Otherwise, how could a sister casually give away her younger sister's private work?

Yao Niang noticed her father's expression and felt a momentary satisfaction. She wasn't one to be bullied. Like Ying Niang, who often talked nonsense, Yan Ningxin deserved to be reprimanded by someone who could control her.

"Father, what's wrong?" Yao Niang pretended to be unaware.

Yan Yingqi shook his head. "Nothing. Your Elder Sister's actions were inappropriate. I'll ask her about it later."

Yao Niang defended Yan Ningxin. "Father, don't say anything to Elder Sister. If you do, she'll know it was me who told. Then we'll have a rift. Instead, I won't give her any more paintings."

"Yao Niang, this matter is serious. Tell me, did you sign your name?" Yan Yingqi asked.

Yao Niang quickly shook her head. "I'm not a famous painter, nor do I have a reputation. How could I sign it?"

Hearing that his daughter hadn't signed it, Yan Yingqi relaxed. "That's good. Yao Niang, remember this: don't give paintings to others carelessly in the future."

"I understand, Father," Yao Niang smiled.

Yan Yingqi seriously told Xie Shi, "You must teach our daughter well. No matter how close someone is, she must be cautious. Too much innocence can lead to being taken advantage of."

Xie Shi seemed to react belatedly. "Yes, I understand."

Yan Yingqi couldn't help poking her. "You two, without me, how could you manage?"

Yao Niang quickly turned away.

A few days later, two strict governesses were sent to Yan Ningxin to teach her proper etiquette. She no longer needed to study with her sisters but focused on etiquette and manners.

In the schoolroom, Ying Niang described the situation vividly. "Those two governesses are big and strong, blocking the door. Even Jinzhan and Yindan were punished."

Yao Niang felt a twinge of guilt but hardened her heart, remembering how Yan Ningxin had betrayed her.

After school, Qian Niang approached Yao Niang. "Eldest Brother is taking the exam tomorrow. As his sister, I can't help much, so I sewed a charm bag and asked Third Sister to deliver it for me."

"Second Sister, you're so thoughtful," Yao Niang smiled.

Behind them, Ying Niang was surprised and rushed forward. "When did you make it? Why didn't you tell me? You didn't invite me to help."

Qian Niang calmly replied, "Didn't I tell you when we came back from the polo field? You must not have paid attention."

Ying Niang's face flushed. At the time, she had been captivated by Shen Linfeng's charm and naturally didn't remember what her second sister said.

"Fourth Sister, my brother has everything he needs," Yao Niang said with a smile.

Yan Jingzhao's examination basket was prepared with the help of Lady Jie, and Lady Guan also assisted. Yao Niang took a quick glance and saw that it contained pens, ink, inkstones, paperweights, water pots, cloth for wrapping scrolls, oilcloth curtains, number boards, candles, candle holders, small stools, footrests, pillows, basins, clothes rods, bamboo nails, hammers, water buckets, and small stoves.

Ying Niang said, "My mother was still praying for Big Brother in the small Buddha hall yesterday."

Lady Zhen was indeed praying, but she was praying that Yan Jingzhao would not pass the exam, and she was very devout in her prayers.

Yan Jingzhao, on the other hand, seemed quite relaxed. When he saw Lady Jie place ginseng slices and peeled longans into his book chest, he said, "Mother, I often fast, so please don't prepare too much food; it will all go to waste."

"The three days won't be easy. You love the braised chicken your mother makes. I'll get up early tomorrow and cut it up so it doesn't get messed up by the guards," Lady Jie said, not entirely trusting Lady Guan's preparations and doing it herself.

Yao Niang smiled and asked, "Brother, are you nervous today?"

"Not really," Yan Jingzhao replied confidently, and he had reason to be confident.

That night, even Yan Yingqi couldn't sleep well. Lady Jie was already anxious, and many people had suffered setbacks due to the imperial examinations, especially someone like Jingzhao.

Before dawn, the Yan family gathered to see him off, and even Yao Niang was woken up by the servants to send her brother away.

The women stopped at the second gate. Lady Jie, supported by Aunt Song, said to Lady Guan, who stood nearby, "It's still early. Go back and rest; there's no need to come here."

Lady Guan bowed respectfully, "Yes."

Because Yan Jingzhao was taking the exam, the household was bustling, and even Yan Ningxin knew about it. She had been having a hard time lately, acting like a puppet. The governesses neither beat nor scolded her but repeated the dull rules over and over again. Yan Ningxin couldn't even bring herself to hate anyone.

She suspected it might have been Yao Niang's doing, as it was after Yao Niang's incident that Yan Yingqi assigned two more governesses to discipline her.

This third sister was truly difficult to deal with. Arguing with the fourth sister was one thing, but if you crossed this third sister, she wouldn't let you off easily. Her reputation with their father had been tarnished, which could affect her future treatment.

Such tactics were something she might never learn.

**

The provincial exams lasted three sessions, each lasting three days. These days were a trial for both the candidates and their families. However, during this time, Lady Guan visited.

Lady Guan was supposed to arrive before Mid-Autumn Festival, but due to some issues with the boat, she arrived a few days late.

This was the first time Yao Niang had seen Lady Guan. Despite the warm weather, Lady Guan wore a heavy blue woolen jacket. Lady Jie introduced her daughter, "In-law, this is my daughter Yao Niang."

Lady Guan seemed distracted, "Oh, so this is the third young lady."

"We originally planned to invite you over after Jingzhao returned, but we didn't expect you to visit personally. Have you settled in?" Lady Jie chatted.

Lady Guan quickly adjusted and smiled, "Everything is fine. I shouldn't have come, as they say a married daughter is like water spilled out. Your family is known for its kindness, and having such a kind mother-in-law is her great fortune. But before I came to the capital, your family's matriarch asked me to bring many things, so I thought I'd deliver them first."

After Lady Jie thanked her, she led Lady Guan to speak with Lady Guan, not wanting to prevent her daughter-in-law from seeing her family.

But Yao Niang couldn't help but say, "Last time you stopped sending supplements to my sister-in-law. I think she must have complained."

"Let her complain. Her parents understand better than she does," Lady Jie wasn't bothered. The more Lady Guan complained, the worse it was for her.

Yao Niang rested her chin on her hand and said, "Why does it seem unbelievable that the Guan family, being a scholarly family, acts this way?"

Lady Jie smiled, "Your eldest sister is still the eldest daughter of the Yan family. Does that mean she must act like a noble lady?"

"That's true," Yao Niang realized.

Lady Jie continued, "So remember, appearances can be deceiving. Many learned people may not have good character. Like the day we went out, we saw those arrogant young men wearing the flying fish robes given by their elders. They weren't from noble families either."

"So this is why the madam chose to marry Father as a second wife? After all, Father comes from a scholarly family, is highly educated, and holds a high position," Yao Niang said.

Lady Jie nodded, "Exactly. But it's nothing unusual. You like Ouyang Xiu's writings, right? His first wife, Lady Xu, was the daughter of the governor of Kaifeng and a scholar. She died at seventeen, and soon after, Ouyang Xiu remarried Lady Yang, the daughter of a scholar and advisor. Lady Yang was beautiful but died at eighteen. Then he remarried the third daughter of Minister of Revenue Xue Kui. Even when Lady Xue passed away, he remarried her younger sister. Look, when the elder sister died, the younger sister took over. Su Shi was the same. He married an elder sister, and when she died, he remarried her younger sister."

"Do you mean I shouldn't be surprised?" Yao Niang asked.

Lady Jie laughed, "No, I mean your sister-in-law hasn't understood the situation yet. Your brother is clearly a pillar of society. Whether or not she can bear children, as long as she remains in her position, she will be the legitimate wife. If your brother's career flourishes, she will benefit from his success. Taking excessive supplements without any illness is foolish. She's still young and should take care of her health. If she continues like this, even if she gets pregnant, she'll only worsen her condition. I won't bother lecturing her anymore."

Yao Niang sensed something deeper in her words.

Indeed, Lady Guan was complaining to Lady Guan, "Just because I haven't conceived, I've been thinking of my husband. I didn't expect my mother-in-law to criticize me for taking too many supplements. Mother, you always say the Yan family is good, but my stepmother-in-law..."

"Be careful what you say. Regardless of what others think, she is your mother-in-law now. You must behave impeccably in public and private. I came from Jin Ling, where the third matriarch is still there. She looks much older and can't manage many things. Your father-in-law isn't her biological son, but your mother-in-law is favored by him. You shouldn't dream of managing the household upon arrival," Lady Guan quickly clarified the situation for her daughter.

Lady Guan was surprised, "Mother, do you want me to submit?"

When Lady Guan was younger, she was taught only the *Nüxun* and *Nüze*, which emphasized serving her husband as her duty. This led to a strained relationship with her husband, so she raised her daughter to be stronger-willed. Choosing the Yan family was partly because Yan Jingzhao's mother's position was awkward, making it difficult for her to assert herself fully.

However, once she arrived at her in-laws' home, the problem arose. The supportive matriarch lost influence, while the awkward mother-in-law took charge. Her daughter still held the old mindset, which was a grave mistake.

"You are a daughter-in-law. Serving your elders is your duty. Don't talk about submitting. If you continue like this, the main branch will mock you, and your mother-in-law will vent her frustrations on you. A label of disobedience will make life difficult. Don't assume your servants are loyal to you; their monthly allowances come from the Yan family," Lady Guan pointed out the key issue.

Lady Guan had hoped her mother's return would improve her situation, but now she realized she had no support.

Thus, Lady Guan immediately calmed down.

Seeing her daughter's reaction, Lady Guan felt sorry for her, "I brought many supplements with me. Take care of your health and don't give your mother-in-law any reason to criticize you."

Lady Guan reluctantly agreed.

Clearly, Lady Guan hadn't come to confront Lady Jie but to discipline her own daughter. Without her mother's support, Lady Guan began to follow the morning and evening rituals.

Lady Jie knew her daughter-in-law's nature wouldn't change easily and didn't comment on her attempts to mend fences. She also didn't scrutinize her taking supplements privately, as they were sent by her family.

After the first session, Yan Jingzhao was very dissatisfied with himself. Upon returning home, he bathed in hot water, ate a meal, slept, and then headed back to the exam hall.

Lady Jie quietly told Yao Niang, "Your brother's clothes reek. I'll have them washed. He said he doesn't want to wear them again. He doesn't even want to wear them after washing."

"There are still two more sessions. I wonder how he'll survive. But if he passes, he'll be a juren, and it'll be worth it," Yao Niang smiled.

Jieshi had more thoughts: "If your brother passes the examination, given your father's current reputation, he will definitely attend the Deer Cry Banquet. When he interacts with his fellow examinees afterward, it will all happen in our third branch."

If there are any talented young men, they can also be evaluated.

Her daughter-in-law gave Jieshi a significant lesson; since she didn't choose her, Guan Shi is only decent in terms of family background, but otherwise, everything else is unsuitable. Therefore, when choosing a son-in-law, she must carefully pick one for her daughter and not be careless.

Family background is secondary, but talent and character must be suitable.

Yao Niang looked at Jieshi: "Mother, you've finally made it through."

But the mother and daughter only spoke like this at home. Outside, even if the servants were a bit smug, Jieshi would immediately say, "The young master hasn't finished the exams yet, what are you proud about? Even if the eldest young master really passes, we must remain calm and composed, knowing that there are always people better than us."

When Yan Jingzhao came out after the second session, Yan Jingzhang and Yan Jingwen personally greeted him. Yan Jingzhao had finished early and was so confident that Yan Jingzhang admired him greatly: "Big Brother, how did you do this time?"

"By aiming high, I achieved the middle. The top scholar of Shun Tian Prefecture is undoubtedly me." Yan Jingzhao lightly waved his fan, full of pride, and even invited his two younger brothers to drink at the Full Moon Spring Pavilion, returning late at night.

Guan Shi had the maidservant help Yan Jingzhao bathe, and she noticed a scent of powder on his clothes. Guan Shi instantly felt displeased, but she couldn't manage Yan Jingzhao. Unlike Jieshi, who has a gentle temperament and is reasonable, Yan Jingzhao is not close to her.

Even if she saw it, she had to pretend she didn't.

Yan Jingzhao was very energetic and came out after the third session. Hearing Yao Niang playing the zither, he even offered some pointers. He even made some "inappropriate" remarks after learning that Yan Ningxin had relayed Yao Niang's words to the Prince Qi's heir.

This shocked Yao Niang: "Brother, are you really the top scholar? Shouldn't we wait until the results are posted?"

"There's no mistake. I started my education at three, knew a thousand characters by five, could recite them backward by seven, and took the county exam at nine. If I hadn't been sick at twelve, I wouldn't have waited until fourteen to enter school. Perhaps the first session was a bit tiring, but the more I examined, the better I performed. So, the top scholar is undoubtedly me." Yan Jingzhao, unlike Jieshi and Yao Niang, was indeed very confident.

Yao Niang still advised: "Brother, let's wait until the results are posted. After all, if you announce it now and there's an error later, wouldn't it be embarrassing to hold a celebration halfway? I know Brother's talent is excellent, so we should wait until everything is settled before celebrating openly."

Yan Jingzhao lightly tapped Yao Niang with his fan: "So, you don't believe in your brother?"

Yao Niang rolled her eyes: "If I didn't believe in you, would I have made you shoes for good fortune? This is the first time I've made shoes. It's just that life is unpredictable, and success can lead to downfall. Even Tang Yin, the top scholar of our Shun Tian Prefecture, ended up where he did. If you want to be a great statesman like Yao Chong and Song Jing, why not learn from their adaptability? Madam Guan has always been wary of Mother and you. Acting like this at home will only invite resentment."

After being lectured by his sister, Yan Jingzhao calmed down slightly.

On the day the results were posted, almost the entire family went, including Zhen Shi, who stood beside Jieshi, while Yan Jingzhao stood confidently nearby.

The crowd around the notice board was bustling and noisy, and Yao Niang and her sisters stood on tiptoe to see the list.

"It's out, it's out..."

Hundreds of eyes were fixed on the list, and Yao Niang felt her legs trembling, barely able to stand. Thankfully, she saw her brother's name on the list.

Yan Jingzhao, a native of Jianye, Nanjing, studied the Book of Documents, named Boying, nineteen years old. His great-grandfather was a thousand-household commander in the Jin Yi Guard, his grandfather was the governor of Henan, and his father is the vice minister of the Ministry of Appointments. His former mother was the Princess of Linzi, his mother is Zhen Shi, and his birth mother is Jieshi. He ranked second in the provincial examination of Shun Tian Prefecture.

"Brother, you got the second place," Yao Niang exclaimed joyfully.

Yan Jingzhao, however, looked displeased: "Why am I only second? The top scholar is unknown, and even the famous scholar Shen Linfeng isn't among the top five. I need to check the papers."

Zhen Shi nearly fainted beside him, getting second place and still being unsatisfied.