Chapter One Hundred Ten: Studying

Chapter 110: Studies

Upon hearing this, Old Madame Qin’s eyes reddened even more, tears nearly falling. Lady Yun quickly comforted her, "Mother, what’s the matter? Qiuran has come to deliver New Year’s gifts—this is a joyous occasion. Please don’t scare the child."

Lin Qiuran lowered her head slightly and took Tangyuan’s hand, saying, "That’s the right way to address her. Go ahead and greet her."

Tangyuan said, "Greetings, Great-Grandmother."

As he spoke, he bowed. His manners weren't entirely proper or formal, but they brought tears to Old Madame Qin’s eyes.

Old Madame Qin never expected to live long enough to hear her grandson’s child call her Great-Grandmother. Seeing Old Madame Qin on the verge of tears again, Lady Yun hurried forward.

Fortunately, Old Madame Qin’s mind was still clear. Lady Yun’s reminder helped her to compose herself. She said, "Good child, good child, no need for such formality."

As she spoke, she began removing items from her hands—bracelets, rings, and the jade pendant at her waist—all in one go, pressing them into Tangyuan’s arms. "Good child, these are from your Great-Grandmother. Take them quickly."

Tangyuan was startled by the gesture and couldn’t help but turn to Lin Qiuran for help. "Mama, Mama?"

Lin Qiuran said, "One shouldn’t refuse an elder’s gifts. But Tangyuan is still young; it’s not suitable to give him so many things. Tangyuan, choose one, then thank your Great-Grandmother."

Tangyuan nodded, glanced around, and selected the jade pendant. He couldn’t tell what was valuable or not; he simply chose it because the other items were unusable for him. For instance, bracelets and rings were for women, and he, being a boy, wouldn’t wear them.

After taking the jade pendant, Tangyuan politely thanked her, "Thank you, Great-Grandmother."

Seeing this, Lady Yun quietly whispered to a maid to fetch something. She had prepared a gift long ago but hadn’t known when to present it. She had initially thought only she and her mother-in-law knew about the matter, but now it seemed Lin Qiuran was also aware—otherwise, she wouldn’t have brought Tangyuan today.

This was just as well. Since they all knew there was no hope of formal recognition, it was better to treat each other as ordinary relatives.

Old Madame Qin looked at Tangyuan, still visibly excited. Lady Yun quickly helped her sit down. "Mother, have some water to calm yourself. Qiuran and Tangyuan have just arrived; you can’t just focus on your own joy. You should chat with them too, so as not to neglect your responsibilities as a hostess."

Lady Yun teased lightly, and Old Madame Qin smiled at Lin Qiuran. "Let’s sit down and talk."

Old Madame Qin, feeling affectionate toward Tangyuan, drew him onto her lap to sit.

Lady Yun didn’t sit, busy instructing the maids to prepare more snacks and tea, thinking the child might enjoy them. She was pleased to see the two families growing closer and was happy to take care of the younger generation.

Moreover, with Xiao Xun having received a noble title, she had previously worried about how to strengthen their relationship. Now, things were much better. Who wouldn’t appreciate such relatives? If they were the kind who relied on the Marquis’s support, Lady Yun wouldn’t have been interested.

Old Madame Qin’s emotions gradually settled. Holding Tangyuan close, she studied him and found him even more delightful the longer she looked. After a while, she asked Lin Qiuran, "Qiuran, is this child called Tangyuan? How is it written?"

Lin Qiuran smiled and said, "It’s the same as the dumplings called 'tangyuan,' though here in the capital, that food is called 'yuanxiao.' This child was born on the fifteenth day of the first lunar month, so we gave him this nickname to match the season."

Old Madame Qin had never heard of a child named after food, but it sounded lively and cute. She then asked Lin Qiuran, "What is his formal name?"

Lin Qiuran replied, "It’s Lian."

Old Madame Qin pondered the name—restrained and steady, a good name. "Did you choose it?"

Lin Qiuran nodded.

Old Madame Qin had already held some admiration for Lin Qiuran, considering her capable and resilient. Now, fond of Tangyuan, her affection extended to Lin Qiuran as well.

It couldn’t have been easy making her way from Yu’an, living in a village yet still managing to read and write. She had raised Tangyuan to be polite, well-behaved, and not easily distracted. Moreover, Lin Qiuran was clever; otherwise, she wouldn’t have brought the child to the Marquis’s residence today.

As elders, they naturally cared for their descendants. With Minzhi gone, Old Madame Qin hoped Xiao Xun would live well and have a capable wife. That child had endured hardship and instability in his youth; having such a wife and child was a blessing for him.

Now, Old Madame Qin no longer needed to worry. She could rest easy and be reunited with Minzhi in the afterlife.

Old Madame Qin nodded, "Good, this is a good name—restrained and steady. He will do great things in the future."

Lin Qiuran smiled. It would be untrue for parents to say they didn’t hope for their children to achieve great things. If Tangyuan were slow or ordinary, Lin Qiuran would be content as long as he could preserve the family wealth.

But he was energetic and clever, so Lin Qiuran naturally wanted to send him to study, to learn ethics and learning properly. He couldn’t spend all day thinking about playing or assuming that the family had enough wealth and he just needed to grow up healthy.

Tangyuan would grow up someday. If he lacked skills and couldn’t make his own way, that would truly harm him.

Tangyuan, seeing the two discussing him, couldn’t help but say, "Great-Grandmother, you can ask me. Wouldn’t it be clearer to ask me about my own matters?"

Old Madame Qin laughed heartily and leaned down. "Then let me ask you, Tangyuan, how old are you this year?"

Tangyuan said, "I’m four this year. After the New Year, I’ll be five, and after my birthday, I’ll be three years old."

Old Madame Qin was surprised he could figure it out so clearly. Initially just teasing him, she now grew genuinely interested. She asked Tangyuan, "Can you recite poetry? Do you know arithmetic?"

Tangyuan nodded and answered honestly, "I know a little, but there’s still a lot I don’t know."

Old Madame Qin said, "Then recite a poem for your Great-Grandmother."

Tangyuan recited "Ode to the Plum Blossom." Old Madame Qin had expected him to recite something like "Quiet Night Thoughts," but he chose a longer piece. He recited several poems and verses in a row. When Old Madame Qin asked him arithmetic questions, he answered obediently, without fidgeting or showing any impatience.

This child wasn’t even three years old yet.

Lady Yun, listening nearby, started out curious but grew increasingly astonished. He could calculate so clearly and was very intelligent.

He could recite over a dozen poems, including two longer ones. Old Madame Qin finally looked at Tangyuan, then at Lin Qiuran, and couldn’t help but say, "This child is old enough to start studying."

Lin Qiuran said, "I’ve already asked my husband to look into academies. We’ll send Tangyuan to study when spring comes."

Old Madame Qin nodded, "Good, good. He should go."

The Marquis of Hanyang’s household could help with this matter, but given Xiao Xun’s current official position and the emperor’s regard, it would be easy for him as well.

Tangyuan looked up at Old Madame Qin. "Great-Grandmother?"

Old Madame Qin held him. "What is it?"

Tangyuan said, "I’d like to get off your lap."

Old Madame Qin suddenly realized she had been holding him for so long but forgot he was just a child who would naturally get fidgety after a while. "Why don’t you go out and play later? Staying indoors for too long can be boring."

Boys are lively and active; listening to adults talk must be boring for them.

Tangyuan jumped down and said, "No need. I was worried that sitting in your lap for so long would make your legs numb, so I got down. I’m happy to talk with you; there’s no need to go out and play. I play every day normally. Today, since we’re out, I’d rather listen to you talk."

Lin Qiuran hadn’t taught him to say that, and she couldn’t help but smile. Old Madame Qin also laughed, finding the child sincerely adorable, mature beyond his years, filial, and thoughtful.

If they were truly acknowledging their relationship, Old Madame Qin would surely want to keep the child at the residence for a few days to accompany her. However, since he was so young and it was his first visit, Old Madame Qin hoped he could look around and enjoy the estate. She also had things to discuss with Lin Qiuran.

"It’s fine. You can come another time to talk with your Great-Grandmother. Go out and explore."

Lin Qiuran said, "Lin Xia, let Tangyuan play in the courtyard, but don’t let him misbehave."

Lady Yun stood up. "I’ll show Tangyuan around. What’s so fun about just staying in the courtyard?"

After Tangyuan left, only Old Madame Qin and Lin Qiuran remained in the room. Old Madame Qin looked at Lin Qiuran gratefully.

She took a deep breath. "Now that the court has stabilized and your husband holds an official position, you’ll probably live in the capital from now on. What are your plans?"

Old Madame Qin remembered Lin Qiuran mentioning she planned to open a restaurant, which was why she had asked the Marquis’s household for help with banquets. Now that Xiao Xun was granted a title and the emperor had rewarded him with land, a residence, and silver, to be honest, they’d lack for nothing in the future.

But if that were the case, all the previous efforts would have gone to waste. In the future, she would be stuck with household duties, playing the wife-and-mother role...

To Lady Qin, Xiao Xun was family, but since they had never spent much time together, aside from that connection, there wasn’t much genuine affection between them.

If she were merely Xiao Xun’s grandmother, she would naturally hope for Lin Qiuran to devote herself to Xiao Xun. However, her fondness for Lin Qiuran was sincere, and she really wanted Lin Qiuran to have her own thing going on. Otherwise, life in the capital would be difficult for a woman with nothing to occupy her.

Lin Qiuran said with a smile, “Once the New Year celebrations are over, the Golden Tripod Restaurant should open for business. The renovations are complete, and we plan to open on the sixth day of the lunar new year. I’ve reserved a private room for you. If you have time, Madam, you can visit and try the food.”

After that, it would be time to send Tangyuan to school, and then spring would arrive. With so much land, we can't just leave it empty.

She had originally intended to find something for Xiao Dashi to do, but Xiao Dashi was returning to Yu’an after the New Year, so Lin Qiuran would have to take care of these things.

After hearing her words, Lady Qin nodded, feeling reassured. “That’s good. If you need anything, just speak to your aunt. No need to be formal—think of us as family.”

Lin Qiuran smiled. “Yes, thank you, Madam.”

By now, Lady Qin’s eyes were no longer red. She said, “Stay for lunch.”

Though Lady Qin’s invitation was sincere, Lin Qiuran declined. “There are things to do at home. I’ll join you for a meal another time when I get the chance.”

Lady Qin nodded. Xiao Xun was married now, with his own parents and family, and so was Lin Qiuran. It was only natural for her to return home.

Lady Qin instructed her maid to fetch some items from the storeroom. Just as Lin Qiuran was about to refuse, Lady Qin said, “You taught Tangyuan that one must not decline the gifts of elders, yet you’ve forgotten it yourself when it comes to you. Take these—one portion for you and one for your mother-in-law. This is just my way of saying thanks.”

New Year’s gifts would be sent by the servants the next day; she couldn’t let Lin Qiuran carry them back.

Lin Qiuran nodded. “Thank you, Madam.”

Lady Qin said, “Bring Tangyuan to visit often in the future.”

Lin Qiuran gave a slight nod.

After leaving the Marquis of Anyang’s residence, Lin Qiuran let out a relieved sigh. Tangyuan, not understanding all this, was happily skipping along, thinking only that Lady Qin was kind and the people at the marquis’s residence had treated him well.

The marquis’s residence was wonderful, and he liked it very much.

Lin Qiuran patted his head. “Your great-grandmother is the wife of the old man with the white beard we met that time. In the future, when you see them outside, you can talk to them more. Just call him Great-Grandfather.”

Tangyuan nodded vigorously. “I know.”

Lin Qiuran smiled. “Let’s go home. Your grandmother and father are waiting for you.”

Tangyuan said cheerfully but soon drooped his head. “Mother, does Grandfather like someone else more now?”

Though young, Tangyuan was not clueless. On the contrary, he picked up on these things more. He was feeling down, especially since Xiao Dashi had doted on him in the past.

Lin Qiuran said, “Your grandfather is an adult. He can decide whom he likes—that's not about you.”

Tangyuan patted his chest. “I thought I had made Grandfather unhappy.”

Lin Qiuran said, “What makes you think that? It’s nothing of the sort.”

Tangyuan perked up again. Lin Qiuran pointed to the gifts carried by the maid and said, “This gift is for your grandmother. Let’s give it to her first when we get home, alright?”

Tangyuan smiled and agreed.

Upon returning to the Count of Dingyuan’s residence, Lin Qiuran took Tangyuan to Shou’an Hall first.

Xiao Dashi was also there. Lin Qiuran made sure to be proper. After paying her respects, she said to Sun Shi, “Mother, this is from the Madam of the Marquis of Anyang’s residence. The two families get along well. I didn’t check what’s inside, but you should take a look. Whether it’s food, drink, or something else, use it instead of just storing it away and letting it spoil.”

Sun Shi nodded. “Ah, I understand.”

She was even given gifts—that was really thoughtful of them.

Lin Qiuran said, “Xiao Xun had things to do today regarding Tangyuan’s schooling and won’t be back for lunch. Tangyuan and I will have lunch here.”

Sun Shi was quite pleased. With Lin Qiuran and Tangyuan around to keep her company, she wouldn’t have to face Xiao Dashi alone and ruin her appetite.

Xiao Dashi felt increasingly isolated. Regret gnawed at him. After the meal, he said to Sun Shi, “What if I didn't go back? We can treat it as ordinary family relations from now on. I won’t give them any more money.”

Sun Shi was annoyed. As if she needed more relatives! The marquis’s residence, which had never met her, had sent gifts—including donkey-hide gelatin and bird’s nest—to nourish her health. What had the old family ever given her?

And now he wanted to maintain ordinary relations?

Even if Xiao Dashi said they should cut ties entirely, Sun Shi wouldn’t believe him. She suspected he would still sneak money to them someday.

Sun Shi wasn't buying his regrets. Sending him back to his hometown would save her the headache.

No matter what Xiao Dashi said, she kept saying the same thing: after the New Year, he would be sent back to Xiao Village. He wouldn’t even be allowed to stay in the residence in Yu’an.

*

Lin Qiuran trusted Sun Shi to deal with it and didn’t interfere. In the afternoon, Xiao Xun returned. “After the New Year, when spring comes, we’ll send Tangyuan to Songshan Academy. He’s still young, so he’ll be allowed to come home daily. Once he turns seven, he’ll have to stay at the academy.”