Spring in the Hall of Paintings

Fucha stroked Yun Wei’s head as her daughter lay in her arms like a little dog, comfortably closing her eyes. She said softly, “Fifth Sister arrived in the capital six months before Yaya. She also said that among us sisters, Fourth Sister is the most intelligent. Although Jing Yi cannot compete with Fourth Sister, Yaya… Yaya feels…”

Fucha’s hand paused, and she asked, “What does Yaya feel? Tell Mother.”

“Jing Yi’s dissatisfaction with Fourth Sister is understandable, but… she does not show respect for the teacher, which is wrong. Although the teacher favors Fourth Sister the most, respecting the teacher is something Mother has taught Yaya.”

“Jing Yi’s behavior is inappropriate, and Yaya should not follow her example.”

Fucha’s lips curved slightly. Jing Yi might have been overshadowed by the outstanding Yun Lan, and if the concubine lady continued to indulge Jing Yi, her temperament would be even harder to correct. Despite the old lady’s deep affection for her widowed daughter and her sympathy for the orphaned granddaughter, she would not favor them over her legitimate granddaughter. The honor of the Tong family was what mattered most to her.

“As for what your Fifth Sister said,” Fucha pondered for a moment and said, “It is both right and wrong. Even though Fourth Sister is naturally intelligent, she cannot excel in everything. If she does not make an effort and instead lets things slide, feeling self-pity, that is a sign of great mediocrity. Fifth Sister is raised by a concubine. While she is willing to be overshadowed by Fourth Sister’s brilliance, Mother cannot fault her. However, you must not be like that. Even if you cannot surpass Yun Lan, you should not fall too far behind.”

Yun Wei’s eyes showed confusion as she extended her small hand and counted her fingers:

“Mother has taught about virtues for women: virtue, speech, appearance, and skills. Fourth Sister can help Yaya out of difficult situations. According to the teacher, it shows sisterly affection and good character. Fourth Sister is good at speaking, which the teacher and Mother both appreciate. Fourth Sister is radiant and charming. In terms of speech and appearance, Yaya cannot compare. Lastly, regarding skills…”

“Yaya is also not as good. When Fourth Sister discusses poetry and lyrics, the teacher praises her,” Yun Wei said, her eyes filled with tears, looking at Fucha. She whispered, “Mother, after counting and recounting, Yaya cannot measure up to Fourth Sister in any aspect.”

“Really, you’re Mother’s silly little one. If the Four Virtues were that simple, then all the women in the world would be virtuous.”

Fucha hugged her daughter closer, counting her fingers, and said, “The virtue of a woman is not just about sisterly affection; it mostly refers to filial piety towards parents and in-laws, and being faithful to one’s husband. Mother will explain these to you in more detail later. Yaya, you need to understand one thing: sisterly love is actually the least significant of all. The standards for speech are also high; it’s not just about speaking well. Every action, posture, and behavior has certain norms. As for appearance…”

Fucha gently stroked Yun Wei’s delicate, still-developing eyebrows and eyes, saying, “Yaya is not inferior to Yun Lan. She is radiant and charming. Right now, Yaya does not have the same naivety as Yun Lan, but in the future, Yun Wei… you will be very refined, without a single flaw from head to toe.”

“Will Yaya be a beauty who could captivate a nation?”

Yun Wei’s small face turned red with shyness. She covered her eyes with her little hands, peeking at Fucha through her fingers, hoping that Mother would agree while also fearing that Mother might disagree.

“Captivating a nation? Yaya, that’s not a blessing,” Fucha said, gently pinching her daughter’s cheek. Talking too much about it might not help her understand.

“Shame, shame, shame, Mother’s little Yaya doesn’t know how to be shy.”

“Mother, Mother, how can you laugh at Yaya?”

Yun Wei rolled into Fucha’s arms, unwilling to show her blushing face anymore. Fucha took her daughter out, smiling gently, “True beauty and grace are what make a national beauty. Skills in household management are also important. Poetry, books, etiquette, and music are for refining one’s temperament. If you excel in these, others will praise you more. If you do not understand poetry and books, others won’t have much to criticize. Sewing, needlework, and managing the household are the real skills.”

“Mother means that…” Yun Wei peered out, “Does Fourth Sister also need to continue learning these things?”

“We need to see your Fourth Sister’s strengths. She has been ahead of you in her education, but now both of you are only four years old. There is still a long road ahead.”

Fucha released Yun Wei and led her to the prepared study. The rosewood bookshelf, not very high, surrounded the entire room. Yun Wei could reach the books on the shelf just by standing on her tiptoes. There was a Nanmu lacquered desk and chair near the window. Looking out from the study window, one could see a few potted plants with lush green branches and vibrant flowers on the corridor, and a newly dug pond in the courtyard, making for a beautiful and pleasant view.

Yun Wei had never seen so many books. She ran over to the bookshelf with her short legs and asked, “Mother, what are these…”

“These are the dowry books left to me by your grandfather,” Fucha explained.

Fucha pulled out a book from the shelf. The books were not neatly arranged, but were in a disordered mess. She said, “Can Yaya help Mother?”

“Yes, yes,” Yun Wei nodded eagerly and asked curiously, “But what can Yaya help with?”

Fucha gently tapped her daughter’s head with a book and sighed, “Mother has been very busy lately. These books have not been sorted; they are just piled up randomly. Can you help Mother organize them?”

“Mm, mm.” Yun Wei eagerly began working as soon as she heard this. Fucha smiled and reminded her, “Since Yaya wants to help Mother, you mustn’t give up halfway.”

“Mother, I won’t. Yaya will definitely organize them well, but there are some words I don’t know…”

Yun Wei furrowed her little brows, as she couldn’t recognize all the words in the book she was holding. Fucha smiled and said, “For the words you don’t know, you can ask the teacher. One day, you will learn them all and be able to categorize the books properly.”

Yun Wei puffed out her little chest, mimicking her brother’s actions by patting it, and confidently said, “Mother, just leave it to Yaya. Yaya will help you.”

Fucha stepped aside, watching her daughter move clumsily like a little duck, walking back and forth in front of the bookshelf.

Nanny Lin whispered her approval, “Madam’s method is indeed good; the young lady seems much more spirited now.”

Fucha revealed a hint of pride and said, “When Wei’s interest is piqued, she will naturally apply herself to her studies. Once she grows a bit taller, I’ll add two more layers to the bookshelf, and the books will fit.”

Lao Lin nodded. Fucha, smoothing her temple, said, “I refuse to believe that in a few years, Yun Wei will have less knowledge than Yun Lan.”

“Amitabha, with all these books, how could the young lady be worse than Fourth Miss? Third Madam doesn’t have a dowry like ours.”

Nanny Lin continued to praise, “I’ve seen quite a bit in Jiangnan, but even among the collections in the 52 Book Repository, I’ve never seen so many books. They cover everything and are comprehensive. I even saw some rare first editions.”

“My father came through the Dragon Gate, and though he didn’t bring gold or silver, he left behind books that others didn’t want. Back then, I lived on these books in the Fucha residence. Even though I studied hard, I couldn’t read them all; I remember only a fraction. Now, I’m counting on Yun Wei.”

Fucha’s eyes were filled with hope as she said, “Knowledge brings its own elegance. Yun Wei must be both talented and beautiful.”

“Madam, you can rest assured. The young lady is diligent and sensible.”

Fucha replied calmly, “Nanny Lin, it’s also time to start practicing needlework. I know you care for Yun Wei, but without putting in hard work, she won’t succeed. You understand this better than I do. Be strict now, and Yun Wei will thank you in the future. Remember, a strict teacher creates a great student.”

Nanny Lin bowed and said, “Madam, I understand. I’m not boasting, but with the young lady’s talent, if she puts in the effort, no one will surpass her in needlework.”

“I’m entrusting Wei to you.”

Fucha patted Nanny Lin with trust. Nanny Lin nodded, promising to keep her word. She genuinely cared for Yun Wei and didn’t want her to always be overshadowed by Yun Lan. Needlework was the only way she could help Yun Wei.