Spring in the Hall of Paintings

Yun Wei didn’t wait for Yun Lan to respond; she placed the few books she had found on the counter and, lowering the thin veil of her hat, gently asked, “How much is this?”

Boss Qin wiped the cold sweat off his face and, after a moment of calculation, smiled, “Since you are the younger sister of Miss Tong, and she has helped me a lot, I’ll give you a discount.”

“Thank you, Boss.”

Yun Wei lowered her head to rummage through her pouch when Yun Lan pressed her hand on her arm, saying, “We agreed long ago that I would pay. These books are a gift from your sister.”

“This small amount of money is not worth troubling Fourth Sister.”

Yun Wei didn’t stop; she took out her light pink pouch from her waist. Yun Lan’s eyes widened as she asked, “Sixth Sister, did you embroider this yourself?”

Yun Wei pulled out a small silver note and handed it to Boss Qin, casually asking, “Is there a problem?”

“No, not at all,” Boss Qin replied quickly.

Yun Lan leaned in closer, carefully examining the pouch. The intricate embroidery depicted lifelike lotus flowers in vibrant colors, and the stitches were practically invisible. She admired, “Sixth Sister, your embroidery skills are really impressive.”

Yun Wei smiled faintly, reattaching the pouch to her waist, and casually flipped through the books, her voice sweet and gentle. “I don’t deserve Fourth Sister’s praise; this is just a small skill.”

“It’s not a small skill, Sixth Sister. You have much more patience than I do, and your technique is even better. When you have some free time, would you teach me how to do it?”

“As long as you don’t mind.”

Yun Wei wouldn’t refuse; she felt a surge of joy in her heart, realizing that she had a skill that Fourth Sister valued. After gathering the books and the scattered silver, the two sisters took a carriage back to the residence. Yun Wei leaned against the window, browsing through the newly exchanged books. Yun Lan took another careful look at her—her clothing, jewelry, accessories, and pouch. They weren’t overly extravagant, but each item radiated refinement. It reminded her of what she had seen in Yun Wei’s boudoir, where the arrangement of daily necessities was similarly meticulous.

Yun Lan was very observant and helped her mother, Guoluoruo, manage finances. Although the Tong family was led by the eldest branch, the matriarch, Jueluo, was very skilled at handling affairs and rarely interfered in the matters of the other branches. Thus, the second and third branches still managed their own affairs behind closed doors.

The third branch of the Tong family, Rongzhi, held the highest official position. Consequently, apart from the salaries paid to officials, they also had the most remaining silver. However, Yun Lan noticed that Yun Wei enjoyed the best quality of life. This wasn’t due to spending more money but rather because she knew how to appreciate it. Yun Wei was like a girl stepping out of a painting, never having suffered the slightest neglect. Anyone who met her couldn’t bear to treat her poorly.

Even Yun Lan, being a girl herself, really liked her. Yun Lan looked down on the Eight Banner ladies, but she had never looked down on or treated Yun Wei poorly. Yun Lan shook her head, trying to understand—was it because of the gentle and graceful aura that Yun Wei possessed? Yun Wei hadn’t fully blossomed yet; if she were a few years older, no one would dare to make her frown.

The carriage jolted, and Yun Lan took out a box of pastries, handing it to Yun Wei. She advised, “Sixth Sister, you shouldn’t read in the carriage; it will hurt your eyes.”

“Thank you, Fourth Sister.” Yun Wei placed the book aside, wiped her hands with a white silk handkerchief, picked a piece of pastry, held it to her lips, and took a small bite. With a bright smile, she said, “This place has the best Jing Eight Treats.”

“Your taste is quite discerning; how can you tell the difference?”

Yun Lan was curious; she had never noticed any difference. Yun Wei’s cheeks flushed pink, her voice as sweet as honey as she teased, “Fourth Sister, you’re laughing at me.”

Yun Lan was taken aback. She always knew Yun Wei would be beautiful, but she hadn’t expected her to grow up to look this way. She gently shook her head and said, “You are a breathtaking beauty; you truly deserve it.”

“Sixth Sister, you will be selected as a beauty in the future.” Yun Lan felt a bit worried for Yun Wei. Emperor Kangxi was a charming emperor, with many consorts and noble ladies in the palace. Would he take Yun Wei into the harem? There was too great an age difference between Yun Wei and Kangxi; she wouldn’t be happy.

“Fourth Sister, no one knows what the future holds. Let’s take it one step at a time.”

Yun Wei smiled lightly, wiping the crumbs of pastry from the corner of her mouth. Yun Lan hesitated for a moment and softly asked, “What you said earlier—that the shame of the Western Han dynasty is in the marriage alliance. I…”

“Everyone has different opinions; you don’t need to say much. The noble ladies marry into Mongolia, and that has always been the case in the Qing dynasty. It’s hard to say who is right or wrong.”

Yun Lan felt the same discomfort in her heart. To attract Yinzhen’s attention, she spoke of the glory and responsibilities of a princess. The hardest role in the Qing dynasty was that of a princess. Looking back at the Kangxi, Yongzheng, and Qianlong eras in history, it was rare to find a princess who lived a happy and long life.

The carriage came to a stop, and Yun Wei got up to get out. Turning back, she saw Yun Lan in a daze and reminded her, “Fourth Brother has a legitimate wife.”

Yun Wei returned to the courtyard of the second branch with her books. Yun Lan clenched her fists. How could she not know that Yinzhen had already married Nala? As a concubine, even if she were the side consort of the noble family, Yun Lan was not willing to accept it. Slowly lowering her head to hide her anger and grievances, she thought, “Yinzhen, how much have I sacrificed for you? Is it all worth it?”

Setting aside Yun Lan’s confusion for now, Yun Wei stepped through the side door, where Fucha said lightly, “You’re back?”

Yun Wei’s little face drooped as she sensed something was wrong. She stepped closer to Fucha, wearing a pleasing smile, and sweetly called out, “Mother, you look so spirited today.”

She provided a full set of services, from shoulder massages to leg rubs. Yun Wei’s smooth forehead glistened with sweat, and seeing that Fucha’s expression had lightened a bit, she squeezed into her embrace like a twist of dough, rubbing her little head against Fucha’s shoulder and whining, “Mother, Mother, it hurts, Yaya.”

How could Fucha resist her daughter’s adorable demeanor? She chuckled and poked Yun Wei’s head, saying, “Who taught you this?”

“Mother, you taught me.” Yun Wei raised her little face and kissed Fucha’s cheek, saying, “Yaya is Mother’s little darling.”

Even if Fucha was still angry, it dissipated as she hugged her daughter tightly. “You must not run around with that Lan girl in the future.”

Yun Wei responded with an “Mm” and began to recount what had happened today. “Mother, do you think Fourth Sister has taken a liking to Fourth Brother?”

Fucha’s expression changed as she lifted her daughter’s chin and asked, “Are you saying this for real?”

“I wouldn’t dare to lie to you, Mother.”

Fucha took a deep breath and frowned. “That Lan girl has quite the ambition. Fourth Brother? He was raised by the late Empress, and he’s associated with the Tong family…”

“It seems that Fourth Sister understands this. I think she might also be a little moved by Fourth Brother. It’s not just Fourth Sister’s one-sided feelings. Besides, Fourth Sister is very proper and wouldn’t ruin the Tong family’s reputation.”

“That’s not what I meant.” Fucha patted Yun Wei’s small hand and explained, “The Tong family I’m referring to isn’t ours but rather the emperor’s maternal family.”

Seeing her daughter looking a bit confused, Fucha smiled and said, “Starting tomorrow, I’ll teach you the genealogy of the Eight Banner nobles and prestigious families. Then you’ll understand.”

“Mother, will that really be necessary?”

“Of course it will be necessary. The housekeeper’s ability to manage the household is essential. Yun Wei, you must remember one thing: a true mistress of the house must have a clear understanding of everything in order to manage the inner household well and assist her husband.”

Fucha’s fingers gently brushed across her daughter’s cheek as she frowned. “I really don’t understand what that Lan girl is thinking. The old lady has long said that the Tong family shouldn’t be entangled with the princes. I vaguely heard that it was even suggested by Lan girl herself back then. Why has it changed when it comes to her? Even if the emperor arranges a marriage, it’s still as a concubine. Would the proud and arrogant Yun Lan be willing to accept that? There will surely be a lot of contention. She is thinking too simply about it; even if Fourth Brother has feelings for her, what does that matter? Men’s hearts are…”

Yun Wei wanted to continue listening, but Fucha changed the subject. “This matter must not be mentioned to anyone else. Yun Wei, tomorrow accompany me back to the Fucha residence.”

“Oh.” Yun Wei was disappointed as she fiddled with her fingers and quietly asked, “Is it to visit Great-Aunt?”

“She wants to see you.”

Fucha’s words carried a hint of meaning. She didn’t want to send her precious daughter to marry a prince from the royal family. It was important to find someone who was warm and capable, someone who could handle a mother-in-law and sisters-in-law; that would be a truly happy life.