Chapter 85 Daily Life of Sisters-in-Law

As always, her mother's letters were filled with rambling instructions, from food and clothing to daily necessities, reminding her to pay attention to this and not forget that. At the end, she would always mention that she was doing well and that she shouldn't worry. Every time Yu Qingci read them, a warm feeling would well up in her heart.

This is what family is like. They protect you from the shadows, always watching over you, afraid that you might suffer any injustice.

The younger brother also mentioned some good news in the letter: Mr. Li has decided to formally accept him as his last disciple, and the apprenticeship ceremony will be held after the New Year and announced to the public.

That would mean that her younger brother could move out of the Earl's Mansion after the New Year and stay with his teacher to focus on his studies, which would put her and her mother at ease.

In her replies to her younger brother, she mostly instructed him not to suffer in silence, but to tell their father or seek advice from Mr. Li.

If all goes well, my younger brother will be able to leave the Earl's Mansion after the New Year, and he won't need to go to the clan school anymore.

The tragedy that befell my younger brother in the previous life should not happen again; everything is moving in a positive direction.

Seeing her grinning foolishly at the letter under the lamp, Granny Pei smiled and stepped forward to whisper a reminder:

"Young Madam, you should get some rest early. You can read these letters tomorrow."

As he spoke, he picked up the letters from the table for her.

Every time the young mistress and the young master wrote a letter, the young mistress would hold it in her hands and read it over and over again. Granny Pei was also happy to chat with her about things over there.

After the master and servant spoke for a while, Yu Qingci said softly:

“Granny Pei, do you think I should write a letter to my father to mention the affairs of this household, so that it won’t be abrupt when we talk about dividing the family property later?”

Granny Pei: "That's right, it's up to you to make the decision, young mistress. When you married into the family, the master personally promised that he would support you in everything. The division of the family is a major matter, so it's good to let him know in advance so that he has a clear understanding."

Yu Qingci sat up straight and said, "I'll go write the letter right now."

As Yu Qingci got off the soft couch and seemed about to head towards the study in the west wing, Granny Pei quickly stopped her, saying:

"My little darling, it's freezing outside, so let's not go out. There's no charcoal in the study right now."

Besides, it's too late today; you can write it tomorrow. In any case, the old lady has excused you from paying your respects these past few days.

Yu Qingci then stopped.

For the next few days, Yu Qingci didn't want to go anywhere. She stayed in her room, either flipping through account books or reading storybooks to amuse herself. Lu Yunchu came by a few times during that time.

The two sisters-in-law stayed in the house chatting and laughing. They even had the maids collect several jars of snow that had fallen on the branches in the yard while the snow was heavy outside, and then they learned from the ancients how to brew tea with snow.

They had someone dig several holes under the tree and bury two jars of tightly packed snow, planning to dig them out next summer to brew tea and see if it truly tasted like sweet dew, as the ancients described.

After they had dinner together, Lu Yun Chu was about to leave when Yu Qing Ci watched as the maid Dong Yue draped a peach-pink brocade cotton cloak with fur trim over her shoulders. Suddenly remembering the things she had specially prepared beforehand, she spoke up:

"Take care, little sister. I have something good to give you; I almost forgot."

After saying this, he gave Tong'er a few instructions. Tong'er went into the inner room and quickly came out, carrying a light green peacock-patterned satin cloak.

Everyone looked over and saw that the cloak was fluffy and soft on the outside, and lined with a whole piece of white fox fur with a furry trim around the edge. The style was very suitable for a young woman to wear.

Yu Qingci explained with a smile, "I was tidying up my trunks a few days ago and found some fur cloaks. I can't wear them all, and it would be a waste to leave them. So I picked out a few. I sent two to my mother. This feather satin cloak is too delicate in color. It's more suitable for young girls who haven't married yet. I'll keep it for you. You can't complain about it."

He then took the cloak and draped it over Lu Yun Chu's shoulders.

Lu Yun Chu looked down at the cloak she was wearing, her eyes showing a moment of joy before she hesitated and said:

"This thing is really beautiful. It feels much lighter than the cotton cloak I was wearing before, but it's also much warmer. It's a really nice thing, but it's too expensive. If my sister-in-law gives it to me, I'll be missing out on one more item. I think I'll pass."

Yu Qingci smiled gently: "No need to save for me. I've already said that I still have many things in my trunk that I haven't had a chance to wear out yet. You're my only sister, so I'll naturally think of you when I have good things. Don't be polite with me."

Lu Yun Chu really liked the cloak she was wearing, and upon hearing this, she happily said:

"Then I won't stand on ceremony. Thank you for thinking of me, sister-in-law."

Although the General's Mansion was a wealthy family, not every master had such an expensive fur cloak. Moreover, Yun Chu was still a young girl. Even if Old Madam Ning wanted to buy expensive clothes for her daughter, there were a lot of people watching. If she really wanted to buy some, it would be more than just one or two pieces.

Fortunately, none of us had any.

The maid Dongyue helped her mistress put on her cloak, then reached out and pinched the soft fox fur on it, saying happily:

"This is really a wonderful thing. Not only does it look nice, but it also feels warm and light. It fits the girl perfectly, just like it was made for her."

The others also praised it, saying it looked good.

Lu Yun Chu's face lit up with excitement at the praise. She put on her fur cloak, happily spun around, and then tilted her head, saying:

"Is your sister-in-law pretty?"

Granny Pei joked, "Your sister-in-law is naturally beautiful, and the Seventh Miss is beautiful too."

Lu Yun Chu felt even more embarrassed and thanked Yu Qing Ci again and again.

Yu Qingci genuinely liked her sister-in-law and was naturally willing to treat her generously.

The snow continued for several more days before finally stopping.

Before Songbaitang could send anyone to deliver the message, Yu Qingci took the initiative to go and pay her respects to her mother-in-law.

After leaving Guanlan Pavilion, they walked along the path that had been swept clean by the servants. The flowerbeds on both sides were piled with snow. Yu Qingci, with Tong'er and Lianqiao, walked carefully forward with their heads down. They heard the sound of men walking ahead.

Yu Qingci reflexively frowned.

The man blocking the way was Lu Yunbo.

Yu Qingci looked up and saw Lu Yunbo, looking like a handsome young gentleman, smiling as he looked at the woman before him.

She wore an elegant moon-colored brocade dress, with a snow-white fox fur cloak tightly wrapped around her delicate figure, revealing only the collar and cuffs embroidered with extremely delicate patterns in silver thread. Her black hair was still adorned with only a jade hairpin, with pearl tassels hanging down on both sides. The simple style was extremely beautiful, and her whole person was as pure and gentle as a flower, making it impossible for people to look away.

Lu Yunbo stepped forward and said, "What a coincidence to run into you again today, sister-in-law. It's so cold, sister-in-law, you work so hard every day to pay your respects to your aunt. Please wear more clothes so you don't catch a cold."

Yu Qingci nodded slightly and said, "Greetings, Second Cousin. You seem to be quite free these days?"

Whether intentionally or unintentionally, she has run into Lu Yunbo every time she goes out these past few days. Every time, Lu Yunbo is a gentleman with impeccable manners and his words and actions are just right, leaving no room for criticism.