Chapter 33: The Du Family's Two Beauties, Both on the Classic List
The old lady had been feeling a bit anxious these past few days. In previous years, around this time, Bodhi Temple would have sent young monks to deliver invitations to the selected families. Although Wanyi had never been selected before, this year with Su Ying around, and her vigorous Weibei calligraphy, getting selected was a piece of cake.
Any woman selected would have her family members invited to the Laba Sutra Offering Ceremony, which would be a great opportunity for Wanyi. Although Su Ying was only a cousin of the Du family, her selection would be a great honor for the entire family, so the old lady was eagerly anticipating it.
Every year, after the Lesser Cold, Laba Festival is just around the corner. Logically, news of the sutra offering ceremony should have arrived today, but there's been no word yet on who has received an invitation. The old lady was somewhat absent-minded, so much so that this morning, when Du Heng came to pay his respects to her, announcing that he'd been invited by an old teacher at the academy to review essays with a classmate until 3 p.m., the old lady simply gave him a few words of advice and let him go.
Unexpectedly, just as Du Heng left, a little maid came to report: "The young master from Bodhi Temple came to deliver the invitation. The invitation has been delivered to the madam."
The old lady could not contain herself any longer, and for the first time ever, she called for Chaoxia's help and went to the East Courtyard herself.
As soon as he stepped into the main hall of the east courtyard, he saw Cheng holding the invitation, tears filling her eyelashes.
The old lady sighed and said, "You too, no matter who is chosen, it will be an honor for our Du family. It's good that we can go. In previous years, we couldn't go."
It was expected that Su Ying would be chosen. The old lady didn't want to see Cheng's petty look, so she comforted her.
Unexpectedly, Cheng burst into laughter and handed the card to the old lady, "Mother, please take a look."
The old lady was a little surprised, so she took the post and checked it. Unexpectedly, not only Su Ying's name was on the post, but Wanyi's name was also prominently visible.
The old lady exclaimed in surprise, "Wanyi was also selected. Amitabha, good girl! All the children in our family are obedient and sensible!"
Cheng helped the old lady sit down, and she couldn't help complaining: "Mother, you are the same. Don't you hope for Wanyi's well-being?"
The old lady couldn't help but laugh. How could she not hope for Wanyi's well-being? It was precisely because she hoped for her well-being that she hoped that when Su Ying was selected, Wanyi would also benefit from it.
Wanyi was her own granddaughter, so how could the old lady not know her talent? However, this year, her granddaughter's calligraphy had indeed made great progress. It was just that she had not been selected in previous years, and Su Ying's calligraphy was too outstanding, so the old lady did not have too many expectations for her granddaughter.
However, the old man did not want to spoil Cheng's fun, so he did not reveal his true feelings. Instead, he smiled and said, "Now everyone is happy. Let Ruolan and the children come over. Laba Festival is in two days, and we should discuss it carefully."
Rong was overjoyed when she received the news from the East Court. She knew Su Ying would definitely be selected, and she had wondered if Cheng would be upset again if Su Ying was the only one selected. Fortunately, Wanyi was also selected. Rong was delighted and took Su Ying to the East Court.
Along the way, Rong held Su Ying's hand, her face full of emotion that could not be concealed: "Good, good, now you are well-known in the capital."
Rong had originally only intended to find a suitable family for Su Ying from among the Rong family's old friends. However, being selected to present the sutras this time was a great honor after all, and she couldn't help but have more hope in her heart, hoping that her niece would be noticed by more families.
"Second Aunt, Sister Ying'er!"
Wanyi had been living with Cheng in the East Courtyard, so she should have been inside long ago. However, the moment Su Ying and Rong entered the courtyard, they saw Wanyi, which showed that she had been waiting for them.
Rong knew the two sisters had something to say when she saw them, and she was happy for them to get close, so she walked ahead, only reminding them, "Don't talk too long, grandma is still waiting inside!"
Wanyi nodded obediently to Rong, then pulled Su Ying aside and whispered her thanks, "Sister Ying'er, thanks to you! If it weren't for your guidance these past few days, how could I have been selected?"
Unexpectedly, Su Ying quickly extended her finger and gently placed it on Wanyi's lips, saying, "Sister Wanyi, you wrote the scripture yourself. Your inclusion in the selection is entirely your own doing. What does it have to do with anyone else? When you meet Grandmother and Auntie, don't be so modest."
Wanyi was confused and wanted to argue, "It was my sister who taught me to use my wrist strength to create a smooth transition. If it weren't for her guidance, how could I write so smoothly? My grandmother and brother always say my handwriting is too rigid and stilted."
Su Ying interrupted Wanyi before she finished, "You said it yourself, grandmother and cousin have both said this about your calligraphy, so I'm not the best. Your calligraphy has improved this time entirely because you've gained some insights. Don't be too modest, or you'll be underestimating yourself."
Seeing Wanyi still hesitant, Su Ying said, "Kun became Peng not because of anyone's teaching, but simply because of the wind. Your handwriting is like the Kun hidden in the North Sea. You have persisted in writing over the years, accumulating strength. When the time is right, you will be able to soar up to 90,000 miles with the wind."
Wanyi felt grateful and couldn't help but call out, "Sister Ying'er."
Su Ying smiled and shook Wanyi's hand, gently reminding her, "Come into the house quickly, don't keep the elders waiting."
Seven sutras were chosen for this year's sutra offering ceremony, and the Du family alone had two daughters selected. After the young monk sent invitations around the capital, a great deal of excitement erupted among the officials and families of the capital, who began to inquire about the two young ladies of the Du family.
Du Heng had been discussing essays with his old teacher and fellow student in the academy today. It was not until lunchtime that the other candidates gradually heard the news of the scripture offering ceremony.
Everyone gathered around Du Heng and congratulated him, "Congratulations, Brother Du Heng! Congratulations, Brother Du Heng! Your family has a long history of learning, and both of your daughters have made it onto the list of top scholars. This is truly a great achievement."
"The two beauties in your mansion are so dazzling, with such a noble family, I'm afraid many people in the capital will envy them."
One of them was a fellow student who had always been familiar with Du Heng. Curious, he asked, "I've only heard that Brother Du has a sister. When did you get a daughter?"
This inquiry was both reasonable and appropriate, so Du Heng couldn't refuse. So he answered gently, "My cousin has been staying at your house recently."
Upon hearing this, the classmate suddenly understood and replied, "I didn't expect that Brother Du's cousin would make such a big splash right after arriving in Beijing. As the saying goes, a person's handwriting reflects his character. Brother Du's cousin must be dignified and gentle."
This statement was echoed by the crowd. Someone said, "I heard that the monk picked out a piece of Wei stele from among the many small calligraphy works. He said that he hadn't seen such vigorous brushwork in years. Could he be talking about Brother Du's cousin?"
Du Heng's heart tensed for no apparent reason, but his expression remained calm. He bowed humbly and said, "My two sisters are still young. I am grateful for the kindness shown to them by the venerable monk. I am also worthy of your praise."
My mother had mentioned that Su Ying had come to Beijing to escape her stepmother's hasty marriage. Now that her copied scripture had been selected, as expected, a classmate came to inquire about it.
He was well aware of her talent. It wouldn't be long before her fame spread far and wide, and even more people would be inquiring about her. So, wouldn't that be a good thing for her?
It was worth it for Second Aunt to bring her to Beijing.
He sighed inwardly, perhaps because he was surrounded by so many people, he suddenly felt a sense of depression in his heart.
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