113. Sister Fufu
The affairs of the Duke of Anguo's mansion are complex in some ways, but simple in others.
It turns out that Duke Anguo doted on his concubine, and consequently spoiled his illegitimate son, Lin Fuman.
The legal wife was out of favor, while the legitimate daughter, Lin Lingrong, suffered mistreatment everywhere.
Lin Fu was arrogant and haughty. Relying on his favor and the support of the Duke of Anguo, he always wanted to compete with the legitimate daughter and attempted to take her place.
Duke Anguo was also a fool, favoring his concubine over his wife, only knowing how to pamper this illegitimate daughter and ignoring his legitimate wife and daughter.
The first wife was timid, but her daughter, Lin Lingrong, was strong-willed and repeatedly fought back, causing Lin Fuman, who wanted to bully her, to suffer a lot.
However, a seven-year-old girl's abilities are really limited.
Thinking of this, Jiang Xiyue sighed softly and hugged her daughter closer: "The eldest daughter, Lin Lingrong, is stubborn, and the second daughter, Lin Fuman, relies on her father's favor and is always trying to outdo her elder sister. These two children..."
The little dumpling nodded as if it understood, then suddenly thought of something: "When Yue'er went, would they...?"
“That’s exactly what Mother is worried about,” Jiang Xiyue said seriously. “They’re forming cliques to fight each other. But Yue’er, remember, no matter how they try to coax you, don’t get involved. You’re too young. Don’t let others bully you, and don’t bully others, okay?”
"Moon wouldn't!" the little dumpling puffed out her chest. "Bullying others is wrong!"
Jiang Xiyue kissed her daughter's forehead with satisfaction: "Mother knew that Yue'er was the most sensible."
-
On the morning of the banquet.
Marquis Beiding and his second elder brother set off early for a spring outing.
Before leaving, the second brother even came to find the little dumpling: "Little sister, wait for your brother to bring back a little pony!"
"Little horse is dangerous, Yue'er doesn't want to," the little dumpling shook her head, "Second brother and father also need to be careful, Yue'er is going to make new friends!"
"Mmm!" the second brother said with a bright smile. "Little sister, have fun too!"
Jin Qizhi came over with a smile and helped her younger sister straighten her clothes: "Let's go, the carriage is ready."
-
The carriage slowly approached the imposing vermilion gate of the Duke of Anguo's mansion. The little boy leaned against the carriage window, curiously looking at this unfamiliar residence.
The three of them got off the carriage and entered the mansion, where they saw a group of richly dressed women standing at the second gate.
The two women standing at the very front were the most eye-catching.
A woman dressed in a purple brocade jacket, adorned with jewels, greeted the guests with a beaming smile.
The other woman, dressed in a plain blue dress, stood quietly to the side, her posture reserved.
"Mother, which one is the Duchess?" Jin Qizhi, who had never been here before, asked in a low voice.
Jiang Xiyue said in a low voice with a complicated expression, "The one wearing blue is the principal wife, and the one wearing purple is... the Duke's most beloved concubine."
Jin Qizhi was somewhat surprised.
In his mind, the principal wife should be the most honorable, so why was this concubine dressed more luxuriously and standing further forward?
At this moment, the jeweled concubine came up warmly to greet them: "Oh my, isn't this the Lady of Beiding Marquis and the Princess of Fukang County? We've been waiting for you!"
Her loud voice drew the attention of the surrounding guests.
Jiang Xiyue nodded in acknowledgment, but skillfully avoided the hand her aunt reached out, and walked straight toward the woman in the blue dress: "Greetings, Duchess. It's been a long time. You look even better."
The first wife was clearly taken aback, a hint of gratitude flashing in her eyes, and said gently, "Madam of Beiding, you are too kind. Please come inside and have a seat."
Despite being snubbed, the concubine showed no displeasure on her face, her smile remaining as she turned and beckoned to those behind her: "Fufu, come and greet the young lady of the Marquis of Beiding's mansion, our county princess."
A little girl wearing a pink ruqun (a type of traditional Chinese dress) immediately skipped and hopped over.
She was beautifully sculpted, with big, bright eyes that darted around, clearly a clever little devil.
"This must be Sister Yue'er, right?" Lin Fuman affectionately took the little dumpling's hand. "I've long heard that the county princess of the Marquis of Beiding's mansion is as beautiful as a fairy child in a painting. Seeing her today, she is indeed even cuter than the rumors say!"
The little dumpling blushed with pride after being praised: "Thank you, sister, is your name Fufu?"
"Yes, my full name is Lin Fuman, and my nickname is Fufu, which my father gave me." Although Lin Fuman is only two years older than the little dumpling, he speaks very fluently.
Speaking of her name, she said with pride, "My parents named me Fuman because they hoped my good fortune would overflow."
A child's name often reflects the love and expectations of their parents.
Like a small dumpling, it is decorated with both orchid and moon motifs, embodying a variety of beautiful meanings.
The phrase "福满" (blessings and happiness) also reveals her parents' blessings for her.
This shows that Duke Anguo and his concubine truly doted on her.
"Isn't Yue'er's title Fukang? It has the character 'Fu' in it, which means we're destined to be together!" Lin Fuman held the little dumpling's hand. "We're so destined to be together, we must become friends. I'd be so proud to have a friend like Yue'er!"
She held the little dumpling's hand and showered him with compliments, praising him from head to toe without repeating herself.
The little dumpling was so flattered that it was dizzy: "Good duck, good duck...making friends..."
At this moment, the little dumpling was certain in her heart: she praised Yue'er, she was a good person!
"Then I am truly honored!" Lin Fuman said with a smile.
Then, she turned to Jin Qizhi: "This must be the young master Jin, right? I often hear my father mention you, saying that you are the most outstanding young scholar in the capital!"
Jin Qizhi politely cupped his hands in greeting, but did not respond.
Jiang Xiyue interjected at the opportune moment, "Miss Lin Fuman is truly eloquent. Yue'er, please give the prepared gift to Miss Lin Fuman."
The little dumpling quickly took out a sachet from her bosom: "Sister Fufu, this is what Yue'er picked out, for you..."
The little girl picked out a bunch of gifts last night, but her mother advised her to give up those extravagant things and instead choose a sachet.
When children give gifts to each other, especially when they are meeting for the first time, the gifts do not need to be expensive; something appropriate will suffice.
but--
"Oh my!" Lin Fuman exclaimed dramatically, "This gift is wonderful!"
She took the sachet and immediately tied it around her waist: "I will wear it every day so that everyone can see the kindness of Sister Yue'er!"
As they were talking, a pale blue figure walked past from the corridor.
Lin Fuman's eyes lit up, and she deliberately raised her voice: "Big sister! Why are you so late? Yue'er from the Marquis of Beiding's mansion has been waiting for you for a long time!"
The figure paused, then coldly glanced at the little girl's hand being held by Lin Fuman: "Second sister has made another new friend? Congratulations!"
After saying that, he turned to leave.
The little dumpling quickly called out, "Sister! Wait!"
She broke free from Lin Fuman's hand and jogged after him: "This is a gift for you..."
She then took out a sachet with a different pattern and handed it to her.
Lin Lingrong stopped in her tracks, seemingly surprised that she had received a gift. She hesitated for a moment, and before she could let her guard down, she reached out her hand, just as Lin Fuman ran over and bumped into her seemingly unintentionally.
The impact caused Lin Lingrong to lose her grip, and the sachet fell to the ground.
Lin Fuman exaggeratedly covered her mouth and exclaimed, "Big sister, how could you do this? Yue'er kindly gave you a gift! You didn't want it, but you deliberately threw it on the ground!"
The other ladies all looked over.
The little dumpling was startled and quickly waved her hands: "No, no, it's not Sister Lin..."
"Shut up!" Lin Lingrong snapped at Lin Fuman, "Lin Fuman, stop framing me!"
She squatted down to pick up the sachet, then looked at the little dumpling: "Princess Fukang, I have a piece of advice for you: stay away from her. Don't let her lead you astray. You've seen it yourself; she's not a good person."
Then she turned and left.
The little dumpling was stunned, watching her departing figure, at a loss for what to do.
So, is Sister Fufu good or bad?
---
A note from the author:
The author believes that none of the four people in the Duke of Anguo's mansion—the principal wife, the concubine, Lin Lingrong, and Lin Fuman—are bad people.
Author: As for why it isn't, I won't spoil it for now.
Author's note: Anyway, don't worry, they'll all end up liking the little dumpling (kissing emoji)
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