Chapter 031 Chapter 31
After Yan Ningxin's ball skills amazed everyone, there was nothing else to do because the most important thing for the Yan family right now was Yan Jingzhao's provincial examination. Zhen probably wouldn't take her sisters out during this period of time.
The end of June was Yao Niang's birthday. She didn't care what her birthday present was, but instead wanted to give a painting to Xie.
"Mom, please choose the most beautiful dress you wear everyday. Yes, there is no need to dress up specially. Just sit here and your daughter will help you paint today."
Xie took off her original elaborate bodice embroidered with peonies and, following Yao Niang's instructions, put on a pink gauze shirt with wide sleeves and a front opening, still wearing only a pearl pin on her hair.
The mother and daughter sat opposite each other and painted. Actually, Yao Niang's painting skills were not very advanced, but she dared to put pen to paper and was very diligent. Even after watching the polo game that day, she would paint famous horses. Even her father and her brother were asked by her for techniques.
In Yao Niang's opinion, the most important thing in drawing a figure is to capture the characteristics, just like Xie's skin is bright, she is slender and graceful, and she has a natural gentleness. Once this is mastered, the rest can be simplified. She first roughly draws the outline, and then begins to focus on the details stroke by stroke.
Mrs. Xie, who was sitting opposite, had been looking at her daughter lovingly. She felt that she could not look at her enough. The little girl had begun to grow and would definitely be better than her in the future. It was not easy for her to live in such a wealthy family and yet still persist in making progress.
Even now, Yao Niang still says that she regrets the nonsense she did when she was studying in the Northwest, otherwise she would definitely be more powerful than she is now.
"Mom, you must be a little tired from sitting. You can move a little, it's okay." Yao Niang said with a smile.
Xie shook her head: "I'm not tired. I'm fine sitting like this."
The mother and daughter did not have lunch and painted all afternoon until Yao Niang finished the work.
In the past, Xie only knew that Yao Niang was good at drawing other people's paintings, but she didn't expect that she could draw herself so beautifully. She looked at her daughter in confusion: "Is this really me?"
"Of course it's you. Why is my painting not good?" Yao Niang thought that her painting was pretty good.
Xie quickly shook her head: "No, it's just that the painting is too good. Am I really that beautiful?"
Yao Niang praised her mother: "Of course, you are the most beautiful. All the praises I gave you before were lies." After she said this, the mothers and maids around her also started to praise her.
Xie, who was always quite calm about everything, was circling around her beautiful paintings. Yao Niang understood. Who wouldn't want to see themselves at their most beautiful?
Anyway, mother liked it, so Yao Niang was happy. Later, I heard that Yan Yingqi liked her on one hand, but was jealous of Yao Niang on the other hand: "Why do you only think about painting with your mother? Where is your father?"
Yao Niang said confidently, "Because my daughter's birthday is the day of my mother's suffering, I want to draw a picture of my mother for her. As for Dad, I originally thought that when Dad is free one day, I would draw a picture of you two sitting together, but if you want to draw a picture of me alone, that's fine too."
"Of course I want to paint with your mother. I will take a day off in a few days." Yan Yingqi couldn't wait.
"Dad, you're too impatient..." It was very tiring for Yao Niang to paint a picture like this, because painting for elders was different from painting for others, and she had to strive for perfection.
Yan Yingqi knew his daughter well. He immediately said, "If you paint for me, I will teach you how to mount the painting. Not everyone can do this."
Sure enough, when Yao Niang heard that Yan Yingqi wanted to teach her how to mount paintings, she immediately agreed.
This year, when Yao Niang celebrated her birthday, Xie invited a small opera troupe to entertain her for a day, and Zhen, her sisters, her brothers and her sisters-in-law all presented gifts. Xie also set up a few tables in the flower hall, and even Yu, who was pregnant, came.
Mrs. Xie then displayed the portrait that Yao Niang had drawn for her in front of everyone. Everyone was amazed. Mrs. Zhen even said, "I have heard that the third girl is a great painter, and now that I have seen it, I am even more impressed."
Yao Niang smiled and said, "Auntie, when you are free, I will also draw a picture for you."
This kind of scene can create a harmonious atmosphere, and Yao Niang has said it many times, but Zhen really wants one. As she grows older, her originally fair and smooth face has wrinkles and spots, which cannot be concealed no matter how hard she tries.
Flowers may bloom again, but people can never be young again.
"Third sister, I didn't expect that you are such a good painter." Yingniang stared at the portrait of Xie.
Yao Niang could certainly hear the hidden meaning in her tone, which meant that she thought Yao Niang was just making a small fuss. But a sparrow cannot know the ambition of a swan, and Yao Niang was too lazy to distinguish, so she just said to her: "Here, this is the most popular grape crispy mountain nowadays. Many people are buying it, but they may not be able to buy it."
Yan Ningxin had not left the house since the polo club. She ate the osmanthus ice cream in silence, knowing that although Yao Niang was not the daughter of the eldest wife, her mother would satisfy her no matter what she wanted. So they were drinking the most popular drinks nowadays, and the dishes on the table were also exquisite and delicious.
Everyone was talking about how lively it was, but the excitement was all theirs. She had nothing to gain. No one even mentioned how good she was at playing polo.
"Thank you, Third Sister." Yingniang actually likes this Grape Mountain.
Then I heard Zhen ask Xie: "How is Jingzhao preparing? He will be here soon, and everyone in the family is looking forward to it."
Xie was very conservative: "He is still young, so he should try his best. I think we should not have too high expectations. As for Jingwen, I heard from the old man the other day that he is very talented and his poems are quite impressive."
"That child has a strange personality and loves to play." When Zhen mentioned her son, she secretly thought of how her son had refused to eat or drink for several days because of Xin Wan. Her heart was burnt, and it was not easy for him to return to normal. Now she is worried.
Little did they know that every family has its own problems. Even Xie was not very satisfied with Guan, the daughter-in-law chosen by the Third Old Lady. The relationship between the mother-in-law and the daughter-in-law seemed harmonious on the surface, but in fact, there were turbulent conflicts inside.
"I think Jingwen is a good guy. This boy is increasingly unable to restrain his nature." Xie said these words not because she really wanted to, but because she was playing the role of a mistress. In such a lively place, she even wanted to lie on the couch and sleep a little longer.
After dinner, Xie, Zhen, Guan, and Yu played mahjong on the side. The sisters also opened a table. Yingniang had good luck and was addicted to playing cards.
"Masturbate." Yingniang was very excited.
Yao Niang said with a smile: "Fourth sister, you are really taking advantage of the situation. Here, I will give you the money."
Qianniang was having a bad day today. She only received two taels of silver per month, and she would take out one tael of silver on weekdays to supplement her income. Yin Yi Niang was not favored, and lived on her monthly allowance. Previously, Yan Jingzhang's share was with her, and now after Yan Jingzhao got married, it was given to Yu Shi.
Her allowance was usually generous, but when she saw that half a dollar was spent on a card game, her face turned pale.
Yingniang didn't notice these things, but Yaoniang saw them. She knew that Qianniang had to attend those flower banquets and poetry gatherings. Those poetry gatherings were hosted by each other in turn and they were very grand. It would cost tens or even twenty taels of silver at a time. Qianniang should not have any spare money.
Yan Ningxin, on the other hand, didn't pay any attention to it. She just spent money and didn't care much about winning or losing.
In the next round, Yingniang won again. She was very happy: "Come on, everyone, open your money quickly."
Yao Niang handed her the money and said, "Here, let's play seriously next time."
For Yu Yaoniang, playing cards is just a pastime, but for Yu Shi, playing cards also requires feeding the cards to her mother-in-law to make the elders happy. Yu Shi's mother married down from her parents' family and was said to be very arrogant at first, but her father's career was not going well, so she had to get along well with everyone and gradually smoothed her temper.
Influenced by her surroundings, Yu was always respectful to her elders and friendly to her younger sisters-in-law.
In contrast, Guan's face slowly fell uncontrollably because she had been losing money, but Xie was normal and even talked to Zhen about the festival gifts: "I heard that the prince of Qi will not leave until after the Mid-Autumn Festival. Should we also send some Mid-Autumn Festival gifts to him then?"
Zhen nodded: "Yes, I wanted to tell you, but I think it's too early since it's only June."
The two mistresses talked about household affairs for a while, and Yu suddenly said, "My daughter-in-law is pregnant now, so it's not easy for her to serve the Second Master anymore. Nian'er, who is beside me, is ready to give birth to the Second Master, and will come here to pay her respects tomorrow."
Zhen smiled and said, "Whatever happens in your room, you guys decide for yourselves."
What do you mean make your own decision? Zhen and Yin have been hinting at her several times. If she doesn't make a decision, her mother-in-law will send someone directly, and that will be difficult to deal with.
Guan was originally still worried about winning or losing, but now seeing Yu like this, she felt that even if she was pregnant, it would only mean slightly better treatment, and she was not at all comfortable.
After getting married, there is no such thing as comfort.
In the evening, the morning glow was as bright as fire, and the third room, which had been busy all day, became quiet. Yao Niang just felt tired. When she was a child, about six or seven years old, she liked to play mahjong. Now she would rather read books alone in her free time, thinking it was boring.
After entering July, the first half of the month was fine, but the second half was so hot that it made people anxious.
Because of the hot weather, Yao Niang and her friends only needed to study for half a day and rest at home in the afternoon. This day was no exception. After lunch, she rested in her room. It was too hot at this time and it was easy to get sunburned if she went out. But she didn't expect someone to come over at this time.
"Big sister, what are you doing here at this time?" Yao Niang asked while yawning.
Yan Ningxin wanted to ask for something: "Didn't we go to the polo match last time? I want you to draw a picture of the scene at the polo match for me."
"Polo club? There were so many people that day!" The weather was too hot now and Yao Niang was too lazy to move.
But Yan Ningxin said, "I believe in you. You are a very good painter. I have sent you the paints. If you paint for me, I will definitely thank you."
Yao Niang smiled and said, "That's not necessary. But painting also requires effort. Besides, it's been a few months. I still need to think about it. If the painting is not good, please don't give up."
Yan Ningxin breathed a sigh of relief: "I was really afraid that you wouldn't agree."
Yao Niang laughed and said that she was just practicing, so she was drawing everything now. When she had learned everything, if you wanted to ask her to draw again in the future, it would depend on her mood.
"No, then, big sister, who do you want to draw in the painting? Is it mainly the scene of you playing polo?" Yao Niang asked.
Yan Ningxin thought she could still make a request, so she asked, "Can everyone be drawn in?"
"No, I can't draw so many people. Even if you asked me to draw them today, I can't remember many scenes. For many of my characters, I just draw their characteristics." Yao Niang said.
Yan Ningxin didn't expect Yao Niang to reject her so straightforwardly, without any tact, so she had no choice but to say, "Then please let Third Sister focus on drawing the picture of everyone present when the game ends in a tie. The rest is up to you, I don't understand these things."
Yao Niang nodded.
Seeing that the matter was done, Yan Ningxin went back first. On the way, she said to Jin Kui Yin Dan, "Cousin sent another rabbit yesterday, right?"
Jin Li smiled and said, "You just said it casually last time, but the prince remembered it and sent it to me immediately, didn't he?"
"Yes, my cousin is the only one who, like my biological brother, cares about my affairs. I have to do a lot of things for him." Yan Ningxin seemed to realize something.
But when she returned to her room, before she could sit down for a moment, she heard Zhen calling her over.
Yan Ningxin felt a little strange. Although Zhen had never deducted money from her and seemed gentle and respectful, she had her own children. She didn't know how much she had to worry about those children, so how could she take care of herself?
Although she thought so in her heart, she still went there. However, when she paid her respects, she found that Zhen looked at her with some sympathy and pity.
"Madam." Yan Ningxin was a little confused.
Zhen took a breath, but still said: "I know you and Master Wu are very close, and it's rare for you to get along with others, but..."
It turned out to be Wu Xian. Yan Ningxin smiled and said, "How is he? I haven't been out these days, so I don't know his situation."
Zhen looked at her and decided to make it short: "Mr. Wu is engaged."
"Really? I don't even know which one you've booked?" Yan Ningxin was still curious.
Seeing her relaxed expression, Zhen couldn't help but smile and said, "It's no one else but the fourth young lady of the Gong family."
Gong Si? The girl who had a somewhat unruly personality like Yan Si. Yan Ningxin really shed tears of sympathy for Wu Xian silently.
Seeing that Yan Ningxin had no feelings, Zhen thought that she had heard that Wu Xian had gone on a hunger strike because of this matter, and this young lady was still heartless. She didn't know whether it was good or bad. Naturally, Yan Yingqi had other arrangements for his eldest daughter's marriage, and seemed to look down on Wu Xian, thinking that he was unlearned and incompetent.
After coming out of Zhen's place, Yan Ningxin finally realized that Zhen was afraid that she would be sad. In fact, there was nothing to be sad about. She and Wu Xian were more like good brothers than friends.
Later, Yao Niang also heard about this incident, but Xie Shi said to her: "You are not too young now, so you must be careful. You see, this time it is said that your brother is taking the imperial examination, and the girls in the family are not going out, but in fact it is because of your elder sister."
"Isn't it just a game of polo?" Yao Niang didn't think it was necessary.
Xie smiled and said, "She is too eye-catching. Will others be outshined? Besides, she has reached the age of marriage, so she should have some sense of propriety. If the family discipline is very strict, she will not be allowed to go out of the house."
In other words, it was because of other people's jealousy that Yan Ningxin couldn't go out. What Yao Niang was more concerned about was: "Who was the informer?"
"I got the information from Concubine Yin. But, to be honest, there are many people around the First Madam who want to stand out. They always stir up trouble out of nothing. Most of them can't stand others doing well. To show their loyalty, they say that the eldest lady's fame overshadows the fourth lady. So why bother going there again?" Xie herself didn't know how many times she had been slandered by the servants in front of the Third Old Lady.
In fact, the third old lady was not so harsh on Xie at the beginning. Gradually, the people around her instigated her and aroused her thoughts. You should never underestimate the malice of some people.
When Yao Niang heard that it was Aunt Yin, she understood: "She must be doing this for the second sister. It's not easy for the second sister to have some talent and fame, and the eldest sister is in the limelight again."
"Although they are all your father's children, many families are very picky about legitimate and illegitimate children. If a concubine's child is born, some may not want it. If she marries a commoner, others will not say anything. If she wants to marry up, it may be difficult. This is why they care about reputation." Xie herself was born out of wedlock. She didn't find out that her biological mother was someone else until she was one year old. She has a lot of understanding of these things.
"Oh." Yao Niang didn't know what to say.
Xie taught her, "You don't have to work as hard as she does. If your brother passes the imperial examination, your grandfather is a governor and your father is a minister of the Ministry of Personnel, which makes him better than them. Besides, mother will also prepare a rich dowry for you."
Yao Niang blushed when she heard the word "dowry": "Mother, what are you talking about..."
"Of course I say this for your own good. It's worth it for me to accompany you to the capital. You are already twelve years old." Xie said with a smile.
Yao Niang couldn't help but feel shy, and she saw Xie Shi instructing Song Mama: "Grandma has taken too much of the supplements, you should tell the accountant that you can't exceed the quota."
"What's wrong, mother?" Yao Niang asked.
Mrs. Xie couldn't help but say, "Your sister-in-law said earlier that she wanted bird's nests for nourishment, but bird's nests are nothing in our family. Later, she asked for all kinds of expensive supplements. I asked a doctor to check her out. There is nothing wrong with her body. Whether she can have children is a matter of fate. She has only been married for a short time, and she is already eating supplements like crazy, eating anything expensive."
The mothers-in-law all felt that they could understand, but Guan herself was very anxious.
It would be fine if Guan had paid for it herself, but she had to ask her maid and the kitchen for permission before eating anything. Xie didn't think it was a big deal at first, as it was not that she couldn't afford the food after marrying into the third house. But Guan was getting even more demanding.
Yao Niang snorted coldly, "Although I also hate those evil mothers-in-law, but my sister-in-law is the only one like her in my family. I have never seen a daughter-in-law like her in another family. She doesn't come to visit her mother-in-law regularly in the morning and evening, and she rarely does her needlework on weekdays. She never supports her mother-in-law when she speaks."
Xie used this to teach her daughter: "She doesn't take me seriously. I will also teach you that in any wealthy family, they don't need to know what you think in your heart, and no one wants you to treat your mother-in-law as your own mother. Just like your father, he has a proud temper, but he still has to be polite when he sees his superiors. Treat your mother-in-law as your superior."
This is quite novel. Yao Niang feels that her mother has taught her many household chores since her birthday.
The mother and daughter talked for a few more words, and Yao Niang went back to paint. She didn't like noise when she was painting, and the servants around her were also quiet and didn't dare to make any noise.
“Pah.”
Guan, however, dropped a teacup.
Xi Que was terrified: "It was Madam Song who said that taking too many supplements for no reason is bad for the body. If you are really weak, you should ask the doctor to prescribe pills."
"I just ate some ginseng and snow lotus. In previous years, my mother was in charge of such a large household. If I ate anything too much, she would definitely criticize me. Now that I'm finally married, I take supplements in the hope of getting pregnant soon. I think my mother-in-law doesn't like me. She knows that I'm the one favored by the old lady, so she doesn't want me to get pregnant." Guan always felt that she was being targeted.
The magpie remained silent. The grandmother ate tonic food as stew. Bird's nest porridge was a must in the morning. She had ginseng chicken soup every few days, and she had to eat a whole ginseng, or stewed mutton with snow lotus, not to mention donkey-hide gelatin, cordyceps and deer antlers. She even had to soak her feet in saffron every day.
Not to mention sea cucumbers and fish gelatin, even the snacks that Guan eats are Poria cocos cake and Eight Treasures cake.
These are actually effective when eaten. Xi Que also knew what Guan was thinking, and couldn't help but suggest, "Grandma, maybe Madam thinks it's too expensive, why don't we go buy it ourselves in private."
"What do you know? How much are those ginseng slices worth? One or two ounces of ginseng is worth thirty ounces of silver, and one pound is four hundred ounces. Besides, the natural snow lotus is a tribute, where can you buy it outside?" Guan was very annoyed. She also knew that her father-in-law almost lived with her mother-in-law, so the tributes bestowed by the emperor were also in their home.
Xi Que was at a loss, as it seemed that the eldest lady would not take money out of the dowry. So she suggested: "What should we do? How about you wait until you return to your parents' home and tell the lady?"
Guan thought that her mother would come to Beijing before the Mid-Autumn Festival, so it would be a good idea to let her mother give her mother-in-law a lesson.
**
But it is said that after Yao Niang's painting was finished, it was sent to Yan Ningxin. Yan Ningxin found the picture wonderful at first sight. The most handsome person in the picture is Shen Linfeng, her cousin the Prince of Qi is noble and unrestrained, and her hooking the ball movement are simply lifelike.
"Thank you, Third Sister."
Yao Niang smiled and said, "You're welcome. Just keep it."
The Prince of Qi will leave the capital after the Mid-Autumn Festival, and it may be difficult for him to see his elder sister again in this life. On her side, Aunt Yin and Lady Zhen each have their own plans. Thinking of this, Yao Niang also hopes that Yan Ningxin will see this painting as a thought, which can also be a comfort.
What she didn't expect was that Yan Ningxin actually gave the painting to the prince of Qi. She also said, "My cousin, I don't know when we will meet again. This painting is my farewell gift."
The Prince of Qi opened the painting. Although it was incomparable to the works of famous artists and not the work of a master, one could see the effort put into it amid its immaturity, especially the unrestrained and carefree scene on the polo field, which was clearly visible.
But when she wanted to say a few more words, she saw Yan Ningxin's governance outside coughing lightly. She didn't want to ruin Yan Ningxin's reputation, so she stopped talking.
When the Prince of Qi was leaving, he saw Shen Linfeng and his sister coming to see him off, so he took out the painting and gave it to Shen Linfeng. He originally wanted to give it to Shen Mo, but it was not allowed for physical contact between men and women.
"This painting was created by my cousin Miss Yan. I'm sorry to disgrace you all for my poor quality. I've been in Beijing for a few days and I feel like we've known each other for a long time. This painting just happened to capture our time at the polo field, so I wanted to give it to Mr. Shen as a souvenir." The Prince of Qi also hoped that Shen Mo would continue to be infatuated with him.
Shen Linfeng opened the painting. It was obvious that the colors of the painting were excellent. At least the painter had a warm heart, so the painting was also bright and warm.
The most interesting thing is that there is a little wild cat eating snacks next to them while they are playing polo, which makes the scene more interesting.
This painting is definitely a sincere work. Shen Linfeng bowed and said, "Thank you, Prince."
The Prince of Qi returned the greeting on horseback and rode away.
When the sound of horse hooves could no longer be heard, Shen Mo said to his brother, "Brother, can you show me this painting?"
Shen Linfeng gave it to her. Shen Mo has always been proud of his brother. Now, after seeing this painting, he couldn't help but say: "This Miss Yan has good taste. She painted you the most handsome brother."
Shen Linfeng smiled and shook his head.
Continue read on readnovelmtl.com
