Second Young Master laughed at himself, “Because of my poor health since young, I like reading these light books to escape the present and do not like the ways of Confucius and Mencius. One had not thought that the Crown Prince was the same. The Crown Prince is Empress Yuan’s Di-son and was taught and raised as a Crown Prince since birth. The cabinet ministers would watch him attentively and the high-ranking officials in court would constantly remind the Crown Prince. As a mighty son of Heavens like him, I really cannot figure out why he would like the same things as me.”
“Perhaps the Crown Prince grew up in the Eastern Palace and is under too much pressure, thus likes books that allow him to escape from the present?” Chu Jin Miao felt it was right the more she thought about it, “That is so. One fears the Crown Prince is a talented and sensitive person at heart and does not like the mundane happenings but was unable to change his identity. This is using books to express one’s emotions.”
“This is something I do not know.” Second Young Master said, “Not only have I never seen the Crown Prince, I also do not know what type of person he is. However, hearing that he dared to kill the Empress’s maid in front of all the officials and was also very disrespectful to the her, this kind of person shouldn’t be like that.”
Chu Jin Miao, however, still persisted on her own opinion, “A lot of the rumours outside are often inaccurate. However, when the Crown Prince arrives, we will know then.”
“Father really hopes that the Crown Prince would come.” Second Young Master smiled bitterly, “He even especially reminded me to revise the books that the Crown Prince likes so that he would view me kindly. I have no intention for fame and fortune, but it is that the Marquis of Chang Xing is at the third generation with Father. Looking at our family’s current situation, one fears that the Emperor would not approve Father’s memorandum and since our family does not have any connection in court, it would be difficult for anyone to mediate it. ZuMu and Father have always been thinking of ways. It is really for the sake of the family that they do this.”
Chu Jin Miao was somewhat surprised. She had grown up in the Marquis residence and knew a few things about the matters in court. She asked curiously, “If the the Emperor does not agree to making Older Brother ShiZi and disagrees with continuing the title of Marquis of Chang Xing, then the Chu family would no longer be a Marquis residence?”
“Yes.” Second Young Master said, “If the younger generation fail to live up to expectations, our Marquis Chang Xing, the Chu family would completely decline and end up as a commoner within two generation.”
Chu Jin Miao sighed but was surprised. If this was the case then there would not be any difference between Chu Jin Yao’s and her identity. If Second Young Master was unable to assume the Marquis title, then both of them would be daughters of commoners.
However, Chu Jin Miao overturned this thought. A lean camel was still bigger than a horse. No matter how much the Chu family had declined, they were still noble and many times better than the poor farmer family, the Su family.
“You don’t have to worry about this. Our family has been in TaiYuan for three generations. Although ZuFu’s generation is declining a little, it is still better than an ordinary official family.” Second Young Master looked at Chu Jin Miao tenderly and said, “Father and I are working on the title inheritance matter so you do not need to worry about it and just be a young lady of a Marquis family.”
Chu Jin Miao exerted a smile, “How could I be a young lady of a Marquis family? It should be Chu Jin Yao.”
“What are you talking about!” Second Young Master frowned as he did not like hearing such things, “Even though there was a mistake between yours and Fifth Younger Sister’s identity, you are the younger sister that I watched grow up and she is the younger sister that shares the same blood. Both of you are equally dear to me.”
“I just knew that Second Older Brother treats me well.” Chu Jin Miao raised her head and hugged Second Young Master’s arm, “Second Older Brother, you are this good to me, so in the future I too will be very very good to you. Aren’t you worried about the Crown Prince and the title inheritance? Talk to me more and maybe I can even help you!”
Second Young Master did not take it to heart after listening and smiled indifferently, “You are a young girl, how can you help?”
Chu Jin Miao only smiled but did not say a word. In this period, there existed a feudal view esteeming men above women, and females would be treated extremely harsh. However, females could do things that many males could not. The Crown Prince had to see many officials daily, thus even if Chu Jing and Second Young Master were to go, it was a matter if they could enter his view. However, she was the type of woman that the Crown Prince liked. One could not say for sure that the future of the residence of Marquis Chang Xing might even fall on herself.
Second Young Master saw that Chu Jin Miao’s eyes were lowered lost in thought that she did not hear him calling her. He could only repeat, “Fourth Younger Sister.”
“Ah? What is the matter Second Older Brother?”
“It is getting late. I have to go to Father.” Second Young Master said, “Do you still want to read that book?”
Chu Jin Miao seemed to be in difficulty. The New Account of the Tales of the World that she showed to Deng Momo was not her book but Second Young Master’s. It also carried traces of frequent reading and old ink marks. Second Young Mater was a gentle and thoughtful older brother and would always agree to no matter what Chu Jin Miao asked for. Thus, her calligraphy since young was taught by him. Therefore, Chu Jin Miao’s words and Second Young Master’s looked very similar, making one unable to differentiate them at first glance. Chu Jin Miao depended on this point and impersonated Second Young Master’s effort as her own and deceived Deng Momo. She even impressed the image of a diligent and studious person in Deng Momo’s mind.
In actual fact, how would Chu Jin Miao have so much time to read, let alone to skim through the New Account of the Tales of the World, such an obscure selected work? Most of her time was spent fighting together with Madam Zhao against the YiNiangs, being jealous with Seventh Young Lady and chatting and laughing with her maids. She was able to gain the talented title thanks to the ways of the time that a woman’s virtue was not to have talent and the comparison with the sisters of the residence. On the contrary, Second Young Master had been frail since young, thus he had to put a lot of effort into these literary stuff.
Chu Jin Miao reckoned that Second Older Brother doted on her the most anyway, so he would not mind if she borrowed his books to use. Moreover, she lived in the inner courtyard and even if she were to impersonate Second Young Master, there would not be any impact on him. It was a win on all sides, so what was wrong about it?
It was for this reason that Chu Jin Miao did not want to return the book to Second Young Master. What would she read if he took it? She still had familiarise with these book so that she could use it to get closer to the Crown Prince. She asked, “Second Older Brother, are you in a hurry to use it in these few days?”
Second Young Master paused before asking, “What do you mean by that?”
“I felt that this book is interesting and want to copy it. Second Older Brother, why not wait till I copy it before returning it to you?”
It turned out to be like this. Second Young Master smiled, “You are a lady of the boudoir, so why would there be a need for you to copy? Give me the book and I will instruct someone to send it over when it is copied.”
Chu Jin Miao was somewhat hesitant. The handwriting would be different! But she too was unwilling to do it herself as it was such a thick book and would require a lot of effort. She thought about it before finally saying, “Alright. But retain the notes, I want to write them myself.”
“Alright. Will comply to everything.” Second Young Master patted Chu Jin Miao’s head and smiled warmly.
Second Young Master had another small conversation with Chu Jin Miao before leaving. Chu Jin Miao stayed in Madam Zhao’s Xi Hua Yuan and when Second Young Master stepped out of the courtyard, he coincidently saw Chu Jin Xian, who was going out.
“Second Younger Brother?” Chu Jin Xian called out to Second Young Master and asked, “Why did you come over?”
“I was here to take a look at Fourth Younger Sister.”
Chu Jin Xian smiled in a noncommittal way. For the sake of the tranquility of the residence, Old Chu Furen only confined Chu Jin Miao and did not disclose the reason behind it. However, Chu Jin Xian knew exactly in her heart what Chu Jin Miao did. It was lamentable that Madam Zhao and Second Young Master were still in the dark and even specially came over to visit Chu Jin Miao. Chu Jin Xian felt that it was ridiculous and wanted to warn Second Young Master, but she saw something at the corner of her eyes.
Chu Jin Xian asked, “Second Younger Brother, what is this?”
Second Young Master looked back and discovered that Chu Jin Xian’s eyes were on the book the New Account of the Tales of the World. He sighed and took the book from the servant and handed it to Chu Jin Xian, “This is a book that I read in my spare time. Fourth Younger Sister was curious about it a few days ago and borrowed it from me to read. Now that I visited her, I also retrieved it.”
Chu Jin Xian wore a serious expression as she spoke, “Give me the book.”
Second Young Master did not understand why she became suddenly interested in these books. However, he had always respected his Eldest Sister and thus handed the book over to her.
Chu Jin Xian flipped through the book she received and turned her head to ask the maid behind her softly, “I remember a few days ago when Deng Momo was still around, what was taught was the New Account of the Tales of the World?”
Chu Jin Xian’s maid pondered for a while before replying with her head lowered, “Replying to Eldest Young Lady, it is exactly so.”
When Chu Jin Xian flipped the book this time, what else could she not understand? She scoffed, “So this is your book. No wonder.”
“What is wrong?” Second Young Master felt that something was wrong and questioned cautiously.
Chu Jin Xian closed the book and spoke solemnly, “Second Younger Brother, do you know that a few days ago, Momos from the residence of Prince Huai Ling came to our residence?”
“Naturally, I know about it.”
“The two Momos taught the New Account of the Tales of the World.” Chu Jin Xian gently shook the book in her hands as she looked at Second Young Master, “And Chu Jin Miao borrowed the book from you at such a time. She was only willing to return the book when the Momos left. What do you think this means?”
Could it be that Chu Jin Miao borrowed the book to deal with the Momos of the Prince residence? Second Young Master was startled for a moment, “It is unlikely so. Fourth Younger Sister is not such a person.”
“I do not have any evidence at the moment so naturally you all would not believe it and instead think that I am slandering her.” Chu Jin Xian continued, “I too do not want to argue with you all. Open your eyes to see. It will soon be understood if she is this kind of person or not.”
“Older Sister, you seem to have… a lot of criticism towards Fourth Younger Sister.” Second Young Master spoke carefully, “Ever since Fifth Younger Sister returned, Father, ZuMu and now you, are gradually favouring Fifth Younger Sister. I am not saying that Fifth Younger Sister is wrong. Fifth Younger Sister has suffered outside so it is right that we dote on her more, but for you all to alienate Fourth Younger Sister like this, it is unfair to her. Both of them are the daughters of our family.”
After Chu Jin Xian heard the end of it, she laughed softly, “Chu Jin Miao loves to throw small tantrums and tends to provoke male’s love, you are of no exception. Second Younger Brother, let me ask you. Fifth Younger Sister has returned for not even two months but Chu Jin Miao has stayed in the Marquis residence for thirteen years. What is the reason for the family to unconsciously favour Fifth Younger Sister?”
Second Young Master wanted to speak but did not know to say even when he opened his mouth for a few times. In the end, he sighed and admitted reluctantly, “Fifth Younger Sister’s character is indeed more likeable than Fourth Younger Sister’s. Fourth Younger Sister is wilful and has deep thoughts. She likes to think more of the matter when something is wrong. When her temper rises, she likes to throw a temper. This is not good, but she is only like this because she is feeling insecure…”
“Alright. I don’t want to listen.” Chu Jin Xian raised her hand to interrupt Second Young Master’s words, “I am too lazy to hear your words in defence of her. However, she secretly borrowed your book and happened to meet up with the Prince residence’s Momo. This shows her bad intentions. Maybe she even assumed your name and said that it was her book.”
Second Young Master was somewhat annoyed, “Eldest Sister, Fourth Younger Sister is not such a person.”
When Chu Jin Xian saw that Second Young Master refused to believe it, naturally, she would not persist. She was after all a daughter that would soon be married afar, thus it was not good to quarrel with her siblings. Chu Jin Xian said mildly, “Whether it is true or not, we shall see it in the future. I spoke of this today to remind you that when she asks you for something again, you should think more about it. Jin Yao is our biological Younger Sister. It is of no issues for you to dote upon Chu Jin Miao but if you neglect and wrong Jin Yao for her sake, then that is something I cannot tolerate.”
“I understand.” Second Young Master also slowed down his speech and said nicely, “I know that Older Sister wants our family to do well. No matter if it is Jin Yao or Jin Miao, both of them are my younger sisters. I will treat them equally.”
Chu Jin Xian really wanted to tell him what Chu Jin Miao did behind their backs, but Old Furen did not want it to be spread out. Moreover, Second Young Master might not believe what was said and instead she would become a villain. Chu Jin Xian smiled perfunctorily and swept the topic aside.
After Second Young Master left, Chu Jin Xian’s maid asked secretly, “Young Lady, Second Young Master and Fourth Young Lady have been close since young, so why did you tell Second Young Master these? You are going to be married off and have to depend on his for support, but to rashly speak badly to him of Fourth Young Lady, one fears that Second Young Master would nurse a grudge against you.”
“How could I not know that?” Chu Jin Xian said, “But Chu Jin Miao is someone who has deep thoughts. If I do not warn Second Younger Brother, he would definitely dote on this person like his blood younger sister and even empty his heart and lungs. If this continues, Chu Jin Miao might even deceive them into doing some things. For me to say it earlier on, even if it makes others unhappy, at least it would be better than having chaos in the residence.”
“Young Lady makes sense. Then about the matter of Fourth Young Lady borrowing the book…”
“It must be her fooling others.” Chu Jin Xian sneered, “I used to think that she was only petty and cannot be seen in public, but now it can be seen that her thoughts are not upright. Second Younger Brother is a male, he would feel pity for this type of weak female and does not want to think bad of others. Since he does not believe then I will disclose it to ZuMu and Father secretly. Second Younger Brother cannot see it, but ZuMu has been in the Inner Courtyard for so many years and has seen countless people, her little tricks can stay hidden from Second Younger Brother but it would not ZuMu. Second Younger Brother is still somewhat naive. It seems that I have to remind Father and ask him to take good care of him.”
As Chu Jin Xian spoke, she sighed, “Second Younger Brother has a close relationship with Chu jin Miao. Both of them grew up together at Mother’s side and they are even closer than with me, the eldest sister. Since it involves Chu Jin Miao, I cannot speak of it firmly. However, everything must be done a step at a time. At this time, gave Second Younger Brother a warning first so that when Chu Jin Miao tries to play tricks again, he will not trust her unconditionally.”
“Young Lady, Fourth Young Lady has put in such a tremendous effort, what exactly does she want to do?”
“It is difficult to say.”
“Is it for the study companion in the residence of Prince Huai Ling?”
Chu Jin Xian shook her head, “From my point of view, it is more than that.”
“Ah?”
“It is also difficult for me to speak about it, but I have alway felt that since she has spent so much effort, her goal is not only as such.” Chu Jin Xian said, “However, this is just my conjecture. As for the specifics, one has to continue watching in the future.” After finishing, Chu Jin Xian stopped for a while before sighing softly, “She is always like this. Not willing to work diligently and always use her brains deviously. If she continues to behave like this, sooner or later she will harm herself.”
When the maid heard it, she was surprised and reminded in a soft voice, “Young Lady!” It would not be right if these words were to be spread. As an older sister, it was extremely bad for Chu Jin Xian’s reputation to make such a comment about a younger sister.
Chu Jin Xian retracted her thoughts and did not mention the topic. She murmured, “Jin Yao was hit on the palms a few days back, one does not know how she is. She is sure stubborn, refusing to yield at all, else how would she be suffering from these kinds of superficial pain?”
“Fifth Young Lady has a moral backbone that is stronger than many men. This is a good thing!” The maid spoke at the side.
Chu Jin Xian did not speak. After a while she said, “Forget about it. Go and look for ZuMu first. You go to Chao Yun Yuan in a while to see if she is lacking anything and report to me.”
The maid replied in a crisp voice, “Yes!”
Inside Chao Yun Yuan, Chu Jin Yao was holding the brush stiffly while writing crookedly.
Qin Yi watched coldly for a while and became angrier as he looked on, “I had reminded you at that time to yield first and talk slowly about the matters after. You are sure good. Your mind is bigger than the skies. Now do you know what suffering is like?”
Chu Jin Yao sighed unhurriedly, “It has already been a few days, why are you still so angry? My anger has already cooled.”
Qin Yi’s face was still covered with ice as he thought to himself, what is he angry about?
Thanks for the updated translator 🫶🏼