As soon as she entered, everyone’s gaze immediately turned to her.
Chu Jin Yao was startled. What happened? Why is everyone dressed like this? Could it be that a guest is coming?
Yesterday, when Chu Zhu returned to the residence, Chu Jin Yao had worn new clothes to receive the guest. At that time she was doing needlework with Chu Jin Xian in Old Chu Furen’s warm room. Later when leaving, Seventh Young Lady was not careful and spilled a cup of tea onto her.
She was really not careful.
Even if Chu Jin Yao had a thousand words to say, she had to go change her clothes and when she came back, it was already late. Thus, most of the people yesterday did not see Chu Jin Yao’s new dress. Today, she wore the newly washed dress out, everyone in the main hall looked both astonished and in wonder.
Chu Jin Yao had been doing farm work since she was young. Compared to the noble daughters who did not step out of the main gates, she had a lot more exercise and thus was in good health and taller. She wore an overlapping wide-sleeved jacket with large pink hibiscus embroidered at the cuffs. Underneath, she was wearing a pleated dress made from purple flower patterned brocade with a white background, the folds of the skirt were sewn with purple silk and lace. At the upper end of the pleated skirt, purple satin was sewn near to the hem and at the lower end, tassels were used to decorate it. The tassels would shake slightly when moving like a peacock that spread out its tail. As she was tall, her waist seemed even slenderer and slimmer when she wore the jacket and pleated dress.
Old Chu Furen saw Chu Jin Yao’s dress but did not say anything when she looked at it carefully. She thought that even though Fifth Young Lady looked the best, she was far inferior to the young ladies that grew up in the Marquis Residence in terms of rules and regulation. It was a pity. However, when Chu Zhu saw her, she could not help but ask, “This dress… Which embroidery workshop made it?”
Chu Jin Yao said, “It was the maids that cut it.” She had thought about it and did not mention it was herself. Else, she would be further questioned, and what was to be done if someone came to her doors with such a request?
When Chu Zhu heard that it was the maids that did it, she nodded, “Sao-zi has arranged a few capable maids.” This dress was indeed beautifully made.
Chu Jin Miao had just been impressive, overwhelming the rest of the sisters. However, when Chu Jin Yao came in, everyone’s gaze was attracted away. In terms of value, Chu Jin Yao’s dress was naturally far less expensive than Chu Jin Miao’s but it could not be compared to the dress cut of the other person as it was refreshingly new.
Chu Jin Miao was really annoyed to death.
Especially for Lin Xi Ning. When Chu Jin Yao had walked in, she was certain Lin Xi Ning’s eyes had lit up. She crumpled her handkerchief bitterly. It was indeed that all men had the same characteristics. Regardless of their words, they liked pretty things!
Chu Jin Miao and Lin Xi Ning were cousins from childhood, Chu Zhu also liked Chu Jin Miao a lot. When they were young, Chu Zhu had even joked with Madam Zhao that since Chu Jin Miao played well with Lin Xi Ning, why not marry them in the future. Madam Zhao had laughed at it at that time but kept it in her heart, and when no one was around, she had even asked Chu Jin Miao secretly.
At that time, Chu Jin Miao was unable to respond to it. She felt naturally different towards Lin Xi Ning but it was not to the point of ‘not marrying if it were not him’. Chu Jin Miao had gotten along with him as close cousins and had planned to take it naturally and adapt to the changes. Madam Zhao had this kind of feeling too. However, upon seeing Lin Xi Ning turning his head to look at Chu Jin Yao, there was a burst of strong discomfort in Chu Jin Miao’s heart. Even if she did not like Lin Xi Ning, he could not look at other females in front of her. At this moment, Chu Jin Miao was more and more motivated to obtain the position of study companion.
Her identity in the Residence of Marquis Chang Xing was too awkward. Even though Madam Zhao still spoilt her as always, what about the future? Marquis Chang Xing was more and more indifferent to her and Old Furen’s position was too high and would not care too much about her, and the servants would take advantage that she was not an official master and dare to be much more relaxed with her instructions. Chu Jin Miao had been in the forefront for thirteen years, so how would she be able to take it? If it were changed to the Prince Residence, then it would be entirely different. Perhaps it would be an even greater fortune for her.
Seeing that everyone was present, Old Chu Furen cleared her throat softly and the lively RongNingTang immediately quietened down.
Today, the young ladies wore bright clothes without prior agreement. Of course, there was the rationale that Chu Zhu was present but the root of the reason was with Old Furen.
Yesterday, Old Furen learned that the Prince Residence would be selecting a study companion for the County Princess and had the heart to let her granddaughters dress up and not lose any face for the family. Even though Old Furen did not say it out clearly, there were different connections in the Inner Courtyard, and the news quickly flowed from RongNingTang to the First, Second, and Third Household. Madam Yan heard someone recommending to let the young ladies tidy up and be more attentive and as such deliberately dressed up her two daughters even though she did understand why. Upon reaching RongNingTang, Madam Yan secretly knew that everyone had come prepared.
Of all the people present, one feared that only Chu Jin Yao left her courtyard without knowing anything. She lived further away, had no connections, and was not like the other young ladies who had their mothers to remind, and so did not know anything. When she saw the sisters’ clothes, she felt that it was very strange. She was deliberately tricked by Seventh Young Lady yesterday so her clothes were worn today, but why did the rest do this?
Now that Old Furen cleared her throat, it looked like there was an important event to be announced. Chu Jin Yao feared that she had missed out on something again and now she would soon know about it. She gathered her attention and listened carefully to what Old Furen was about to say.
Old Chu Furen spoke slowly, “Your GuMu has come all the way back from the Residence of Prince Huai Ling. First, it is to visit relatives and second, because of an important task. This task is related to many people’s future and even the face of the Residence of Marquis Chang Xing. And as such, this major event has landed on you all.”
Chu Jin Yao was still very puzzled as she listened. Since it was a major event for the Marquis Residence, why would it fall on them? Chu Zhu sat beside Old Chu Furen, she smiled and continued. “It is Mother-in-law and Prince Consort that trust me so handed the matter over to me. The County Princess of the Prince Residence is twelve years old this year, and at the right age to study. But it would be too boring for the County Princess to study alone and there are only a few young ladies in the residence, so no one can accompany her for a chat. Our Residence of Marquis Chang Xing is one of the most respectable families in TaiYuan with well-mannered daughters and even in-laws with the Prince Residence. Knowing one’s background, the Prince Consort’s intention is to select two young ladies from our family to be the County Princess’s study companion.”
After Chu Zhu’s voice fell, she looked down arrogantly and as expected, the young ladies and several SaoSaos were all pleasantly surprised. When staying at home, one would only see these few people daily. However, if one were to go to the Prince Residence, then the people that one would encounter would be totally different. Moreover, the Prince Residence and the Residence of Marquis Chang Xing were not far, so it was very convenient and one would still be able to return. The Furens thought about it and felt that this was a great thing and worth fighting for.
Chu Zhu had concealed the most important part. If the Furens were to know that the County Princess was studying to prepare for the Crown Prince Consort selection, they might go crazy. There would not be only one official Consort in the Eastern Palace and when the County Princess becomes the Crown Prince Consort, what about LiangDi and LiangYuan? The Prince of Second Rank and the Prince Consort had most probably considered this when choosing the County Princess’s study companion. There was no dearth of females in the Eastern Palace and the County Princess was not a virtuous person, so rather than being schemed by the females of other families, it was better to arrange someone familiar at the onset. If they were to unite in the very beginning, at least they would have a companion in the future.
Of course, this was only wishful thinking of the Residence of the Second Ranked Prince and it was a different matter if one was able to be chosen or not. However, the people in the Residence of Prince Huai Ling were preparing for the selection in full swing and dismissed the other possibility.
The few Furen’s eyes were brightly lit and the young ladies turned their heads to whisper with their personal maids. Old Chu Furen looked at the entire audience and coughed lightly, “Quiet down.”
The young ladies suddenly stopped talking and looked up at Old Furen.
Old Chu Furen carried on from Chu Zhu’s words and put on a serious face: “Even though the Prince Consort wants to choose two young ladies from our family, these words are not confirmed. There are so many families in TaiYuan and if there are suitable young ladies in other families, the Prince Consort would definitely choose one. In a few days, when the Residence of Prince Huai Ling holds a banquet, the Prince Consort will choose the most suitable two among all of the unmarried daughters. So you must not be complacent and slack. The County Princess is twelve years of age and since the study companion is to accompany the Princess to study, the age difference must not be big. So the Young Lady and the eighth young lady need not have to participate.”
The eldest Lady, Chu Jin Xian, stood up and bowed to Old Furen to show her compliance. She was already seventeen years old and the Eldest daughter of the family clan. As her family position was noble, even if she was of suitable age, Old Furen would not let Chu Jin Xian be a study companion for others. It was not the study companion of a noble Princess, so why the need for the eldest daughter? As for Eighth Young Lady, Chu Jin Zi, she was only six this year, so it was not possible for her either. Therefore, the suitable people were concentrated between ages twelve and fifteen, the ideal being twelve and thirteen, like Chu Jin Yao.
Old Chu Furen paused before speaking, “I have found two MoMos for you all. From now on, you all can no longer be as relaxed as before and must learn the rules and regulations from the MoMos and do not lose our Residence of Marquis Chang Xing’s face. Understand?”
All the young ladies stood up and answered seriously, “This child understands.”
Old Furen then let the two MoMos come out to meet the young ladies. After the introduction, the MoMos took the young ladies towards the courtyard at the back of RongJingTang to educate them on the rules and regulations.
Of the two MoMos, one had the surname Hua and the other Deng. Hua MoMo taught etiquette while Deng MoMo painted, calledigraphed, and did needlework. Hua MoMo said to the young ladies, “Young ladies have already heard just now. Old Chu Furen has requested that we come here to teach young ladies rules and regulations. It is said that without rules, nothing can be accomplished. The saints have also preached: spare the rod, spoil the child. We are strict with young ladies, and it is all for your own good. May young ladies forgive us.”
“One does not dare,” Chu Jin Yao said softly with the other sisters.
Hua MoMo was very satisfied with the Chu Young Ladies’ obedience. She gave a few more pointers before instructing the young ladies to demonstrate their greetings.
Performing greetings was the most basic and common etiquette for noble families, and the Young Ladies of the Chu family had been doing it since they were young; it was as natural as drinking water and eating. However, Hua MoMo was a MoMo released from the palace and extremely strict. During the demonstration, she constantly used the ruler to hit the young ladies’ waists and hands.
“The waist has to be upright; do not lean forward.”
“Crouch down a little bit more; do not wobble.”
“Hands!” Hua MoMo hit the back of the Seventh Young Lady’s hands fiercely. She looked down and spoke impolitely, “Seventh Young Lady, I have been reminded several times. Why are your hands always not in the correct position?”
The Seventh Young Lady was the Second Household’s youngest daughter, Chu Jin Jiao. With Madam Yan’s shrewish and shielding personality, she was raised to be arrogant and lawless. Among the sisters, only Chu Jin Xian was able to criticize her, while the rest would not provoke this devil incarnate. She had always been competitive and wanted to be the best among the sisters in everything. So for Hua MoMo to hit and scold her in front of everyone, she almost could not stand it and rebuked back. Only when she thought about her future position as a study companion in the Prince Residence did she manage to suppress her anger and reply, “I understand.”
Hua MoMo looked at the Seventh Young Lady indifferently before walking away. Chu Jin Yao was by the Seventh Young Lady, and when she saw MoMo coming over, she was secretly sweating. One did not expect Hua MoMo to stop by Chu Jin Yao’s side and look up and down and smile faintly. “Fifth Young Lady did a good job. Did you especially learn from a Palace MoMo when you were young?”
Chu Jin Yao could not hide her surprise. Hua MoMo was actually praising her? Chu Jin Yao did not have the time to think if Hua MoMo was seeing things wrongly and quickly replied, “MoMo has overpraised. One has not been taught.”
The other sisters had also revealed expressions of dissatisfaction and disbelief, while Hua Momo’s eyebrows raised as she continued questioning, “You have not specifically learned from someone from the palace?”
Old Chu Furen’s maid was sent over to watch over the few young ladies, and when she saw this scene, she stepped forward to speak. “Momo might not know about it, but the Fifth Young Lady was mistakenly carried away when young and raised outside all these years. She only returned two months ago.”
“Really?” Hua MoMo was suspicious of what she heard: “You only returned two months ago? Then why do you perform the palace etiquette?”
She was performing palace etiquette. Chu Jin Yao was also astonished. She had been practicing what Qin Yi had taught her, and how would she know what palace etiquette was? Chu Jin Yao pretended to think for a while before she finally shook her head with a frown and said, “I do not know either.”
Hua MoMo was also unable to think of a reason and could only say, “Perhaps you have hit the mark by a fluke. The etiquette used in the palace looks no different from the outside but is much more detailed. Among all the etiquette under Heavens, the Palace one is ranked first. The teaching MoMos who have not studied palace etiquette would not be able to come out to educate young ladies on rules and regulations.”
Chu Jin Yao showed a posture of listening obediently as being taught. When Hua MoMo left, she secretly loosened the breath she had been holding in her heart.
When Hua MoMo turned around, the Seventh Young Lady glared fiercely at Chu Jin Yao. Chu Jin Yao half-crouched steadily as she watched, from the corner of her eye, the Seventh Young Lady teetering and constantly getting hit by the ruler. Her heart felt very refreshed.
By the end of the class, everybody had been hit by the ruler several times. Only Chu Jin Yao came out unscathed and even won MoMo’s praise. Seventh Young Lady was standing beside Chu Jin Yao; the two of them were in sharp contrast. Seventh Young Lady suffered a few more hits. Once the class was over, the Seventh Young Lady’s maids quickly came over to support their young lady. With the help of the maids, she could stand straight as she glared at Chu Jin Yao angrily.
It did not hurt to be glared at by anyone, but the hits on the Seventh Young Lady’s palm were real. Chu Jin Yao thought as she rejoiced in other people’s misfortune that it was her that did not do well in etiquette, so how could one still blame the person beside her for being correct? Yesterday, the Seventh Young Lady deliberately spilled water on her dress. Chu Jin Yao was holding back that anger. Upon seeing her being punished by MoMo today, it was truly true that Heavenly principles were clear and transparent, and retributions were refreshing.
Chu Jin Yao went to RongNingTang for the meal comfortably, as if the soreness in her legs were nothing. She had been accustomed to farmwork since she was young, so even though her legs were thin, her muscles were firm. Even though it was somewhat sore and painful with this level of exercise, it was something that she did not care about.
After the meal, a number of young ladies gathered around Old Chu Furen to whine that they were aching all over; thus, Old Chu Furen could only cancel the etiquette lessons for the afternoon.
One could not be fat in one meal. They had to take their time.
Chu Jin Yao did not care about it. Now that everyone was sitting with Old Furen, it was difficult for her to leave and find an opportunity to talk to Qin Yi. She had been thinking of how to carve out some time to ask Qin Yi about why MoMo said that she learned palace etiquette when his voice sounded.
“Chu Jin Yao.”
Chu Jin Yao was taken aback. She looked around vigilantly before asking softly, “There are so many people around; why did you suddenly talk?”
“There is no time to explain. Go and follow that Lin family’s kid. I have things to do.”
Chu Jin Yao had no more complaints. Qin Yi was recently facing a life-and-death crisis, so if Qin Yi said that something was happening, then that would be a major event, and as such, she chose to trust him without reservation. She told Chu Jin Xian that she wanted to change clothes, and the latter nodded, saying, “All right. Remember to bring the maids. They are talking outside, so when you leave, call the maid along.”
“All right.” Chu Jin Yao replied. However, when she exited the doors, she slipped away quietly.
She could not bring a maid for the matters she wanted to do.
When no one was around, Chu Jin Yao panted slightly as she asked Qin Yi, “What happened to ask me to come out suddenly?”
The few Furen’s eyes were brightly lit, and the young ladies turned their heads to whisper with their personal maids. Old Chu Furen looked at the entire audience and coughed lightly. “Quiet down.”
The young ladies suddenly stopped talking and looked up at Old Furen.
