Spring in the Hall of Paintings

Yang governess’s method of teaching the young ladies of the Tong family was very simple. She would first go over the points they needed to pay attention to, then, during her demonstration, she would elaborate further. Dining, dressing, grooming, and wearing jewelry—these were all everyday matters, but they could reveal a young lady’s upbringing. To be more stringent, every step taken had to follow a set pattern.

For things that they couldn’t remember, Yang governess would have them write it down. For Yun Lan, who was good at taking notes, this was not difficult. She remembered the key points and general matters clearly. However, Jing Yi was afraid she would miss something Yang governess said. Her notes were filled with words, but lacked organization, and some things, even when written by her own hand, were illegible to her.

Jing Yi looked at the paper in front of her, full of disorganized symbols, then glanced at Yun Lan. Biting her lip, she reluctantly said, “Fourth Sister, could you let me borrow your notes and take a look at the main points?”

Yun Lan smiled and didn’t make things difficult for Jing Yi. She gently said, “Take a look, Jing Yi sister. Some things can’t be rushed. The more you rush, the more mistakes you’ll make.”

Jing Yi buried her head and began copying again, feeling mixed emotions in her heart. Yun Lan’s generosity and friendliness, in the eyes of the sensitive and somewhat insecure Jing Yi, meant that Yun Lan didn’t consider her a threat or pay any attention to guarding against her. Her hand holding the brush trembled slightly, and she tried to calm herself. It seemed that the future—who would be higher or lower—couldn’t be seen yet.

“Sixth Sister, you didn’t take notes?” Yun Lan looked surprised at the blank piece of paper in front of Yun Wei, without a single word written on it. She softly asked, “Did you not remember?”

Yun Wei, who had been tasting tea, paused for a moment before setting down her teacup. “No, I’ve remembered all the important points.”

Over the years, Yun Wei had read a wide variety of books, and she didn’t know how many notes she had taken. But when it came to summarizing the key points, she was just as good as Yun Lan, who was used to modern exam-oriented education. As her reading increased, Yun Wei gradually developed an almost photographic memory. If she wanted to remember something, it was fast and accurate, and in most cases, she easily retained it.

“Sixth Sister, have you ever heard of this saying?” Yun Lan, not able to resist giving advice, said with concern, “Good memory can’t compare to a poor pen. Only writing things down will make them permanent, because memory fades.”

“Mm.” Yun Wei could sense Yun Lan’s good intentions. She was grateful but wouldn’t openly acknowledge her superior memory. She softly replied, “Thank you for your advice, Fourth Sister. I’ve remembered.”

Yun Lan smiled in satisfaction, and just then, a conversation from the side reached them, full of envy: “Third Sister, what did Yang governess privately teach you earlier? Could you share it with me?”

“It was about the selection process.” Yun Xin, in a good mood, responded to Yun Jing. Over the past couple of days, Yun Jing had often asked questions like this. The selection was approaching, and Yang governess had focused most of her attention on Yun Xin, pointing out many things she should pay attention to during the selection, such as keeping an eye on her personal belongings to avoid being falsely accused and ruining her reputation.

Yun Xin had kept all of this in mind. As another concubine-born daughter, Yun Jing was very envious. Whether it was intentional or not, she never considered that her frequent inquiries might be disturbing to Yun Xin, who had many things to learn. In addition to lessons on etiquette, Yun Xin had to practice walking postures every day, especially wearing the flowerpot-shaped shoes, which added to the difficulty.

“Second Sister, if you have any questions, just tell me,” Yun Lan interrupted Yun Jing, speaking in a serious tone. “Don’t disturb Third Sister, she’s preparing for the selection.”

Mentioning the selection, Yun Jing’s eyes reddened, and after a long pause, she muttered, “Is it my fault? Don’t I want to bring glory to the family? I’m just like Third Sister.”

Yun Jing directly brought up the matter of bringing honor to the family, and Yun Lan smiled. “Second Sister, it’s not only the selection that can bring glory to the family. Father has many colleagues who can help the family prosper and benefit the Tong household.”

Yun Jing had always been suppressed by Yun Lan. Because she couldn’t participate in the selection, she was full of frustration, feeling wronged. She mocked, “Since Fourth Sister understands so well, why don’t you just exempt yourself from the selection?”

“I’m different from you,” Yun Lan replied. “There’s a distinction between legitimate and concubine-born daughters. You should understand that. Besides, I can handle it. Can you? Even if you were allowed to join the selection, would you make it to the end?”

“How do you know I won’t be betrothed?”

Yun Jing retorted angrily, and Yun Lan looked at her with a faint smile. Yun Jing’s appearance could only be called decent, and her features resembled their father Rongzhi. How could she be considered beautiful?

“You… you…” Yun Jing stuttered in frustration.

Yun Lan had just hit a nerve, and normally, Jing Yi would have stepped in to support Yun Jing, but since she had just borrowed notes from Yun Lan, she didn’t dare to speak, as she owed Yun Lan a favor. Yun Wei, as always, remained silent, never intervening in their disputes. She noticed the curtain move slightly and knew it was Yang governess. It was fine for the sisters to argue, but they couldn’t let outsiders see them fighting, as it would make the Tong family’s daughters seem disrespectful.

Although Yun Wei understood Yang governess’s and her grandmother’s affection, she kept quiet, choosing to avoid causing trouble. She gently tugged on Yun Lan’s arm and whispered, “Do you think this pattern works?”

Yun Wei took out a pattern that she had personally drawn for Yun Lan. Yun Lan looked at it and praised, “This is it! Sixth Sister, your hands are so skilled. I’ve told the embroiderers in the household, but they don’t understand.”

“This pattern is interesting; it’s not very difficult, just that the embroiderers didn’t think of it.”

Yun Lan focused on admiring the design, a smile dancing on her lips, her eyes sparkling with a hint of mischief. He would love this special design. When the time came, she would surprise him, and if he teased her about her embroidery skills, she would make up for it with creativity.

Yun Jing still wanted to speak, but Yun Wei handed her the teacup with a sweet smile, “Second Sister, you must be thirsty too. Your health has just recovered; don’t overexert yourself. Take care of your health so you can get married.”

Yun Jing stiffened, staring blankly at Yun Wei. “What do you mean by that?”

“Not being able to participate in the selection doesn’t mean you can’t get married. If you’re always sick, who would dare marry you?” Yun Wei smiled gently and reminded her in a low voice, “Third Uncle’s future looks promising, and you’re his illegitimate daughter. If you’re always ‘sick,’ Third Aunt will be in a difficult position. Remember, your marriage is in your mother’s hands. The parents’ orders, and the matchmaker’s words, Second Sister, don’t forget.”

These words finally made Yun Jing quiet. The marriage arrangement was indeed in the hands of her mother, and her mother doted on Yun Lan. Since Yun Jing couldn’t participate in the selection, if she were to be matched with someone else casually, her whole life would be over.

Yun Xin also shared her experience of the difficulties she faced during the selection. In contrast, she envied Yun Jing. But Yun Xin was being sincere, so Yun Jing didn’t feel that she was boasting. The cousins chatted and laughed, and the tension in the air eased. Eventually, Yun Xin lowered her voice and said, “Second Sister, as long as the Tong family remains strong, your position in your future husband’s family will be secure. Third Aunt has already treated you unfairly by exempting you from the selection, but she won’t let you suffer when it comes to finding a husband. The old lady is still watching over you.”

Yang governess lifted the curtain and entered, speaking as usual. “That’s enough for today.”

Her gaze swept over Yun Wei, and she nodded to herself. No wonder the old lady was so pleased.