Spring in the Hall of Paintings

After being reprimanded by the old lady, Jing Yi fell seriously ill. Once she recovered, she had lost a lot of weight, and her small face became more delicate. Her eyes, once bright and clear, now looked even more prominent, giving her a frail and pitiful air that made people feel a deep sense of sympathy. Even the old lady, no matter how hard-hearted she was, couldn’t help but soften. Jing Yi was her biological granddaughter, and her anger faded. Although she still treated her coldly, her food and daily needs were not lacking, and secretly, she began making arrangements to help Jing Yi regain her strength.

Madam Rongxian had become much more respectful, showing great deference to the three sisters-in-law. She personally visited the second house to express her gratitude, holding Yun Wei’s hand and repeatedly thanking her, as if Yun Wei had saved Jing Yi. Rongxian also expressed her regrets to Fucha, who comforted her with kind words for a long time, discussing the bond between aunt and niece. Only when Rongxian left did Fucha turn to Yun Wei and say, “You can believe only about thirty percent of her words. If Jing Yi gets her wish and marries into the imperial family or a prince, she will make sure to get back everything she’s lost today. In the future, stay away from Jing Yi. I think she won’t act out of line again.”

Yun Wei carefully handed Fucha a gilded hand warmer and softly asked, “The governess has been in the mansion for half a month now, but why hasn’t she started teaching the rules yet? I’m not in a hurry, but Second Sister (Yun Jing) and Third Sister (Yun Xin) are soon going to take part in the selection, right? Isn’t the first selection in March?”

“The governess the old lady invited isn’t here just to teach Second and Third Sisters. They are both concubine-born daughters, and while they are quite fair-looking, the old lady has low expectations for them. If they manage to be chosen during the second round and marry back home, that would be the best outcome.”

Fucha gently tapped the floral pattern on the hand warmer, her gaze focused on her daughter as she sighed, “Although the selection is supposed to choose embroiderers, it is actually more about family background. The old lady still values Yun Lan. The governess is mostly here for Yun Lan. Honestly, with your third uncle’s position, it would be a bit beneath him if Yun Lan was to become a secondary concubine, but since he’s a prince, even a secondary concubine is an honorable position.”

“Madam,” a voice interrupted as Nanny Qi entered. Fucha motioned for her to speak in front of Yun Wei. Qi bowed and said, “I just heard that the second daughter of the third master has been exempted from the selection.”

Yun Wei was stunned for a moment, and Fucha curled her lips with a bright glint in her eyes, not at all surprised. “Third Sister-in-law is indeed a capable person. Moreover, Yun Lan went to pay respects at the temple a few days ago. With the gods’ blessings, things are bound to go as she wishes.”

“Are you saying…?” Yun Wei thought for a moment, her mouth forming an O shape. “Fourth Sister said that Fourth Brother is a Buddhist. Does this mean that Fourth Brother had a hand in this?”

Fucha nodded imperceptibly. “He’s been quite attentive for Yun Lan’s sake.”

“Second Sister must be very heartbroken.”

Fucha pulled her daughter into her arms and adjusted the golden necklace around her neck. “This is the difference between legitimate and concubine-born daughters. Don’t show any displeasure in front of your Fourth Sister. I’m counting on her, especially since she has the backing of a relative in the palace, the third lady.”

“What are you planning to do?” Yun Wei asked, slightly confused. Fucha smiled proudly. “Yun Wei, if I tell you directly, it won’t be as interesting. Think about it yourself.”

“Qiu Wen, how come you’re here?” came a voice from outside the door. Fucha nodded in approval, then said softly, “Yun Wei, the maidservant you’ve trained is quite impressive. Although Lu Yi is lively by nature, she’s clear-headed when it comes to important matters. Amber in the second rank is also good. But there’s one more maid around you who is skilled at gathering information and keeping her mouth shut.”

“Second Madam, the old lady has asked the young ladies to meet with the governess to get familiar with her first, so that she can teach them according to their individual qualities.”

Qiu Wen entered and curtsied to Fucha. Fucha nodded and said, “Yun Wei, go with Qiu Wen to see your governess. Remember to behave and don’t be mischievous.”

“Yes, Mother.”

“Sixth Miss has always been well-behaved; the old lady holds her dear.” Qiu Wen had a refined and delicate appearance and was the old lady’s most trusted maid, managing the old lady’s precious jewelry. She was meticulous and loyal, with only the old lady in her eyes. Therefore, the old lady treated Qiu Wen very well, not to the point of being inseparable, but she valued her highly.

Maidservants like Qiu Wen, who were close to the old lady, held great prestige. In the future, they might become concubines for the masters or marry the butlers. However, it was surprising that Qiu Wen, at the age of twenty-eight, was still not settled, which took Fucha somewhat by surprise.

Yun Wei took a moment to check herself, then curtsied. “Mother, I’m going now.”

After Yun Wei left with Qiu Wen, Fucha softly muttered to herself, “Qiu Wen must have gone to the Third House first.” Then she smiled faintly. “Why am I so concerned about this? The more outstanding Yun Lan is, the more chances Yun Wei has. I might even help Yun Lan a little.”

“Madam, you asked Old Madam Lin to bring a carpenter from Jiangnan to the capital.” Nanny Qi smiled and said, “It was Old Madam Lin who is familiar with Suzhou and Hangzhou in Jiangnan. She invited only the best craftsmen, especially skilled in making dowry furniture. Their work on the ‘thousand craftsmen’ beds is exceptional.”

“First, arrange for them to stay at the estate and send over the materials I have, like sandalwood, huanghuali, and other kinds of wood.” Fucha put down the hand warmer. “I want Yun Wei’s dowry to be the best and most complete.”

Half a year ago, Fucha had sent Old Madam Lin to Jiangnan under the guise of a family visit, asking her to find craftsmen and secretly purchase silk and porcelain for Yun Wei’s dowry. As for jewelry, Fucha had prepared it much earlier. Some of the jewels had been secretly hidden away by Rongxuan when he had dealt with pirates and Japanese invaders in Fujian. No one knew about this, and the entire chest was filled with large gemstones, pearls, jade, and agate. Of course, Rongxuan’s subordinates had also gotten a share of these treasures, but such matters were understood silently and never spoken about.

Rongxuan had made a fortunate choice by randomly picking a chest and carrying a few stones, which were all jade and pearls, worth a lot. The reason Fucha had delayed returning to the capital for half a year was to handle these private treasures.

The “thousand craftsmen” beds and the “pa bu” beds, popular during the Qing Dynasty, took a lot of time to make. A “thousand craftsmen” bed required a thousand days of work. With three years still before Yun Wei’s selection, Fucha, who dearly loved her daughter, was naturally making early preparations.

“Madam, the Third Madam is also arranging dowries for the Fourth Miss. Do you think we should…”

“This matter can’t be kept secret. Everyone can only rely on their own abilities. When I have time, I’ll talk to Third Sister-in-law.” Fucha wasn’t concerned; not all benefits would go to Yun Lan.

When Yun Wei arrived, all the young ladies were already there. Yun Jing’s eyes were red, and it seemed that being exempted from the selection had been a huge blow to her. Yun Lan didn’t know how to comfort her. She didn’t want things to turn out this way, but Emperor Kangxi wouldn’t allow both sisters to marry imperial princes. The Tong family didn’t have that kind of influence, and for the future of her and Yinzhen, sacrificing Yun Jing was the only option.

Yun Lan believed that she was doing this for Yun Jing’s own good. If a concubine-born daughter entered the selection, the best she could hope for was to become a gege (Low-ranking concubine). By claiming illness and being exempted, Yun Jing would become a legitimate wife. Yun Lan also planned to make it up to her in the future. As she comforted herself with this thought, Yun Lan felt increasingly that she had done the right thing.

The old lady, wearing a robe and seated at the heated brick table, had a governess sitting beside her on an embroidered stool. The governess had a few strands of white hair at her temples, but she was neat and orderly. Her face was lined with wrinkles, but her eyes smiled gently, giving Yun Wei a stern but respectful impression.

“This is the governess I specially invited to teach you the rules,” the old lady said. “You should address her as Governess Yang. Her family is from the upper three banners, and they have been with the imperial family since the Manchu conquest. Don’t treat her lightly or disrespectfully.”

“Yes,” the young ladies all curtsied. Governess Yang smiled. “Not at all, not at all.”