Spring in the Hall of Paintings

The housemaids in charge no longer dared to ignore Yun Wei. When facing her, they became cautious and respectful. After today’s events, they had developed a greater respect for the usually silent Sixth Miss. Yun Wei didn’t want to steal Yun Lan’s spotlight, but Yun Lan remained silent, her expression somewhat dazed and confused, as if she were reflecting or deep in thought. Her gaze toward Yun Wei grew more complex and difficult to interpret.

There were matters to attend to in the Tong household, and Yun Wei had carefully considered them. The day when her father, Rongxuan, would return to the capital was getting closer. Once he returned, more people would come to the Tong family to seek connections. She needed to make arrangements beforehand to avoid being caught off guard at the last minute and to prevent the Tong family from becoming the subject of ridicule. It would be a betrayal of the trust the Old Lady had placed in her, and it would also disappoint her father, who had fought so hard. Rongxuan’s return to the capital would be one of the most significant and glorious days of his life. As his beloved daughter, Yun Wei wanted to make him proud, ensuring everything would be perfect and without regret. She also wanted to showcase the Tong family’s refinement and foundation to the powerful figures of the capital. The Tong family wasn’t lucky enough to have risen by mere chance; it had been established for generations, loyal to the ruler.

Yun Wei calmly began arranging matters. Although her methods differed from Yun Lan’s modern approach to managing people, it couldn’t be said that one was superior to the other. However, Yun Wei’s arrangements were more in line with the current situation. Of course, she took the best practices from Yun Lan into account during the personnel adjustments, making the result quite flawless. Yun Wei didn’t seem inexperienced at all, even though it was her first time managing such authority. The servants, having been reprimanded several times by both Yun Lan and Yun Wei, became more cautious and didn’t dare to treat Yun Wei or Yun Lan as naive young girls who didn’t understand the world.

Once everything was in order, Yun Wei softly asked Yun Lan, “Fourth Sister, do you have any further instructions?”

Yun Lan smiled faintly and replied sincerely, “Sixth Sister handled things appropriately. I have nothing more to say.”

“Then let’s leave it at that. You all should carry out your duties properly. No negligence is allowed. Whoever comes to the door, treat them with proper respect—neither too humble nor arrogant, no sycophantic behavior.”

Fucha had once taught Yun Wei that the behavior of the servants affected the family’s reputation. Yun Wei paid particular attention to this matter. She knew that just because her father had accomplishments didn’t mean she should become complacent. There were too many powerful figures in the capital, and no one knew who would rise in prominence or fall into disgrace. It was important to treat everyone equally, to avoid making enemies. Sometimes, a small issue could leave someone with a lifelong grudge. The most dangerous enemies weren’t those who confronted you openly, but those who lurked in the shadows, plotting against you. The Tong family had always acted with integrity and had no reason to fear, but it was better to avoid unnecessary trouble. “Make more friends, create fewer enemies” was something Rongxuan often said, and Yun Wei didn’t want to let a small mistake jeopardize everything. Therefore, she arranged for the servants in charge of greeting guests to be especially meticulous, considering all aspects of the situation.

“Yes, we remember, miss.”

The servants all bowed deeply. Yun Wei smiled lightly and said, “I’ve heard from Aunt that once things calm down, she will increase the monthly allowance. But the condition is that there must be no mistakes.”

By speaking in the name of the elder madam, Yun Wei not only reminded the housemaids of the elder madam’s kindness, so they wouldn’t harbor any grudges against her, but also made it clear that rewards were important. She wanted the servants to understand that the head of the Tong family wasn’t stingy. As long as they did their jobs well, the Tong family would not treat hardworking servants unfairly.

The housemaids’ faces lit up with joy. Everyone wanted to receive more silver, and they repeatedly said, “Thank you, Sixth Miss, thank you, Sixth Miss.”

“No, no,” Yun Wei corrected them. “I’m just delivering the message. It’s the elder madam’s kindness.” The housemaids quickly nodded and said, “Yes, thank you, elder madam.”

“Fourth Sister, let’s go back,” Yun Wei said.

“Mm.”

As usual, Yun Lan and Yun Wei walked side by side. When they reached the door, Yun Wei motioned for Yun Lan to go ahead. Yun Lan paused slightly, noticing something that had never stood out to her before. She had always been followed by the soft and gentle Yun Wei, but now, she suddenly felt a sense of pressure. She knew Yun Wei was trying hard, but she had never considered that a girl from the ancient times could be as capable as someone with her experience of two lives. In Yun Lan’s eyes, Yun Wei was someone to cherish and protect, but today, Yun Lan realized that Yun Wei was just as capable as she was, and sometimes, even more insightful.

“Sixth Sister, I can’t catch up to you.”

Walking beside Yun Lan, Yun Wei raised her eyes to look at Yun Lan’s slightly downcast expression. She smiled sweetly, then took the initiative to link her arm with Yun Lan’s. “I can’t compare to Fourth Sister in terms of talent and knowledge, but in other matters, let me take the lead. It’ll boost my confidence.”

Yun Lan, facing the cute and pure Yun Wei, realized there was no trace of comparison in Yun Wei’s heart. Her face flushed as she realized she was a little jealous of Yun Wei. As someone who knew history from her past life and had lived for so long, how could she not understand jealousy? Yun Lan smiled and said, “Yaya, you’re so cute, I really like you.”

“I like Fourth Sister too,” Yun Wei tilted her head, playfully dodging Yun Lan’s hand as she tried to pinch her nose, her little nose wrinkling as she winked mischievously and said in a soft, sweet voice, “Fourth Sister, you can’t do that. Yaya’s nose might get squished.”

Yun Lan looked at the clever and adorable Yun Wei, marveling at how Fucha had raised her. She was so quick-witted, charming, and sweet, yet when it came to handling household affairs, she was mature and composed. Yun Lan sighed and said, “I envy Aunt for having a daughter like you. I want to take you home and raise you.”

“Not allowed, Yaya can’t be without her mother,” Yun Wei said seriously, her little face serious. Yun Lan pinched the baby fat on Yun Wei’s chin and teased, “Yaya, you’re getting cuter and cuter. Will you still bring your mother with you when you get married?”

Yun Wei lowered her small head, her pink lips twitching as if she were stunned by Yun Lan’s question. Yun Lan smiled gently and sighed, “Yaya, I told you I’d take care of you, and that will never change.”

“Fourth Sister, I have something to say too. You should listen to Mamu more. It will be beneficial for you.”

Yun Wei knew Yun Lan’s obsession with the Fourth Prince, and she was aware of the deep feelings involved. She wanted to advise her, but she knew Yun Lan wouldn’t listen. Yun Wei only wished that Yun Lan would understand Mamu’s warnings and advice, and be happy. Being a side concubine in a prince’s mansion wasn’t as glorious as it seemed. Yun Wei could sense this from the way Qing’e’s mother had lived. The Prince’s mansion, despite receiving great imperial favor, was still not as esteemed as it appeared, so how much more complicated and turbulent must the prince and nobleman’s households be?

“Mm,” Yun Lan responded. Yun Wei smiled and said, “Fourth Sister, let’s go now. Mamu loves Yezi cards. Help me win some silver for Mamu, would you?”

“No, I need to go back and think for a while,” Yun Lan replied.

For some reason, Yun Lan felt a sense of pressure whenever she faced the old lady. It felt like she could see through everything, and with the blood donation incident, Yun Lan was even more afraid of the old lady’s knowing gaze. Though Yun Lan knew that pleasing the old lady would be beneficial in the future, she didn’t want to approach her just yet.

“Oh, well then,” Yun Wei said, her eyes filled with disappointment as she smiled faintly. “Fourth Sister must be tired. Please rest well.”

Yun Lan and Yun Wei parted ways at the fork in the road, walking on two separate paths, each paved with cobblestones. They walked in opposite directions. Yun Wei looked back at Yun Lan’s figure, letting out a soft sigh. “Fourth Sister, when will you understand the importance of family? How long can you rely on the prince’s favor? Beauty fades, and love follows. No one is pampered for a lifetime.”

Yun Wei tapped her head, recalling Fucha’s teachings. She clenched her small fist and reminded herself not to lose her heart. She needed to manage her marriage well and hold onto her husband’s heart. As for the future, if she did her best, there would surely be a good outcome. Yun Wei thought of Fucha Zheng, and her face turned slightly red. Marrying someone she could control was much better than marrying a stranger. Moreover, everyone in the Fucha family liked Yun Wei, and a good marriage wasn’t just about the two people involved.

“Greetings, Sixth Miss.” The little maid, kneeling at the door, lowered her voice, “The old lady is taking an afternoon nap.”

Upon hearing this, Yun Wei stopped in her tracks. The old lady had a light sleep, and with the worries about Rongxuan and Rongzhi’s military campaigns, she had been sleeping even less. The old lady was strong-willed and didn’t want her daughters-in-law to notice anything wrong, so she kept up appearances. Yun Wei felt pity for her and had been preparing meals in various ways and keeping her company to lighten her mood.

“I’ll go to the small kitchen first. Please call me when Mamu wakes up,” Yun Wei said, not wanting to disturb the old lady. She went to the small kitchen on her own. The kitchen steward, upon seeing Yun Wei, greeted her as though she were a savior. “Amitabha, Sixth Miss, please teach me how to make the dishes. No matter what I do, I can’t make them taste the way the old lady likes. Today, she didn’t eat any of the food.”

“What methods are you using? How could you not make the dishes to Mamu’s liking? Wasn’t my writing clear enough?”

Yun Wei had written the instructions clearly, but the maid looked ashamed. “It’s not that I don’t understand or am not trying, but the old lady just doesn’t like it. She scolded me quite a bit.”

“Mamu is just worried about Father, which is why she’s acting this way,” Yun Wei said softly. She entered the kitchen, carefully examined the dishes, and then called the maid over. “Watch closely and see how I do it.”

“Bring the rinsed rice water to wash the vegetables.”

“Ah, is it the rinsed rice water? Won’t plain water work?” The maid was immediately stunned. Yun Wei gently shook her head and said, “You haven’t been attentive. Only food made with true care and attention will have the best flavor. It’s also my fault for not explaining clearly enough.”

Yun Wei guided the kitchen maid step by step. “When cutting vegetables, make sure to cut along the grain, or else the texture will be off.” “Make sure the water is drained before frying, and pay attention to only using a small amount of oil—about half a stick. If you use too much, it will become overcooked. Mamu has trouble with her teeth, so we can’t use food that’s too tough, and it shouldn’t be too mushy either, or it will lack bite.”

Yun Wei explained in a calm and orderly manner, unaware that the elderly lady had been waiting outside for her. The old lady had woken up before Yun Wei arrived and had been feeling uneasy. Both Yun Wei and Yun Lan were inexperienced, but after hearing from Mama Chen about how Yun Wei and Yun Lan had handled things in the Tong residence, Old Madam smiled with satisfaction. She was especially pleased with how Yun Wei handled matters. Mama Chen had complimented the old lady’s upbringing of Yun Wei, praising how well-behaved she was, which made the Old Madam extremely happy. When the Old Madam was about to rise, she heard Yun Wei’s voice. Initially, she had planned to wait for Yun Wei to enter so she could pamper her, but instead, Yun Wei went to the small kitchen. The elderly lady, curious, wanted to see how the pampered Yun Wei would cook. As she observed Yun Wei’s delicate lifestyle, the Old Madam was astonished. She couldn’t understand how Fucha had raised Yun Wei so carefully—everything, from clothing to food and even travel, wasn’t necessarily the best but was always meticulous and refined.

The elderly lady, leaning on Mama Chen’s arm, felt a bit of discomfort in her eyes but didn’t disturb Yun Wei. Slowly, she returned to her room and sat down on the kang bed. She murmured softly, “Wei girl, how can I not dote on you? How can I not dote on you?”

After a while, when Yun Wei heard that the elderly lady had woken up, she walked into the room. Seeing that the Old Madam’s eyes were slightly red, Yun Wei quickly slipped off her embroidered shoes and crawled into the old lady’s arms. She softly said, “Mamu, you don’t need to worry about Father. Yaya dreamed last night that Father’s injuries have healed and he’s coming back soon. In the dream, I was playing with my younger brother Cheng Yin. Cheng Yin said Mamu loves him the most, but that’s not true. You love Yaya the most, right? Right?”

The granddaughter’s bright eyes, filled with no hint of jealousy, made the Old Madam’s eyes redden even more. She softly repeated, “I love Yaya the most, I love this little troublemaker the most.”

“Madam, Madam, a great joy! Second Master has returned to the manor!”