Chapter 42: Practicing Calligraphy with a Calm Mind

Lin Jinyan joyfully saw Lin Siyuan and Lin Jin'an out of Yanyu Pavilion. Lin Siyuan instructed the servants to escort Lin Jin'an back to his room, while he headed to Lin Yanqing's study.

After relaying Lin Jinyan's words to Lin Yanqing, Lin Siyuan added, "Father, although Yan'er is still young, her remarks indeed show foresight. Considering her kind heart in worrying for her elder cousin, I have come before you to meddle in my second brother's business."

Lin Yanqing asked, "Are those truly Yan'er's exact words? She won't be nine until next month, will she?"

Lin Siyuan smiled and said, "Yes, Father. I was also surprised when I heard them."

Lin Yanqing smiled and sighed. "It is truly rare for a child to be so precocious, sensible, and kind-hearted; it is your blessing. An'er and Yan'er are both good children. As for Siran..."

Mentioning his younger son, Lin Yanqing frowned and continued, "It is one thing for him to be incompetent himself, but he has also spoiled Yun'er, who now seeks only pleasure. When I tested his studies a few days ago, he stumbled through them. I fear he will be like his father in the future, unlikely to achieve great things."

Lin Siyuan offered consolation, "Jin Yun has been a bit negligent, but fortunately, he is still young; it is not impossible for him to work hard and improve. Even if Jin Yun's ambitions lie elsewhere in the future, as long as the child maintains upright character and can uphold the family name, it will be enough. Throughout history, few descendants of great sages have been geniuses themselves. Father should set your mind at ease."

Lin Yanqing sighed and waved his hand. "I am tired of lecturing the two of them; let us speak no more. Back then, Siran disgraced the family reputation so much that I wanted to expel him from the Lin family. But in the end, he is my own flesh and blood, and your mother loved him so dearly that I relented. As for Wanrong, that child is ultimately of the Lin bloodline; had I not kept her then, I might have cost her her life. I kept her, but I never truly paid her any attention. What is your view on this?"

Lin Siyuan said gently, "I actually find Yan'er's words to be reasonable. It is impossible to keep her confined to the West Courtyard forever; she will eventually grow up and marry."

Lin Yanqing sighed, feeling that children were but debts to be paid. "I shall think on it."

Inside Yanyu Pavilion, Lin Jinyan was practicing calligraphy in her study to calm her mind. A few years ago, Lin Siyuan had set up a small study in her courtyard; though the room was not large, it was fully equipped.

After finishing her writing, Lin Jinyan looked it over, then tore the papers into pieces and crumpled them into a ball.

Although her current small stature meant she lacked the wrist strength to write as well as in her previous life, her handwriting was still not what should be expected of a child her age. After a moment's thought, Lin Jinyan moved the inkstone to the left and began to write slowly using her left hand.

Agate and Magnolia walked in carrying trays, placing soup and fruit on the tea table in front of the desk. Magnolia stepped forward, looked at Lin Jinyan's writing, and smiled, "Miss, why are you practicing with your left hand?"

Lin Jinyan looked up to answer, but upon seeing Magnolia, she lowered her head and said, "My right hand is tired, so I am practicing with my left hand for fun. Magnolia, you are efficient and capable. In the future, the coarse laborers and the water-carriers in the courtyard will be under your management. Magnolia and Yutong will remain in the room to serve me."

Magnolia asked in confusion, "Miss, I have always been your personal attendant. Why send me outside? Have I done something wrong?"

Lin Jinyan smiled. "Don't overthink it. Having Magnolia and Yutong by my side is enough; I will only feel at ease if the external matters are entrusted to you."

Magnolia glanced at Magnolia and replied softly, "Yes." Having said that, she withdrew from the room.

Lin Jinyan looked up with a beaming smile at Magnolia and said, "Sister Magnolia, I wish to practice calligraphy in peace and do not like having too many people serving me. In the future, my bedroom and study will be entrusted to you and Yutong. No one else is to enter."

Magnolia smiled. "It is my blessing to have your trust, Miss. Rest assured, I will take excellent care of you. If you need anything, just give the order."

(End of Chapter)