Chapter 48: Second Aunt Liu

After a few more words were exchanged, the old lady ordered someone to fetch the Second Madam, Lady Liu.

Lady Liu's given name was Liu Yunxiang, the daughter of Vice Minister Liu of the Ministry of Revenue. Since the main household lacked a mistress and the old lady was advancing in years, she had allowed Liu Yunxiang to manage the household affairs over the past two years.

Upon arriving at Songmao Hall, Liu Yunxiang saw Lin Wanrong and her expression froze for a mere instant before she proceeded with impeccable etiquette, as if nothing had happened, to pay her respects to the elders.

With almond-shaped eyes crinkling in a smile and a healthy, rosy complexion, she clearly took excellent care of herself. The jade hairpin in her hair appeared moist and translucent under the sunlight, the narcissus embroidery on her cuffs was exquisite, and her nails were coated in pale red henna, exuding the aura of a mistress of the house.

After finishing her salutations, she turned to greet Lin Jinyan warmly: "Looking at Yan'er, it seems you have recovered quite well?"

Lin Jinyan bowed and replied, "Thank you for your concern, Second Aunt. I am much better now."

Liu Yunxiang smiled, but her tone cooled slightly as she glanced toward Lin Wanrong. "Why has Wanrong come here? If you have nothing to do, return to the West Courtyard. Do not cause displeasure to Grandfather and Grandmother."

Lin Yanqing interjected, "From now on, Wanrong shall come here daily to pay respects alongside Yan'er. When Master Meng comes to teach, Wanrong shall join Yan'er. Regarding her allowance and expenses, they shall be aligned with Yan'er's. They are both young ladies of the Lin family; in the future, please pay more attention and do not show favoritism."

Liu Yunxiang's expression froze for a moment as her mind raced, but she quickly forced a smile back onto her face. "If that is Father's command, it is truly Wanrong's good fortune. Your daughter-in-law thanks Father and Mother on Wanrong's behalf."

The old lady then instructed Liu Yunxiang to arrange a new courtyard for Lin Wanrong and have some new clothes made, giving various detailed instructions.

Liu Yunxiang accepted all instructions with a smile. After more conversation, the group finally dispersed.

Lin Wanrong followed behind Liu Yunxiang back to the West Courtyard, glancing back frequently as she parted ways with Lin Jinyan.

Lin Jinyan watched her walk away with a smile, then turned back to Yanyu Pavilion. She instructed Ma Nuo to send some items to Lin Wanrong's quarters before heading into the study to practice her calligraphy.

Today, she did this not only to help Lin Wanrong but also to earn her grandfather's respect; only then would her words carry weight in the future.

Things proceeded exactly as she had planned. The next step was to go out of the estate to inspect her mother's dowry farms and shops; wealth was only convenient when it was held in her own hands.

Looking at the crooked, lopsided characters she had written with her left hand, Lin Jinyan did not feel discouraged. She continued to practice, stroke by stroke, with patience.

In the evening, she took some pastries made by Nanny Zhou to Yuanshan Pavilion to visit Lin Siyuan, mentioning her desire to inspect the shops from Gu Qinglan's dowry.

Lin Siyuan laughed. "Yan'er has truly grown up; you want to learn how to manage a household? It is good to go and see. If there is anything you do not understand, ask your grandmother or your Second Aunt. They have been looking after them all these years; I only look at the ledgers occasionally."

Lin Jinyan agreed with a beaming smile. "Yan'er will keep that in mind. Father, the fact that Sister Wanrong will study with me from now on and receive the same allowance is all thanks to your persuasion of Grandfather."

Lin Siyuan sighed. "This is what she deserves. It is just that for many years, the household was too preoccupied with her birth and forgot her very existence. As for you, it is because you do not let worldly opinions cloud your affection for your kin that Wanrong has reached this position. Thinking of this, I feel ashamed."

Lin Jinyan replied, "Father must not undervalue yourself. You, Grandfather, and Grandmother simply know too much, which leads to many hesitations. I am merely 'fearless in my ignorance,' which allows me to act upon my thoughts."

Lin Siyuan burst into laughter. "My Yan'er is not ignorant; on the contrary, you possess great wisdom. You had me lay the groundwork by reasoning with your grandfather first, and only then did you bring Wanrong to appeal to his emotions. You truly are a clever little thing."

Lin Jinyan stayed to chat with Lin Siyuan for a while, and after having dinner at Yuanshan Pavilion with the late-arriving Lin Jin'an, she finally returned to Yanyu Pavilion.

(End of Chapter)