Chapter Nine, Chirp Chirp

Ji Yang felt a slight blush rise to her face as the eldest lady pulled her like this, feeling somewhat awkward. It was not that she thought she had said something wrong; Ji Yang's own writing might not necessarily be better than Zhu Xianyue's, but her discerning eye had even been praised by her master in the palace.

At this time, the Pei family was also present, and the people in the room were seated in order. Mrs. Xue usually did not require her daughter-in-law to serve, and they dined together merely for the sake of liveliness

However, the maid was truly lacking in discernment, and Ji Yang had no choice but to speak softly and instruct, "Serve another bowl."

Zhu Xianyue naturally responded to the lady, and the three of them chatted back and forth, with Ji Yang primarily doing the talking, as time flowed by like water until it reached the hour for dinner

The lady beside could not help but gently tug at Ji Yang's sleeve upon hearing this, clearly indicating that Ji Yang should refrain from speaking if she did not understand. It is important to note that the reputation of the Zhu family’s talented woman is not merely a product of flattery; it is a testament to her genuine talent

During mealtime at Jiuru Courtyard, a low table was used, with everyone kneeling around it to sit. On the table were a basket of flatbreads, soup pancakes, a plate of lamb, and a wild vegetable pancake. These were common items in northern households. However, Ji Yang did not expect that Madam Xue's evening meal would be so simple; even Yusui and her companions had meals in the palace that were several times better than this

Madam Xue's companion, the Lotus Matron, could not help but sigh: "I never expected Princess Anle to have such a temperament"

In fact, both of them are well aware that Ji Yang is waiting for him. However, despite being newlyweds and having had such intimate contact last night, they are still somewhat unfamiliar with each other. Consequently, there is only a limited amount of conversation when they meet, leading to this kind of "polite exchange" of questions

Therefore, although it was somewhat troublesome for Ji Yang to go to Jiuru Courtyard, human emotions are cultivated through interaction. It is impossible to develop a good relationship without meeting in person. She also did not wish to spend her days alone locked away in the princess's residence

Then Anle, being quite familiar, took the cue and said: "Fifth Sister, can I learn small characters from you?" Ji Yang, fearing that Zhu Xianyue might think her a dull student, quickly added: "When I was in the palace, I also practiced writing."

Madam Xue noticed Ji Yang's astonishment and understood that this Princess Anle was likely unaccustomed to such food. She thought to herself that this was for the best; after tonight, Princess Anle would probably never come to curry favor again

Ji Yang stepped forward quickly and supported Madam Xue in mid-air, "Aunt, there is no need for excessive courtesy." However, this time Ji Yang chose to forgo the debate with Madam Xue about whether to bow in the future. She realized that the people of the Shen family were somewhat rigid, and it was better to support Madam Xue each time than to argue with them.

It is said that Ji Yang returned to the princess's residence, strolled through the small garden in the courtyard to aid digestion, and after the moon rose above the willow tips, she returned to the quiet room in the eastern wing to meditate. She practiced the breathing techniques taught to her by Empress Su since childhood, feeling a warm current slowly rise from her lower abdomen, spreading to her limbs. After a week of this practice, she felt completely at ease, as if enveloped in the gentle breeze of spring.

Ji Yang couldn't help but blush, casting a questioning glance at Shen Wei. Is there a rule in the Shen family that forbids adding more rice?

Corn is not as soft and smooth as rice, and it has a somewhat gritty texture, which Ji Yang has never tasted since her birth. However, seeing Madam Xue, Madam Pei, and Madam Zhu all bowing their heads to begin eating, she can only learn to eat in the same manner

However, Ji Yang practices dance not only for enjoyment but also for health. She has a greedy nature and loves various types of dance. Recently, she has become fascinated with the Hu Xuan dance, able to spin dozens of times in one go, which is truly breathtaking

During the Wei Dynasty, books were extremely precious and illustrated books were particularly valuable. Unless one belonged to a scholarly family that had been established for several generations, even wealthy households might not possess many books. The young lady loved books and found it hard to take her eyes off the box of books belonging to Zhu Xianyue

Ji Yang, however, was not interested in those difficult classics and historical texts. The fact that she could calm herself to practice a few pieces of calligraphy was already enough to impress her teacher from her time in the palace.

Ji Yang let out a sigh of relief; it turned out they were intimidated by her appetite. She glanced at the table, where Madam Xue, Pei, and Zhu had only consumed a little more than half a bowl of rice and had set their bowls aside. Unlike her, who not only ate the flatbread but also had a small bowl of soup dumplings, and was now asking for more rice.

Ji Yang nodded busily. The eldest lady over there has always been gentle and quiet, yet she has always wanted to get closer to her fifth sister-in-law, a talented woman. However, both of them have very quiet personalities and do not speak much. Today, Shen Wei came with Ji Yang and, seeing her speak so freely, she took the opportunity to say: "Fifth Aunt, may I also come over to read books with you?"

Madam Xue was indeed somewhat surprised; not only was An Le's appearance beyond her expectations, but even her temperament was generally unexpected.

As soon as the words were spoken, Madam Xue and others, including Zhu Xianyue, raised their heads and looked at Ji Yang with a hint of astonishment

Zhu Xianyue and the eldest lady exchanged a surprised glance at Ji Yang. It is said that the Princess Anle should express her filial piety not through the morning and evening rituals. Her presence would only complicate matters, as her mother-in-law would still have to pay her respects. The principle of "one does not see the other" is the true way of interaction.

Then Ji Yang went to the open space in the daylight where Yu Sui Er helped her find a suitable place to begin practicing dance. At this time, daughters from well-born families were expected to learn poetry, literature, rites, music, archery, and charioteering. In Luoyang, there were specialized women's academies that taught female students. Although Ji Yang did not attend school, Empress Su had nearly invited all the masters of the Six Arts for Ji Yang's sake.

After dancing for more than half an hour, Ji Yang finally stopped. She was attended to by Yu Sui'er and Lu Zhu'er as she went to the cleansing room to wash and bathe. When she emerged, Shen Du had not yet returned to his room, so Ji Yang inevitably sat cross-legged on the couch to practice her breathing exercises, only putting her legs down when she heard some noise.

After finishing her meal, Madam Xue has a habit of taking a walk in the garden to aid digestion, but she does not like anyone to accompany her. Therefore, the Pei family and the Zhu family all returned to their own courtyards, and Ji Yang had no choice but to bid farewell and return to the North Courtyard

In this era, even a slight breeze can lead to a fatal cold; thus, maintaining good health is of utmost importance

Empress Su has a fondness for exquisite southern cuisine, which truly embodies the principle of "one does not tire of fine food, nor of finely sliced dishes". Naturally, Ji Yang's diet would not be too different.

"Her appetite is truly impressive; no wonder her complexion is so rosy and her spirit is so vigorous," the old woman Lian added.

When taking their seats to eat, Madam Xue wanted to let Ji Yang serve her. Ji Yang quickly smiled and said, "Aunt has already greeted me, now it is the bride's turn to serve Aunt." After saying this, Ji Yang was about to arrange the dishes for Madam Xue. The two of them exchanged courtesies several times, and Madam Xue had no choice but to take her seat, allowing Ji Yang to sit on the mat beside her.

According to common reasoning, Ji Yang should have casually found an excuse to brush it off, such as saying that she was afraid of not being able to sleep because she had eaten too much at dinner, or that a person who is melancholic about the autumn and spring might be homesick and unable to sleep. As long as everyone understands the true reason in their hearts, that is sufficient

Madam Xue probably also realized that Ji Yang was startled, and she spoke up: "The princess has quite a good appetite"

The spiced flatbreads from the Shen family, paired with minced lamb, are exceptionally fragrant. It is rare for a precious princess like Ji Yang to possess such a laid-back disposition. Accompanying the flatbreads, she quickly consumed a bowl of corn porridge and then sat up straight, waiting for her maid to serve her more rice

Madam and Zhu Xianyue are both going to Jiuru Courtyard to accompany Madam Xue for a meal. Ji Yang heard that they were leaving and also stood up, saying, "I will also go to accompany Aunt for a meal." On the side of Shen Du, someone had already been sent back to say that they would not return to Chongguang Hall for dinner tonight

Ji Yang is fundamentally different from her mother Su Jiang. Su Jiang's life is one where as long as she is well, she does not concern herself with others. In contrast, Ji Yang has a slightly larger heart; she wishes for everyone to be well, not just herself.

The maid beside the silence began to serve corn porridge in front of Madam Xue

Shen Du walked in and saw Ji Yang standing by the bed waiting for him, "It's so late, why are you still not asleep?"

Ji Yang felt awkward, simply because she thought it was inappropriate to lose face in front of the Zhu family. Talented women, talented women, sometimes inevitably become a bit petty, unable to tolerate anyone saying even half a word against their abilities

Recalling Ji Yang's appetite, even Madam Xue couldn't help but chuckle, "Indeed. Only with such a physique can one be strong. Although she appears delicate and weak, in reality, she is stronger than anyone else. The eldest lady should learn from her; it is better for a young lady to be sturdy."

Zhu Xianyue quickly glanced at Ji Yang, unexpectedly finding that this Princess Anle was not a fool, but rather had some discernment. Zhu Xianyue was well aware of her shortcomings in calligraphy, which is why she was determined to practice diligently

Zhu Xianyue observed the actions of the lady and was momentarily taken aback. It was evident that Shen Wei was reminding Anle, with good intentions for her well-being. However, as far as Zhu Xianyue knew, the two had only just met, and Anle was of royal status as a princess. The fact that they had become so close in just half a day's time inevitably led Zhu Xianyue to regard Anle with a higher level of esteem.

"If the princess is interested, I happen to have a few companions as well," said Zhu Xianyue

However, what came out of Ji Yang's mouth was, "I am waiting for the prince consort~~"

The talented women of the South, with their captivating dances, astonish the world and earn the respect of all. Therefore, as long as you possess talent, you will always shine in this era

The astonishment on the face of the lady beside her had not yet subsided, and her gaze could not help but linger on Ji Yang's flat abdomen and slender waist. She seemed to be pondering how such a flat abdomen could contain so much, while she herself, despite her restraint in eating, had a layer of fat on her belly.

Upon arriving at the Jiuru Courtyard, upon hearing that Ji Yang had also come, Madam Xue could not help but slightly furrow her brows, but it quickly faded away, and she was about to bow to Ji Yang.

However, both Ji Yang and the eldest lady underestimated Zhu Xianyue's cultivation. She smiled and said, "My father has also said this, so I still write three large characters every day."

As soon as Zhu Xianyue spoke these words, both Ji Yang and the eldest lady felt a sense of relief in their hearts, knowing her magnanimity, and they grew even closer to her.

Originally, Ji Yang thought the same way, but now that she has made up her mind to live a good life with Shen Du, she cannot continue to act like a princess. Although she is indeed a princess, her future children will be Shen's children, and they will have to integrate into the Shen family. After one or two generations, who will still remember whether you are the grandson or granddaughter of a princess? They will simply be of the Shen lineage

However, it is only after a day or two that one can discern the true nature. After suppressing her laughter, Madam Xue added that no one believes that a bad bamboo like Su Jiang can produce good shoots. Of course, like Madam Qi, Madam Xue tacitly felt that it is better for Ji Yang to be a bad shoot, as it is less troublesome.

As for the art of dance, it can be considered a talent of young women, not meant for entertaining the public, but rather for self-amusement. When a banquet is in full swing, both the host and the guests are expected to dance along with the music; if one dances poorly, they are sure to be ridiculed by others