Chapter Nine, A Sigh for the Exquisite

It is truly difficult to say how much Qingxi's temperament has changed. Although she suffered greatly in her past life and has gained a clear understanding of right and wrong, the indulgence of the matriarch and the permissiveness of Feng Liu make it quite easy to cultivate a spoiled and willful nature once again. Moreover, how can the inherent spoiled and willful disposition be easily eradicated

After a few days of reflection in seclusion, Qingxi finally completed the punishment of copying the "Women's Precepts" and "Women's Regulations." She had Linlang pack them neatly into a box and, with a nervous heart, made her way to the Four-Parallel Residence

Qingxi took the box, feeling a bit shy to look at it. She hurriedly bid farewell to Fengliu, and only when she returned to Lanxun Courtyard could she no longer resist her curiosity and opened it.

As expected, Feng Liu slammed the notebook in his hand down heavily, "What kind of writing is this? It's like a crooked melon or a cracked jujube. Am I teaching you to write like this?"

Well, I find this butterfly dance with the peony to be even more exquisite than what comes out of the palace. Look, the eldest sister-in-law is so captivated that her eyes are fixed. You should quickly take note of it.

How can one discipline Qingxi with an attitude like that of Feng Liu and the Madam? It is no wonder that after her rebirth, her temperament has shifted from being restrained to now reverting to her old ways in just a few months.

Feng Liu can be considered the enlightenment teacher of Mu Qingxi in the art of calligraphy. His characters are like iron strokes and silver hooks, tall and elegant, and he is renowned throughout the court and the common people, truly worth a thousand gold for a single character

"Brother Tingzhi." Qingxi called out softly, fearing that she might anger Fengliu

Feng Liu was completely taken aback to see such an expression on Mu Qingxi's face. Reflecting on whether he had been too harsh, he softened his tone, "Alright, winter is cold for the hands; you can practice your calligraphy again in the spring"

The gatekeeper boy looked at Mu Qingxi in surprise, hurriedly went inside to report, and soon came out to lead Qingxi in.

In the past, Qingxi was naturally the most generous one, never disappointing Boss Liu. Therefore, she was particularly warm towards Qingxi. "Madam, look at this set of butterflies playing with peonies; I learned it from you. Last time, you took me to see the Zhao powder in your esteemed residence. Such beauty and grace can only be found here with you. As soon as I returned, I painted the design. I also learned the double butterflies from your exquisite butterfly sachet, which is so charming. Look at the pattern on the wings, adorned with powder blue sapphires; I certainly did not steal that from your purse. Please do not blame me, Madam," Boss Liu said with a smile.

The furnishings in this four-room residence are ancient, simple, and elegant. There are many bookshelves, and on the display cabinet against the east wall are placed some antique calligraphy and paintings, among which there are not a few that are priceless, carefully collected by the two generations of owners.

Hmm. Feng Liu raised his head, put away the documents in his hand, "Have you finished copying?"

Qingxi's gaze swept around, feeling blood rush to her head, how could she bear to stay any longer, she hurriedly left, leaving Boss Liu thinking he had offended the Duchess of Qi.

Feng Liu saw Qing Xi crying sorrowfully, her shoulders trembling, yet she remained silent. With a sigh, she lifted her face and gently wiped her tears with her thumb, causing Qing Xi's face to flush with embarrassment

"Alright, I only said one thing to you, and you started shedding tears, just like a bag of tears." Feng Liu led Mu Qingxi to sit on the kang by the south window, "You are gradually growing up now, and you are also a matriarch. How can you still act on a whim? From now on, the entire household will rely on you to manage things. If you do not sincerely repent and improve, how can I rest assured to entrust the whole family to your care?"

The scenery of the four-sided residence is most uniquely advantageous in the Duke's Garden, with the majestic Xiu Mountain standing to the northwest, characterized by overlapping peaks and lush greenery. At the foot of the mountain lies a plum grove, while to the northeast is a peach orchard that blooms brilliantly like clouds of smoke in spring. Behind it, a stream flows from Xiu Mountain, encircling and forming a pond to the southeast in front of the house. Across the pond is a peony garden, and to the southwest is a grove of fine bamboo.

"Is this for the lady from the Duke? It seems the Duke is indeed the most thoughtful." Linlang could not help but say a few good words about Fengliu.

Madam San was not angry; she merely smiled with her lips pressed together, carrying a hint of sarcasm. In this world, there is no wall that does not let the wind through. Madam Er could not immediately produce the silver, and Qingxi had not left the residence for many days. Moreover, Lanxun no longer went to the kitchen to request extra meals. Naturally, such matters led to discussions among people.

Qingxi wiped away the tears that had fallen from the corners of her eyes, lowered her head, and picked up the copybook from Fengliu's desk. She could still see the tears dropping onto the paper, slowly spreading. "I will practice my calligraphy again"

Linlang has now become greedy for gold alongside her mistress. Upon seeing so many silver notes, her eyes lit up, and she quickly took them, counting them one by one, "There are five thousand taels, madam"

"Linlang, Linlang, come help me count, how many notes are there?" Mu Qingxi took out a large stack of banknotes.

The box is divided into two layers; the upper layer contains the jewelry that Mu Qingxi had redeemed. She patted her chest, finally managing to redeem this source of trouble, but she was left dumbfounded by the second layer.

"What? You like him? How about I give you a chance?" Qingxi said half-jokingly. In fact, after spending so much time together, she found Linlang to be quite good. Not only was she well-behaved, but what was most valuable was her capability. If someone like her could help keep Fengliu around, that would be quite nice. Coming from a humble background, having the child registered under her name would be quite beneficial.

"No need for that." Although Qingxi was easily tempted by these shiny and beautiful things, she was not completely foolish; where would she get the money to buy this? After saying that, she cast a playful glance at the third madam, "I see your eyes are not rolling either, do you expect me to buy you?" This statement was clearly a joke, but it carried an undertone of anger for anyone who heard it.

Once at Lanxun Courtyard, Qingxi collapsed onto the kang. It was not others to blame; it was entirely her own fault for being so extravagant in her daily life. She had been this way before her rebirth, and after her rebirth, it seemed she was even more determined to compensate for the suffering she endured in her previous life, spending money recklessly. It was only to be expected that she would be ridiculed now. Fortunately, the incident regarding the items had not yet spread; otherwise, she would truly have been too ashamed to face anyone.

This butterfly playing with the peony is indeed exquisite, I will buy a set. At this moment, Shang Ruowen, who was sitting quietly beside, spoke up.

Qingxi hurriedly took it and held it against her chest, "Wow, this is great." Qingxi spun around with the banknotes in her arms, as if she couldn't find a place to put them down. Finally, she handed them back to Linlang, looking as if she were sacrificing herself, "Linlang, you must take good care of this. In the future, whenever I need to spend money, you must remind me a little."

Qingxi nodded slightly, and Fengliu did not expect her to understand it right away. He took out a box from the drawer under the table and handed it to Mu Qingxi, saying, "Take it, but do not be willful any longer."

The set of gold-inlaid hibiscus stone jewelry featuring the double butterfly playing with peonies is indeed captivating, making it difficult for Mu Qingxi to tear her gaze away from it.

Madam Liu responded eagerly, although the butterfly playing with the peony was indeed exquisite, the price it commanded was also extraordinary. The Duchess of Chengguo, who admired it yesterday, ultimately did not make a purchase.

It is still thanks to the blessings of all the ladies that I have been frequently visiting the government office for many years, which has broadened my horizons. Lady Liu is very eloquent

Moreover, in that lifetime, the man had beaten her so severely that her hand was fractured and left with a disability after it was set. His sister had mocked Qingxi multiple times for this, ridiculing her for the ugliness of her handwriting, saying that the characters reflected the person. Thinking of this, a sorrowful pain unconsciously appeared on Qingxi's face

Qingxi never loved reading or writing. In her previous life, after remarrying, she never picked up a pen again. In this life, although time has not been interrupted, she feels as if she has been away from this world for a very long time, making her even more unfamiliar with writing.

Qingxi couldn't help but steal a glance at Feng Liu, thinking that this man was her only support in this lifetime, wondering if she should "fawn over him".

In the past half month, Qingxi has indeed made things much easier for me, as being unable to leave the residence naturally means I have not spent much money. However, it just so happens that Linglong Studio has recently released several new styles of jewelry, which Boss Liu personally brought to the Duke's residence for the ladies to choose from; this is their business strategy.

"Boss Liu, the items from your Linglong Studio are becoming increasingly exquisite," said Madam San, Du.

Qingxi hurriedly handed over the copied notebook, and the more Fengliu looked, the tighter his brows furrowed. Qingxi had a strong urge to turn and run away.

Feng Liu's words cannot be said to lack depth and sincerity, and Qing Xi likely sensed the underlying crisis. However, she is destined to have no descendants, and her current mindset is to live day by day, treating each day as a luxury. Yet, how long can such a life continue?

Linlang quickly nodded, as she was also uneasy about letting this master handle the money

For several days, Qingxi had not left the Orchid Fragrance Courtyard, instead hiding in her room. Even the matriarch thought she was ill and specifically sent He Yu to inquire about her condition

As soon as Qingxi stepped into the four-room residence, she instinctively lightened her footsteps