Chapter 3, the naive girl is inexperienced in worldly affairs
Rong Jie secretly shook his head, "One cannot chew more than one can swallow. Why not focus on portraying just one person, and master their essence?"
As soon as these words were spoken, Cui, Jie, and Yun all looked at Awu in surprise, and Awu realized that she had spoken out of turn. After Cui left, Awu, taking advantage of her youth, subtly inquired with Jie and Yun, and learned that the old lady of the Duke of Anguo was not as kind and amiable as she appeared during her usual visits; in private, she treated her daughters-in-law very strictly. She had not yet eaten, so which daughter-in-law would dare to eat first?
Li Lishan's family wanted to persuade further, but was stopped by the Cui family, "Alright, Jie and Ying should be getting out of school now"
"Do they not mock me now?" Cui said with some sadness, "I only wish that my Awu is not ridiculed by others"
Upon hearing this, Rong Jie let out a chuckle, realizing that A Wu was displeased
Each method has its own perspective. As the elder brother, Rong Jie naturally has to mediate, but it seems that the sixth sister's studies have shown some improvement
The mastery of calligraphy cannot be achieved overnight; do not worry and do not argue with others. Just look at your own writing a few years later, and it will surely astonish them.
Rong Jie quietly observed A Wu's tracing, noting that she had already traced one page of Yu Shinan, one page of Ouyang Xun, and another page of Yan Zhenqing, and was currently tracing Liu Gongquan.
This carving is crude, rough and unrefined, yet the Shoushan elder is endearingly simple and lovable, making it somewhat enjoyable to appreciate. Things like this, how could they possibly catch Awu's eye? However, seeing Rongzhen's face filled with anticipation, her heart stirred slightly, and she accepted it, saying, "This Shoushan elder is indeed charmingly silly."
Although the three rooms are rather shabby, the three children are indeed quite beautiful. Rong Jie is a person of integrity and grace, while Rong Yan still retains a childlike innocence, endearingly naive, and instantly evokes a sense of affection in others
"Oh, what a bold claim! It seems that our family is about to produce a second Lady Wei." Rong Jie was clearly skeptical.
After a while, Rong Jie saw A Wu deeply engrossed in practicing calligraphy, completely focused. He felt curious, as he knew that this younger sister had no talent for studying or writing. Every day, her practice was merely a way to get by. However, today she seemed to have entered a state of flow, able to calm her mind.
In these household trivialities, Awu is also quite foolish. With the wealth of the eldest princess, Awu's provisions are all of the finest quality, never having to worry about money. In her heart, she regards money as mere dirt, and even mentioning it feels vulgar. There are also some noblewomen who carry a hint of a moneyed air; she usually pays them no mind, finding them unbearably vulgar, exuding an overwhelming sense of banality, which she deeply detests.
For a moment, the steward brought back a food box, and Mrs. Cui smiled as she watched her three siblings eat, carefully arranging things for them, while she tidied up and went to the upper room to attend to the old lady, without mentioning it.
In my view, these four are akin to Li, Du, Han, and Su among poets, and to plum, orchid, bamboo, and chrysanthemum among the four plants, embodying the utmost mystery
But are we in a tight spot again?" Cui sighed softly
Awu exchanged a few perfunctory remarks with the Li family, and then they each went about their own business without further mention.
Upon hearing that Li Lishan's family was coming out, Awu quickly stepped back, pretending to have just entered the courtyard. When he saw her come out, he called out, "Li Mama"
As for the financial difficulties of the third household, it is even more beyond what one could have anticipated. In her previous life, Ah Wu, coming from a wealthy background, was someone whom everyone wished to give the best to. Even though her heart was as perceptive as a finely crafted object, she could not comprehend the plight of financial hardship. Thus, she readily expressed her desire for new clothes, not realizing that the third madam of the prestigious Duke's residence was in such straitened circumstances.
What is the reason for exclusively depicting the four families of Ou, Yu, Yan, and Liu? Rong Yan also came to join in after finishing his homework
Awu frowned, unable to bear such a sight. As he walked to the corridor, he heard voices coming from within.
However, Zhi and Yun did not think much of it, merely considering that Awu had suddenly become enlightened, as young men are inevitably somewhat rough in their thoughts
Ah Wu did not eavesdrop on purpose; it was merely that the conversation involved her. Given her ignorance of the circumstances in this residence, it was necessary for her to gain some understanding. Therefore, she held her breath and listened attentively.
"Madam, let us dine together before we go; otherwise, after attending to the elderly lady, who knows when we will be able to eat?" Awu had good intentions.
Madam, you only have that set of pearl headdress and a set of golden magnolia headdress. If you wear this set, you will only have one headdress to wear when you go out in the future. Those who look down on others will surely laugh at you
After a short while, thirteen-year-old Rong Jie and ten-year-old Rong Yan finished school and came to the Cui residence to pay their respects, which brought about another lively scene
Awu completed the final stroke, then set down the brush to wash the ink, using a handkerchief to wipe the sweat from his brow, clearly demonstrating his dedication. He then turned back and smiled at Rong Jie, saying: "Since ancient times, renowned masters such as Xi, Xian, Ou, Yu, Yan, and Liu, each established their own unique styles. Every stroke and dot bears a distinct appearance, and their essence is entirely dissimilar. It is evident that those who excel in calligraphy must transform their spirit and form a unique identity to truly master the art. Old Du said that learning from many teachers is to have many masters; I aim to gather the strengths of various schools and create my own style." Awu said this half-jokingly, half-seriously.
Upon hearing this, Awu immediately realized that something was amiss; she still could not resist the urge to show off.
Or perhaps they took the food box and went out to play in small groups, or they went to some courtyard to chat idly and forgot to return. The cunning old women were even harder to find, as they had already gone back home to take care of their husbands and sons.
"Fifth Brother, just listen to her tone; at such a young age, she dares to give orders and point fingers at everyone." Rong Zhen, feeling unconvinced, added, "But I particularly love Huangshan Valley." Rong Zhen, with her childish innocence and stubbornness, nevertheless insists on putting on a facade of maturity.
Speaking of writing, it is a significant regret for Awu. In her previous life, Awu had a frail body and weak wrists, and her writing always fell short of her aspirations, lacking a certain vigor. For Awu, who was devoted to the pursuit of perfection, this was indeed a major flaw in her life. It is truly regrettable that a talented woman who could rank among the best in the capital could not present her handwriting.
The librarian's mother fell ill, so I granted her half a day's leave, and the attendant went with the young girl to fetch the food box, " explained Cui.
By dinnertime, Awu found himself alone and bored, so he decided to go to the main house early. However, he found the courtyard of the Cui family eerily silent; this was the time when the busiest moments also made it the easiest to slack off.
Awu stood in the corridor, thinking that Cui must have furrowed his brows again. "A person like Third Master, who is as refined as a gentle breeze and elegant moon, if I were to scheme behind his back with all this copper stench, he would surely be angered upon his return. Moreover, if this were to spread outside, it would tarnish Third Master's reputation. For now, we can only hope that Third Master can pass this examination with flying colors."
Awu, preoccupied with her thoughts, did not engage in much conversation with the Cui family. The Cui family member picked up a needle and thread, while Awu rested her chin on her hand, gazing out the window in contemplation. In her memory, she recalled that from the twenty-third year of the Longqing era to the thirty-third year, there had been no news of any son from the Duke of Anguo's residence passing the imperial examination. It seemed her father’s future was worrisome
It seems that only my father, who achieved the degree of Jinshi in this lifetime, can bring about a change for the better. Awu began to ponder carefully whether this was feasible or not.
Yet she is the only one who is a great joke; the thoughts of the Li Lishan family, however, do not dare to speak them to the Cui family, fearing to hurt their feelings
Rong Yan touched the back of his head and smiled, "It's not worth much, tomorrow I will pick a better one for my sister."
"How is my younger sister doing? Fifth Brother and I were just saying that we would visit you after inquiring about your well-being," said Rong Sheng, the seventh brother of Awu. He then took out a bamboo-carved brush holder shaped like a Shoushan elder from behind him, "I saw this during my studies; do you like it, sister?"
Awu secretly nodded upon hearing this. Among the four professions of scholars, farmers, artisans, and merchants, commerce is regarded as the most lowly occupation. How could Awu, who has always been inclined towards the elegant pursuits of poetry and nature, hold merchants in high regard? Moreover, the thought of engaging in business herself was even more unthinkable. Even if the Cui family agreed, she would have to find a way to prevent it. Those yellow and white objects, while unavoidable, were not something a noble family should concern themselves with; how could one devote oneself to scheming over them without tarnishing the family reputation
After the meal, Yan and Ying returned to their courtyard to do their homework, while Awu, feeling bored, decided to follow them. Not wanting to disturb Yan and Ying, Awu took some ink, paper, and a writing brush to practice calligraphy.
Alright, alright. "Cui said with a headache, interrupting Li Lishan's family, "I know it is difficult. Once the monthly salary is paid at the beginning of the month, things will ease up a bit. As a mother, I feel useless and I owe it to Awu. If I do not meet her small requests, how will I face her in the future? Go and pawn my set of pearl headdresses, and have some clothes made for Awu.
Has your sister been getting better and feeling well?
The madam is aware that the monthly allowances for the third master and the two young masters are insufficient for their social engagements. The third master studies and apprentices, and every time he needs to pay for his studies, it is the madam who uses her dowry to supplement him, which is now nearly depleted. A few days ago, the young lady was ill and needed ginseng to replenish her energy. I went to ask the second madam for some, but that little girl Cui Ping only wrapped a few coins of ginseng residue for me. In the end, it was still the madam who used her private funds to buy a few slices of ginseng to save the young lady. Every item of food for the young lady while she was ill required money before the kitchen would agree to prepare it. Tomorrow, the young lady wants to eat yam cake, which will cost another three hundred coins, and only then did the Lin family in the kitchen agree to it.
Yesterday, I discussed a matter with my wife, and she has reached a conclusion. There is a shop on Changyang Street that is up for sale. We can manage to take it over, which would provide us with a means of livelihood in the future
Upon entering the room, Ah Wu said: "Madam, there is no one here to attend to you. Where are the clerks and the painters? When I came in, I didn't even see a doorman."
Li Lishan let out a long sigh and had no choice but to give up. Although the Third Master is talented, he has failed to pass three subjects in the examinations, and with age now against him, it is uncertain whether he can succeed this time. However, life in the Third House of the Duke's residence has become increasingly difficult.
Madam, it is not that I am criticizing you, but how can you allow Miss Liu to act so recklessly? Just the other day, we tailored her spring clothes, and now you are letting her use private funds to add new garments. The young lady is still quite young and is in a growth spurt; the clothes we make now will not fit her next year. Is this not a waste?