Chapter 4

Hmm. Ji Ling nodded, her hands and feet were very nimble, and in just a short while, she had dressed herself. When Qian Mian entered holding a glass of mint water, Ji Ling was in the process of styling her hair into a small bun.

Now, seeing that the old lady has already raised a little girl by her side, Shuzhen immediately realizes that she has no chance, and how could she still have a good attitude towards Ji Ling

Now that she has met Ji Ling, Shuzhen finally understands what it means that there are heavens beyond heavens and people beyond people. A country girl with muddy legs and an unwashed face surprisingly surpasses her in beauty. How can she not feel envy?

Qian Mian said: "The young lady can certainly wear simple clothes nowadays, but if she grows a bit older, it may become somewhat difficult for her to wear them properly. First, let the young lady rinse her mouth with this mint water, and I will help her rearrange her clothes."

"A-Ling, this is your sixth younger sister, Shu-Zhen." Since Shu-Zhen came up to ask, the old lady took the opportunity to introduce Ji-Ling.

When Qianmian came to wake Ji Ling up, she was dreaming of practicing calligraphy. As she got out of bed, Ji Ling couldn't help but rub her wrist, as if the soreness was still there.

When he walked in, he was as graceful as the willows in spring, and his demeanor was as bright as the snow on the mountain peak. His eyes sparkled with brilliance, and his gaze was radiant. The noble elegance and charm of a scion of a prestigious family were vividly embodied in him, making people both admire and feel inferior in comparison. Such a handsome man would even receive endless praise from storytellers for his splendid appearance

It is acceptable as it is, for the eight-year-old Shuzhen has already blossomed into a beautiful girl. When she goes out to visit, others praise her, and even her aunt says that among all the young ladies in the household, she is the most beautiful. This is because her aunt is exceptionally beautiful herself; otherwise, she would not have caught the eye of the esteemed Lord Chu and been brought into the household.

Although Ji Ling did not understand the complexities between adults, her family had taught her since childhood. Ji Ling shook her head and said: "This bracelet from the Second Madam is too valuable; A Ling cannot accept it"

Chu Hu Dao: "I know you possess great talent, but there are always greater heights beyond the heavens and greater individuals beyond humanity. You must not become arrogant and self-satisfied. Should you fail to achieve success next year, you may find it difficult to face others with dignity."

What Shuzhen did not know was that even without Jiling, the old lady would not take her in. A harmonious family is the foundation of all prosperity; she would never allow her relationship with her daughter-in-law to deteriorate for the sake of a granddaughter born out of wedlock. However, neither Shuzhen nor her aunt was that rational. Perhaps they had some reason, but they always needed a scapegoat, and Jiling became the object of their deep-seated resentment.

Not long after Master Chu took his seat, the eldest son of the Chu family, Chu Shi, arrived at Jialetang.

Chu Shi nodded, stood up, and escorted Chu Hu to the gate of the courtyard before turning back.

Today, an old classmate from the past is hosting a gathering, so I have come to the city. It is getting late now, and I plan to return tomorrow.

After Shuzhen, the other three ladies also came forward one after another to greet Ji Ling and exchanged pleasantries regarding their ages, but there was not much conversation among them. The second and third young ladies, both born of legitimate families, exhibited a certain pride; not to mention someone of Ji Ling's background, even those noble ladies in the capital would not pay much attention to them if their temperaments did not align.

Ji Ling immediately felt a sense of curiosity towards Chu Shi

The elderly lady's greatest concern is her eldest grandson, and indeed, Chu Shi possesses remarkable abilities. At the age of fourteen, he achieved the status of a successful candidate in the imperial examination, which could have led to a historical success story. However, his teacher advised him to take some time to consolidate his knowledge. Although he could have continued to excel, there was no guarantee that he would secure a place among the top three ranks. Therefore, Chu Shi did not participate in the subsequent examination the following year. However, it is calculated that in February of next year, the nineteen-year-old Chu Shi will be ready to take the examination again.

Indeed, Lady Zhou's daughter is exceptionally beautiful and possesses a gentle and amiable demeanor. She took the initiative to undertake the task of teaching Ji Ling to read.

After dinner, the master of the Chu family returned from the yamen to pay his respects to the matriarch, and Ji Ling also stepped forward to bow.

Qian Mian quickly put down the water cup and said: "Why has the young lady dressed herself? In the future, just wait for this servant to attend to you."

Madam Zhang placed the gold bracelet onto Ji Ling's wrist, causing Ji Ling to feel somewhat breathless. How slender a child's wrist is, how could it bear such a heavy object

Ji Ling hid her head under the quilt, silently shedding tears. She missed her aunt; although the old lady treated her very well, she always felt out of place in the Chu residence, like a mountain chicken that had flown into a phoenix's nest.

When Chu Shi entered again, he finally noticed that there was a little girl beside the old lady, and he was momentarily taken aback

In the night, Ji Ling had another dream, in which Madam Su took her to meet Master Zhou, only to discover that Madam Zhou was a woman. Due to her poor health, she did not wish to teach another girl. In the dream, Ji Ling clearly saw the cold glance that Madam Zhou cast at her; although she was exceptionally talented, her haughty demeanor was unmistakable, and naturally, she was unwilling to teach a simple, foolish girl from the countryside like her.

When the maid of the listening curtain announced the arrival of the eldest son, Ji Ling敏感ly noticed that almost everyone's eyes in the hall lit up. The old lady wore a joyful expression, while the maids, including Nan Hui, appeared somewhat shy and timid

"You must make it up another day, and you cannot back out of it," the old lady said with a smile

Although Ji Ling is not very articulate, she is quite sensitive and immediately notices that Qian Mian's attitude towards her has changed. She murmurs, "I can dress myself."

The old lady was fiercely protective of her grandson, and Chu Hu dared not say more. Fortunately, he was quite satisfied with this son, so he refrained from further comments. "Then A Shi, stay and talk with your grandmother for a while longer," Chu Hu said, feeling somewhat fatigued as he rubbed his brow.

Ji Ling felt somewhat puzzled. Did Madam Zhang really prefer such heavy and seemingly robust jewelry? However, the piece she wore on her head was quite simple.

Grandmother, Father. When Chu Shi entered, he greeted both the old lady and the elder master Chu Hu.

Ji Ling stood up and greeted Shu Zhen, saying, "Sixth Sister." Her bow was very proper, and her posture was standard and graceful. The old lady assumed that Qian Mian had taught Ji Ling in private, and she felt quite pleased. Naturally, she did not want to raise a girl who could not hold her own in public, as that would cause her too much worry.

Although Lord Chu Hu and Madam Su are both exceptionally outstanding individuals, Ji Ling did not expect their son to surpass them to such a degree

This pair that Lady Zhang received was also a gift from someone in the past, and it has always been kept away and rarely seen. Now, it is just right to give it to Ji Ling, as one would naturally be delighted to see so much gold coming from the countryside.

Of course, Madam Zhang did not have the courage to speak directly to the old lady, so she could only set her sights on Ji Ling. She wanted the old lady to see how these young girls from her maternal family could not amount to anything, and there was no need to go to such lengths. Therefore, Madam Zhang smiled brightly at Ji Ling and asked, "Do you like this gold bracelet, A Ling?"

The old lady shook her head and said, "Aling, from now on just call him cousin, we are all family, there is no need for formality." This was, in fact, the old lady expressing her stance to Chu Shi.

Lord Chu, who currently serves as the Left Vice Minister in the Supervisory Office, is well-preserved and exudes a refined and gentle demeanor. Men are different from women; as long as the old lady is fond of it, even if she raises ten young girls, Lord Chu Hu will support her. Therefore, he gifted Ji Ling a complete set of the Four Treasures of the Study.

Ji Ling stepped forward and bowed to Chu Shi, timidly calling out, "Young Master."

Naturally not

Before Chu Shi could say anything, the old lady hurriedly defended, "Who can say for certain about these exams? If you don't pass one year, you can just try again next time. There's nothing to be ashamed of. Moreover, A Shi is very sensible. He just returned from outside in spring, having traveled for three years, and I have hardly seen him. Yet you are so eager to send him off to the academy again. Today, because it got late, he is staying in the city for the night, and you are already scolding him like this."

The elderly lady gently pushed Ji Ling forward and said, "This is your new cousin from the Ji family, A Ling. She will be living in Jialetang from now on"

"Why have you suddenly returned today?" Chu Hu asked. According to what should be, Chu Shi should be studying at the academy at this time, as he is due to take the examination next year.

It is no secret that the old lady wishes to raise a young girl in the household. Shuzhen's aunt is particularly eager to place her in front of the old lady for upbringing. Not to mention other benefits, the most compelling reason is that during the marriage negotiations, she would not have to be manipulated by her legitimate mother. Moreover, when it comes to marriage, the old lady's dowry will certainly be more generous than that of the other granddaughters.

The old lady said: "She is still young, how can she wear such a heavy bracelet? I will have someone take it to be modified, and have a few pairs made for children instead."

Madam Zhang naturally knew that the old lady did not like it, yet she did it anyway. She truly did not understand the old lady; why must she raise a little maid? If it was for amusement, couldn't they just send someone to Jiangnan to buy some singing maids? What is this situation now? What does it mean for her dear sister to be considered a sister to a country bumpkin?

Ji Ling nodded. In fact, there is no fixed pattern for how children sleep; it is common for them to move from the head of the bed to the foot and even fall off the bed. However, upon arriving at this residence, she could no longer be a child.

When Chu Shi walked in, Ji Ling roughly understood why everyone's eyes lit up.

Chu Shi smiled and said, "I did not know that a new cousin has been added to the family; today I have not prepared a gift for our meeting"

"Indeed, it is quite late. If you were to ride back to the academy now, it would not be good to fall in the dark." The old lady quickly said

The old lady cast a cold glance at Madam Zhang; both of her daughters-in-law were highborn ladies, generally proud and aloof, looking down on others

While Chu Shi was conversing with the old lady, Qian Mian took Ji Ling downstairs to wash up and prepare for bed

Madam Zhang glanced at the old lady and thought to herself, she has only been raised for half a day, and already she feels pity

The old lady spoke up: "Don't call me the Second Madam, it sounds too distant. From now on, just call me Auntie."

Although Shuzhen is only 8 years old this year, in such a prominent family, the young girl cannot help but mature early

Qian Mian attended to Ji Ling as she got into bed and softly said: "You are close to the old lady here, so be careful not to toss and turn too much while sleeping at night. The old lady has a light sleep, and it would not be good to wake her up."

Miss, it is time to get up. The lady will take you to school later

During dinner, Ji Ling also encountered Madam Zhang from the second branch. In her youth, she was the most beautiful woman in the capital, and she still possesses a beauty that seems untouched by time. Upon seeing Ji Ling, she presented her with a pair of gold bracelets weighing eight taels each. Such substantial gold bracelets are typically worn only by the wives of nouveau riche families in the capital, and for a family like the Chu's to wear them would only invite ridicule.