Chapter 9: A Day at Home

Is Xiao Yan still not asleep? Lin Wenqing was somewhat surprised

Lin Wenqing could only explain: "It is not a serious chronic illness. As long as I rest well for a few days, I will be able to regain my strength. In fact, I can attend classes at the academy tomorrow."

Lin Wenqing's heart had long been nurtured by the painting aunt, but she was troubled by her status as a daughter, with strict parental discipline that bordered on confinement. By the time she reached sixteen, apart from this trip to the State of Qi, her previous activities had never extended beyond Hong City. It was utterly impossible for her to roam the world freely according to her own desires. Therefore, since childhood, she had developed a particular fondness for reading travelogues, as if she could journey to places like Jinzhi Jimo and Zhouzhi Wei River alongside the authors' narratives.

Rest assured, my esteemed elder sister, with your younger brother here, I guarantee that when you return, there will be neither wind nor rain, nor any sorrow!

Lin Wenqing's heart skipped a beat. Feeling somewhat guilty, he glanced at Chu Ying and, seeing that his expression was normal and there was nothing particularly significant about it, he forced a silly smile and said: "Yes, it's a hereditary constitution from the family; there's nothing I can do about it."

Their mother, Qihui Jun, believed that her daughter had changed her temperament, and for several consecutive days, she was unable to contain her joy, her entire face blooming like a flower. In the end, she brought up, almost as if seeking credit, that the young Master Zheng, who had been arranged to be paired with Lin Wenqing, had somehow fled from the marriage, leaving a note behind. He immediately played along, feigning sadness and distress, allowing Qihui Jun to be both pleased with her daughter's transformation and resentful of Master Zheng's elopement. He further expressed that as the eldest daughter of the Lin family, being jilted during a matchmaking event was truly embarrassing, severely damaging to her self-esteem, and she was genuinely worried about encountering such individuals in the future, which would tarnish her reputation even more. Seeing him so troubled, Qihui Jun began to blame herself for not being discerning enough when choosing a son-in-law, inadvertently causing her daughter to bear such a shadow, and for a moment, she dared not arrange for any talented young men to stay at Linjiabao.

Lazily opening her eyes, she discovered that Lin Yan was already standing beside her with a basin of water. This made Lin Wenqing feel embarrassed to linger any longer, so she hurriedly got up to wash up

Looking at Lin Wenjing's somewhat playful words and thinking of their mother, who was being led around in circles, Lin Wenqing couldn't help but feel admiration. After all, Lin Wenjing was the child that their mother, Qi Huijun, had carried for ten months and raised single-handedly. When it came to understanding their mother, Lin Wenqing admitted that he could not compare to his younger brother. It was no wonder that Lin Wenjing could grasp their mother's intentions so accurately and easily alleviate her worries about the pressure of marriage.

After reading the letter, Lin Wenqing raised her head and felt a gentle breeze brushing against her face, bringing a refreshing coolness. Looking again at Daqi Lake, she saw the shimmering water and the fragrant lotus flowers, a splendid scene. At this moment, Lin Yan had also brought over some fruits. Lin Wenqing stood up, picked a peach from the plate, took a bite, and suddenly felt an urge to read in light of the current scenery. She instructed, "Xiao Yan, please help me fetch a book from the study and place it on the desk. The title is... 'Chronicles of Mountains and Rivers', yes, that's the name."

"Yes, Miss!" Lin Yan nodded.

"What a strange chronic illness," Chu Ying raised an eyebrow and said

Lin Wenqing lay in bed, feeling a heaviness in her lower abdomen, so she turned over, a wave of frustration rising within her

"A Brief History of Mountains and Rivers" describes the customs and traditions of various countries around the world. It was discovered by Lin Wenqing while browsing the Guangnifu library not long ago. This book is handwritten, making it particularly eye-catching among a pile of books, so Lin Wenqing casually took it home. However, due to the ensuing complexities of life, the book has remained untouched on the study desk, gathering dust.

Lin Wenqing took it, took a small sip, and the slightly hot water temperature was just right for her current thoughts. After the boiled water went down, the earlier gloom vanished completely. She suddenly exclaimed, "Why is the water hot? Have you been keeping the stove on all this time?"

... ...

Lin Wenjing grumbled like an old man about the hardships and exhaustion of dressing in women's clothing at home, complaining that Xiao Liuer was too strict, forbidding this and that. Even dressing in men's clothing to go play in Hongcheng, as Lin Wenqing usually did, was not allowed. Moreover, due to a few threats from Lin Wenqing before leaving, he dared not go against Xiao Liuer's words and could only obediently stay at home, truly resembling a young lady.

Unable to find the author, Lin Wenqing could only sigh softly, open the book, and continue his spiritual communion with this author and the text.

Finding it truly interesting, Lin Wenqing turned the pages of the book, hoping to find the author's name. She flipped back and forth, yet there was no trace to be found. She felt a slight regret, knowing that this was likely a work of an unknown author. There are always those in the world who are talented yet unrecognized, pouring their heart and soul into ink and pen, leaving their works for future kindred spirits.

Discussing such topics, Lin Yan felt somewhat uncomfortable hearing Lin Yanquan call her "Young Master." She could only be grateful that the night could cover her embarrassment, forcing a smile as she said, "When there are no outsiders around, you don't have to call me 'Young Master' anymore, Xiao Yan."

This book, "A Brief Account of Mountains and Rivers," not only describes the scenic beauty of famous mountains and rivers but also records the customs and human sentiments of various regions, as well as the personalities and charm of individuals. When the writing reaches a point of great enthusiasm, it often indulges in extensive discussions. The entire composition flows like the antlers of an antelope, leaving no trace to be found.

Lin Wenqing placed the jade cup on the small table beside her, leaned against the pillow, yet her mind was occupied with thoughts of how she had indeed chosen the right maid this time. Xiao Yan was meticulous in her work and did not chatter unnecessarily, embodying the spirit of following her orders precisely. Unfortunately, she was a bit too proper, rigidly adhering to the master-servant distinction, which made her service overly attentive. Remembering the past, when she used to frolic with the mischievous Xiao Liu, who would often act like an older sister and lecture her, Lin Wenqing suddenly found herself missing her. She wondered how Xiao Liu and Xiao Jing were doing now, and whether their parents had discovered anything.

Where are you going

It is very late. Xiaoyan, hurry up and go to sleep," Lin Wenqing advised again, "I have hands and feet, and I can take care of myself. You just need to take care of your own sleep.

Lin Wenqing was momentarily taken aback, unable to react, thinking to himself, who else could there be in the house besides me? It was only then that he realized that the "young lady" was actually his younger brother, Lin Wenjing, in disguise.

She leaned against the railing with a cheerful demeanor, opened the envelope, and wondered what her long-lost brother would write to her.

Time flies by, and before one knows it, it is already the time of the setting sun. Realizing that the book in her hand had been taken away, Lin Wenqing hurriedly looked up, only to find Chu Ying smiling at her.

Leaning against the railing, with his feet casually propped up on the stone bench in front, Lin Wenqing once again felt the advantages of being a man as he welcomed the breeze blowing across the lake; if he were dressed as a woman, such a posture would surely attract curious glances from others

"What brings you here?" Lin Wenqing replied without getting angry, only asking in return.

Does the young master want some water? A timid voice came from outside the curtain

Um. During the day, please ask Xiao Yang to help set up a stove outside the room, using a low flame to warm this kettle of water. I think, given the young master's recent condition, he would want to drink boiled water

Since your health is no longer a concern, let's go out and have some fun tonight. I'll treat you. " Chu Ying said as she pulled Lin Wenqing and led her outside.

Lin Yan was sleeping on the small bed outside Lin Wenqing's room, a space exclusively designated for personal maids. Through the layers of gauze, Lin Wenqing could only see her petite figure seemingly rising from that small bed. Soon, a green jade cup filled with water appeared before her.

The liveliest place in Yucheng tonight

Fearing that she might accidentally expose herself while out, Lin Wenqing instructed Xiao Yang to obtain several sick leave forms from the office. Thus, she spent a few peaceful days at home, focusing on self-cultivation. Since she did not have to attend classes, Lin Wenqing casually slept in until the sun was high in the sky.

After finishing his grooming, Lin Yan handed over a letter, saying: "This was just delivered from the gatekeeper. It is said to be sent by the young lady from home."

"... ... is, Miss!" This time, Lin Yan's response was not as straightforward, showing some hesitation. Nevertheless, she obediently returned to her little bed.

Upon touching the book handed over by Lin Yan, one could indeed feel a fine layer of dust on the cover. Lin Wenqing wiped away the dust, opened the book, and the more he read, the more it suited his taste.

"I heard from the scholars that you took another leave. So I came to check on you, but you seem to be in good spirits!" Chu Ying winked at her

She took the envelope in silence, and indeed, it bore the familiar handwriting of her younger brother. Upon seeing this ink, Lin Wenqing suddenly thought that while appearances could be disguised to confuse, she did not know how her brother managed to conceal his handwriting as well. Remembering Lin Wenjing's disheveled appearance at home, her mood inexplicably brightened, and she cheerfully instructed, "Xiao Yan, prepare some fruits and send them to Tingyu Pavilion." After saying this, she strode towards Tingyu Pavilion.