Chapter 2, the thoughts of a young girl are particularly complex

"Madam, have you just returned from the ancestral home? Is the ancestor in good health?" The young girl lifted the soft silk curtain, and Cui saw Awu standing at the door with a beaming smile.

"Madam, this acupuncture technique appears quite different from others, weaving through flowers and winding around willows, dazzling to the eyes." Awu tilted his head towards Mrs. Cui

She then chose a pink high-collared inner garment, and Awu had Ziyan style her hair into a bun. Rong Wuyou's jewelry was limited and not particularly precious. Awu used two delicate gold rose bracelets to string together a dozen or so pearl or petal-shaped earrings, wrapping them around the bun, exuding an indescribable innocence, tenderness, and charm.

Awu smiled but did not dare to respond, thinking that her previous incarnation was not closely related to this mother. With nothing to do, Awu also flipped through the childish writings left from her past life, reflecting on how, at such a young age, she lamented the spring and autumn while still being vain, constantly yearning to learn from Rongwu and shamelessly trying to ingratiate herself with others.

Now, seeing Cui's unusual surprise at being favored by her, Awu feels even more disdain for her previous self. It is precisely because her mother was born a concubine that she, like Rong Wu and a few others, looks down on her mother. What kind of reasoning is this? They do not even understand the basic principle of filial piety.

First, looking at the sewing basket of the Cui family, it contains every kind of fabric scraps and all colors of threads and needles; only a true expert could possess such a complete collection. In contrast, the sewing basket of the previous generation is a chaotic mess, with an unfinished embroidered pouch that is truly embarrassing to show to others. The previous generation was not skilled in needlework, as they were solely focused on learning from Rong Wu to become a talented woman, yet they failed to grasp the essentials of talent, truly a case of wasted potential.

"Why did I suddenly think of styling a bun today?" Cui Shi fiddled with Awu's hair. She usually loved to learn from Rong Wu, and although she was still very young, she insisted on styling her hair like a grown-up girl. Rong Wu is already eleven years old this year, while Awu is only eight (both referring to their ages in lunar years)

In fact, without being told, Awu could also discern the situation of the Cui family. Household matters were not for her, a concubine's daughter-in-law, to manage. When visiting relatives, others looked down on her for being of illegitimate birth, and even more so for marrying a husband of the same status. During her time as a princess, Awu had seen many of the ladies of the Rong family, yet her own mother was now rarely seen.

Zi Yan saw that A Wu had been looking at the purple robe for a long time, and thought she had chosen it. Therefore, she took a white skirt with a gold-threaded chrysanthemum pattern from another cabinet and presented it before A Wu.

In recent days, Ah Wu has been ill, and has often heard the maid concocting tales about her past. Instead of behaving like a proper mistress, she has taken to imitating Rong Wu in every way, to the point of it becoming pathological. In this household, not only the mistresses but even the more prominent maids look down upon her demeanor.

In her previous life, the Empress personally came to invite her to the palace to teach the princess. In this life, there is no need to continue studying alongside her sisters. Moreover, Awu believes that based on her experiences, no matter how talented a young woman may be, it is still inferior to having a beautiful face.

Even her biological mother, Rao, gazed at her for a moment in a daze. Seeing that Awu was different today, Cui noted that in the past, Awu favored the extravagant style of Rongwu, which was ostentatious and made her appear older than her years, like a layer of gold shell forcibly placed over a peony, detracting from its grace. Today, however, she looked delicate and innocent, adorned with a rosy complexion and jade-like features, so endearing that it left one at a loss on how to express their affection, wishing only to hold her close and gently caress her.

"Is it not beautiful?" Wu You asked timidly, pretending to be shy.

"Madam, please teach me, I am so pitiful that I can't even embroider a purse properly." Ah Wu Hou went up to act cute.

Do not worry, nodding slightly, he resigned from the Cui family and returned to the West Cross Courtyard without further mention

Cui felt a bit sad as she adjusted Awu's hair accessories. Although she was often looked down upon by the daughters of the first and second households, Awu simply loved to play with Rong Wu. This time, her illness was also due to Rong Wu. If it weren't for those two mischievous scoundrels, Rong Si and Rong Wu, tricking Awu into fetching some useless items for them, how could she have been caught in the heavy rain and nearly lost her life

At a young age, she exudes a captivating and graceful charm in her demeanor.

Today I feel much better, let's go sit in the lady's room. The lady referred to by Awu is the third mistress of the Rong family, Lady Cui

"Do not use this one," Awu pointed to another plain pink gauze skirt in the cabinet, "it goes with that one."

Awu nodded slightly, no wonder, Cui's family is merely the daughter of a sub-official in Qingzhou, how could she aspire to the son of the Duke of Anguo, even if he is a illegitimate son, it is still not possible. I did not expect there to be this layer of reason behind it

"If you want to eat, tomorrow I will have the big kitchen prepare something for you." Cui looked at Awu with affection, "Your body seems to have recovered, and there is color returning to your face."

"Books are naturally meant to be read; I will return to my studies in a few days." Without waiting for Cui to continue speaking, Awu diverted the conversation and sought her guidance on needlework.

In her previous life, she was proud and defiant, refusing to accept her fate, constantly competing with Gu Xihui in every aspect. Ultimately, she exhausted herself emotionally and physically, causing her parents to grieve and shed tears. In this life, she must learn to cherish her blessings.

Cui looked into Awu's bright and shimmering eyes, unable to utter a word of refusal, "You just do as you say." Cui patted Wuyou's hand

This is truly the attire of the Fifth Young Lady of the day. Seeing that Zi Yan's hands and feet are so skilled, it is likely not the first time she has done such a thing, which makes me feel even more embarrassed.

Cui did not doubt Awu's change, simply because she liked Awu too much; she liked her no matter what she looked like. Moreover, now that Awu was clingy towards her, she was even more delighted, forgetting to consider anything else.

Only the Cui family and Master Rong San truly care for her, allowing her to behave in such an absurd manner

When it comes to women's embroidery, Cui seemed to open a floodgate of conversation. "This was taught to me by your grandmother. Your grandmother was originally a seamstress in your grandfather's household, and her needlework was unparalleled in Qingzhou at that time. Initially, a double-sided embroidery depicting wealth and nobility was purchased by a noble from the capital and presented to the palace. Even the Empress Dowager inquired about it, praising it as 'Cui embroidery'.

Cui had just returned from attending to the old lady in the upper room when Awu got up and went to Cui's main house

This statement is indeed true, Awu's beauty is flourishing, and she is at a time of innocence and exuberance, looking good in every way

"How can it not look good? My daughter looks good in whatever she wears," Cui said with pride.

In this outfit, Awu appears even more delicate and charming than when she used to imitate the elegant and dignified Fifth Young Lady, which is more fitting for her age.

You are also eight years old, it is time for you to learn some feminine skills, but your health has not yet fully recovered. I will teach you slowly after some time.

Today, Cui observed that Awu's demeanor and mannerisms were exceptionally different, showcasing the elegance of a noble family at every turn. She believed in her heart that this was the result of Awu's diligent studies. As a mother, she tended to view everything in a positive light, yet she failed to consider that Awu had begun her education at the age of six, and how it was that in the preceding years, there had been no sign of the grace she displayed today

Cui held Awu in her arms, affectionately kissed her, and exclaimed: "You truly are my dear heart, why did you come here by yourself? I was just about to go see you." Cui looked at Awu with tenderness, asking, "Is Awu feeling better? What did you eat this morning? Were you able to digest it?"

Mother, I would like to make a few new outfits, is that alright?" Awu shook the hem of Cui's garment

Awu glanced at the rosewood furniture in the Cui family's house. Although it was indeed valuable, it was mostly made of spliced wood, which could never compare to the worth of furniture crafted from solid blocks of wood. In that moment, Awu couldn't help but sigh, realizing that heaven truly does not allow anyone to have it easy. In this life, although she had obtained the beauty she had longed for in her previous life, she was born into a position that was neither here nor there.

"The sweet potato cake filled with a layer of red dates is the most delicious. Although it is not as good as the pastries made by the chef of the princess's residence, it is still passable," Wu You sighed inwardly.

In this life, Awu has already become Awu. For the sake of convenience in documentation, we will continue to refer to Awu in the future

Listening to the affectionate words "Awu", although they are homophones with different characters, Awu still feels a bit emotional, recalling the parents who truly loved him for over twenty years, and wondering how they are in this lifetime

To make Awu as humble and laughable as her former self, that is something she absolutely cannot do

When doing embroidery, my health was poor, and I hardly touched needlework. I thought that before she died, she couldn't even make a pouch for her parents with her own hands, nor could she leave them a memento, which made my heart ache for a moment

"What can I do, but take out the clothes of your two elder brothers to mend, and make a couple of insoles for your father." This is the daily life of Cui.

I will watch my wife for a while. Indeed, Awu was completely focused on watching the Cui family engage in needlework.

As soon as Cui mentioned the double-sided embroidery of "Jade Hall and Prosperity," Awu immediately thought of it, for that very "Jade Hall and Prosperity" was part of her princess mother's dowry, which had been brought into the princess's residence. The eldest princess possessed countless treasures, yet she held the double-sided embroidery of "Jade Hall and Prosperity" in particularly high regard. It was only when distinguished guests visited that she would have it taken out from the storeroom for display, and once the guests departed, it would be promptly put away again.

Cui amusingly ruffled Wu You's hair, saying, "You child, now that you're well, you're getting attached to people."

"What is there to see in my sewing? You are feeling better, so save your eyes. If you truly recover, you should return to study with your sisters." Cui sighed inwardly. This child, Awu, has outstanding looks, but her mind is not sharp; she cannot study well at all. Cui does not expect Awu to be as exceptional as Rong Wu, but for girls from families like theirs, it would be a joke if they cannot read or write. Moreover, it is said that 'a person with knowledge exudes elegance.' Awu is good in every way, but her demeanor appears timid, which is unappealing, and she needs to study even more. Cui does not expect Awu to be as exceptional as Rong Wu, but for girls from families like theirs, it would be a joke if they cannot read or write. Moreover, it is said that 'a person with knowledge exudes elegance.' Awu is good in every way, but her demeanor appears timid, which is unappealing, and she needs to study even more.

Reading? Do not worry, secretly find it amusing

"Mother loves me the most." Awu nestled her head into Lady Cui's embrace. In the past, even her mother, who always wore a stern expression, could not resist such a display of affection, let alone Lady Cui.

At this point, recalling the difficulties posed by the large kitchen, Cui could not help but frown. Thinking of Awu, so lovely and delicate, if she had not been mistakenly placed in her own belly, how could life be so humble, to the extent that even the food could not be chosen freely

Dressed neatly, Zi Shan brought the golden sunflower eight-treasure pendant longevity lock that A Wu Su Ri had been wearing to assist her in putting it on. Every young lady in the Rong residence possesses such a longevity lock.

What is mother doing today?" Awu sat up

If I were to change to my own princess mother, it would surely involve brewing tea with morning dew, sweeping flowers to welcome guests in the afternoon, and having trusted maids take care of the household chores, while esteemed guests would always be visiting.