Chapter Eight, The Third Daughter of the Xiao Family

Xiao Cheng cleared his throat and looked at his little sister, who was pouting. With a wry smile, he said, "If Second Brother truly thought that way, would he still go out of his way to find these books for you? It's just that Second Brother feels you are spending too much time on this."

Xiao Cheng is very fond of and loves this little sister. If given a choice, he would prefer that his little sister could remain innocent and naive, living a simple and happy life forever

As soon as the door was closed, the previously serious expression of Xiao Yi instantly became lively, as she fixed her gaze on Xiao Cheng and extended a hand, saying: "Second brother, where is the book you promised to find for me?"

Xiao Yi snorted, sat down in the large chair behind the writing desk, crossed her legs beneath her, and stared at Xiao Cheng with her big eyes: "Second brother, do you really think that I am only worthy of reading the Book of Women, the Book of Female Virtue, and the Book of Female Morality? Or do you believe that we women can only spend our days in the room sewing and embroidering?"

With the father as the guiding principle, and the husband as the guiding principle, women ultimately revolve around the family. For a daughter, having too broad a perspective and understanding too much may not necessarily be a good thing for her future; it could lead to feelings of pain, confusion, and resentment. When a person harbors grand ambitions yet finds themselves powerless within a confined space, it is likely to be an extremely painful experience for them.

"Eldest Miss." Xiao Cheng bowed to Xiao Han and then turned to bow to Gao, saying: "Eldest Sister-in-law."

However, this kind of thinking is very dangerous

Rest assured, Erlang, I will make the arrangements once you go down

Xiao Cheng stood up and nodded, saying: "Regarding those matters, I kindly ask Grandpa Xu to expedite them a bit."

"Little sister, you really have read too many of these books; you see conspiracies and schemes in everything! This is not good!" Xiao Cheng said, ruffling Xiao Yi's hair, "Just think about these matters, but don't mention them to outsiders."

The official who has reached the age of destiny suddenly desires to leave a mark in history, establishing the Second King as the Crown Prince, and then gathering the strength of the entire nation in hopes of rapidly revitalizing the military in order to launch a northern expedition

With an older brother like this, no one can bully the little sister

Xu Wuyan listened, then turned to Xiao Cheng and cupped his hands in salute: "Erlang, this old servant shall take my leave first"

Xiao Cheng shook his head, fearing that his younger sister's idea had little chance of realization. Perhaps in this world, there is only himself who can accommodate such talent as his younger sister's. Even their father and elder brother would regard many of his younger sister's insights as heretical.

What Xiao Cheng handed to Xiao Yi was surprisingly a copy of the "Bamboo Annals," a historical text that is quite difficult to find outside. This particular historical book contains many accounts that greatly differ from, and even directly contradict, the common understanding of the world. From the perspective of the rulers, such records could even threaten the legitimacy of their rule, which is why it has always been listed among prohibited books

"How could we not get in touch?" Xiao Yi tilted her head and said: "The Yan and Huang Emperors are the ancestors of the Chinese people. Kuafu was a general under the Yan Emperor, and Yinglong was a subordinate of the Huang Emperor. The alliance of Yan and Huang defeated Chiyou, and thereafter the two emperors were revered equally. However, later emperors were all descendants of the Huang Emperor, weren't they? It is not impossible for Yinglong to have secretly killed Kuafu to assist the Huang Emperor. Brother, do not forget that during the great war of the gods, Yinglong was the most adept at controlling wind and rain. The waters of the Huang and Huai Rivers surely were not insufficient for Kuafu to drink; I suspect that Yinglong must have tampered with them." Kuafu was a general under the Yan Emperor, and it is not impossible for Yinglong to have secretly killed Kuafu to assist the Huang Emperor. Brother, do not forget that during the great war of the gods, Yinglong was the most adept at controlling wind and rain. The waters of the Huang and Huai Rivers surely were not insufficient for Kuafu to drink; I suspect that Yinglong must have tampered with them.

Regardless of the circumstances, life must go on, and it is necessary to make some plans and arrangements for the future. However, if one becomes so fearful that they do nothing at all, spending each day in constant worry, it is evident that this is not the behavior of a rational person

If Xiao Yi were a man, he would be considered exceptionally gifted, but unfortunately, she is a woman, which makes Xiao Cheng feel that continuing like this for a long time is not a good thing for Xiao Yi

My younger sister possesses extraordinary talent, which is quite rare in the world. However, you must remember this: do not let others know. Xiao Cheng smiled and said, "If your future husband finds out that your talents surpass his, it may not be beneficial for your marital relationship, don't you think?"

Hmm? Xiao Cheng was somewhat bewildered

Xu Wuyan quickly stood up and slightly bowed, saying: "Has the young lady arrived?"

Xiao Yi said gloomily: "Who can I talk to? It can only be you, Second Brother. Mother and Sister-in-law understand nothing. If I tell Father, I fear I will be punished to copy the teachings of women and be confined again. I have endured this once, and I do not wish to endure it a second time. A woman without talent is virtuous, humph, who wrote such a completely nonsensical saying.

The door creaked softly, and the two people inside turned simultaneously to see a delicate face peeking through the half-open door

The Death of Kua Fu

Fang Yi murmured, "The young lady asked me to come and see if the second brother has returned. If he has, I will go to the back to have a meal"

Nodding towards the two people in the room, Xu Wuyan turned and left the study

Upon hearing what his younger sister said, Xiao Cheng also came to a realization

In the dining hall of the main house in the backyard, the matriarch of the Xiao family, Xiao Han, was conversing with Xiao Cheng's sister-in-law, Gao Qi. Meanwhile, her three-year-old nephew was running around the room, while a maid crouched down, closely following the little one, fearing that the young master might fall.

I hope that in the future, I will marry a man who stands tall and strong. It would be best if he is stronger than me, but even if he is weaker, he should be able to accommodate my brilliance.

Xiao Han was born into the Han family of Xinyang. Although she was not the legitimate daughter of the main wife, for the Xiao family, which was just starting to rise at that time, it could be considered a downward marriage. Now, at over forty, she appears to be in her thirties due to her pampered lifestyle. Her sister-in-law, Gao, comes from a prestigious family; although she already has a three-year-old son, she has just turned twenty this year.

Xiao Cheng's sister, in his view, is also an extraordinary woman. He does not know when she began to develop a fondness for historical texts. The treasured books at home were quickly read by her in a short period of time, after which she insisted that Xiao Cheng find her similar types of books.

This year, the twelve-year-old Fang Yi has inherited her mother's beautiful features. Even at such a young age, it is already evident that she will undoubtedly grow into a stunning beauty in the future

Xiao Cheng laughed heartily and cupped his hands, saying, "Thank you for the compliment, little sister"

Laughter dispelled the gloom that originally filled the study

Xiao Yi rolled her eyes at the other person, shook her head, as if she wanted to shake off this unpleasant topic from her mind. She reached out to pick up the remaining pages on the table and said, "Second brother, I have had a question in my heart ever since I read those few fragments you brought back last time." "What question? Go ahead and tell me, let’s see if second brother can help you find the answer."

Little sister, you may have misunderstood this. The saying that a woman should not display her talents does not mean she lacks them. The correct interpretation of this phrase is that women should indeed possess talents, but it is considered virtuous not to show them off in public.

A trace of melancholy flashed across Xiao Yi's face. No matter what she wished to do in her heart, in the end, she would still have to marry someone else. But by that time, would she still be able to be as free and joyful as she is now

Or perhaps things will unfold as Xiao Yu hopes

Oh no! Xiao Yi suddenly exclaimed, "As soon as I start talking to Second Brother, I forget about the important matters. My lady asked me to come and call you for dinner."

Although everything is merely the younger sister's speculation, it must be said that this explanation is indeed quite self-consistent

Upon seeing Xiao Cheng enter with Xiao Yi, Gao promptly stood up

Kua Fu chased the sun and, due to thirst, drank from the waters of the Yellow and Huai Rivers. When the water proved insufficient, he desired to run to the Great Marsh, but perished along the way. Xiao Yi remarked: "This is how it is written in the Classic of Mountains and Seas, yet in the Bamboo Annals, it subtly implies that Kua Fu's death is related to Ying Long"

After many years, it has become exceedingly difficult to find this book

"Little sister, while you are reading, you should also put some effort into your skills as a young lady," said Xiao Cheng, sitting opposite Xiao Yi with a serious expression. "The Xiao family has a daughter who is coming of age, knowledgeable and well-mannered, proficient in music, chess, calligraphy, and painting, excelling in every aspect. How many families in the capital are watching our Xiao San Xiao Niang? As far as I know, since the beginning of this year, no fewer than ten families have approached our father to test the waters for a marriage alliance. You are already twelve this year; if you delay any longer, it will only be a matter of two years at most."

Looking at the little girl, Xiao Cheng shook his head, walked over to the bookshelf on the side, and after rummaging for a while in the corner of the bottom shelf, he finally took out an old and somewhat worn book and handed it to Xiao Yi

If this is the case, then the Xiao family will not only be free from worries, but they may even take a further step to attain noble titles and ranks.

Indeed, it is as such; Second Brother has interpreted it correctly." Xiao Yi said with delight

"How did you connect this?" Xiao Cheng asked in surprise

Hurry up, hurry up, don't keep the young lady waiting for too long

The two siblings hurriedly exited the study, and Xiao Yi did not forget to carefully hide the torn manuscript on her person

"Second Brother!" The young girl smiled as she pushed open the door and walked in

As soon as Xiao Yi received the book, she eagerly opened its pages. Xiao Cheng couldn't help but sigh, snatching the book away and placing it on the desk. Under Xiao Yi's dissatisfied gaze, he spread his hands and asked, "Little sister, as a young lady of noble birth, why do you enjoy reading such books?"

The key is that this little sister does not merely observe; she is actually able to draw inferences and summarize one principle after another from these rather dry historical texts to discuss with Xiao Cheng. At times, the novelty and radical nature of her viewpoints leave even Xiao Cheng astonished.

Xiao Cheng was rendered speechless

Indeed, this time, I have only found a damaged copy; such books are very difficult to find in good condition

"This is all fate, something that cannot be forced." Xiao Yi said, "I hope my younger sister will have good fortune, and that her future husband will be as knowledgeable and talented as my second brother, and also interesting. The most important thing is that he is not pedantic"

Uncle Er! Gao Shi bowed in return.