Chapter 2

Ji Daya's eyes were filled with tears, knowing that she could no longer burden Yu Fang. She sincerely bowed her head three times to the old lady, and when she stood up, a small puddle of water was left on the floor.

The old lady looked at Ji Daya with some surprise. An eight-year-old girl is not exactly small, and she must surely know that entering the Chu residence is far better than living a hard life with her aunt. Yet, this child would rather endure hardships with Yu Fang, which shows that her character is good

After talking for a while, the elderly lady indicated that she needed to rest and instructed the servants, Yu Fang and Ji Ling, from Zhou Dawu's household to take Madam Su to the main room

Ji Ling slowly moved in front of the old lady, knelt down, and respectfully bowed three times.

This greatly distressed Yu Fang. The old lady had finally relented, yet Ji Daya was so oblivious to the situation that she could not help but exclaim: "Oh, child, how can you be so unaware of the circumstances"

Yu Fang said, and Ji Daya nodded in agreement, only crying as she held Yu Fang's hand, refusing to let go no matter what

The old lady's intention to see off her guests was already quite clear, and Zhou Dawu also understood that Yu Fang's hopes had come to nothing, gently shaking his head at her.

Although Ji Daya is not lively, she is more than sufficient in terms of her gracefulness and charm

It is certainly not a difficult matter for Old Lady Ji to raise an additional maid in the household; even if she no longer wishes to keep her in the future, sending her away would not pose a challenge. Therefore, Old Lady Ji does not find herself in a difficult position.

However, Old Lady Ji is not as petty-minded as the Zhou family thinks. Ji Dayi is already so grown up; can one still expect her to forget her previous relatives? Can such a person still be considered human?

Madam Su is the eldest daughter-in-law of Old Lady Ji, and she currently manages the household affairs. The old lady asked Yu Fang and the others to find Madam Su, actually hoping that Madam Su would give Yu Fang some silver and items, as they are from the old hometown and should not return empty-handed. Moreover, although Yu Fang and Ji Ling are dressed quite neatly, their clothes are patched over and over, clearly indicating that their situation is not very good.

Yu Fang explained to the old lady again: "Please do not take offense, madam, this child is simply overjoyed, very happy."

Ji Daya nodded with tears in her eyes, her vision blurred

Yu Fang felt a chill in her heart. She turned to look at Ji Ling, gritted her teeth, and knelt down again, pulling Ji Ling with her. She knew that this would only be met with disdain, as the old lady's intentions were already very clear. However, if she did not try, how could she face her sister in the underworld?

Ji Daya was taken aback and opened her mouth, "Aunt..." Just a moment ago, Yu Fang did not say it this way

After Yu Fang finished speaking, she realized that she had misspoken. However, she did not express it that way, fearing that Ji Dayi would stubbornly refuse to stay. She turned her head and began to kowtow to the old lady, "I beg the old lady to take in Dayi."

Ji Daya's watery eyes immediately filled with tears. She looked at the old lady and then at her aunt, mustering the courage to walk over and tug at Yu Fang's clothing, saying: "Aunt, please don't chase me away, I can do anything, I don't eat much." She was at a loss for words and didn't know how to coax someone, so she kept repeating: "I don't eat much."

If Yu Fang had not spoken, the old lady could have pretended not to understand, but now that Yu Fang has voiced it, the old lady's heart cannot let it go. After all, she believes in Buddhism and wishes to accumulate more merit for her family

The old lady waved to Ji Daya, saying, "Come here, child. Your aunt is right; if you want to see her in the future, she will be in the capital. If she misses you, she can also come to visit you at home"

When Yu Fang left, she was still sighing, truly a stubborn person. Even after saying so much to Ji Dayi, she still clung to her own feelings. Although there was some resentment for her lack of ambition, there was also a sense of comfort.

"Daya, quickly bow to the old lady," Yu Fang said this, and then she forcefully knocked her head on the ground three times with a loud "thud thud thud." If it weren't for the intervention of Zhou Dawu's family, she might have continued. Even so, after three knocks, her forehead had already turned blue.

Although Ji Daya's uncle is engaged in a small business, he is an honest man, albeit not very bright. It is quite a challenge for him to make ends meet for his family of four, not to mention that he also has to support his parents back home. Adding Ji Daya to the mix would truly stretch his resources thin

The old lady naturally sensed that Yu Fang had more to say, but she could choose to listen or choose not to listen, "Go ahead."

When bidding farewell to Yu Fang, she specifically pulled Ji Daya aside and earnestly advised her, "Now that you have entered the Chu residence, do not think of your aunt. Everything should be prioritized for the old lady. If you frequently mention me or go out to see me, even if the old lady does not say anything, others will still speak behind your back, saying that you are ungrateful, and you will lose the old lady's favor instead."

Although the old lady looked down on Ji Ling and served tea to send off her guests, she had to admit that Ji Ling was indeed exceptionally beautiful, and just looking at her was pleasing. At such a young age, she had blossomed into such beauty; what would she be like when she grew up? Therefore, it was not surprising that some people would have designs on Ji Ling.

Moreover, given that Ji Ling's background is pitiable, with both her parents gone and left in the Yu family's home as an outsider, her beauty is striking. In such a household, even if she can currently avoid misfortune, it is uncertain what calamities she may face as she grows up, which is indeed lamentable

There was also a bruise on Ji Daya's forehead, indicating that she had been bowing down with great sincerity

Yu Fang has no idea about ancient poetry, but she finds the sound of the word "Ling" pleasant, and since it was bestowed by the old lady, she thinks it is wonderful. She quickly says to Ji Daya: "Daya, oh no, A Ling, why aren't you thanking the old lady yet"

The old lady smiled and said, "This child is honest, and I actually like him even more"

Yu Fang cried as she crawled to the old lady's side, "I beg you to take in Da Ya. She is a poor child, and if she were of ordinary appearance, I would keep her by my side, sharing whatever I have with her. But unfortunately, she is so beautiful, and at just eight years old, there are those who wish to take advantage of her. I truly cannot protect her any longer, which is why I have come to you for help."

Ji Ling, is precisely the name given to her by the old lady in her dreams, and it is also derived from that line of poetry by Liu Changqing. Although "Ling" carries the meaning of "clear," it also implies a sense of desolation, and even suggests decline and withering.

Ji Daya hesitated somewhat; she glanced at the old lady, fully aware that staying in the Chu residence would be akin to a sparrow flying up to become a phoenix. However, she then looked at Yu Fang, who was her true kin.

If Yu Fang were to say something else, it would not touch the old lady's heart. There are many people in this world who are struggling; should everyone send their daughters to be raised by others?

The elderly lady rubbed her temple and cast a glance at the anxious Zhou Dawu's family

The old lady glanced at Ji Ling again. Ji Ling's temperament was too quiet, while she preferred lively young girls. Therefore, although she had indeed been considering keeping a little girl around to alleviate her boredom, she found Ji Ling unsuitable.

Upon hearing this, Yu Fang quickly pushed Ji Da Ya, "Go on, Da Ya, your aunt is not driving you away, but you are also aware of the situation at my home. Just stay with the old lady and take good care of her."

Ji Daya lowered her eyes and tugged at the corner of her clothes, remaining silent

Yu Fang is acquainted with Madam Su. When the old lady returned to her hometown to pay respects to her ancestors, it was Madam Su who accompanied her. She is indeed a genuine young lady from a prestigious family and has also become the wife of the Chu family, exuding an impressive demeanor. Just the thought of Madam Su makes her feel intimidated

Silly child, your aunt is also in Beijing. If you miss her, you can still see her.

The old lady has taken in a young girl, so it is only natural to tidy things up. From now on, the girl, Ji Daya, will officially be called Ji Ling. She does not have her own room and sleeps in the old lady's room, inside the green silk wardrobe. Yu Fang did not bring her any clothing, knowing that once she arrived at the Chu residence, Ji Ling's previous clothes would definitely not be suitable for wearing.

Upon hearing the news, Zhou Dawu felt that things had taken a turn for the worse. He could see that the old lady was having second thoughts, but Yufang's words had ruined everything. Since she had entered the Chu residence and was serving by the old lady's side, she was now a member of the Chu family. How could she still be concerned about her family of origin? Wasn't that clearly indicating to the old lady that this girl could not be nurtured?

Yu Fang held onto Ji Daya and cried as well. This child had been with her for more than a year. She was obedient and clever, much more considerate than the boys at home. Whenever Yu Fang fell ill, it was Ji Daya who took care of her, bringing her water to wash her face and feet. If she had a way, how could she bear to let Ji Daya go to someone else? However, her humble household simply could not protect Ji Daya's beauty.

Upon entering the residence, your only support is the elderly lady. However, she is quite advanced in age, so you must serve Madam Su and Madam Zhang well. You should also be accommodating towards your cousins. One can only hope that in the future, the elderly lady will speak on your behalf for a good marriage, and prepare some dowry, which would be a blessing. Yu Fang said, gently patting Ji Daya's head, "Daya, this is not your home after all, so you must not be oblivious to the situation. Think carefully about everything; taking a step back can lead to broader horizons. Do not be overly competitive."

The elderly lady, after all, is advanced in age and lacks the energy to engage in prolonged conversations with Yu Fang. Moreover, there is little connection between Yu Fang and the elderly lady; they have only met once in their hometown. The only link between the elderly lady and Yu Fang is the distant relative, Ji Ling.

Ji Ling was suddenly taken aback; there were no scholars in her family, and she had never learned to read or write. How could she possibly know what "Ling" meant

Yu Fang ultimately had to forcibly pry open Ji Ling's hand, tears streaming down her face as she cried, "My dear girl, if you are well, I will be at ease. When we reach the afterlife, I will have the face to meet your mother. Do not worry about home, and do not let down the old lady's affection."

Moreover, if she were to meet Madame Su now, Yu Fang's plans would be completely thwarted. She immediately assumed an extremely difficult expression, hesitating to speak, torn between leaving and staying.

Ji Daya reached out to wipe away Yu Fang's tears and said: "Aunt, please don't cry. I will definitely come to see you, and you must come to see me too"

Yu Fang was so anxious, fearing that the old lady would be angry, saying that Ji Dayao still had feelings for her family and was unwilling to accept it. "Why are you crying, child? Such a great fortune has fallen upon you; you must cherish it well and take good care of the old lady"

Yu Fang's husband conducts business near the Chu residence, and she is able to engage in conversation with some of the wives and aunts from the Chu family. Recently, she heard that the old lady's son and grandson have grown up, leaving her feeling lonely, and she wishes to find a lively and charming young girl to accompany her and pass the time. This has prompted her to take action, and she has spent a considerable amount of silver to establish a connection with the Zhou family, all in hopes of securing a good future for Miss Ji.

After Yu Fang cried for a while and spoke until her mouth was dry, Old Lady Ji finally asked Ji Daya: "A Ling, do you wish to stay by my side?"