Chapter 2, Day 2

The Cuckoo Courtyard, despite its tranquility, is indeed quite grand, rivaling even Mrs. Xie's Pine and Cypress Courtyard. However, Mrs. Xie's courtyard is crowded with numerous servants and maids, to the extent that the head maid has to sleep on the floor in Mrs. Xie's room. In contrast, the Cuckoo Courtyard is not only spacious but also peaceful. Each room for the maids and servants accommodates two people, providing ample space and a light workload. When they have leisure time, they merely complain about the lack of variety in their lives and the absence of extra income.

Xie Moru nodded, "The imperial concubine is a sign of auspiciousness for the Xie family, unparalleled in history, and no one can match her. What you said, sister, is indeed very accurate." This statement left Xie Moxiu speechless; it was true that there was no one like her in history, but what about the future? Moreover, how could this be something she said? Xie Moru actually attributed it to her, and Xie Moxiu felt as if she could spit out a mouthful of old blood. To make matters worse, Xie Moru sat there with a dignified demeanor, exuding an air of righteousness. Thus, Xie Moxiu became even more frustrated. Furthermore, how could this be something she said? Xie Moru actually attributed it to her, and Xie Moxiu felt as if she could spit out a mouthful of old blood. To make matters worse, Xie Moru sat there with a dignified demeanor, exuding an air of righteousness. Thus, Xie Moxiu became even more frustrated.

Xie Moru waved his hand, signaling Jing Wei not to follow, and then strolled into the courtyard by himself

Aunt Ning scolded, "You girl and your mouth..."

Finally, Aunt Ning arrived with her four children, three sons and one daughter. After exchanging greetings, Aunt Ning glanced at the amethyst hairpin flower on Xie Moru's head and smiled, "Madam's belongings are truly exquisite; our eldest daughter has blossomed even more beautifully."

Jasmine smiled, "Such a joyous occasion is worth the maid running her legs off willingly."

Xie Mo You smiled, "I trouble you to run back, my sister and I will go over right away"

Thank you, Mo You. "It is well and good if the elder sister is indeed so, but if we are to speak of the demeanor of our eldest daughter, it should be the noble consort aunt who embodies it. The concubine sees that the elder sister excels in every way compared to me, yet let us not be too biased."

Old Madam Zhang smiled, "How could it not be? Didn't the young lady mention it yesterday? What we are to eat today. Early this morning, I had the garden maids dig it up fresh, blanched in water, and mixed with autumn oil, it will be absolutely delicious.

Next, the two engaged in a lively discussion about the dishes made from lotus leaves. After Xie Moru had eaten her fill, Granny Zhang assisted her in changing into a new outfit suitable for school, while her hair remained uncombed, adorned only with the amethyst flower hairpin selected yesterday, placed at her temples. Granny Zhang praised, "Our young lady has become even more beautiful."

Families like the Xie family meticulously nurture their daughters as well. Even someone as semi-invisible as Xie Moru, when reaching the age for schooling and literacy, will receive an equal education.

Even in the early spring, when the weather is slightly cold, there are already some sights to behold in this garden. However, no matter how beautiful the scenery is, after taking a round to look at it, one has seen almost all there is to see. Xie Moru is different; she walks along the cobblestone path around this garden for no less than twenty laps every day. In the past two years, when she was younger, she would walk twenty laps, but now that she is older, she walks forty laps each day, only stopping when a slight sweat appears on her forehead.

She has always woken up early. The maid, Jingwei, came in to attend to her upon hearing the movement. In fact, Xie Moru did not require the maid's assistance for anything; she could dress, comb her hair, and wash up by herself. Therefore, with a mistress like Xie Moru, who preferred to do everything herself, the maids had a relatively easy time. The only requirement was that Xie Moru enjoyed rising early, so the maids naturally did not have the luxury of sleeping in.

Xie Moru also enjoys flowers and plants, but she does not have a preference for rhododendrons; to a certain extent, she dislikes this type of flower. Rhododendrons are not easy to manage, as they prefer to grow among pines and cypresses on mountains, and their favored soil is one mixed with pine needles. Planting them carelessly in a garden is not advisable. In spring, Xie Moru likes wisteria, which generally requires little attention; once planted, it will gradually grow on its own, climbing to create a beautiful spring scene.

Even if her aunt manages affairs in the household, and even if her father dotes on her and her siblings, others still whisper behind their backs: illegitimate! Illegitimate!

Xie Moru said, "Yes." Then he went to study together with Xie Moyou

Xie Moru said, "Sister, you may as well go ahead; I am almost done tidying up here."

In the early morning, there remained a trace of deep blue from the night sky at the horizon, and Xie Moru got out of bed.

It is a pity that there are no water shield plants, otherwise it would be just right for a soup, which would be even more delicious

Mrs. Xie saw Xie Moru wearing a purple crystal flower hairpin and smiled, "This is how you should dress up; you usually dress rather simply."

Xie Mo You's joy was boundless, and he asked Su Xin, "Has Second Uncle returned?"

Xie Mo You smiled again and said to Xie Mo Ru, "Elder sister, let us first go to grandmother's place; the writing materials and books can be taken care of by the maid."

Mr. Ji smiled and said, "I have yet to thank the young lady for the fresh bamboo shoots sent over this morning, which are crisp and refreshing, perfectly in season"

"Let's talk about it when I'm cold." I heard from Granny Zhang that she was born prematurely and often fell ill during her childhood, causing her family much distress at the slightest discomfort. Later, as the courtyard became desolate, she, like wild grass in the wilderness, gradually improved in health, and in recent years, she has not even sneezed once.

Mrs. Xie smiled and said, "What are you thinking about him? Thinking that he went to the Zhuangzi to have fun without bringing you along."

Jasmine smiled and said, "Although the second master has not yet returned home, today is a special day, and he should be arriving soon. Young ladies, hurry along, the madam is very pleased and is currently discussing the arrangements for the banquet and the performance with the concubine."

As Xie Moru followed the wisteria-covered corridor and exited the laurel gate, he arrived at the garden of the cuckoo courtyard

Xie Moru said to the maid on duty, "Once my mother is up, you all should serve her well." Then he went to greet Madam Xie.

If it were another knowledgeable nurse, she would surely advise Xie Moru at this moment that even if it is something palatable, there is no need to have it at every meal. However, Zhang Momo has not received such enlightened guidance; seeing Xie Moru enjoying her food, she even serves her more dishes, smiling, "If the young lady likes it, then eat more. Bamboo shoots are seasonal, so we can only enjoy them for a few days."

Take the matter of having breakfast in the courtyard as an example. Granny Zhang went out early to inquire about the situation. The morning breeze is chilly, and eating in the courtyard could lead to discomfort from the cold wind. For instance, the second young lady, Xie Mo You, even when she occasionally dines in the courtyard, insists on wrapping herself in Shu brocade to shield herself from the cool morning breeze. Granny Zhang also found some Shu brocade to prepare for her young lady to block the wind, but who would have thought that her young lady would say, "Granny, if you use this Shu brocade to enclose the corridor, what difference is there from being indoors?"

When Xie Moru came out of the bathhouse, breakfast had already been set up in the corridor. Xie Moru did not like to eat inside the house, as the morning air was much fresher outside, so she always had her breakfast outdoors. Especially in this courtyard where the wisteria was budding, small purple flower buds hung down like silent wind chimes. Eating under this flower trellis was the only way to stimulate her appetite

Jingwei brought in a cup of mint honey water, which Xie Moru took and drank. After placing the glass jar filled with honey water on the table, he said, "Alright, you all can do whatever you like in the room. I will take a stroll in the courtyard, no need to follow me."

Moreover, you can just go around in circles; she also enjoys sharing some insights on the construction of the garden while going in circles. The old woman who tends to the flowers and plants in the garden has to stay on high alert every morning in case the young lady has inquiries, and by the end of the year, she could easily age more than ten years.

Xie Moru is not particular about his meals and does not have the habit of refraining from speaking while eating. He asked, "Is this spring bamboo shoot from our garden?"

Xie Moru arrived at Mrs. Xie's residence at just the right time, neither too early nor too late; of course, it was slightly earlier than when Aunt Ning arrived with her three sons and one daughter

What is the rush? Whether to congratulate or not, Uncle is undoubtedly the top scholar. I have only tidied up half of it. Xie Moru was not in the least bit anxious, while Jingwei was so anxious that she almost wanted to hang herself. Xie Moru had already washed the brush, placed it in the brush box, and then put the books and homework into the book box one by one. She slightly nodded to Mr. Ji, saying, "I suppose there is no need for class this afternoon; it is just right for you to take a break."

In other families, the time for the younger generation to pay respects to the elders is usually earlier than that of the Xie family, typically when the mother-in-law gets up, and the daughter-in-law would go to serve her. However, Mrs. Xie has never adhered to this custom; she allows each household to finish their breakfast before they go over, which is not late. Of course, this may also be related to the unique circumstances of the eldest branch, as the second son, Xie Baishang, is still unmarried. After all, Mrs. Xie, as the formal daughter-in-law, rarely leaves the Dujing Courtyard, and although the eldest branch has elevated Concubine Ning to a managerial position, no matter how good her reputation is, she is still just a concubine.

How can there be such a person in the world, who is the most detested existence from the moment of birth

Xie Mo You is quite adept at being charming, and she is also very measured in her demeanor. She stood up, performed a respectful bow, and said, "Yes, Grandmother, Aunt, my elder sister and I will head to school first."

Legitimate ! Illegitimate !

Because she helped several dissatisfied servants achieve their dreams of earning extra money, Xie Moru felt that her popularity among the servants had greatly improved. As a result, many people greeted her spontaneously, with a friendly and respectful attitude. They also took their duties, such as cleaning the courtyard, very seriously

Xie Mo You's most detested person in this life is none other than Xie Mo Ru. It is because of this person that she became a concubine's daughter, and her brothers became illegitimate sons

Generally, people like this, Xie Moru would find them a place with extra income to go to

Xie Mo You no longer paid attention to Xie Mo Ru, leaving a little maid to tidy up the writing materials. She first lifted her skirt and went to Madam Xie’s room with Su Xin

Others may see it as desolate, but Granny Zhang does not feel that way. On the contrary, Granny Zhang is very confident; she believes her eldest daughter is the best girl in the world. Not only is her temperament good, but her character is even better. In any case, to use Granny Zhang's words, there is nothing wrong at all. Well, if she could just slightly adjust some of her peculiar temper, it would be even better

Grandma Zhang was very fond of Xie Moru; whatever Xie Moru said, she would comply without exception. With a cheerful smile, Grandma Zhang said, "Alright, tomorrow morning I will have the women in the garden row a small boat over to pick those tender, tender lotus leaves. For now, we will have lotus leaf porridge, and when the lotus leaves grow larger, I will make lotus leaf chicken for the young lady, which is also extremely fragrant and delicious"

Aunt Ning smiled, "It's almost time for school, don't cling to your grandmother too much, or your siblings will laugh at you."

This does not mean that Aunt Ning arrived late; rather, it is because Aunt Ning has to serve her husband, take care of her children, and manage the affairs of the main household. With so many responsibilities, it is not like Xie Moru, who is relatively unburdened, so naturally, she will be a bit slower

For instance, she ordered her servants to plant wisteria by the corridor. Now, the wisteria has gracefully climbed along the corridor, bringing forth the elegance of spring. Although it has just begun to bud, in a few days, when the wisteria flowers bloom, it will be truly beautiful. Not only do the flowers look lovely, but they can also be used to make wisteria cakes, wisteria pastries, fried wisteria fish, and boiled wisteria porridge. Just thinking about it, they are all delicious.

Xie Moru smiled, "It is the spring bamboo shoot in my garden. Mother said that once the shoot tip emerges, it becomes old, so it must be harvested before it breaks the surface, when it is at its freshest and most tender."

"But to be honest, that's all there is to it," Xie Mo You asked with a smile, "Isn't that right, big sister?"

Xie Moru replied affirmatively, and then there were no further words. Mrs. Xie quietly sipped her tea, and for a moment, the room was enveloped in silence, with even the maids becoming a bit more cautious. It is indeed peculiar; Mrs. Xie is famously adept at navigating social situations, while Xie Moru, though somewhat reticent, is not lacking in intelligence. Yet, the two of them meet with a striking lack of warmth. However, they do share a commonality: in such a subdued encounter, they can still sit together in tranquility, each ignoring the other.

Indeed. Xie Moru said while chewing on a piece of crispy bamboo shoot, "Don't make milk porridge tomorrow. I noticed that the lotus leaves in the lake have grown; let's pick a couple of leaves to make lotus leaf porridge."

Of course, that last sentence was said by Xie Moru. Granny Zhang is an honest person; she expressed at the time, "If the old servant is hungry in the morning, I will have an appetite wherever I eat." She was simply distressed; she was selected to enter the residence as a wet nurse when the Cuckoo Courtyard was flourishing, and at that time, she was only responsible for feeding Xie Moru, while other matters were managed by the head nurse. Later, she did not know what happened, but the Cuckoo Courtyard gradually fell into disrepair, and many people were transferred away, resulting in Granny Zhang, who previously did not manage much and had little knowledge, becoming a key figure. At that time, she was only responsible for feeding Xie Moru, while other matters were managed by the head nurse. Later, she did not know what happened, but the Cuckoo Courtyard gradually fell into disrepair, and many people were transferred away, resulting in Granny Zhang, who previously did not manage much and had little knowledge, becoming a key figure. At that time, she originally planned to return home, but unexpectedly, after she was selected to nurse Xie Moru, the man at home could not bear the loneliness and soon got involved with a seductive woman. Granny Zhang originally had a daughter, who was two months older than Xie Moru, but she passed away in infancy. At that time, she originally planned to return home, but unexpectedly, after she was selected to nurse Xie Moru, the man at home could not bear the loneliness and soon got involved with a seductive woman. Granny Zhang originally had a daughter, who was two months older than Xie Moru, but she passed away in infancy. Seeing men as if they were like mud, with little to miss at home, while the people in the Cuckoo Courtyard were anxious and seeking their own paths, Granny Zhang had no good way to seek, and moreover, having raised Xie Moru since childhood, she had long regarded Xie Moru as her own flesh and blood. Seeing that Xie Moru had no reliable person to take care of her, she was uneasy, so she decided to stay. As the people of the Cuckoo Courtyard left one after another, Granny Zhang became the head nurse of the Cuckoo Courtyard. Seeing that Xie Moru had no reliable person to take care of her, she was uneasy, so she decided to stay. As the people of the Cuckoo Courtyard left one after another, Granny Zhang became the head nurse of the Cuckoo Courtyard. This position, in the past, was one that many servants had tried hard to obtain but could not, yet now it had become a desolate role.

The master and apprentice engaged in casual conversation as they exited the Huazhang Hall after class. Xie Moru invited Mr. Ji to proceed first, while he leisurely enjoyed the spring scenery, meandering along the way to Mrs. Xie's courtyard

Jingwei, seeing that Xie Moyi had taken people far away, felt quite anxious for her young lady and quietly said, "I will attend to my aunt first; it is the same for Zitong to tidy up these things."

Mrs. Xie smiled and said, "Go ahead, I have delicious food here at noon. If you are quick, there will be; if you are slow, there will be none."

Due to the influence of Concubine Xie in the palace, the current female instructor at the Xie family is a female official surnamed Ji who has come out of the palace. Having reached a certain age, she was released from the palace, but unfortunately, she wasted her youth there. As for marriage, she finds it difficult to find a suitable match, and returning to her family is not a viable option, as a truly reliable family would not send their daughter to serve in the palace at such a young age. Thus, she has decided to become a female instructor at the Xie family, a prominent household, treating Ms. Ji as a revered guest, ensuring her future care and support will also be provided by the Xie family.

In contrast to Xie Moru, who is an early riser, her mother, the Fang family, is undoubtedly a late riser, typically not getting up until after noon. Xie Moru claims to be going to pay her respects, but it is merely a greeting at the door of the Fang family.

"You child, your second uncle dotes on you the most." Mrs. Xie gently stroked her granddaughter's back, and Xie Mo You whispered a few words in Mrs. Xie's ear, causing her to smile broadly, "Monkey, do not tease your second uncle."

In the garden, apart from the rhododendron tree that belonged to her mother, everything else was arranged according to Xie Moru's preferences. There were forsythias, jasmine, crabapples, roses, peonies, chrysanthemums, and wintersweet, each in its designated place. Notably, there was also a small clear pond fed by fresh water from outside, which contained a pool of white lotuses. Now, small green leaves the size of a palm floated on the water's surface, accompanied by the faint morning mist that had yet to dissipate. The fresh scent made Xie Moru take a deep breath and resolve to have lotus leaf porridge the next morning.

Xie Meoyou smiled and said, "I wish I had wings growing from my sides." This made Mrs. Xie laugh again, and she replied, "You gluttonous cat. Why not come over at noon as well?"

Xie Moru did not explain why she laughed, she said, "Yes, I also do not know why I suddenly felt a joy in my heart and laughed. I thought today was the day of posting the gold list, or perhaps it is an auspicious sign"

Old Madam Zhang insisted, "It is not a comparison; the young lady is still quite young. The morning breeze is cool, and it would not be good if she catches a cold."

A single character's difference leads to a vast difference between heaven and earth

On the contrary, she has relatively high expectations for life

Old Madam Zhang expressed concern that her young lady might catch a cold, to which the young lady replied, "I can only eat when the morning breeze is blowing. Fine, Madam, if you wish to wrap yourself in Shu brocade, you may go ahead and do so while eating your meal." She completely failed to appreciate the old lady's good intentions. Old Madam Zhang was also hesitant to mention that Miss Xie Mo You was so meticulous, fearing it would upset her young lady. However, her young lady remarked, "I am myself, and Mo You is Mo You; why should I always be compared to her?" It was clear that she had already discerned from whom Old Madam Xie had learned the trick of wrapping herself in Shu brocade.

Xie Mo You twisted the handkerchief in her hand, nearly driven to death by Xie Mo Ru's shamelessness. Damn it, if you want to laugh, just laugh. Everyone knows that my aunt is generous and magnanimous, so why would she hold it against you? But what do you mean by bringing up auspicious signs? In a big family, who wouldn't laugh? Yet your laughter is considered an auspicious sign!

Mr. Ji, upon seeing the two arrive, had no superfluous words and began to discuss the lesson. However, not long into the class, the head maid, Su Xin, from Madam Xie's household, came in with a beaming face to report, "Our second master has achieved the rank of the second place in the imperial examination, and the whole family is overjoyed. Madam has said that today the young ladies should take a break and enjoy a day of celebration in honor of the second master."

Xie Mo You smiled, "Grandmother only listens to me." Her eyes sparkled, and a hairpin adorned with a sparrow's head and embedded with jewels swayed gently, causing the dangling pearls to shimmer slightly, enhancing the elegance of her fair skin even more than the luster of the pearls. Aunt Ning looked at her daughter tenderly and chided, "I gave birth to four of you siblings, and as the eldest sister, you are the least composed. Look at your elder sister; this is the demeanor of our family's eldest daughter."

Indeed, with just a slight stir, it becomes extraordinarily fresh

Xie Mo You glanced at Xie Mo Ru, then turned her gaze away, lifting her skirt embroidered with golden threads in bright red as she affectionately sat beside Madam Xie, smiling as she asked, "Grandmother, Uncle Er should be back soon, right? I miss Uncle Er."

Xie Moru was quite speechless. If Mrs. Xie looked down upon Concubine Ning, how could she allow her son to be devoted to this woman? How could she permit Concubine Ning to give birth to one daughter and three sons? How could she allow Concubine Ning to manage the affairs of the main household?

This inference was a private murmur between Granny Zhang and Xie Moru. Granny Zhang's original words were, "I am but a concubine; she is eager to serve the madam, but the madam must take a liking to her!"

Xie Mo You's pink lips were slightly pouting, and her beautiful face radiated an indescribable charm and brightness. She complained, "You promised to take me to the apricot blossom forest to brew apricot blossom wine, but you secretly ran off at the last moment. I won't pay any attention to my second uncle when he returns."

Xie Moru chuckled softly, wondering if Aunt Ning's words were learned from Zhang Mama. Xie Mo'you smiled, "Elder sister is in a good mood today." It seemed that there was a natural competition and hostility between legitimate and illegitimate children. Xie Mo'you felt particularly displeased seeing Xie Moru laugh so heartily; Auntie meant well by complimenting you, so what does your laughter mean? Unappreciative!

Xie Moru smiled, "I will go to pay my respects to my mother, and you should also go to have your meal."

At this moment, the courtyard was heavy with dew, and the young lady's clothing was thin, so she said, "Put on a cloak." She had already prepared it and, while speaking, she helped Xie Moru fasten it.

After circling in the garden for a good half an hour, when Xie Moru returned to the house, the hot water in the bathroom was already prepared. Granny Zhang had found the outfit that Xie Moru was to wear today. Jingwei had wrapped up Xie Moru's hair, but since they were to pay respects to Madam Xie after breakfast, she accidentally dampened the hair. It would likely be difficult to dry it quickly, and it would not be very presentable to visit the elders with a damp hairstyle.

Old Madam Zhang saw Jingwei coming with the little maid Zitong and smiled, "Good, young lady, quickly go to the eldest madam, it is almost time to pay respects to the lady, do not delay."

Xie Moru has a calm and quiet disposition, and having practiced the art of invisibility with her mother since childhood, she is also a relatively low-key person. However, this does not mean that she has no aspirations in life

Today's breakfast consists of milk and glutinous rice porridge, four types of side dishes, including one cold dish of spring bamboo shoots, one cold sliced beef, one cold mixed black fungus, and one pickled cucumber, along with two types of snacks: steamed vegetarian dumplings and milk cake

Xie Moru smiled and said, "I will prepare another one to eat in the evening"