The Wei Duke’s mansion was divided into eastern and western gardens. The Duke resided in the eastern garden, while Lady Wei and Zhao Mingzhu lived in the western garden. Yining’s new courtyard was arranged in the eastern garden, right next to Wei Ling’s quarters. Behind it stood a large artificial mountain, and the courtyard had three sections. It was spacious, with tall ginkgo trees lining both sides of the bluestone path, and covered walkways connecting all four sides. The scenery was pleasant, cool in summer and warm in winter.
Wei Ling had already arranged for maids to serve Yining, and they came to kneel and pay their respects.
Yining observed that there were two head maids, over ten secondary maids, several young girls just starting their service, and older female servants, totaling more than thirty people.
She thought to herself that she couldn’t possibly need so many people to serve her.
The furnishings and decorations in the room were worth thousands of taels of silver, with many valuable items evident. As Yining was looking around, Zhao Mingzhu approached her and said with a faint smile, “Sister Yining, you came late and don’t know, but this is the best view in the mansion. It used to be Young Master Ting’s residence. Because you were coming, Young Master Ting moved to the courtyard next door to make room for you.”
Young Master Ting? That must be her five-year-old brother, Yining thought, realizing she hadn’t seen any children earlier.
Wei Ling explained, “You haven’t met your brother yet. He’s only five, at his most mischievous age. Fearing he might disturb your grandmother’s rest, he lives with me in the eastern garden.” He then instructed a steward, “Go and bring the young master here.”
Moments later, Yining saw a child run in, followed by a large group of maids and servants. The boy wore a silk jacket and a gold necklace that seemed to match the style of Zhao Mingzhu’s. He ran quickly, with a tall, fair-skinned woman chasing after him, saying, “Young Master, don’t run so fast. Be careful not to trip on the threshold…”
In truth, Wei Ling hadn’t married, not entirely because of Gu Minglan. Although he had feelings for Gu Minglan, they had faded over the years. The real reason was that he was often away on military campaigns, with no time to care for a family or take a wife or concubine. Thus, he only had this one boy, born to a servant, who would inherit the Wei Duke’s title in the future. The child had been granted the title of Young Master at birth and was treated with great care in the household, with everyone fearing he might get hurt.
The boy stopped and looked at Yining. She noticed he looked like a miniature version of Wei Ling, only more childish, with long, thick eyelashes. He asked, “Are you the sister they were talking about?”
Wei Ling, already displeased by the boy’s reckless entrance, frowned even more at his manner of speaking. Having been away for years and with the boy’s birth mother gone, he had been raised by a wet nurse and cared for by Lady Wei. This led to the household spoiling him excessively, resulting in his lack of manners.
Yining looked at the child’s clean face and nodded with a smile, “I am. Are you Ting’er?”
Ting’er pouted, feeling this sister was very unfamiliar. He was more comfortable with Zhao Mingzhu. He ran to Mingzhu, took her hand, and said, “Sister Mingzhu, my maid made a snowman for me in the outer courtyard. Let me show you! It looks so good.”
Standing together, they looked more like real siblings, both wearing gold necklaces. Ting’er had grown up with only Zhao Mingzhu around, naturally feeling closer to his only “sister.” Mingzhu’s decade-long presence in the Wei household was something Yining couldn’t compare to.
Mingzhu patted his head and said, “Ting’er, your sister is talking to you. Why aren’t you answering?”
Ting’er held Mingzhu’s hand, looking at Yining with unfamiliarity, “She’s not my sister. I don’t have a sister.”
“Ting’er, who taught you to speak like that!” Wei Ling’s tone had turned harsh. He looked as if he wanted to grab Ting’er and give him a beating.
Yining understood that for a child, suddenly accepting a new sibling wasn’t easy. They tended to be wary of strangers. She stood beside Wei Ling without speaking, knowing that anything she said wouldn’t be appropriate.
Hearing Wei Ling’s words, Ting’er became even more upset, raising his voice, “You picked her up from outside. I don’t have a sister!”
Wei Ling’s face darkened as he said coldly, “If you speak like that again, you’ll be kneeling in the ancestral hall. Yining is your real sister.”
He had hoped to see the siblings getting along, but seeing his son clinging to Zhao Mingzhu while being cold toward Yining made him uncomfortable.
Ting’er remained stubborn for a moment. The maids and servants behind him looked distressed, as the young master had never been spoken to harshly before. Under Wei Ling’s stern gaze, Ting’er reluctantly called Yining “sister,” but without looking at her, and walked straight out the door.
“That’s just his nature,” Wei Ling took a deep breath and told Yining, “Without a mother to raise him, he’s been spoiled by the maids and servants.”
Yining said softly, “He’s still young. I was mischievous when I was little too, giving Grandmother headaches.”
Wei Ling stroked the girl’s head, noticing that his daughter stood straight, watching silently as Ting’er left.
No matter what, the Wei Duke’s mansion was still unfamiliar to her.
He had originally thought of having Yining guide and teach her brother. Ting’er, without a mother, had a more peculiar temperament than most children. Having an older sister’s care would surely be beneficial, but it seemed this would have to happen gradually.
With Yining’s belongings settled, the maids prepared to help her freshen up. Someone came to announce that the Northern Frontier Marquis had arrived, and Wei Ling, after giving Zhenzhu some instructions, went to the front hall to receive the guests.
In the room, the maids deferred to Zhenzhu, who led them in. The maids knelt, presenting lacquered trays with various clothes and accessories for Yining to choose from.
Yining glanced at them and selected a light pink satin jacket with a chain pattern. Zhenzhu came forward gently to do her hair, while Daimao chose a gold hairpin inlaid with jade and adorned with light green tassels to complement it. This ensemble made Yining appear even more graceful and ethereal. Zhenzhu then said softly, “Miss, please follow me later. There will be many people from noble families, and you might not be able to distinguish the various marquises and ladies. I’ll remind you how to address them.”
Yining realized that Wei Ling was indeed reliable, leaving her with two very capable maids. Zhenzhu was efficient and knowledgeable, while Daimao was attentive and skilled.
Although in her previous life, Yining had married into the Peaceful Distance Marquis’s family, she had only been a concubine’s wife and was later confined to the inner quarters with Xie Min. She wasn’t very familiar with the noble families. She gave a faint acknowledgment and stood up, holding Zhenzhu’s hand. Zhenzhu then added, “You are the legitimate young lady of the Wei Duke’s family, with the Duke supporting you. You needn’t concern yourself with the foster young lady.”
Zhenzhu was also astute, having served Wei Ling’s side for many years, relying on her attentiveness and quick wit.
Yining smiled slightly and said, “Come with me to Grandmother’s place.”
Zhenzhu agreed, noting that this thirteen-year-old girl showed no signs of timidity. Indeed, she had the natural bearing of a young lady from the Wei Duke’s family.
Yining took a soft sedan chair to Jing’an Hall, where she saw that a stage had already been set up for a performance. Zhenzhu guided her to pay respects to Lady Wei, who smiled and helped her up, introducing her to the Northern Frontier Marquis’s wife, several young ladies, the Loyal and Diligent Count’s wife and daughter, and the heir apparent’s wife… There were indeed many people present.
Yining immediately spotted her elder sister sitting next to the Northern Frontier Marquis’s wife, with Yu’er beside her.
Yu’er, upon seeing her, was much more direct, rushing over for a hug. Luo Yihui, on the other hand, had slightly reddened eyes upon seeing Yining. Luo Shen Yuan had already told her about Yining’s situation, and Yihui was both surprised and worried. When she learned that the Wei family was holding a banquet, she immediately came with the Marquis’s wife.
The Northern Frontier Marquis’s wife was somewhat surprised, and Lady Wei explained with a smile, “…Yining was originally fostered in the Luo family.”
The Marquis’s wife seemed pleasantly surprised and said, “Then they must have a predestined connection! We should have Yihui visit another day to catch up properly.”
Luo Yihui knew this wasn’t the time to speak with her sister, especially now that Yining held such an esteemed position and didn’t need her concern. So she sat smiling and nodding, her fingers slightly clenched.
Yining, aware of her elder sister’s worry, secretly patted her hand.
At that moment, someone announced from outside that Zhao Mingzhu was bringing Ting’er in.
As soon as Ting’er entered, he rushed into Lady Wei’s arms, saying he was thirsty. Lady Wei called for servants to bring him hot soup to drink. She smiled and asked him, “Ting’er, have you met your sister Yining?”
Ting’er had straightened up, drinking his soup while saying, “I’ve seen her.”
He still wasn’t close to Yining.
Lady Wei was even more indulgent towards this precious grandson. When Ting’er said he wanted to go out and play again, Lady Wei instructed Nanny Tong to keep a close eye on him. After Ting’er left, Zhao Mingzhu sat down next to Lady Wei, smiling as she said, “You should have seen it. Ting’er’s maid built such a big snowman! Ting’er used walnuts for the snowman’s eyes and was having so much fun.”
Lady Wei held Mingzhu’s hand, saying, “You’re the only one who loves to play with him like that. Since you’re familiar with the mansion, remember to take your sister Yining along. She’s new here and not yet familiar with the place.”
Zhao Mingzhu’s smile became somewhat forced.
At this moment, Song Mama lifted the curtain and entered, saying, “My Lady, the young master from the branch family has arrived with his companions.”
The young ladies present perked up, their eyes glowing, looking at Zhao Mingzhu with envy.
They had already heard rumors that Lady Wei intended to match Zhao Mingzhu with Cheng Lang, which was an enviable arrangement.
Yining was speaking softly with her elder sister when she saw someone lift the curtain and enter. He walked in with his hands behind his back, smiling warmly, handsome and refined. Wearing a light cyan plain robe, his presence seemed to immediately brighten the room, truly a dragon among men. In both of her lives, Yining had never seen a man more handsome than Cheng Lang. There was an indescribable depth of emotion in his eyes, yet he seemed to regard everyone with the same warmth.
Even if Zhao Mingzhu didn’t like Cheng Lang, being associated with such a remarkable person would naturally give anyone a sense of superiority.
Especially with Luo Yining present today. If everyone else liked Cheng Lang, wouldn’t she like him too?
Zhao Mingzhu raised her head, more enthusiastic than usual: “Cousin, how do you have time to come today?”
Cheng Lang smiled and said, “Uncle invited me over, saying that my cousin had been found. As I happened to be free today, I came to see.”
Hearing this, Lady Wei pulled Yining up: “This is her. Don’t you think she looks like your uncle?”
Lady Wei patted Yining’s hand and told her, “This is Cheng Lang, who was the third-ranked scholar in the imperial examinations a few years ago. You must have heard of him. He’s now a secretary in the Ministry of Personnel, and I hear his reputation is quite impressive.”
Yining sensed that Cheng Lang seemed to be looking at her. She raised her head and saw a faint smile at the corners of his mouth.
Suddenly, she remembered the first time she had seen Cheng Lang when he was still small, timid, standing in a noisy hall. No one was looking after him, not even asking him a single question.
She had felt sorry for the child then and had someone bring him over, offering him osmanthus-flavored cakes.
The image of that small child gradually overlapped with this elegant young man, stirring complex emotions within her. She smiled softly and said, “Cousin Cheng Lang.”
Cheng Lang nodded politely to her. His inquiring gaze swept over her briefly, seemingly finding nothing special, before he turned back to Lady Wei with a smile, saying, “Indeed, there is a resemblance. You must be pleased now, having two granddaughters.”
Although Yining knew she was no longer her past self, she still felt the urge to avoid these cunning individuals at all times.
Lady Wei had a good impression of Yining, but glancing at Zhao Mingzhu’s slightly flushed face beside her, she suddenly smiled and said, “I wonder where Ting’er has run off to. Why don’t you accompany Mingzhu to find him? That child plays too wildly; I’m afraid he won’t know to come back when it’s time.”
Soon, they would be going to the ancestral hall to record in the family genealogy.
The young ladies in the room couldn’t help but look at Zhao Mingzhu again.
This made her feel even more in the spotlight. Something everyone desired, her grandmother had given to her so effortlessly.
Zhao Mingzhu slowly stood up. She saw Cheng Lang standing beside Lady Wei, smiling at her. His gaze fixed on her made her feel he was a very passionate person. At that moment, she found herself liking Cheng Lang a bit more; he was indeed an exceptionally handsome man.
He politely said, “Of course, I should accompany Cousin Mingzhu.” With that, he walked to the door to wait for her.
Zhao Mingzhu left with Cheng Lang. The young ladies in the room inevitably felt a bit deflated, losing some of their earlier enthusiasm.
Seeing the two getting along, Lady Wei felt somewhat relieved. Having raised Mingzhu for so many years, she truly hoped for her to have a good life. If she could marry Cheng Lang, Lady Wei wouldn’t have to worry about her for the rest of her life. She turned slightly, noticing Yining’s gaze wandering, unsure of what she was thinking.
“We’ll be going to the ancestral hall soon. Are you nervous?” Lady Wei asked her.
Yining shook her head. She had just realized what kind of environment she was in, one she couldn’t escape no matter what.
Lady Wei suggested that the women go for a walk in the courtyard to relax. Zhenzhu accompanied Yining as she stood up. Yining had never walked around Jing’an Hall before. As she strolled along the covered walkway towards the back garden, she found the courtyards to be deep and the scenery particularly exquisite. She saw that below the railings was a shimmering lake, with a pavilion in the center where snow was slowly melting under the sun. Zhenzhu said from beside her, “Let me bring you a stool. You can sit here and watch. There will be plenty of standing later.”
Yining nodded after coming back to her senses.
Soon after, she heard footsteps behind her.
“You brought it so quickly?” Yining asked without turning around.
Someone walked slowly behind her, their voice warm: “Brought what?”
Yining’s heart skipped a beat, feeling the warm breath almost on her ear. She suddenly turned around to see Cheng Lang standing tall behind her, very close.
His eyes were as deep as a lake, but the corners of his mouth held a faint smile. He sighed softly, “It’s been years. Does Yining not recognize me anymore?”
Yining felt confused. What did Cheng Lang mean by this?
Moreover, he was exceptionally handsome, and standing so close while talking to someone inevitably created an ambiguous atmosphere.