Spring in the Hall of Paintings

As Lady Fucha and Yun Wei stepped through the door, Nanny Qi curtsied and reported, “The Old Lady sent word just now, asking you to bring the young lady to her.”

“Is there something urgent?” Lady Fucha, who rarely concerned herself with the affairs of the Tong household, frowned slightly and added, “The Old Lady has already had her meal at this hour.”

“It seems Third Mistress brought it up—requesting teaching nannies for the young ladies. The Old Lady likely wants to hear your opinion. Our young lady, along with the Fourth Young Lady, will be participating in the selection. Oh, and also the cousin—it’s all happening together.”

“Teaching nannies?” Yun Wei’s impression of teaching nannies was that they were strict, so she asked, “Will I have a teaching nanny too?”

Lady Fucha nodded and, taking her daughter’s hand, headed toward the main house. Along the way, she explained, “You’re a candidate for the imperial selection. A teaching nanny is essential. I’ve been thinking about getting you a good one, but your Third Aunt seems even more eager than I am.”

“Good day, Second Mistress,” a young maid at the door curtsied and lifted the curtain. Inside, laughter and chatter could be heard faintly.

“Greetings, Mother.”

“Greetings, Mam, Aunt, Third Aunt, and Auntie.”

Yun Wei curtsied to each in turn. The Old Lady, Lady Jueluo, reclined on a rosewood chaise lounge. She lifted her eyelids slightly and glanced at Lady Fucha. “Just back from the Fucha residence?”

“Thank you, Mother, for thinking of us. My sister-in-law mentioned coming to visit you soon.”

Lady Fucha leaned forward slightly, her expression full of respect. The Old Lady glanced at Yun Wei with a smile and said, “She should visit—it’s only proper.”

“Thank you, Mother,” Lady Fucha expressed her gratitude. She knew that if Yun Wei hoped to pass the imperial selection, relying solely on herself wouldn’t be enough. The influence of the Old Lady Jueluo was indispensable.

The Old Lady sighed meaningfully. “You’ve worked hard as a mother. You’ve truly spared no effort when it comes to Wei girl.”

“Did Sixth Sister go to the Fucha residence? The home of Lord Maqi?”

Yun Lan, holding Yun Wei’s hand, whispered curiously, “Did you meet Lord Maqi?”

Yun Wei shook her head. She couldn’t understand why Yun Lan’s eyes sparkled whenever she mentioned Lord Maqi. Yun Lan smiled knowingly and said, “Sixth Sister, the Fucha household is a fine place. If you were to… Well, it’s a good choice, isn’t it?”

“Why would Fourth Sister say such a thing?” Yun Wei looked up, unwilling to acknowledge anything that might tarnish a young lady’s reputation.

Yun Lan realized her comment had been reckless and quickly explained, “Sixth Sister, don’t get upset. I misspoke. But truly, the Fucha family is an excellent match. I would never harm you.”

“Uncle is a high-ranking minister trusted by the Emperor. The Fucha family is prominent and influential. The two families interact more because of their ties of kinship—there’s nothing else to it.”

Yun Wei stayed firm, unwilling to confirm anything uncertain, especially not to Yun Lan. Although she believed Fourth Sister meant no harm, she didn’t feel entirely at ease. Yun Lan’s knowing smile felt unsettling, almost as if she foresaw something. This unease had grown since Yun Lan’s demeanor became less cautious after encountering the Fourth Prince.

“Mother, what do you think about hiring the nanny?” Third Mistress Guo Luoluo was the first to speak, asking, “Should I go to the palace to make arrangements?”

“Third Sister-in-law, this is the Tong household.”

Before the Old Lady could respond, First Mistress Jueluo shook her head in disapproval. “We’re fully capable of hiring a suitable teaching nanny for the girls ourselves. You needn’t worry about that.”

“Sister-in-law, I… I only meant well.” Guo Luoluo looked aggrieved. Jueluo, showing magnanimity, replied, “I know you mean well, Third Sister-in-law. But you should remember the Old Lady’s teachings. The Tong family has a long tradition of loyalty and service to the Emperor. While Consort Yi may be one of the Four Consorts with a high rank, her position is not one we can rely upon.”

At this point, Yun Lan interjected, “First Aunt is right, but—”

“Lan girl, I know you care deeply for your mother,” the Old Lady said calmly, rubbing the prayer beads on her wrist. “As mothers, it’s only natural for us to worry about our daughters’ futures and hope for the best for them. Don’t worry, Third Sister-in-law. Even if I have to set aside my pride, I’ll ensure we find a qualified and fitting teaching nanny to teach the girls proper manners. We won’t tolerate any lapse in etiquette or decorum.”

“You’re right, Grandmother. Yun Lan admits her mistake.”

Yun Lan’s face flushed, and she solemnly bowed to Jueluo. “First Aunt, it was thoughtless of me. I hope you won’t hold it against me.”

“We’re family; there’s no need for such formalities,” Jueluo replied. “Lan girl, I’ve watched you grow up. I care for you and want what’s best for you. But if I may say—”

Jueluo hesitated, and the Old Lady spoke directly, “Say it. What has Yun Lan done?”

“Mother, it’s nothing serious,” Jueluo tried to deflect.

“Speak,” the Old Lady said more firmly. Jueluo sighed and said, “Mother, I only wanted to remind Lan girl that the Tong household has more than one girl in the selection. Our family’s reputation is of utmost importance.”

Yun Wei glanced at Yun Lan. Could it be that she truly had entanglements with the Fourth Prince? Yun Lan maintained her calm smile and said, “First Aunt, I understand. I would never do anything to harm the Tong family’s reputation, nor would I implicate Sixth Sister in any way.”

“Yun Lan, you must think carefully. While the daughters of the Eight Banners don’t have the same strict rules as the Han people, you mustn’t act too recklessly. You are a candidate for the selection of the imperial harem.”

“Thank you, First Aunt, for your guidance. Yun Lan will remember it.”

Jing Yi, who had been following her mother, spoke with a hint of jealousy: “Remember? I don’t think so. Lan Sister, you’ve been going out quite often lately.”

Yun Lan suddenly knelt, tilting her head slightly, her expression serious and composed. “I go out with friends, but I have never done anything wrong. Please, Mother, see for yourself. If I were to disgrace the Tong family or cause my father and mother any embarrassment, I would rather die right here.”

Yun Lan’s face turned pale. Guo Luoluo hugged her in anger and said, “I shouldn’t have said this, but Jing Yi is my niece, and she grew up in our Tong family. I care for her deeply. Lan girl has gone out a few times, and if she can’t go with Jing Yi, such rumors start spreading? Mother, what should we do about this?”

Jing Yi, crying and denying it, said, “No, no, I’m not jealous of her… not at all…”

“Enough!” The Old Lady slapped the arm of her chair, her sharp eyes scanning everyone in the room, taking in the expressions of her daughters-in-law and granddaughters. “Jing Yi, you will reflect on your actions for half a month, and copy the Buddhist scriptures to calm your heart. Yun Lan, if you truly choose him, do not regret it. As long as I am alive, the Tong family will not split. I’ll say it again: the Tong family will not get involved with the princes. The honor of our family comes from military achievements and loyalty to the Emperor.”

“Grandmother.” Yun Lan looked up, staring at the Old Lady’s perceptive eyes, feeling a trace of disappointment. She lowered her head and said, “I won’t regret it, Grandmother. I definitely won’t regret it.”

The Old Lady leaned back on the couch and weakly said, “Fine, as long as you don’t regret it. Lan girl, since you have made up your mind, go and study properly with the teaching nanny.”

“Yes.” Yun Lan lowered her head, remembering Yinzhen. She wouldn’t regret it. Yinzhen might appear cold and emotionless on the outside, but he had a heart of gold. He needed her and would always need her by his side.

Back in her room, Yun Wei couldn’t help but ask, “Mother, how could Grandmother know about this?”

“Your grandmother has seen a lot in her years. She may not be involved in the affairs of the house now, but there is nothing happening here that she doesn’t know about. That is what it means to truly be the mistress of the house. I never easily submit to others, but in front of your mother, I’m still lacking in experience.”

“Yun Wei, your grandmother is getting older and feels lonely. You should spend more time with her.”

“Yes, I understand, Mother.”

Fucha smiled gently. She was acting out of kindness. The elderly often feel lonely, and with a sweet daughter like Yun Wei around, the Old Lady would surely be happy. If, in her idle moments, the Old Lady spoke of her youth, it would help Yun Wei grow wiser and better able to discern right from wrong. The matriarch of the Tong family was no ordinary woman.