Chapter 13 FCADW? IRTBTMOTMM

FlamingoBees

Translating Chinese Historical Dramas for your enjoyment... and mine! :)

Favoring Concubines and Destroying Wives? I Refuse to be the Mistress of this Marquis' Mansion

Chapter 13:

Initiation

"What! She... the madam is going to teach Young Master Qing to read?"

Hearing that her son's teacher has changed from a renowned scholar to Lin Yunwan, Ge Bao'er was almost ready to tear her handkerchief to shreds.

She asked tactfully, "Weren't we planning to hire a distinguished teacher from outside? Why the sudden change?"

Lu Zhengliu told her, "It's difficult to invite a distinguished teacher to the Marquis's mansion."

As for the details of this difficulty, he didn't elaborate for Ge Bao'er.

She didn't need to know, and he didn't want her to know.

Ge Bao'er pursed her lips.

She had been in the Marquis's mansion for some time now. Although life with the old madam was more subdued than she had imagined, even this subdued life was a kind of unimaginable wealth and luxury for her.

How could the Lu Family not be able to hire a distinguished teacher?

"The Madam usually manages such a large Marquis's mansion, and now she has to teach two children. I'm afraid... she might be too busy," Ge Bao'er said with concern.

Lu Zhengliu looked at her and said in a deep voice, "It was my grandmother and I who insisted on persuading her to teach Young Master Qing Ge'er."

Ge Bao'er found it unbelievable.

Why would the Lu Family let Lin Yunwan teach Young Master Qing Ge'er?

Can she really teach better than a renowned teacher?

Knowing that Ge Bao'er didn't understand, Liu Zhengliu patiently explained, "Yunwan has excellent handwriting and has been familiar with the Four Books and Five Classics since childhood. In terms of scholarship, she is no less than a man who passed the imperial examinations. You don't need to worry too much about this."

But she knew that if she kept going, he might lose patience.

She forced a smile and said, "Young Master, I don't doubt Madam's knowledge. To put it bluntly, even if I don't understand Madam's capabilities, I trust that you and the old madam wouldn't joke about Young Master Qing Ge'ers future."

"Okay."

The two of them were in a small Buddha hall, Yu Shou Tang, where a fifteen-inch high Gautama Buddha stood. A bronze incense burner, filled with ash, contained three burnt incense sticks.

In this quiet and secluded place, the man in front of her was tall and handsome. He was her childhood sweetheart, and they had a lovely and smart son together.

Ge Bao'er lowered her head, shyly tugging at Liu Zhengliu's sleeve.

This reminded Liu Zhengliu of their childhood in Deyang. In the fields, mountains, under the morning and evening sun, she had this appearance.

However, these past few days had been exhausting for him. He was slightly relieved after settling the matter of their son's education, but he was indeed tired.

His tone was very gentle, "The old madam will arrange for Young Master Qing Ge'er to come and see you in a while."

"Really?"

"Yes, you and Young Master Qing Ge'er have a good reunion. I'll go back first."

"GeGe A'Zheng..."

Ge Bao'er's emotions fluctuated, and she looked at Liu Zhengliu with reluctance.

Young Master Qing Ge'er did come to pay respects to the old madam.

Mother and son embraced in the upper room. The Old Madam went to the Buddha hall to offer incense, leaving strict Yan Mama guarding the entrance to the upper room, discreetly listening to their conversation.

After not seeing each other for many days, Ge Bao'er cried with joy. Naturally, her biggest concern was whether her son was in good health.

"Let mother take a look."

She held her son's face, carefully examining it, and smiled, "Young Master Qing Ge'er, you've gained weight and become fairer than before."

Second Young Master Qing Ge'er grinned happily.

After Ge Bao'er's joyful reunion with her son, she asked Young Master Qing Ge'er, "Are you doing well in the mansion?"

Young Master Qing Ge'er nodded vigorously and enthusiastically talked about the affairs in the front courtyard. The servants there were attentive, always considering the young master's preferences, knowing well that both the Old Madam and the Young Master cherished him. At his young age, everyone took meticulous care of him, played with him, and provided whatever he desired. For a child, such days were as happy as they could be.

"When you're happy, Mom is happy too."

In that moment, Ge Bao'er felt that returning to Liu Zhengliu's side was worth it.

Outside the window, a figure was visible in the candlelight. Ge Bao'er recognized her as Yan Mama. So, she very quietly inquired about Lin Yunwan from Second Young Master Qing.

Second Young Master Qing Ge'er's brows furrowed instantly.

Ge Bao'er's heart sank, and she anxiously asked, "Did the Young Madam mistreat you?"

Second Young Master Qing Ge'er shook his head. He knew deep down that what happened might not be considered mistreatment.

"Miss Bao'er, the old madam is finishing her rituals at the Buddha hall and will be back soon."

Yan Mama urged from outside.

Ge Bao'er acknowledged and, not long after, the old madam and Yan Mama entered together. She had to return to her own courtyard. In her chamber, she tossed and turned in restlessness.

Though Lin Yunwan was unaware of Young Master Qing Ge'er's true identity, her initial impression of him wasn't favorable. More worrisome was whether Lin Yunwan could, or would, genuinely teach Young Master Qing Ge'er well.

No matter what, she will not sit back and wait.

The next day, Ge Bao'er still got up early to prepare breakfast for Old Madam Lu. Her culinary skills were indeed excellent, and in the past, she relied on this skill to support herself and her son. Now, it earned her praise from Old Madam Lu.

Old Madam Lu finished her meal, and her mood improved. She casually complimented Ge Bao'er, "Having gotten used to the heavy dishes in the mansion, eating something light for a change feels good for the stomach and the heart."

Moved by sincere service, Ge Bao'er smiled and said, "If you like it, from now on, I'll make it for you every day."

Old Madam Lu shifted to another seat, holding a string of prayer beads. Although her hands were occupied, her mind was not at ease. She unconsciously looked towards the direction of the Chui Si Hall.

She muttered, "By now, both boys should have gone there, right?"

Yan Mama checked the time and replied, "It's been almost two quarters."

Ge Bao'er was also nervous. She brought in the tea and said to Old Madam Lu, "I believe Madam will treat them equally. Please have some tea."

Old Madam Lu looked at her, took the tea, and calmly asked, "Do you really think so?"

"Absolutely."

Old Madam Lu scrutinized her. Ge Bao'er lowered her head in silence, wearing a veil, standing quietly beside.

Chui Si Hall had arranged a room for them, serving as a place for the lessons.

Inside, the gauzy curtains floated, and outside the window, green bamboo exuded a faint ink fragrance.

Today was the first day of class, and Yunwan didn't talk about overly complicated matters. She simply guided them in recognizing writing tools.

"Lake brush[1], Hui ink[2], Xuan paper[3], Duan inkstone[4]."

These were the most famous four treasures of the study.

"Although the imperial examinations only allow candidates to write in the 'Guan Ge' [5] style, to write well, one must have a well-rounded education. Seal script [6], clerical script[7], regular script[8], cursive script[9], and grass script[10], all need to be learned."

This was the basic knowledge of calligraphy."

Lin Yunwan's voice was calm and gentle, speaking at a measured pace.

Eldest Young Master Lu Chang Gong listened attentively, even though he was quite tired. Considering it was their first day of class with the Madam, both of them had stayed up late the night before and still managed to arrive on time, though they were visibly fatigued.

In the eyes of Second Young Master Qing Ge'er, tears welled up.

"That's all for today," guessed Lin Yunwan, sensing their exhaustion. She ended the first lesson earlier than planned, showing understanding and kindness.

Both Eldest Young Master Lu Chang Gong and Second Young Master Qing stood up simultaneously, bowing to her.

"Ping Ye, Tao Ye," two maids approached with trays.

"These are gifts for you," said Lin Yunwan. The maids presented two items: zongzi crafted in the form of brushes and a jade pendant engraved with a depiction of a swan.

"This brush shaped like a zongzi, phonetically 'bimian' (success), is a wish for your success in the imperial examinations. We also hope that both of you will have lofty aspirations for the future," she explained.

Little Master Qing, curious, immediately picked up the zongzi shaped like a brush.

It was genuinely fresh, something he had never seen before. Moreover, when he began his studies at the age of five in the countryside, there was no such thing as a ceremony or gifts from his mother and teacher.

"Aspire to lofty goals..."

Liu Chang Gong picked up the jade pendant, holding it with both hands.

With respect, he said to Lin Yunwan, "Thank you, Mother. Your son will remember this."

Lin Yunwan nodded gently in response.

After returning to his room, Eldest Young Master Lu Chang Gong used a string to thread the jade pendant and wore it around his neck. The zongzi was left untouched, placed as an offering in his room.

Mischievous as always, Second Young Master Qing Ge'er skipped lunch and went to play in Yu Shou Tang.

The Old Madam was resting at that time.

Ge Bao'er found Second Young Master Qing in the azure curtain cabinet.

Little Master Qing Ge'er took out the zongzi-shaped brush, laughing, "Mother, guess what this is."

Ge Bao'er smiled, "Isn't this a writing brush?"

Little Master Qing shook his head, "It's a zongzi, Mother. It's the starting gift from Mother."

Mother? He now referred to her so naturally!

Seeing her son about to unwrap the zongzi to eat, Ge Bao'er hurriedly pressed his hand, saying, "Don't eat it!" Was just a simple zongzi enough that she could win her son's favor?

Second Young Master Qing Ge'er was stunned.

Ge Bao'er confidently said, "Mother will make something more interesting and delicious for you. Don't choose this one."

Although Second Young Master Qing felt regretful, he still threw away the zongzi-shaped like a brush.

However, he didn't dare to throw it away in Yu Shou Tang and left it on the way back to the front yard of his and Lu Chang Gong's sleeping quarters.

Later, the steward found it and picked it up and sent it to Lu Zhengliu.

"Master, this zongzi shaped like a writing brush—'Aspire to Lofty Goals.' Such a good meaning. I don't know which young master threw it away."

Lu Zhengliu turned to go into the front yard.

This would be his first time visiting his son's courtyard.

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[1] Lake Brush: