Chapter 177: Chapter 73: Spring Imperial Examination (Part 1)
Hua Lei led Yueying, Yuebing, and Yuehuan, three people, into the room.
Yueyao’s room was furnished very simply. Apart from the essential big items like the bed, dressing table, and chairs, there were no other decorations. It didn’t look at all like a young lady’s boudoir; those uninformed might even think they had entered the room of an old person. No, even the Old Madam’s quarters had very brightly colored items.
Yueying was somewhat surprised by such arrangements, for even her own room couldn’t compare. It was said that Third Younger Sister was wealthy, so where had all the money gone?
Yuebing felt disdainful in her heart. She knew well that Yueyao’s storeroom contained many fine things. Pretending to be so unworldly and desire-free, for whom was she performing? In Yuebing’s mind, no one was better at playing the victim than Lian Yueyao.
Yuehuan observed the room’s setup with a very complex expression. She had been trying her best to restrain her own nature recently, but no matter how much she held back, there were some things she could not do; she wouldn’t flatter or please Yuebing just to make her own life easier.
Yuehuan had always adhered to her bottom line. The thought of groveling was something she couldn’t stomach, and furthermore, she was acutely aware that once her bottom line was broken, she would lose her last shred of pride. Although Maternal Aunt Su kept telling her it was all an act, a person who pretends too long might forget their true character. The memories of days spent humbling herself to others would be etched permanently in her mind, becoming an indelible shadow. She wasn’t Maternal Aunt Su; she didn’t want the pride deep in her bones to be worn away, nor did she want to be stamped with the brand of a slave.
Maternal Aunt Su could only deeply sigh in response to Yuehuan’s stubbornness and didn’t insist further. However, she did tell her many points to be mindful of, to which Yuehuan listened earnestly.
Yuehuan looked at Yueyao, who, in Maternal Aunt Su’s opinion, was the number one threat. Yuehuan smiled lightly; her aunt’s intuition wasn’t wrong—Yueyao was indeed the most dangerous person. Not only was she intelligent, but she was also a planner, and Madam would be no match for her. Thus, she could keep her distance from Yueyao but absolutely couldn’t afford to offend her.
Yueyao’s face was somewhat pale; naturally, she had to appear convincingly ill: “The doctor said I’m suffering from exhaustion and need to rest well for a few days, so I might fall behind on my studies.” Rules and etiquette had already been taught; now Nanny Wang was teaching her how to conduct herself in society, as well as what to pay attention to when going out—areas Yueyao studied very diligently. Social interaction was a complex matter, and she was a novice in this field, truly not proficient at all. In her past life, because she didn’t understand these intricacies, she offended many without even realizing it. She couldn’t afford to make the same mistakes this time around.
In Nanny Wang’s view, Yueyao’s current behavior was still unbearably lofty, and she had little faith in her capacity for social interaction. What Yueyao didn’t know was that her pride and aloofness were ingrained in her bones, they would not fade away just because she was reincarnated. That was also why she was reluctant to mingle with Yueying and Yuebing. If she were truly adept at socializing, she would make nice with them despite her distaste, but sadly, Yueyao couldn’t do that.
Yuebing said nonchalantly, “You can simply catch up with the teacher’s help later. Third Younger Sister, your room is too plain; you should add some things. As it is, it really doesn’t look proper.” The room felt oppressive and had an air of gloominess about it.
Yueyao said weakly, “I am still in mourning. I will rearrange everything after the mourning period is over.” Yueyao made it clear that she wouldn’t change the room’s setup in the short term.
Yuebing didn’t say anything further; she had become more restrained now. If she saw things that displeased her or annoyed her, she wouldn’t speak out. That she could achieve this restraint was already a significant improvement.
Yuehuan glanced around the room, “There’s no need for major changes, but I think adding a couple of pots of seasonal flowers would brighten the place up and prevent it from feeling so oppressive.”
Yueyao smiled lightly, but didn’t respond to Yuehuan’s suggestion.
Yuebing actually thought it was a good idea, “Third Younger Sister, there are so many flowers in your yard; have the maids pluck a few for your room; it would be pleasant to have them in view.”
Yueyao shook her head, “It’s alright, I’m used to it.” She was accustomed to this austere life; only by maintaining such a lifestyle could she stay sufficiently vigilant.
Yueying kept silent from beginning to end. After sitting for a while, the three of them took their leave.
Nanny Deng arrived at Ma’s Mansion, where Lady Cheng had already been released. According to protocol, Nanny Deng should have gone to pay her respects to Lady Cheng, but Nanny Deng didn’t think highly of Lady Cheng’s behavior and simply didn’t bother to pay her respects. Nanny Deng could predict that paying respects to Lady Cheng would result in no pleasant reception. She saw no need to seek out discomfort for herself.