Yueyao looked at her two male cousins, who were both paragons among men, especially the eldest, who hadn't placed in the top three in the imperial examinations but had emerged as the first in the second rank. He later married Madam Peng, whose father held the position of Chief of Staff at the Ministry of Personnel. This was a significant boost to Tingli's career prospects.
Tingyi wasn't lacking either, with double successes in the Palace Graduate examinations, and had married the legitimate eldest daughter of Earl of Yongchang, Lady Zhao, promising him a future just as bright. Every member of the main branch seemed destined for success. Only she and her brother Tingzheng had fared poorly; one dead too soon, and the other barely living.
The old nanny outside raised her voice, "Old Madam, Eldest Miss, Second Young Lady, Fourth Miss have arrived."
Yueyao was jolted back to reality and looked towards the doorway as her three sisters walked in. Suppressing the disgust welling up within her, she approached Yuebing with an apologetic expression, "Second Sister, I was wrong that day. I will accept any punishment you deem fit." Indeed, she had been at fault that day; an apology was necessary.
Yuebing paused, a displeased expression on her face. If Yueyao wanted to apologize, she should have done so at her own residence, not here, feigning sincerity in front of their grandmother. But seeing the stern look from her eldest brother, she had no choice but to step forward and take Yueyao's hand, saying, "That day, you explained everything to me, third younger sister. I'm not that petty. However, I will expect you to draw a pattern for me!" Yueyao was not good at embroidery, but her painting skills were top-notch. Following the patterns she sketched, the embroidered pieces turned out particularly beautiful.
Yueyao feigned embarrassment, "Second Sister, I, I still haven't finished copying the scriptures. I have no time at the moment. Can we wait until after the mourning period?"
In her previous life, no such thing had occurred during the mourning period. However, having lived together, she used to draw patterns for Yuebing often, resulting in exquisite and unique creations. But now, not to mention that she was still in mourning, requiring her to avoid vibrant colors, even later on, she wouldn't have the inclination to draw patterns for Yuebing anymore.
Seeing Yueyao's refusal, Yuebing's face turned somewhat sullen. Last time, Yuebing had pushed her to the ground, scraping her hands, and she hadn't held a grudge. She had not expected that Yueyao would refuse to draw a mere pattern. Her mother had advised her to be generous, but could she truly be magnanimous towards someone like Yueyao?
Tingli noticed the impatience in Yueyao's eyes and became even more perplexed.
Tingyi didn't think too deeply into it. Upon hearing Yueyao's refusal, he blurted out, "Third Young Lady, it's just a pattern. There's no need to be so stingy. Just embroider it for Second Sister when it's done." Since Tingyi was the second son, he faced fewer restrictions and was more forthright, making his outburst unsurprising.
Upon hearing this, Yueyao bowed her head to indicate her reluctance.
The Old Madam watched from above, saying nothing, but it was clear that Yueyao was highly averse to the matter.
However, Yueying spoke with a smile, "Second Brother, Third Young Lady is still observing mourning. Guqin, Chess, Calligraphy, and Painting are not suitable for her now. Let her draw a pattern for Second Sister after the mourning period is over. Third Young Lady, won't that be all right?" It was inappropriate for someone in mourning to indulge in such pleasures, especially painting, which involved adding colors.
Yueyao shyly smiled, "Mhm, I will draw for Second Sister after the mourning period," matching the demeanor that Yueyao had exhibited before, characterized by her consistently shy and bashful nature.
Yuebing glanced at Yueying with a look of disdain.
Yuehuan considered several things internally but had no intention of growing closer to Yueyao. Unbeknownst to others, her Maternal Auntie had come from the Madam's quarters and was very familiar with the Madam's temperament. Therefore, she would not grow close to Third Young Lady, much less side with her.
The group exchanged pleasantries for a while, with Tingyi doing most of the talking and the others agreeing. Even so, it was enough to amuse the Old Madam immensely.
Soon after, the Old Madam let everyone disperse. Tingli and Tingyi were the first to leave, followed by Yueying and Yuebing. Yueyao was the only one left sitting without moving.