Lian Dongfang had finished discussing affairs with Lady Mo and proceeded to the front courtyard. Since Old Madam’s passing, he had taken up residence in the study under the guise of observing bereavement, seldom entering the back courtyard.
Yuebing did not take this matter to heart.
However, Nanny Wang held a different perspective, stating, "Second Young Lady, Madam Zhuang’s family is from Duke of Lu’s Mansion. The daughters from Duke Mansion generally marry well. Additionally, Madam Zhuang has two close friends from her boudoir days: one is Prime Minister Su’s legitimate granddaughter-in-law, Madam Cui; the other is the Wife of the Heir of Marquis Jingning, Madam Ping."
Yuebing was somewhat surprised but did not respond.
Nanny Wang continued: "Second Young Lady, the Wife of the Heir of Marquis Jingning’s father is Lord Ping from the Ministry of Personnel, while her husband’s aunt is the current Empress Dowager; Prime Minister Su’s granddaughter-in-law, Madam Cui, is the legitimate eldest daughter of the Earl of Chengyi, a true lady of a prominent clan."
Yuebing hesitated and then asked, "What are you implying, Nanny? Do you suggest I befriend Madam Zhuang? But our families are quite distant from each other."
Nanny Wang’s intention in telling Yuebing this was not to encourage her to establish a good relationship with Madam Zhuang. She explained: "I’m telling you this, Miss, to show that the young ladies you meet now might later become valuable allies." There were subtleties that Nanny Wang left unsaid. Aiming to marry into a prominent clan required at least an opportunity to meet those clans’ distinguished ladies. Lian Mansion was on a decline and lacked powerful marital allies; attaching herself to such prominent clans without any reason might not be viewed favorably. This was where a suitable opportunity was necessary, and Madam Zhuang could be the perfect conduit.
Yuebing understood the underlying implication in Nanny Wang’s words: creating ties with noble women also required an accessible route. Yuebing wouldn’t naïvely think that Madam Zhuang would take an immediate liking to her. She explained, "Nanny, you know I’m not averse to befriending her, but my third younger sister has always been cold to me. No matter how I try to connect, my efforts are ignored."
Nanny Wang said, "Second Young Lady, no matter how distant Third Young Lady may be, she cannot escape the fact that you are sisters, so opportunities will always arise; and opportunities are meant for those who are prepared. If you, Second Young Lady, can seize every one, you will surely rise above others." Nanny Wang believed that Yueyao’s apparent indifference was a facade. If Third Young Lady was truly distant, how could she be so well-liked by everyone at Ma’s Mansion, to the extent even Madam Zhuang favored her.
Nanny Wang wasn’t suggesting that Yuebing exploit Yueyao. Fourth Miss was cunning and guarded; attempting to manipulate her would certainly backfire. Nanny Wang merely hoped to use Yueyao’s good relationship with Madam Zhuang to create opportunities for Yuebing to meet other influential ladies, continuining, "Madam Zhuang is Third Young Lady’s cousin-in-law, technically a distant relation, but you can see that Madam Zhuang likes her a lot. Liking someone means planning and scheming for them, and I believe Madam Zhuang will eventually introduce Third Young Lady to other noble women. Thus, Second Young Lady, you must not become enemies with Third Young Lady but maintain sisterly bonds, even if just superficially."
Yuebing nodded in response, "I will."
Yueying, upon hearing that Yueyao could stay a few months at Ma’s Mansion, put down the pouch she was embroidering. Having a good uncle is truly a blessing. As she was envying this, she heard Yuebing approaching.
Yuebing was there to invite Yueying to visit Yueyao, saying, "Eldest sister, Fourth Miss and I are going to see our third sister. Would you like to join us?" Since Nanny Wang advised her to observe the people around her, she would start by observing her sisters.
Yueyao hadn’t expected the three of them to come over, and welcomed them into her room. She smiled and explained, "The maids are busy packing things up; it’s a bit chaotic, please don’t mind."
Yuebing smiled and responded, "Not at all, just let us know if you need any help."
Yueyao certainly didn’t need their help. Upon being asked how long she might stay, she thought for a moment and answered, "At most two months, I’ll be back soon." It was still quite cool to stay at Lanxi Courtyard in the summer.
An uneasy feeling stirred in Yuebing as she thought, ’Two months and she says it’s quick? How long would she consider long then?’ Yuebing sensed Yueyao’s aversion to Lian Mansion, even if she couldn’t openly admit it.
Yuehuan, however, cheerfully said, "Third sister, you’ll have to bring us gifts when you come back." Yueyao had brought them unique gifts from her last short stay at Ma’s Mansion.
Yueyao looked troubled.
Yuebing shot Yuehuan a glare; they hadn’t even left and she was already concerned about such trivialities. She had never seen anyone so superficial.
Yuehuan presented herself as innocent, thinking that wanting gifts amongst sisters shouldn’t warrant such disdain.