Yueyao stood under the Apricot Blossom, practicing her punches, just as bursts of wind swept by, causing the tree to sway. Red, white, and pink blossoms fell from the tree, landing on Yueyao, some fluttering in the air.
Luo Mingzhu clicked her tongue in wonder, "I’ve watched my brother practice martial arts before, and always found it quite rough. I never imagined it could look so beautiful."
The maid laughed, "Indeed, it is beautiful." Normally, seeing a lady throwing punches would be considered very crude, at least from what she knew, ladies who practiced martial arts were deemed rough, but on Yueyao, it seemed extremely gentle and beautiful. The maid somewhat believed what Yueyao said that learning martial arts wouldn’t prevent her from being a lady.
After finishing, Yueyao, covered in sweat, took the towel from Xi Juan and wiped herself down, then approached Luo Mingzhu and asked, "Miss Luo, do you think it was alright?"
Luo Mingzhu frowned and replied, "Barely passable." After speaking, she pointed to the woman beside her and said to Yueyao, "I keep my word, she will stay and teach you martial arts."
Yueyao was overjoyed and immediately bowed to the woman, "I’ll be in your care from now on, sister."
The woman avoided Yueyao’s bow, smiling as she said, "Miss Lian, my name is Bai Yi, just call me by my name." Although Bai Yi didn’t accept the bow, because of it, her impression of Yueyao significantly improved.
When Madam Ping heard Luo Mingzhu say Bai Yi would stay to teach Yueyao martial arts, she not only didn’t object but fully approved. Having Bai Yi stay by Yueyao’s side for a while would help her understand Yueyao’s true nature better. Bai Yi was a guard placed by the Princely Heir near his younger cousin, and if Bai Yi found Yueyao to have a good nature, having Bai Yi speak a few words on her behalf to the Princely Heir would make things more convenient.
On the way back, Madam Ping asked, "Mingzhu, how is Miss Lian?" Madam Ping wanted to grasp her younger cousin’s impression of Yueyao to plan her actions accordingly. Giving Yueyao a female guard didn’t necessarily mean she had a good impression of her.
Luo Mingzhu frowned slightly and replied, "Neither good nor bad, but she said she wouldn’t be my study companion." She found looking at books headache-inducing, unsure who came up with the rotten idea to tell her mother to find someone to accompany her in her studies.
Madam Ping’s expression softened after hearing this response. Getting a "neither good nor bad" from her younger cousin was actually quite good. However, she knew it wasn’t the right time to continue this topic, so she didn’t say anything more. Those previously found by her younger cousin were all met with a contesting face.
After Ruo Lan and the others left, Yueyao was asked, "Do you really intend to learn martial arts?" Zhuang Ruolan originally thought Yueyao said so just to pique Luo Mingzhu’s interest, but now it seemed she was serious. Martial arts training was very strenuous, hardly suitable for delicate ladies.
Yueyao smiled, shaking her head, "Mr. Yu Shan said my hand strength isn’t enough, and not only does it affect my writing, but also my drawing. Miss Bai Yi said she would teach me a set of forms, and once I’ve learned it, my hand strength will improve, and that problem will be gone."
Ruo Lan’s initial worry turned into speechlessness, as it all circled back to painting yet again. Yueyao was truly obsessed with painting!
As soon as Yueyao returned to the Begonia Garden, she asked Bai Yi, "Miss Bai Yi, when do we start learning? Can we start now?"
Bai Yi smiled and replied, "No rush, we’ll start tomorrow!" Had she not heard it herself, she wouldn’t have believed Yueyao was truly eager to learn martial arts and so impatient about it.
Yueyao nodded, "Alright." It’s not like I can run away from here.
Cai Yun approached and said, "Miss, the person you asked for has been sent here. They should arrive by this evening."
Nanny Hao, upon hearing this news, was so excited she almost rushed outside immediately, but it was as if someone was grabbing her legs, making her unable to move.
Since arriving at Ma’s Mansion, she had been anticipating her granddaughter’s arrival. Now that the moment was here, she didn’t know how to face it.
Yueyao said gently, "Mom, don’t worry, with people close by, affection will naturally grow over time." Yueyao saw Nanny Hao’s expression and felt somewhat guilty, thinking she was being inconsiderate using a child to threaten Nanny Hao.
Nanny Hao wiped her tears and said, "I’m not worried, not worried." Rather than worry, it was more like she was afraid, afraid that her granddaughter would not accept her once she knew her identity.
Yueyao thought for a moment then refrained from discussing the matter further. Talking too much wouldn’t help Nanny Hao. This matter still needed time.
The child was soon brought over.
The little girl was dressed in a dark red long coat, skinny as a bamboo pole, making the coat seem too big for her. She appeared very timid, not knowing where to put her hands as if there were a hole in the ground she could escape into.
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