“Third Sister, you’re finally back! Quick, talk some sense into Mother. Eldest Sister and I have tried everything, but she just won’t listen.”
Before even entering the courtyard, the clamor inside was audible. As she approached the gate of her parents’ Qinglin Courtyard, the noise grew louder—clearly emanating from within. Her sister-in-law Daping was pacing anxiously at the courtyard entrance, while Eldest Sister Li Cuilan stood by the door, peering inside with evident distress, wringing her hands in nervousness.
Taking in the scene, Li Cuimei understood immediately: their mother must be acting up again, and Eldest Sister and Daping had likely been shooed out for trying to intervene. “What’s going on?” she asked.
Daping hesitated to criticize her mother-in-law in front of her sisters-in-law, but Li Cuilan frowned and said, “What else? Mother’s being mischievous again. Yinhua and Yinwei were playing jump rope, and Mother insisted on joining. Father not only didn’t stop her but even cheered her on. She’s over sixty—if she twists her ankle, what then? When Daping and I tried to dissuade her, she chased us out and threatened to lose her temper if we said another word.”
Alarmed, Li Cuimei strode into the courtyard, chiding, “If Mother threatens to lose her temper, let her. She’s just throwing a childish tantrum—what’s the worst she can do?”
As she ventured further inside, the commotion grew louder. First, she spotted her father’s tall figure, the middle-aged man waving his arms and hopping about like a child. Her mother wasn’t immediately visible, but two maids were vigorously swinging the rope while her nieces Li Yinhua and Li Yinwei watched nervously, their little faces glistening with sweat despite not participating. Though her mother was out of sight, her triumphant laughter rang out from behind her father.
“Father, wouldn’t it be better to have taller men swing the rope? That way, it could go higher, and you could jump in too.”
“Of course, that would be ideal. But your mother would never agree. Ah, Cuimei, you’re back! Why didn’t you send word ahead? Your mother must have many private words for you all—it’s inconvenient for me to linger here. There are still clan matters to attend to, so I’ll take my leave.”
Only after speaking did Li Qingyun notice his third daughter’s stern expression, her husband smirking behind her, followed by his fourth daughter with a mischievous glint in her eyes. Though her husband wasn’t as overtly amused, his smile betrayed his amusement. Their three granddaughters covered their mouths, struggling to suppress their laughter. To avoid distracting Pan Shi and risking an accident, none of them greeted aloud.
Growing increasingly flustered, Li Qingyun muttered a few hasty words and made his escape. His third daughter was unyielding, and her lectures were particularly daunting. He had no desire to be scolded by his own child in front of his grandchildren—what dignity would he have left?
With his tall figure gone, the view cleared, revealing Pan Shi in a short outfit, jumping with gusto and occasionally performing tricks that drew gasps from onlookers. She laughed heartily, “What, this scares you? How dramatic! Back in my day, I could out-jump anyone, even with multiple ropes crossing at once.”
Age had taken its toll, however, and her breath came in short pants as she spoke while jumping.
Li Cuihong whispered instructions to a maid standing guard, who then relayed the message to the rope-swingers. One of them soon pleaded, “Madam, my arms are exhausted. May we rest a moment?”
Hopping out of the rope, Pan Shi accepted a handkerchief to wipe her sweat, remarking, “Young as you are, yet you lack the stamina of an old woman like me. Barely half an hour, and you’re already spent.”
“With such vigor, Mother, why not enter this year’s jump rope competition? The registrations are still open. Let me sign you up—you could win and prove you’re as spry as ever!”
“Ah, Cuimei, you’re back! What’s Daping doing? Your sister returns, and no one announces it?”
“Thanks to Daping being chased out, I learned just how playful you’ve been. And Father—not only did he not stop you, he joined in the mischief! Auntie and I designed woolen outfits for the elderly, but since you two refuse to act your age, I suppose I can save myself the knitting.”
“Now, now, daughter! Your mother wouldn’t listen, and I failed to persist—that’s my fault. But don’t take it out on my outfit!”
No sooner had Li Cuimei spoken than Li Qingyun rushed back in, trailed by a now-relaxed Li Cuilan and Daping. Evidently, he hadn’t gone far but had been eavesdropping outside. His third daughter was stubborn, especially with her fun-loving parents, and rarely budged once her mind was set. If he didn’t fight now, those brand-new woolens might slip through his fingers.
“You old fool! When did you ever try to talk me out of it? You said you hadn’t seen me this excited in years and got even more worked up than I was! Not a single word of dissuasion! Daughter, don’t listen to him. Skip his outfit if you must, but mine is non-negotiable. At my age, I can’t handle the cold—woolens are a must!” Pan Shi was endearing in her own way, throwing her husband under the bus over imaginary knitwear while portraying herself as delicate.
“Pfft—”
“Ha ha ha!”
“Heh heh heh…”
The elderly couple’s childish bickering and blame-shifting were too much to bear. Servants trembled with suppressed laughter, scattering to their duties before their masters could regain their dignity and vent their embarrassment in some absurd fashion.
“Heh, heh heh…”
Li Qingyun chuckled awkwardly. Pan Shi ignored him, leading her daughters, daughter-in-law, granddaughters, and great-granddaughters away for a chat, leaving the two sons-in-law with the old man. Seeing the eldest son-in-law’s undisguised mockery and the second’s persistent grin, Li Qingyun huffed and declared he’d crush them both in a game. The three men settled into their usual battle—Li Qingyun and the eldest had been locked in chess rivalry for years, while the second, though quiet, was no slouch either. The outcome was anyone’s guess.
Hearing of their aunts’ arrival, Li Yinrong emerged from the sisters’ residence, Laiyin Courtyard, to greet them in Qinglin Courtyard. After brief pleasantries, Li Cuimei instructed her to take the younger girls off to play. Pan Shi protested, “It’s been ages since I saw my great-granddaughters! They can play anytime—why rush now?”
Li Cuimei’s expression darkened. “Cuihong and I will be in the village for days. You’ll have plenty of time with them—no need to cling this instant.”
Recognizing her aunt’s intent to “advise” their grandmother privately, Li Yinrong tactfully herded the girls toward Laiyin Courtyard.
Lin Fang, self-conscious about her unbound feet making her walk unsteadily, took careful steps to avoid her cousins’ teasing. Yet she still wobbled occasionally. Watching Li Yinrong glide gracefully, her tiny bound feet hidden beneath her skirts, moving with willow-like elegance, Lin Fang sighed. Here she was, natural-footed yet clumsy, while others flaunted their delicate, deliberate steps.
Soon, the six girls split into three lively factions.
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