Li Yinwei’s maid poured tea while explaining that it was a homemade floral tea by their fifth young lady. Lin Juan curiously took a sip and became instantly addicted, savoring it slowly. The floral aroma was natural, and the taste was just right, though she couldn’t pinpoint which flowers were used—clearly, it was a blend of more than one.
Madam Tong had once mentioned that Lin Fang’s facial hemangioma was highly sensitive to irritants, especially pollen. An allergic reaction would worsen her condition, so despite her envy, Lin Fang dared not try the tea. She usually drank only plain water or the medicinal tea prepared by Madam Tong.
Li Yinwei went to wash the gourd-shaped dates. As Lin Juan sipped her tea, she asked Li Yinwei’s maid, “With the two of you around, why does your fifth young lady insist on doing everything herself? Is she always like this?”
“Replying to Third Cousin,” one of the quick-witted maids answered, “Our fifth young lady says that life is unpredictable, and one must prepare for adversity in times of peace, lest one becomes useless. She handles all her own affairs personally. If I may speak out of turn, our fifth young lady rarely gets this close to others or takes such personal care of guests. Today, her attentiveness to Sixth Cousin is something we’ve seldom seen.”
“Truly,” Li Yinhua chimed in, sucking her finger where a date thorn had pricked her. “Normally, even I, as her elder sister, can’t always get Yinwei to do things for me. Yet today, she’s so kind to Fang’er. How odd.”
Lin Fang smiled knowingly. “Because Fifth Cousin is usually the younger sister, but today she gets to be the elder sister.”
“Little imp, you understand everything,” Lin Juan teased, pinching Lin Fang’s nose. “Maybe it’s fate—you’ve caught your fifth cousin’s eye.”
“Ouch!” Lin Fang rescued her nose from Lin Juan’s grasp and complained, “Third Sister, if you keep pinching my nose, I’ll turn into an ugly monster. If I grow up unmarriageable, I’ll cling to you for life. And I’m a glutton—if you try to fob me off with ordinary food, I’ll turn your house upside down!”
Releasing Lin Fang’s nose, Lin Juan pinched her cheeks instead, gritting her teeth. “Your skin grows thicker by the day! What proper girl talks about marriage all the time? Even if you weren’t an ugly monster, your shamelessness would scare suitors away!”
“Good riddance! I don’t care. I’ll support myself—no need for such burdens.”
“Hmph. Disgraceful.”
As the eldest sister, Li Yinrong felt it improper to hide in her room while her younger cousins entertained themselves. She was about to join them when she overheard Lin Juan and Lin Fang’s playful banter. Frowning, she recalled Lin Juan’s earlier question about participating in the talent competition. The thought of such public display disgusted her. With a disdainful sniff, Li Yinrong turned back to her embroidery frame, refusing to associate with such shameless people.
The gourd-shaped dates had two ends: the smiling end was seedless, while the larger end contained a tiny pit. They were crisp and sweet. Seeing Lin Fang’s lingering enjoyment, Li Yinwei fetched a small basket and picked another batch. After washing them, she sent a maid to deliver some to the aunts at Qinglin Courtyard, instructing her to inform Third Aunt before serving. She set a plate on the stone table and packed the rest for Lin Fang to enjoy later, cautioning her not to eat more now.
After a few dates, Lin Juan hesitantly asked Lin Fang, “Little Sister, you always have ideas. Do you think it’s really feasible for me to compete?”
Lin Fang nodded vigorously. “Of course! Didn’t Mother say the competition is about the experience? Besides, Third Sister, your embroidery skills are unmatched—you’ve mastered Fourth Aunt Guo’s techniques and practice tirelessly. How could you fail? If I weren’t afraid of tripping on stage and embarrassing myself, I’d sign up too.”
Lin Juan scoffed. “You? In what category?”
Lin Fang paused. Aside from memorizing texts quickly, she had no notable talents. Just reducing her daily falls and sparing her parents worry was achievement enough. And since the competition didn’t include recitation, she slumped. “Third Sister, am I really useless?”
Lin Juan, startled by her usually cheerful sister’s sudden gloom, regretted her jest. Grandmother had said Lin Fang’s developmental delays were beyond her control. The little girl already struggled so hard—practicing tirelessly despite frequent falls. Any other child would have given up in tears. Yet Lin Fang insisted on doing everything herself. Chiding herself for going too far, Lin Juan teased, “Who said you’re useless? You’re full of ideas—how else would you earn the nickname ‘Little Imp’?”
Lin Fang knew her “ideas” came from her adult mind and unique perspective. In truth, she felt inadequate. No matter how Lin Juan coaxed her, her mood remained low. Finally, Lin Juan suggested visiting Eldest Aunt, who was skilled at guidance, hoping she could lift Lin Fang’s spirits.
Li Cuimei’s words echoed Lin Juan’s, though gentler. Pan Shi, Li Cuihong, and Li Cuilan also took turns comforting Lin Fang, even tempting her with treats. Knowing her melancholy was psychological, Lin Fang forced her usual cheerfulness to avoid worrying her mother. But Li Cuimei saw through her act. Her daughter had always been strong-willed, and resolving this would take time.
Li Cuihong scolded Lin Juan, worsening her already guilty mood. The room grew tense.
“Fang’er, come here,” Li Cuilan beckoned.
“What is it, Aunt?”
Li Cuilan settled Lin Fang on her lap. “Would you like to visit my home? My village is small but beautiful—mountains, rivers, wild fruits, birds, and clever little animals. If you come, your uncle can catch some for you. The stream is nearby, with ducks swimming and fish to catch. But don’t walk barefoot—crabs love pinching tender toes!”
Pan Shi chided, “Cuilan, are you coaxing or scaring her? The crabs are tiny—even in autumn, they’re harmless!”
Li Cuilan laughed sheepishly. “Well, Fang’er, would you like to go?”
Longing for such idyllic simplicity, Lin Fang asked her mother, “Will you come?”
Li Cuimei smiled. “Do you want to?”
“If you go, I’ll go.”
Pan Shi chuckled. “Little Imp, using your mother as an excuse! It’s late today—tomorrow, you can all visit Cuilan’s. This old lady could use some peace.”
The others laughed. Once the children left, Li Cuimei lectured Pan Shi until she promised to behave. When Li Yinwei sent over more dates, Pan Shi eagerly reached for them, only for Lin Juan to move the plate away, warning that her aging digestion couldn’t handle too many. Pan Shi appealed to her daughters and daughter-in-law, but none defended her—clearly fearing their nagging.
Seeing Lin Juan’s distress, Lin Fang comforted her. “Third Sister, don’t blame yourself. My shortcomings aren’t your fault. Follow your passion for embroidery—it’s your strength.”
Lin Juan hugged her. “I spoke carelessly, yet here you are consoling me. It’s as if you’re the elder sister. I’m truly useless.”
Lin Fang giggled. “Nonsense! Mother says your embroidery rivals masters. If you compete, you’ll shine. I can’t even hold a needle—don’t undervalue yourself!”
Setting her down, Lin Juan brightened. “Did Eldest Aunt really say that? Then I’ll try. Whew—you’re getting too heavy for me!”
That night, Li Cuimei and her sisters stayed in Diecui Courtyard, their childhood home. Though their husbands were relegated to guest quarters—supposedly to give the sisters privacy—the three shared knowing smiles. When Lin Xia asked why, Li Cuihong merely laughed.
“Did Grandfather lose at chess?” Lin Fang guessed, sparking uproarious laughter.
The next day, Li Cuihong stayed to accompany Pan Shi, while Lin Juan practiced embroidery and Lin Xia studied medicine. Only Li Cuimei and Lin Fang accompanied Li Cuilan home.
When invited, Li Yinrong politely declined, citing the busy farming season. Li Yinhua feared tanning, but Li Yinwei simply said, “Go.” Packing swiftly, she overrode her mother and grandmother’s objections, leaving her maid behind and boarding the carriage alone.
Pan Shi sighed in relief. Among her granddaughters, Yinrong flattered her, Yinhua was carefree, but Yinwei—though quiet—corrected her bluntly, much like Li Cuimei. With her gone, Pan Shi could finally indulge without scrutiny.
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