Seeing Liu Ma treat the charcoal pencil like a treasure, Lin Fang suddenly recalled her childhood when life in the village was tough for everyone. Families would spend a few cents to buy a pencil for their children, who cherished it so much that they would first practice their homework with sticks on the ground to confirm the answers before carefully writing them in their notebooks with the pencil. Writing directly in the notebook risked mistakes, which would require erasing and rewriting—what a waste of pencil! This memory then reminded her of her past dream of becoming a teacher. In her previous life, her fragile health made such aspirations impossible, but in this life, though she was diagnosed with a mild heart condition that posed little hindrance, even if she couldn’t truly become a teacher, she could at least indulge in the fantasy.
After Li Cuimei dealt with the gatekeeper woman, the other servants who had been restless no longer dared to entertain any rebellious thoughts. They attended their daily lessons obediently, especially one who hadn’t proactively sought Lin Fang’s help. Though she struggled more than others, she worked harder. Eventually, she could recognize the words on incoming letters, understand invitations, and respond more clearly and coherently. When rewarded by her master, she felt grateful she hadn’t impulsively pleaded for leniency, or else she might have ended up like that gatekeeper, chopping firewood, carrying water, and hauling heavy loads every day.
After this incident, Lin Fang no longer acted as willfully as before. She began considering the pros and cons of every action and sought advice from her parents when unsure. Liu Ma, being an experienced elder, could also offer her guidance.
Seeing his daughter grow increasingly mature, Da Lang felt a pang of pity. He didn’t expect her to be exceptionally capable—he only wished for her to be happy every day. Li Cuimei consoled him, saying their daughter had her own destiny, and it was best to let things take their natural course. As parents, they shouldn’t force their expectations on their children or make decisions for them arbitrarily. Though Da Lang understood his wife’s reasoning, he still worried daily that his daughter might lose her innate nature.
Lin Fang thoroughly enjoyed her role as a “teacher,” practicing the Five Animal Frolics and needle-throwing exercises daily without fail. Lin Wu busied himself with experiments to refine the charcoal pencil, while Lin Cui’e began preparing her competition entry as the talent contest approached. Each family member had their own pursuits, making their days busy yet fulfilling.
Embroidery was time-consuming, and with the competition lasting only three days and numerous participants, it was impossible to showcase one’s full skill. Thus, contestants could submit pre-prepared embroidery pieces before the event began, then participate in the on-the-spot challenges as required. This tested both their improvisational skills and ensured the submitted work was genuinely their own.
Every day after class, Lin Fang would visit Lin Cui’e’s room to see what embroidery piece she planned to submit, but Lin Cui’e always kept it a secret, saying, “Confidential.” Lin Fang was exasperated—why did everyone in the family mimic her way of speaking? When she kept her sheep-raising plans confidential, it was to maintain an advantage. But what secret was her aunt guarding? It seemed like deliberate mystification.
“Auntie, Meizhen is here to bother you again, seeking your embroidery advice.”
One day, as Lin Fang was pestering Lin Cui’e, the two were playfully bickering when they heard a coquettish voice in the courtyard. Both frowned and sighed simultaneously.
Since Lin Fang returned from her aunt’s house, Lin Cuiping had been visiting frequently, often staying for half a day, accompanied by her sister-in-law, Zhong Meizhen. Lin Cuiping knew her brother’s family was busy and had no time to entertain her, so she made it clear that her mother-in-law urged her to socialize with her sister-in-law. She assured them not to mind her—she’d leave when it was time.
Truthfully, Li Cuimei and Lin Cuiping had little to talk about beyond pleasantries. Da Lang was occupied with external affairs and rarely home during the day except for meals. The nieces and nephews disliked their “Seventh Aunt,” greeting her perfunctorily before avoiding her. Even Lin Cui’e had nothing to say to her seventh sister. Aware of the awkwardness, Lin Cuiping would ask Liu Ma to arrange a quiet room for her at her brother’s house, where she’d nap or read, finding it more relaxing than her in-laws’ home.
Initially, whenever Lin Cuiping returned home, Old Madam Zhong would ask what she and her sister-in-law discussed, what the Lin family was busy with, and if there was any way to help. Lin Cuiping would only say that everyone was going about their business as usual, orderly and self-sufficient, needing no outside assistance. After several such exchanges, Old Madam Zhong realized her daughter-in-law was useless and sent her own daughter to the Lin family under the pretext that Zhong Meizhen, being around the same age as the “talented Auntie,” should learn from her. Besides, two girls keeping each other company was only natural.
Old Madam Zhong’s reasoning sounded plausible, but Zhong Meizhen’s behavior was downright repulsive.
Zhong Meizhen resembled her father, Zhong Dakui—large and burly, yet she deliberately spoke in a sickly sweet, affected tone that grated on the ears. Worse, she was nosy, prying into private matters even after being told they were off-limits. Once, Lin Cui’e lost her temper and outright told her to leave. Embarrassed, Lin Cuiping tried to drag her away, but Zhong Meizhen, ever adaptable, apologized profusely and stubbornly stayed until her mother’s designated time.
Logically, being kicked out should have shamed her into never returning, but Zhong Meizhen was an exception. She continued tagging along with Lin Cuiping to the Lin household, her behavior unchanged.
Upon entering, Zhong Meizhen made herself at home, sitting beside Lin Cui’e and saying familiarly, “Auntie, last time you mentioned you hadn’t decided on your embroidery piece. It’s been two days—have you decided now? Could you tell me so I can take some inspiration? My skills are crude, and though I’ve signed up for the contest, I lack confidence.”
Lin Cui’e stood and stepped back, replying woodenly, “I haven’t decided yet. I have urgent matters today and must leave immediately. Please make yourself comfortable, Miss Zhong.”
With that, she took Lin Fang’s hand and left, instructing a maid to inform Li Cuimei before heading straight for the gate.
Outside, Lin Fang asked, “Auntie, where should we go?”
Lin Cui’e paused. “I haven’t decided. Any ideas?”
Lin Fang thought for a moment. “How about Aunt Hong’s place? I heard she’s made a new dish called liangfen—perfect for cooling off in hot weather. Zhong Meizhen will probably stay for dinner, and eating with her would be unbearable.”
Lin Cui’e nodded. “Fine. It’s been a while since I’ve seen Second Sister-in-law. We’ll go there. But after dinner? Zhong Meizhen won’t leave early, and we’ll have to face her when we return.”
“Let’s go listen to storytelling!” Lin Fang exclaimed excitedly. “Last time, we were interrupted and couldn’t enjoy it fully. Today, it’s just you and me—no social obligations, just pure enjoyment.”
“Alright. It’s been months since I’ve heard Guo Mianniang’s performances. Since we’re frustrated today, let’s go for distraction.” She instructed the gatekeeper, “Inform the madam that Sixth Miss and I will return after the storytelling. Remember—don’t say it in front of Miss Zhong.”
“This servant understands,” the gatekeeper replied. The household servants dreaded Zhong Meizhen’s clinginess and knew exactly what Lin Cui’e meant.
After reclaiming Lin Cuilian’s shop, Li Cuihong repurposed it for selling snacks. Located near the storytelling hall, it attracted patrons who’d buy treats before performances to enjoy while listening. The liangfen was another of Lin Fang’s ideas, tested by Huiyuan and passed to Li Cuihong, allowing Lin Fang to satisfy her cravings.
“Eldest Sister-in-law is too tolerant, letting that shameless woman bother her daily. If it were me, I’d throw a ladle at her—see if she dares return!” Li Cuihong’s blunt outburst after hearing Lin Fang’s account reflected her indignation. Lin Fang believed her—backed by the Li and Tong families, Li Cuihong feared no one and had never liked Lin Cuiping. Even if Lin Cuiping were beaten to death by her in-laws, Li Cuihong wouldn’t bat an eye. But Li Cuimei was different—she had to consider Lin Cuiping’s situation in her marital home.
“Second Sister-in-law, do you know what story Guo Mianniang will perform tonight?” Lin Cui’e changed the subject, unwilling to dwell on Zhong Meizhen.
After adding chili to Lin Cui’e’s liangfen and vinegar to Lin Fang’s, Li Cuihong set the bowls before them, washed her hands, and sat opposite. At the question, she frowned thoughtfully. “The staff said Guo Mianniang isn’t feeling well today and might not perform. The hall posted a notice—Guo Mian volunteered to substitute, but he requested a different story since he isn’t familiar with tonight’s planned one.”
“Guo Mian is performing?” Lin Fang was astonished. A scholar telling stories—what courage!
Lin Cui’e stayed silent but was equally curious. She’d interacted with Guo Mian a few times when he returned to the village to relay messages from his mother to Guo Siniang. Though she’d never spoken to him directly, she knew him as a shy boy who blushed before speaking. The thought of him performing before hundreds was intriguing.
After finishing the liangfen, Li Cuihong packed fresh fruits, melon seeds, and pastries for their maids to enjoy during the performance.
The storytelling idea was spontaneous, so they hadn’t reserved seats. When the attendant confirmed no private booths were left, they hesitated. Sitting in the crowded main hall was unappealing, but giving up felt worse. Besides, returning meant facing Zhong Meizhen—they’d rather endure the night breeze outdoors.
“Miss Lin, couldn’t get a seat?”
A boy’s voice interrupted their dilemma. Lin Fang turned to see Shi Binhua, Lin Wu’s classmate who’d disrupted her last storytelling session. Though addressing Lin Fang, his eyes lingered on Lin Cui’e, prompting her maid to step protectively between them.
Disgusted by the lecherous gaze of a boy barely Lin Wu’s age, Lin Fang ignored him and walked away.
After a few steps, Shi Binhua called, “Hey, Miss Lin! I’ve booked a private booth on the third floor—it’s too big for just me. Why don’t you and this sister join me? No need to waste it.”
Lin Fang stopped coldly. “Young Master Shi, I don’t share seats with strangers. No need for courtesy.”
“No trouble! If it makes you comfortable, I’ll give you the booth.” His eyes strayed toward Lin Cui’e again, but the maids blocked his view entirely this time, leaving him disappointed.
Suppressing anger, Lin Fang said politely, “No need. As the hosts, we can’t take a guest’s seat—it’d harm our reputation. The performance is starting soon. Please go ahead.” Today was truly a “shitty” day—first the nuisance at home, now this creep outside.
Undeterred, Shi Binhua persisted, “We’ve been talking, but this sister hasn’t said a word. Maybe she’d like to join?”
Just as Lin Fang was about to explode, another male voice cut in, “Shi Binhua, harassing women in public? Should I report this to the teacher tomorrow and have it noted in your conduct record?”
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