Her resolve to stay solidified. The courtyard where the eldest sister-in-law resided had floors paved with glazed tiles. Every ornament inside was priceless, and even the cups for drinking water were made of white porcelain. The cushions on the chairs were embroidered with Suzhou silk, and even the mat on her own bed was not as soft.
All of this was beyond anything she had ever seen. Her mother was also named Ling, and she was her maternal grandfather's daughter. She was entitled to this immense wealth.
Why should they enjoy themselves with a clear conscience in the Ling Mansion, living good lives, while she had to suffer in the countryside and marry a pedantic scholar? This kind of life should have been hers.
"But Mother, how can I stay in the Ling family forever? Mother, I don't want to leave this place."
If she had never experienced such a life, she wouldn't have been so attached. But once she had tasted it, she found it impossible to give it up.
"Don't worry, your mother has already made arrangements for all of this."
Ling Changyi smiled and gently stroked Zhang Miao'er's hair, her eyes revealing a calculating glint. "Your mother will definitely ensure you stay here. My daughter is so beautiful; she is destined to bloom in the capital."
She had already planned everything in her heart. The best option was for Zhang Miao'er to marry into the Ling family, thus allowing her to stay legitimately. Failing that, she would use the Ling family's influence to find a good marriage. With the Ling family as a backing, and marrying in the capital, she wouldn't be wronged.
Either of these paths was far better than staying in that rural village. Ling Changyi's lips curved into a calculating smile as she began to ponder where to start.
...
"Young Madam, this servant has inquired that the Madam is taking the young lady to the Second Young Master's courtyard."
Chu Qing relayed the information she had just gathered to Feng Jin.
"What..." Feng Jin exclaimed, a chess piece falling from her hand onto the board. They were moving so fast. Could they really be planning to make a move against Ling Muzhu?
"Young Madam, should we go and take a look?"
"No..." Feng Jin shook her head. "Let's not act rashly for now. We don't know their true intentions. If we act without authorization, we might be bitten back, and it will cause more trouble. Let's keep a close watch. Perhaps they have other plans."
Feng Jin calmed herself. Ling Changyi's true intentions were still unclear. Acting rashly might give her an opportunity to seize a handle and retaliate. It would be too costly. The only course of action now was to be patient and wait.
"Yes, Young Madam. This servant will send people to keep watch immediately."
"Mother, will this work? If I, a young lady, am so forward, won't people laugh at me? I… I really can't bring myself to do it…"
As they neared their destination, Zhang Miao'er's courage wavered. After all, she was a young woman with a delicate disposition. Although her family background couldn't compare to the Ling family's, she was still a lady raised in seclusion. To put herself out there and associate with strange men, with such intentions, made Zhang Miao'er feel deeply ashamed. She didn't want to do this.
"He is your cousin. You are cousins. Who would dare laugh if cousins sit together and talk? Your mother is here; nothing will happen. Have you forgotten what you promised me? If you really are unwilling, then we can go back!"
Ling Changyi rebuked her, filled with disappointment. She had made her intentions clear. If she truly didn't want to, they could leave and stop wasting their time here.
"I… I…" Zhang Miao'er was conflicted, biting her lip tightly, her fingers constantly twisting.
After a moment's pause, Zhang Miao'er nodded, agreeing to the plan.
Ling Changyi nodded in satisfaction, taking Zhang Miao'er's hand and walking forward.
In the Ling Mansion, the only person close to Miao'er's age was Ling Muzhu. Furthermore, he would soon be taking the imperial examinations, and if he succeeded, his future would be boundless.
Her first choice had actually been Ling Mohan. Unfortunately, he was already married and had children. She couldn't possibly let her daughter become a concubine. Therefore, her only option was Ling Muzhu.
"Muzhu, still reading? Staring at books for too long tires your eyes. Auntie has made you some Chuanxiong Eye-Brightening Soup. Drink some and rest before continuing your studies."
Ling Changyi acted completely at ease, paying no mind to Ling Muzhu's discomfort. She took the book from his hands and gestured for him to sit on a nearby chair.
As her elder, Ling Muzhu couldn't express his irritation, so he reluctantly set down his book.
"Miao'er, what are you standing there for? Hurry and bring your cousin the soup."
Zhang Miao'er immediately understood her mother's intention and brought the soup from the food box to Ling Muzhu.
"Cousin, you are working hard and tiring your eyes. This Chuanxiong Eye-Brightening Soup is excellent for nourishing blood and brightening the eyes. Please have some first."
Following the sound of her voice, Ling Muzhu turned his head. He saw a young woman holding soup and placing it before him. Her eyes were filled with a tender gaze. Realizing it was impolite to stare at a woman intently, Ling Muzhu quickly averted his gaze.
He said, "Thank you," and drank the soup in one gulp, wishing only to finish it quickly so that these two would leave and stop disturbing his studies.
"You child, drinking so quickly isn't good for you," Ling Changyi said, adopting the demeanor of a loving elder.
"Miao'er, didn't you say earlier that you couldn't complete a certain poem? Your cousin is learned and talented. Why don't you ask him for advice?"
Zhang Miao'er looked at Ling Muzhu with a shy expression. "Cousin, Miao'er has a poem, but I've only managed the first three lines and can't think of the last one. I hope cousin can offer some guidance."
Clearly, she had come prepared. Zhang Miao'er produced a handkerchief and handed it to Ling Muzhu. Three lines of elegant script were written on it.
Ling Muzhu didn't even look at it. A woman's handkerchief was a personal item, and he absolutely could not accept it. Did she not know that a woman's personal belongings could not be casually given to a man?
In an instant, any slight good impression Ling Muzhu had of Zhang Miao'er vanished. Now, he just wanted these two to leave as soon as possible.
"I'm sorry, my knowledge is shallow, and I'm not skilled in poetry and prose. However, my eldest sister-in-law is quick-witted and adept at poetry. If you have any questions, feel free to ask her."
Ling Muzhu flatly refused. "Auntie, the imperial examinations are approaching, and your nephew needs to continue studying. Auntie, please take care. I will not escort you out."
With that, Ling Muzhu picked up his book and continued reading diligently, not sparing them even a glance. In his heart, he prayed for them to leave quickly.