Time Travel: The Noble Family

Chapter 109: Chapter 49: Change

Time flew by, and the autumn imperial examination arrived.

The Lian Mansion was tense because of Tingyi’s participation. Although Tingyi was only thirteen years old this year, the Old Madam and Lady Mo held high expectations for him. If Tingyi succeeded, next year, he could participate in the spring imperial examination along with Tingli. Even if he didn’t pass, it was time for him to test the waters.

Inside the Lanxi Courtyard, Yueyao was teaching Brother Zheng how to recognize characters, as usual. The nervous atmosphere in the Lian Mansion, and whether Tingyi passed or not, had nothing to do with her. Teaching Brother Zheng to read was the top priority.

After leaving the study and washing her hands, Yueyao sat in her chair, her face full of worry. Tingzheng needed a very patient teacher to guide him in his learning progress. Otherwise, at most, he would only recognize a few characters and not be completely ignorant. However, finding such a good teacher was more difficult than ascending to the skies. Alas, Yueyao couldn’t help but worry about the future.

For three days during the autumn imperial examination, for those with family members participating, it felt like an eternity. But for Yueyao, these days were no different from usual. Because of this, Yueyao didn’t pay much attention to the examination and continued to teach Brother Zheng how to read in the house as normal.

Until a maid came over, excitedly shouting, “He passed, Second Young Master passed, Second Young Master passed.”

Yueyao frowned, wondering what was the need for such clamor. However, she quickly realized her expression was inappropriate and immediately hid her displeasure. It was a great celebration for the Lian Mansion that her cousin had passed, and if she showed a face as bitter as a gourd, who knows what others would think. Even the grandmother would read too much into it.

Yueyao, holding onto Tingzheng, went to the Upper Chamber, where even at the doorway, she could hear the Old Madam’s cheerful laughter. The maids and old nannies in the courtyard were also overjoyed. The Old Madam, delighted by the news, had announced an extra month’s monthly allowance as a reward.

Yueyao forced a smile on her face. Tingzheng was very sensitive, and noticing Yueyao’s expression, he knitted his brows slightly but ultimately said nothing. Yueyao entered the room and saw Lady Mo and the three young ladies were all there, surrounding the Old Madam with flattering words.

Although Yueyao felt this matter had nothing to do with her, it was still necessary to show the right attitude.

Suddenly Yuebing’s eyes lit up, “Third younger sister, your painting skills are exceptional. Why don’t you paint today’s scene? Grandmother, don’t you think my idea is good?”

Among the grandchildren, the Old Madam’s favorite was Tingyi, since she had watched him grow up from a young age. Now that Yuebing made this suggestion, the Old Madam thought it very good.

Yueyao had been smiling, but at Yuebing’s words, her smile vanished instantly. She said indifferently, “When big brother and second brother both succeed in the spring imperial examination next year, I will definitely paint.” As if she would paint just because Yuebing said so; what, was she a hired painter?

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The cold undertone in Yueyao’s words was apparent to everyone, and the atmosphere suddenly quieted down. Yuebing actually had no other intentions; she just wanted to add to the festive occasion.

Yueying pressed her lips together, remaining silent.

Yuehuan was puzzled by the sudden change in Yueyao and sneaked peeks at the Old Madam and Madam. The Old Madam’s expression did not change much, but Madam looked displeased.

Nanny Zheng saw the scene and understood that Third Young Lady’s defiant nature had come to the fore again. She chuckled and said, “Old Madam, what Third Young Lady said is very auspicious. Eldest Young Master and Second Young Master are sure to pass together.”

The Old Madam nodded and said, “Well, after Tingli and Tingyi have both passed next year, you can then paint a family portrait.”

Yueyao nodded and replied, “Okay.” But inside, she couldn’t help but criticize. A family portrait, when her parents were no longer present, what kind of family portrait was that?

With such a joyous event at the mansion, naturally, there was a family luncheon at noon. Yueyao joined everyone for lunch in the Upper Chamber with Tingzheng. During the meal, the atmosphere was lively. Everyone knew Yueyao was smiling on the surface, but whether she was truly happy was another matter.

After lunch, the Old Madam said she was tired and everyone returned to their respective courtyards.

Yuehuan approached Yueyao and asked, “Third sister, may I come and sit in your courtyard?” In reality, Yuehuan wanted to borrow books from Yueyao. It was said that Lanxi Courtyard held thousands of valuable books, and she wanted to understand this era; if not through people, then through books.

Yueyao looked at Yuehuan, surprised that she would come to her for books. Yueyao was fully aware that the person standing before her was not the Yuehuan she knew, but someone who had taken her place. As long as it didn’t harm her, Yueyao had no interest in knowing who this person in the body really was. “When I’m not busy, you may come and sit in the courtyard,” she said implicitly indicating she wasn’t free now.