Qingqing responded with a “Yes,” and Mr. Lin instructed both mother and daughter to leave. Throughout the journey, the Third Madam couldn’t help but marvel at how her daughter had garnered such favor from both Master Lin and “Mr. Liu”. She pondered why her daughter would be chosen as an apprentice. She and her daughter had only seen Master Lin once, on the day the youngest madam officially entered the household, and in the eight years since, they had only occasionally caught a glimpse of him from afar in the garden, never having a real meeting or greeting. Finally reaching their own east wing, the Third Madam eagerly pressed Qingqing for the whole story. Fearing her mother’s scolding, Qingqing recounted the entire sequence of events to her. The Third Madam, hailing from a scholarly family, couldn’t help but be amused, “You sly girl, I had no idea you had such insight.” Seeing her mother’s smile instead of anger, Qingqing relaxed a bit, “This is all from the influence of your teachings, mother. I guess ‘practice makes perfect,’ it’s not really about talent.” The Third Madam scoffed, “At least you know your own limitations, you’re not that clever.” Despite years of living among common folk, the Third Madam’s inherent refinement couldn’t be erased. She never believed in divine favor, attributing everything to fate, which seemed contradictory as she didn’t believe in “heaven” but did in “destiny.” Qingqing forced a chuckle, unsure how to respond. The Third Madam looked at her curiously, “Didn’t you say ‘practice makes perfect’? What are you still standing here for? Why don’t you go memorize a few more poems? If you can cheer up your father, I’ll be happy, and if I’m happy, naturally, you’ll be happy too.” Qingqing quickly agreed and went inside to read.
Hong Mama waited until Qingqing had gone into her room before saying, “Madam, it looks like things are going to get better from now on.” The Third Madam replied, “It’s all up to her now. If I had given birth to a prettier child, or none at all, things might have been different…” Hong Mama, seeing the deep resentment in her eyes, comforted her, “Isn’t this a good turn now?” The Third Madam reminisced, “Remember when the youngest madam came into the household? We thought Master Lin was showing us kindness by renovating our place, but after the renovation… who knows how long this current favor will last?” She was so caught up in her sorrows that she forgot the saying, “Men are often unfaithful.” Let alone Master Lin, with his power and influence. If it were an ordinary family, he would probably cherish his delicate wife and daughter dearly. Hong Mama, unsure how to console her, just bowed her head in silence.
“Third Madam, is the Third Madam here?” Steward Lin, looking at the desolate east courtyard, couldn’t help but pity this mother-daughter pair. Hong Mama hurried out, delighted, “Third Madam, Steward Lin is here.” Steward Lin, always bringing good news and rewards, had arrived. The Third Madam adjusted her attire and greeted him with a smile, “Steward Lin, you certainly work fast.” Steward Lin laughed, “When Master gives an order, how could I not be quick?” He gestured, and two servants came in, quietly placing down fabrics and daily necessities. Steward Lin then pulled out a packet of silver, “Third Madam, here are fifty taels of silver, Master instructed that these fabrics and silver are to be given to you and the young miss, with instructions for you to make some new clothes for the eldest miss.” The Third Madam quickly nodded in agreement, “Yes, yes, very good!” Steward Lin continued, “Please have the eldest miss start attending lessons in the study from tomorrow at Chen hour. She must not be late.” The Third Madam assured, “You can tell Master to rest assured, I won’t let that girl be late.” Steward Lin nodded in acknowledgment and left.
The next day, Qingqing was at the study door by Mao hour, thanks to the Third Madam’s repeated instructions and her own eagerness to not miss this hard-won opportunity. She had barely slept from excitement, waking up early. The study door was still closed, so she waited outside for a full hour. Normally, no servants were present at the study, only cleaned at night. As she waited, she didn’t see her younger siblings but instead, Mr. Liu arrived. “Good morning, Mr. Liu. Your student pays her respects.” Qingqing bowed in the manner of a scholar, as was customary in the academy where few girls studied, so the etiquette was the same for both genders. “Hmm…” Mr. Liu opened the study door, noting the time was exactly Chen hour, “Just you?” Qingqing replied, “I expect my brother and sister will arrive soon.” Just then, Lin Hong and Ya Fu indeed arrived. “Mr. Liu, the young master and second miss have arrived.”
Mr. Liu stated, “The young master and second miss are late today; they must stand outside as punishment for an hour.” The youngest madam, who had personally brought her children, protested, “Mr. Liu, they’re not even a quarter of an hour late, there’s no need for such strictness.” Mr. Liu, seemingly unimpressed by the youngest madam’s status, recited, “Today, today, how fleeting! If not today, when will it end? Life is but a hundred years, how many todays? If not today, what a pity…” Lin Hong bowed, “Please be lenient, Mr. Liu. My mother’s deep affection for us is quite evident.” As the youngest madam was about to argue further, Ya Fu spoke up, “Mother, Mr. Liu is right, ‘If we wait for tomorrow, tomorrow brings more tasks,’ we were indeed wrong to be late, and we should be punished.” The youngest madam, not wanting to appear petty, left with her maid. Thus, Lin Hong and Ya Fu stood upright at the door to receive their punishment.
Inside, Qingqing was alone with Mr. Liu, occasionally glancing outside, feeling both anxious and guilty, unable to focus on the lesson. Mr. Liu, pretending not to notice, said slowly, “During lessons, one should be undistracted. Like this, Miss, you are wasting your own time.” Qingqing’s eyes sparkled, and she smiled, “So, Mr. Liu, you also believe time should not be wasted?” Mr. Liu confirmed, “Naturally.” Qingqing gave a mysterious smile, “Then you agree to let my brother and sister go?” Mr. Liu replied, “I did not say that.” Qingqing retorted, “You said, ‘Youth comes but once, time waits for no one,’ their time is also precious, isn’t it?” Mr. Liu laughed, “It seems my reputation is at stake, outwitted by a young girl.” Qingqing responded, “You are merciful, Mr. Liu, you never really intended to punish them.”
Just now, I only wanted to warn Auntie about not overly pampering the younger siblings, as it would only harm them. Now that Auntie has left, and Qingqing has given me a way out, naturally, I should let Qingqing have the last word.” Surprise (1) Mr. Liu, looking at Qingqing’s cunning smile, suddenly put on a stern face: “You’re very clever, but the smartest kind of cleverness shouldn’t be shown. You must not let others see through your intelligence. The ultimate cleverness is ‘to appear foolish when wise.'” Qingqing thought for a moment and immediately said, “Mr. Liu’s teachings are wise, Qingqing will remember.” “Go call them in,” Mr. Liu nodded with satisfaction. This student of his, if only she were a boy…
Lin Hong and Yafu, although strictly disciplined since childhood, were also pampered. They had never experienced such treatment before. Upon entering the study, both sighed in relief and said in unison, “Thank you, Mr. Liu, we will not be late again.” Mr. Liu said, “You should thank the eldest miss; she convinced me to forgive you.” They then said, “Thank you, elder sister.” When Master Lin came in, he saw this warm scene of sibling affection. He couldn’t help but clap his hands and laugh, “I heard that Hong and Yafu were punished today. It seems they have no complaints at all.”
