Thirteenth Lady's Comback: Her Everyday Life as a Bystander-Chapter 60 - 11: Tender Moments Along the Journey (Bonus - 2)

Even though he wasn’t aware of the word "emotion," when Fifth Young Master saw Susu’s smile, his heart started to race, almost as if it might leap out if he wasn’t careful. While his face showed no sign, his earlobes and neck abruptly turned red. This made Fifth Young Master not dare to look at Susu again, quickly shifting his gaze, but he paused when his eyes landed on someone else.

Fifth Young Master slightly furrowed his brow: the jealousy in Fifth Miss’s eyes was too intense to ignore or pretend it wasn’t there. He was all too familiar with this look; during his studies in Yangzhou, his classmates looked at him in the same way.

Although the emotion in Fifth Miss’s eyes flickered for just a moment, Song Qingzhen was confident he hadn’t seen wrong. Recalling his mother’s private warnings before departure, he couldn’t help but sigh: one cannot judge solely by appearance, never underestimate anyone.

And Fifth Miss also noticed this scrutiny, following the gaze to find it was Fifth Brother, surprised internally, but she nodded with a slight smile, putting on the demeanor of a gentle, obedient half-sister.

Fifth Young Master wasn’t particularly close to this sister, nor did he hold any dislike, as they were flesh and blood, often hearing his father’s teachings—that whatever toys were sent to the inner courtyard, there must also be a share for Sixth Miss. However, these days, witnessing the joyful banter among the sisters and comparing them to her, he also felt a pang of annoyance. Like a small cabbage everywhere, encountering problems with nothing but tears, though rare are the tears that fall like pear blossoms with raindrops, making others think she’s being mistreated by her mother, hence her "weak" temperament. Fifth Young Master was too lazy to look at her again, pretending to casually shift his gaze.

Fifth Miss, ever ignorant of her exposure, was riddled with jealousy internally, yet still grinned happily like everyone else.

Others were unaware of the sibling rivalry. After a laugh, Old Madam didn’t order another bowl for Sixth Young Master.

The Song Family rose through commerce, becoming wealthy elites in Yangzhou within decades, relying on their reputation for one promise, one fulfillment.

Although Sixth Young Master was small, he was clever, knowing that pestering Grandmother further wouldn’t change her decision. Perhaps Fifth Brother would "educate" him later. Moreover, Old Madam ordered fruits and snacks, and soon, Sixth Young Master forgot about the ice bowl.

Sixth Young Master and Sixth Miss, despite their peculiar questions. "Isn’t the Capital just the Capital? Why call it Changle?"

Yang Liu, overhearing, chimed in: "When the maid followed Old Madam to the Capital as a youngster, apart from being nervous and excited, only tall walls, wide streets, gates, and courtyards were remembered. Hearing Sixth Young Master’s question today, she felt I truly went in vain, knowing nothing!"

Old Madam laughed, looking at Fifth Young Master, "Zhen’er, educate these ’ignorant’ ones, let them learn a thing or two!"

Fifth Young Master tapped his fan lightly on his brother who had come over, then said: "Though we call the Capital ’Capital,’ it’s not because its name is Capital. The word ’Capital’ is an abbreviation for ’Capital walled city.’ According to The Chunqiu Gongyang Commentary: ’What is a capital city? It is the abode of the Son of Heaven. Why capital? For greatness. Why walled city? For its multitudes. The abode of the Son of Heaven is described with words of greatness and multitudes.’"

Fifth Young Master cleared his throat at this point, Sixth Young Master quickly poured a cup of tea for his brother, handing it in an ingratiating manner. Fifth Young Master gave him a satisfied look, thinking his brother has never been so considerate.

After sipping tea, Song Qingzhen continued: "Simply put, Capital, walled city, and National Capital bear the same meaning; they are not names but general terms. All National Capitals can be referred to as walled cities or capitals. Through the ages, names and locations of National Capitals varied—Shang had Chao Ge, Qin had Xianyang, Han had Chang’an. Our dynasty settled in the former Yan Zhao, the founding Saint Martial Emperor initially named it Beijing, but renamed it Changle after building the Weiyang Palace."

Those who were unacquainted with these explanations, especially the maids who hadn’t had much schooling, all felt enlightened after Fifth Young Master’s elucidation.

Sixth Young Master, eager to earn favor from Fifth Brother, nodded quickly and looked understanding, "Does ’Weiyang’ imply endlessness, while the city named ’Changle’ and Palace named ’Weiyang’ signifies eternal bliss? Am I correct?" 𝙛𝒓𝓮𝙚𝔀𝒆𝒃𝓷𝒐𝓿𝙚𝓵.𝙘𝒐𝒎

Fifth Young Master touched Sixth Young Master’s head, feeling like he was smoothing fur, and smiled: "You are teachable!"

Sixth Miss was uninterested in these matters and instead tugged Third Miss and Fourth Miss, inquiring, "Do any renowned and beautiful women reside in the Capital?"

Third Miss and Fourth Miss were taken aback, then felt bitterness. They glanced at each other; Fourth Miss pondered a moment before saying: "We don’t know any renowned beauties or talented women in the Capital, but beware of being overly accustomed to Susu’s preferences, lest you’re disappointed!"

Sixth Miss seemed indifferent, only disagreeing with her sister, "Sister Susu herself suffices under heaven. Beauty lies in form and poise, and the Capital is vast, surely, I’ll find one or two whom I find pleasing."

This sentiment was common among those in Sui’an Hall, thus no one thought it improper. Even Fifth Young Master couldn’t help but twitch his lips, rarely seeing his sister so enamored with beauty.

Old Madam didn’t speak, as she noticed the fleeting discomfort and bitterness in Third and Fourth Miss earlier, feeling thousands of regrets; the foolish spoil the offspring!

The thought struck her of her daughters-in-law never bringing the granddaughters out in the Capital for engagements; otherwise, they couldn’t possibly be unaware of potential noblewomen connections from three years of living there.

Old Madam restrained her thoughts, responding to Sixth Miss, also offering the granddaughters a dose of reassurance, "Our family holds no foundation in the Capital, but your Uncle has acquainted families worthy of engagement. Upon settling in the Capital, invite them over. If there are girls to play with, you could frequently gather. Once your sister-in-law enters, she could also take you out."

Hearing this, all four young ladies beamed with joy.

Rarely gathering together, Old Madam kept them for dinner before dismissing the two young masters back onto the ship. The young ladies remained excitedly discussing women’s favorite topics—clothing, accessories, cosmetics.

Yangzhou has always been a flourishing center throughout history, often leading fashion trends. Though the status changed in Great Chu, largely because its founding emperor acquired a ’Golden Finger’ ability of immense size. His origin unknown, but his mastery spans astronomy, geography, military, politics—familiar with culinary arts, living arrangements, commerce, and agriculture. On larger matters, unattended, but speaking of attire, he made the curve-cut, deep-gown a defined formal dress, court dress for women, promoting ruqun, half-length coats, backs, wide sleeve shirts, ao skirts, qipao, even skirts in hundreds of styles—pleated, flowing, fishtail, and more.

Consider this upheaval, leaving no room for other predecessors—truly a damned good deed, right?