Time Travel: The Noble Family-Chapter 92 - 43: Uncle’s Family Affairs (Part 1)

Chapter 92: Chapter 43: Uncle’s Family Affairs (Part 1)

Visit freewёbnoνel.com for the best novel reading experience.

Upon returning to Ma’s Mansion, it was already time for lights to be lit.

Yueyao and Ma Chengteng had dinner together. During the meal, Yueyao had wanted to bring up the spending matter several times. But with reason still intact, she ultimately held back from voicing her thoughts. As an outsider, and still a child, speaking such words would definitely provoke her uncle’s annoyance.

Yueyao returned to Begonia Garden and hadn’t reached the courtyard before a figure rushed towards her. Holding the wailing Brother Zheng in her arms, Yueyao couldn’t help but let out a light laugh. The child was fussing so much just because she was a little late getting back!

Yueyao squatted down to wipe Brother Zheng’s tears away and coaxed him until he finally laughed. Only then did she take Tingzheng by the hand and lead him into the courtyard. She asked Mu Qiu to bring some water and personally washed Brother Zheng’s face, then she smiled and said, “Sister was picking out books for Brother Zheng; that’s why I returned late. You should trust Sister. When Sister says she won’t leave Brother Zheng behind, she will keep her word.”

It was the first time since Brother Zheng had spent such a long time away from Yueyao, and he felt insecure. Now, embarrassed, he said, “Sister, I’m scared.” He was truly frightened that he might never see his sister again. So as night fell, he waited at the door until now.

Yueyao’s heart also felt a sourness, “Alright, Sister will try to come back earlier if she’s got things to do. Did you practice your calligraphy today?”

...

Eagerly, Brother Zheng asked someone to bring out the calligraphy he had practiced. Watching Brother Zheng’s work, Yueyao smiled as she took out a model calligraphy book, “When you return, you can practice writing using this book.”

Yueyao had already looked at this calligraphy book. Though not an original, it was created by a master. The book began with the essential tips for practicing Ou style, and Yueyao recognized its merit immediately: one must hold the brush firmly and properly, the strength of the strokes interplay between heavy and light, and one should contemplate and be still. Evaluate the shape of the characters, keep the spacing even on all sides, ensure all eight directions are complete; harmonize the long and short strokes, find the balance between thickness and thinness; approach detailing slowly, and achieve a natural form—that is the most exquisite part.

Brother Zheng could not yet fully recognize all these characters, so Yueyao read them to him, one by one. Once he had learned the Hundred Family Surnames, it was time for Brother Zheng to study the characters in the calligraphy book.

Yueyao soothed Brother Zheng to sleep. Looking at his jade-like face with a sweet smile, she revealed a faint smile of her own.

Nanny Deng felt a bitterness in her heart. If the Madam were here, the young lady wouldn’t need to be so exhausted in her efforts. Not only did she have to guard against the malicious ambitions of Lady Mo’s family but she also had to care for Young Master Zheng. The young lady was too tired. Sadly, there was very little she could do for the young lady.

The next day when Yueyao went to pay respects to Lady Cheng, not only was Ma Linlin there but also Cheng Lizi and Loo Ying were present. Everyone looked at her with unfriendly expressions.

Lady Cheng’s face was particularly unsightly. The day before yesterday, Yueyao chose jewelry costing several thousand taels, and yesterday she spent more than two thousand taels (Lady Cheng didn’t know about the four thousand taels from the Money Shop). Just a few days and she had nearly spent ten thousand taels of silver. It’s as if they thought the Ma Family had a mountain of gold and silver—yet even if they actually had such wealth, it wouldn’t be for her to squander.

Ma Linlin knew her father had accompanied Yueyao outside for a day, not returning until late. In all the years she had been alive, her father had never taken her out once. He treated his niece better than his own daughter, which naturally incited resentment in Ma Linlin.

Cheng Lizi was contemplating how Ma Chengteng had always treated her like she was invisible, yet he treated Yueyao as if she were a treasured pearl, inevitably leading to some discomfort in her heart. Although there should be a difference in how relatives are treated, the disparity in this case seemed far too great.

Loo Ying’s gaze towards Yueyao turned increasingly unfriendly. It was not just being taken out by her uncle for a day—usually, even when he saw her, it was cold and indifferent. He would not even spare her an extra word, acting as if she didn’t exist at all. Both being nieces, the difference in the treatment they received was like heaven and earth.

Yueyao acted as though she hadn’t noticed these hostile glances. In her past life, being the Capital City’s number one talented lady, coupled with her beauty, she, possessing both talent and looks, had an engaged fiancé who was called the Capital City’s number one son, and was envied by many. She had become immune to the sneers, jeers, and isolation she faced.

Yueyao curtseyed to Lady Cheng and then greeted her cousins.

Because of Yueyao’s mother, Lady Cheng did not like Yueyao. Now, after the girl had been there for just a couple of days and had already spent nearly ten thousand taels of their money, Lady Cheng felt a disgust towards Yueyao. However, out of consideration for her husband, she dared not behave recklessly. Out of sight, out of mind, she immediately dismissed Yueyao, “Begonia Garden isn’t close to here, so there’s no need for you to come and pay your respects tomorrow.” Lady Cheng didn’t dare scold Yueyao, and she even signaled a warning with her eyes to Ma Linlin. Her husband was so fond of that girl; her daughter would not benefit from a conflict with her.