Chapter 119: Chapter 105: Limited Experience l
On the very day she returned from the flower shop, Daohua received three pots of peony, daffodil, and orchid sent by Zhou Jingwan. When they arrived, the Yan Family was all present.
“Why would Miss Zhou think to send you flowers?”
The first to openly inquire was Yan Zhiyuan,
The others were also very curious. Although ever since the Little Prince stayed at their house for one night, the prominent families of Xingzhou City had paid more attention to the Yan Family, this was limited to ordinary exchanges and none had shown any particular closeness.
The Zhou Family was no different. With the exception of gift exchanges during festivals, there had never been an instance like today where they took the initiative to send something.
Seeing everyone looking at her, Daohua smiled and said, “Today, while I was at the shop, I happened to meet Grandfather Zhou and Zhou Jingwan. We chatted for a while and when they left, I gave them a few pots of flowers. This must be their way of returning the favor.”
Upon hearing this, Yan Zhigao and Madam Li exchanged a quick glance.
The elderly master of the Zhou Family was famously fond of flowers, a fact well known to everyone in Xingzhou City. After his visit, they had also come to understand this.
The three pots of flowers before them were all valuable varieties, clearly nurtured with great care. Miss Zhou’s gift of flowers must have been instructed by old Master Zhou himself.
Yan Zhigao looked at his eldest daughter, who was smilingly showing the flowers to the old lady, and sighed inwardly. His daughter was truly fortunate to have caught the eye of old Master Zhou.
Otherwise, she would not have received these three pots of flowers.
“I’ve heard that when old Master Zhou retired, the Emperor bestowed upon him many famous flowers, all of which he brought back to his hometown.” He was aware that many in Xingzhou City eyed old Master Zhou’s flowers, wishing to bask in the ‘dragon’s spirit,’ but sadly, very few ever did.
At these words, Daohua’s gaze immediately shifted from the flowers and she said in surprise, “Really? Could these three pots be…”
“What are you thinking?” Madam Li laughed and shook her head, “The things bestowed by the Emperor, who wouldn’t treasure them? These three pots are probably nurtured by old Master Zhou himself.”
Daohua’s eyes flickered and she smiled, “Maybe they’re grafted from the flowers bestowed by the Emperor.”
Madam Li thought for a moment and then asked Daohua, “Peony, daffodil, orchid—all famous flowers. Do you think you should send some gifts back to Miss Zhou?”
Daohua tilted her head, “Is it necessary?” The flowers she had given today might not be as valuable as those from the Zhou Family, but there were more of them. Zhou Jingwan liked the five pots and also the three chosen by old Master Zhou—all of which she had sent.
“Of course, you should!”
Yan Zhiyuan spoke up before Madam Li could, “The three pots of flowers from the Zhou Family are famous. They can’t be compared to the nameless ones you casually grow, one pot is worth more than ten from your shop.”
Hearing this, Daohua felt a bit unhappy.
Yes, the flowers she grew might not be as reputed as the peony or orchid, but they were of high quality. Didn’t she see how old Master Zhou cherished them?
Yan Zhiyuan continued, “Besides, since they took the initiative to send something, by sending something back, you can strengthen the bond with Miss Zhou.” Thus, bringing the Yan Family closer to the Zhou Family.
Daohua looked at her adoptive father and seeing no objection from him, she turned to Madam Li, “Mother, what do you think I should send back?”
Madam Li said with a smile, “This is a matter between you young ladies. We adults shouldn’t interfere. You can send whatever you want.”
At that moment, Yan Zhiyuan spoke again, “I think you might as well send that grape wine. I tasted it and found it quite good. The Zhou Family old…”
Madam Li suddenly stood up, interrupting Yan Zhiyuan, and walked toward the old lady while saying to Daohua, “You should prepare it yourself. Dinner is about to start, hurry back.”
She had said it already, the adults shouldn’t meddle in the affairs between young ladies. Her brother was used to scholarly pursuits, and while she understood his desire to strengthen relations with the Zhou Family, being too eager was off-putting.
Daohua didn’t like others telling her what to do either. She smiled in agreement, then left the room with Wang Manman.
“Miss, are we going to send the grape wine Second Master mentioned?” Wang Manman asked on the way.
Daohua shook her head. Although wine was just fruit wine, it still contained the character for alcohol. Her relationship with Zhou Jingwan wasn’t that intimate, and haphazardly giving a young girl wine didn’t seem very respectful.
Moreover, grape wine was rarely seen on the market, and rare items were precious. Since she had already given the Zhou Family ten pots of flowers, offering something too expensive would be overdoing it.
“I just made a few boxes of rouge and moisturizing cream recently, let’s send that!”
Zhou Jingwan’s skin wasn’t very good. The moisturizing cream and rouge Daohua made used flowers and herbs grown in her own space, the skincare and makeup effects were very good, quite practical for her.
Daohua quickly took the return gifts to the Zhou Family’s servants and then took Wang Manman back to the old lady’s room.
After learning what she had sent, neither Yan Zhigao nor Madam Li said anything, but Yan Zhiyuan pursed his lips and commented, “A few boxes of rouge… Daohua, not to criticize you, but this is a bit too stingy…”
This time it wasn’t Madam Li, but the Yan Family’s old lady who cut off Yan Zhiyuan, “What need is there for extravagant gifts in the exchanges between young girls?”
Yan Zhiyuan: “Mother, Elder Brother, I’m just worried that Daohua might damage her relationship with the Miss from the Zhou Family.”
The old lady looked at her granddaughter, who was already pouting dramatically, and stood up, “Alright, it’s the business of the young girls, you, a grown man, shouldn’t meddle. Let’s have dinner.”
“Mother, Elder Brother, I know my words are unpleasant, but I truly have the Yan Family’s interests at heart. Our family has thin resources. If we could foster a good relationship with the Zhou Family, Elder Brother wouldn’t be so isolated in his official career…”
Daohua walked behind, looking at her second uncle who was still explaining to the old lady and her adoptive father, and sneered inwardly.
She really couldn’t bring herself to like the people from the second branch of the family.
You want to pander to others, that’s your business, but ordering people around, that’s what’s really annoying.
“He is your second uncle, your elder. Even if you feel uncomfortable, don’t let it show,” Madam Li’s voice suddenly sounded in her ear.
Daohua was startled and immediately adjusted her expression, “Mother, I understand.”
Madam Li: “For a girl, reputation is of the utmost importance. It’s a serious mistake to disrespect your elders.”
Daohua frowned, “So, I have to endure it?”
Madam Li glanced at her husband, who was quietly speaking with Yan Zhiyuan ahead, “Don’t you still have your father? Your father might not be so astute with domestic affairs, but when it comes to matters impacting the family’s interests, he is more anxious than anyone.”
“Your second uncle is of humble background and limited experience. He doesn’t understand that blindly pleasing those of high status will not only fail to earn respect, but might also lead to being looked down upon. The gifts you sent were just fine. You don’t need to listen to him.”
Daohua nodded.
At the Zhou Family, Zhou Jingwan was very pleased with Daohua’s return gift. Daohua had previously given her rouge, and she found it even better than what her second uncle had brought her from Beijing.
She knew that Daohua had made the rouge herself. Since their relationship was not yet close, she felt awkward asking for more, but Daohua had sent her several boxes, which meant a lot more to a young girl who loved beauty than other kinds of heartfelt gifts.
Zhou Family’s old master watched his granddaughter, who was beaming with joy, and told his eldest son and daughter-in-law with a smile, “This eldest girl from the Yan Family is not bad. In the future, Jingwan can interact with her more.”
After this, Daohua and Zhou Jingwan interacted more frequently.
Zhou Jingwan was somewhat spoiled but didn’t have significant flaws in her character. She was forthright and cheerful, without too many hidden agendas, making her company quite effortless.
Daohua was also willing to associate with such a young girl. The two would get together from time to time, adding some joy to the monotonous life inside the family compound.
On the eve of Mid-Autumn Festival, Yan Zhigao glanced at Yan Zhiyuan, who seemed somewhat uneasy next to him, as he watched Zhou Jingwan, who had personally come to give a Mid-Autumn gift and was quickly laughing and chatting with Daohua. He patted his shoulder.
His brother’s heart was with the Yan Family, but some of his ideas and concepts were not quite suitable for interaction between noble families. His eldest daughter was very measured in her conduct, neither servile nor overbearing. Such an attitude in their interactions made people feel comfortable.