Chapter 40: Chapter 36, Showing Off_l
Translator: 549690339 I
Yan Zhigao went to his government duties as usual, while Master Qin was summoned by Madam Li’s maid to the main courtyard. Now, every household knew the result of the matter.
Shuangxin Courtyard.
“Mother, didn’t you say Father would punish big sister?” Yan Yishuang asked with a disappointed face. Just thinking that Daohua would not be punished made her lose all appetite for breakfast.
Concubine Lin also furrowed her brows deeply.
At this moment, her heart was somewhat in turmoil. Knowing Yan Zhigao as she did, she was certain he would have punished the eldest daughter. But the outcome was different from what she anticipated, and this gave her a sense of things slipping out of her control.
“What on earth did the Old Madam say to Father?” she wondered. His rage was palpable when he left; how could his attitude have changed after just one visit to the Old Madam’s quarters?
Yan Wenbin, seeing both Concubine Lin and Yan Yishuang looking so crestfallen, shook his head, “Mother, Third Sister, what exactly are you worried about? I say, there’s no need for you to keep such a close watch on big sister.”
“Before, we worried that once big sister arrived, she would divide Father’s love for us. But she has been here for so long, and Father’s affection for us has not diminished. Since that is the case, why bother upsetting Grandmother?”
At these words, both Concubine Lin and Yan Yishuang turned their gazes toward Yan Wenbin.
His words were a wake-up call, and Concubine Lin looked at her son with sheer delight.
Ever since the eldest daughter arrived, seeing how outstanding she was, Concubine Lin felt a sense of crisis, fearing that Yan Yishuang would fall behind and that her Father’s love would be swayed by favoritism towards the Madam of the main courtyard.
But now she thought about it, though Father was also fond of the eldest daughter, he could not compare it to his love for his own children.
Moreover, bluntly put, given the eldest daughter’s audacity to openly defy her elders, Father might not favor her. At first, taking pity on her rustic upbringing, Father might tolerate it for a time, but as days passed, without her having to lift a finger, the eldest daughter would grow increasingly out of favor with Father.
She had indeed been confused during this time, needlessly incurring the Old Madam’s displeasure while her son saw things much clearer.
Concubine Lin tenderly patted Yan Wenbin’s head, smiling, “You’re right, Mother was mistaken. What Wenbin said makes sense.”
Yan Wenbin moved away, avoiding her hand, “Mother, if you keep patting, my hair will get messed up.”
Concubine Lin immediately withdrew her hand with a smile, “Alright, I won’t touch it then,” and then, turning to Yan Yishuang, she said, “From now on try to keep your distance from big sister. Of course, if she bullies you, you don’t need to be afraid. Just let your Father take up your cause. But don’t always rush to the forefront, inviting displeasure from the Old Madam.”
Yan Wenbin echoed, “That’s right, Third Sister, let me tell you, knowledge is what matters most. As long as you surpass big sister, how could Father not favor you?”
Yan Yishuang looked at Concubine Lin and then at Yan Wenbin, reluctantly nodding in agreement.
Second Branch.
“The skies of the back courtyard are about to change?” a baffled Madam Sun said.
In the past, whenever her sister-in-law clashed with Concubine Lin, it was always Concubine Lin who came out on top. This time when she learned that Yan Zhigao found out about the classroom incident from Concubine Lin, she had been expecting Daohua to be punished. Yet the result turned out to be a surprising reversal.
Yan Zhiyuan’s expression flickered as he said meaningfully, “Don’t underestimate our niece. She’s quite the clever one. I’ve heard the people from the old residence praising her endlessly. Even several Clan Elders are especially fond of her.”
Madam Sun was unconcerned, “They’re just rustic yokels; what knowledge could they possess?”
Yan Zhiyuan gave her a sidelong glance, “You’re really letting your hair down but keeping your wit short. What’s wrong with rustic yokels? They are members of the Yan Clan too. As long as our family is part of the Yan Clan, we have to interact with them.”
“Isn’t having a good reputation within the Clan important?”
“These years following my elder brother, I’ve come to realize that the wealthier the family, the more they care about their reputation.”
“With Daohua having such a good reputation in the Clan, whether for marriage proposals or managing affairs, she’ll have a unique advantage.”
Madam Sun was still unconvinced, “Even so, of what use is that? Doesn’t elder brother still favor Yishuang more?”
Yan Zhiyuan shook his head, “Elder brother does dote on Yishuang, but what use is his affection? The status of a legitimate daughter is far superior to that of Yishuang’s as a concubine’s child.”
“Just watch. If elder brother continues without promotion, this disparity won’t be too apparent. But once elder brother climbs upwards, the difference between legitimate and illegitimate births will drive the proud Concubine Lin to despair.”