Chapter 72: Chapter 60, Shangfu City__1
In the end, domestic affairs were managed by the lady of the house. Once Madam Li got serious, not to mention Concubine Lin, even Yan Zhigao, the head of the family, would have to keep his distance.
Tutor Qin had dared to punish Daohua with a ruler, undoubtedly touching Madam Li’s raw nerve.
Not only did she directly stop Daohua from attending school, but she also spread the news that the Yan Family was looking to hire a new tutor, leaving no face for Tutor Qin.
Tutor Qin, in a fluster, sought out Concubine Lin, who smiled and assured him that the Yan Family would not dismiss her.
That very night, Concubine Lin said to Yan Zhigao with a smile, “My lord, did you know the madam is planning to hire a new female tutor?”
Yan Zhigao nodded, “Daohua and Tutor Qin don’t get along. It might be better to find a new tutor for her.”
He truly valued his eldest daughter, and the guilt of not having raised her close by made him feel that her temperament was partially his making. Therefore, he was highly concerned about her future education.
Concubine Lin hesitated for a moment, “But Tutor Qin hasn’t done anything wrong. Although she did punish the eldest young mistress with one ruler, it was out of deep love and strict discipline. My lord, you know about Tutor Qin’s background, a pitiable person.”
“She was too hasty in her actions, but wasn’t she afraid of failing your expectations? Besides, Yishuang and the daughters of a few other prominent figures all like Tutor Qin. If we rashly change tutors, what if they find it hard to adapt?”
Yan Zhigao fell silent for a moment, seemingly unwilling to discuss this any further and replied perfunctorily, “Let’s talk about this later. Changing a tutor isn’t something that can be done in a day or two.”
Concubine Lin’s expression stiffened slightly, and after attending to Yan Zhigao’s washing up, she immediately went to her daughter’s chamber.
Yan Yishuang was selecting clothes to wear for the next day when she saw Concubine Lin and asked in surprise, “Mother, why are you here?”
Concubine Lin asked, “Did you say what your mother told you to tell Zhu Xiuyun and the others?”
Yan Yishuang nodded, “I did, but mother, even if the madam really replaces Tutor Qin, Zhu Xiuyun and the others can’t stop her.”
Concubine Lin laughed, “Foolish girl, of course you young ladies can’t stop her, but the adults behind them can. Previously, because of your older sister, Zhu Xiuyun’s foot got injured and apparently, she went nowhere for the New Year. Madam Zhu was very upset about it. Now that your older sister wants to drive away Tutor Qin, Madam Zhu will be the first to disagree.’
Yan Yishuang looked uncomfortable, “Mother, can you not bring this up again?” The injury to Zhu Xiuyun actually had little to do with her older sister; she had lied that day.
Seeing her daughter’s distressed expression, Concubine Lin sighed, “It’s mother’s fault.”
Yan Yishuang turned her head away, “Mother, please don’t say anymore.” Concubine Lin quickly nodded in agreement, “Alright, I won’t mention it again. Get some rest early.”
The next day, Yan Zhigao encountered Tutor Zhu at the County Governor s Office, and no one knew what they discussed. That evening, when he returned to the inner court, he told Madam Li, “Let’s find a new tutor for Daohua. As for Tutor Qin, she can remain to instruct Yishuang and the others.
In Yan Zhigao’s presence, Madam Li smiled and agreed. Once she turned around, she sent someone to inquire about Yan Zhigao’s activities that day. Learning that Tutor Zhu had sought out Yan Zhigao, Madam Li immediately scoffed.
Ping Xiao scornfully said, “Madam Zhu prides herself on being from a Scholar Family, yet she meddles with a concubine. It’s truly laughable!”
Madam Li took a deep breath, “One must endure when circumstances demand
it.”
Compared to the Zhu Family, the Yan Family’s foundation was too shallow. Some things not only required her patience but also called for the lord to be thrice as courteous when facing Tutor Zhu.
On the twentieth day of the first lunar month, Madam Li began packing up for
Yan Zhigao’s trip to Shangfu City.
Daohua sat nearby, watching as each bundle was loaded onto the carriage, her eyes filled with longing.
Seeing her daughter’s gaze fixed on the departing carriage, Madam Li smiled, “Have you prepared the potted plants you’re sending to your uncles?”
Daohua, “I’ve prepared them long ago.”
Madam Li, “Spring is nearing, when everything comes back to life, and it’s the best season for enjoying potted sceneries. Your uncles will surely be delighted to receive your gifts.”
Daohua thought for a moment but couldn’t help asking, “Mother, can I follow along to Shangfu City?” In the many years since she had come to this world, aside from the journey from her old home to Linyi County, she had hardly ever traveled far.
But that journey had been anything but pleasant, full of hunger, weariness, and fear. She hadn’t had the chance to take in the ancient scenery and local customs; encountering people was a matter of staying as far away as possible. Madam Li fell silent for a moment. Normally, she would have certainly refused, but thinking of her daughter’s recent alienation from her father, she wondered whether this trip might be an opportunity for the two to strengthen their bond.
Yan Granny also shared the same thought. She happened to come over to see if Daohua’s older sister-in-law had packed the gifts properly and, hearing Daohua’s request, immediately gave her approval, “Go. Let Daohua go with us.” Daohua’s eyes lit up, but then quickly dimmed again. “This matter… I’m afraid it requires Father’s consent, right?”
Yan Granny patted Daohua’s shoulder and assured her, “Don’t worry, your grandmother will speak to him.”
Upon hearing this, Daohua brightened again and, thinking of the monotony inside the carriage, added, “Then let Third Brother and Fourth Brother come along, so I’ll have company on the way.”
Yan Granny tapped Daohua’s head, “Now you’re just asking for too much.” Daohua, clutching Yan Granny’s arm, playfully pleaded, “Grandmother, please? If Third Brother and Fourth Brother come, I’ll have someone to help me with my things.”
Madam Li spoke up, “Third Brother is too honest; Fourth Brother is too impulsive. It would be better if the eldest went.”
Daohua’s face fell. “Eldest Brother?”
Madam Li glared at Daohua. “What, you’re not happy that your eldest brother is taking time off to accompany you?”
Daohua pouted, “Eldest Brother isn’t here to keep me company; he’s more like my supervisor.”
Yan Granny replied, “Don’t you just need someone to keep an eye on you? Without supervision, wouldn’t you be completely uncontrollable?” As the three of them bantered back and forth, by the time Yan Zhigao returned from the County Governor’s Office, he was informed that he would need to take four extra people to Shangfu City.
At first, Yan Zhigao had not agreed, but seeing his mother’s stern face and his daughter’s expectant eyes, he finally relented with a grit of his teeth. In the evening, when Yan Wenxiu, Yan Wentao, and Yan Wenkai finished school and learned they were going to Shangfu City, they were overjoyed.
Those who couldn’t go were left feeling dejected.
Seeing his youngest son and daughter looking at him with longing eyes, Yan Zhigao had no choice but to say firmly, “Your eldest sister hasn’t met several of her uncles yet; this trip is to pay respects to the elders.”
Yan Yishuang complained, “What about Eldest Brother, Third Brother, and Fourth Brother?”
Yan Zhigao replied,”… They are helping your grandmother look after your eldest sister!”
Yan Yishuang pouted, “Eldest Sister is so grown up, does she still need to be looked after?”
Yan Zhigao sat Yan Yishuang on his lap and said with a smile, “Your eldest sister isn’t as agreeable as you; she’s a bit hot-tempered and needs people to watch her.”
After much persuasion, Yan Zhigao managed to soothe his son and daughter and finally retreated to the main courtyard to rest.
Early the next morning, Yan Zhigao gathered the children and met up with Master Xiao, who was waiting at the entrance of the County Governor’s Office. Seeing Yan Wenxiu and the others, Master Xiao showed no particular reaction, but upon seeing Daohua, who was dressed as a boy, the master’s eyebrows raised in surprise.
“Is the great Miss Yan also going to Shangfu City this time?
Daohua stood straight, performed a student’s bow to Master Xiao, and said earnestly, “Master, I am now the young master of the Yan family. Please don’t get it wrong on the road.”
Master Xiao laughed heartily for a moment, then got into a carriage with Yan Zhigao. Meanwhile, the children boarded another carriage, and the convoy set off towards Shangfu City..