35 gifts

  Maybe in order not to let the old lady see anything, Yunsu behaved normally when eating with everyone, and Wenyu didn't ask much. Yunsu thought she didn't care about it at all. Everyone has their own choices, she had already reminded them, if they didn't listen, then it's none of her business. Big things will be handled by the elders, it's not up to her to point fingers and criticize, let alone that others don't like her meddling in other people's affairs either.

  Wan Yu, Wan Yi and Yun Qing chatted and laughed together, occasionally teasing the old lady, who ended up eating half a bowl more of rice. Wan Yi excitedly told stories about her visit to the Dingguo Hou's residence.

  "Mother, you don't know that the old lady of Dingguo Hou's family also gave big sister a very precious calligraphy book. Big sister's plum blossom seal script is really exceptionally good. Mother, I want to practice writing too." Yuanyi pulled on Wang Shi's sleeve and coquettishly asked, envying Yuanyu for being able to write such beautiful characters, but only envied her.

  "Wang was speechless with laughter and tears, 'Foolish child, this is not something anyone can practice! It requires great hardship. When I was young, I also practiced calligraphy, but the strength of my left and right hands were different. To master balance and write beautiful characters, I had to hang stone weights on my hands to increase the load, it was very tiring! Moreover, one needs to have a natural talent and intuition to succeed, not just anyone can do it.'"

  Spoiled his only daughter, would hate to pick stars and moons, but can't bear his daughter to eat this bitter fruit.

  Wan Yi pouted, looking not very happy. Wang Shi felt a bit sorry for her, but she really had no choice. Mei Hua's seal script was difficult to practice, and even if she let Wan Yi learn it, there was no guarantee that she would master it.

  Wanyu smiled and ladled a bowl of soup for Wanyi, "Actually, you can practice calligraphy if you want to, but it doesn't have to be the same as mine. Many girls write cursive script with floral patterns, which is also very beautiful and elegant. If you're interested, we can practice together, just to temper our character. When I first started practicing, I didn't think too much about it, I just wanted to temper my character."

  Wanyi listened and also thought it made sense, so she nodded immediately, "Can big sister teach me too? I want to learn."

  Wan Yu smiled gently, her temper very good, "Okay, I still have Wei's wife's letter at home, if you like, you can take it to learn, or practice calligraphy with me together. Yun Qing and Yun Shu want to come together? We sisters practice calligraphy together, also more companions." Her eyes were soft and gentle, her smile was clear and elegant, making people unknowingly put down their guard.

  Nodded with a clear and pleasant expression, "All four sisters have gone, I naturally want to follow them. Being able to learn a few more tricks from big sister is enough for me, I won't be polite to big sister anymore."

  Wanyu smiled and nodded, "Just right, I have plenty of everything else at my place, you just bring the people, don't bother with anything else, I've got it covered." She patted her chest reassuringly.

  Yun Qing smiled, with a hint of gratitude in her eyes. She knew that her elder sister was saying all this for her sake. Although practicing calligraphy seemed like a small matter, the Xuan paper and ink were actually very expensive. With only five taels of silver as her monthly allowance, she couldn't afford such luxurious things. Her elder sister didn't want her to lose face and also wanted her to learn more, so that she wouldn't be at a disadvantage when going out.

  Yun Shu shook her head and said, "I don't like practicing calligraphy, it's too boring. I'd rather follow Nanny to practice piano, I like that." She smiled confidently.

  Wang and Zhao exchanged a glance, shook their heads slightly, and then smiled at each other. The trouble was now Li's to worry about, and had nothing to do with them.

  Wang smiled and said to Wanyu, "Wanyu, Auntie won't make polite conversation with you. These two kids are close to you, so just be more tolerant of them, and Auntie will thank you."

  Wan Yu hastily stood up and waved her hand, "Auntie, please don't say that. We are sisters and should take care of each other. Besides, I'm the eldest, it's only right."

  Wang smiled and looked at her, saying with a heavy heart: "That's right, you're absolutely right, Wenyi Yunqing. You must also remember that no matter what time it is, you are sisters who will rely on and support each other in the future. When you grow up a bit more, you'll understand."

  Wang may be a bit stingy and likes to make a name for himself, but when it comes to family values and educating his children, he is no worse than anyone else. This can reflect the upbringing of everyone's children, although he has a bit of an overbearing attitude towards Yunqing, but without any malicious intentions.

  Wan Yi and Yun Qing nodded seriously, "Yes, we will listen to Mother."

  The old lady nodded in approval, "Tomorrow, have the adjacent wing of Yilan Courtyard cleaned up for you to play in. If there's not enough stuff, just let the steward buy some more. Girls should learn more about being gentle and quiet."

  Yun Shu's non-cooperation was met with no comment from the old lady, who continued to chat and laugh with Wang Shi and the two daughters-in-law.

  Outside the temple, Rui Cheng only drank a cup of wine. Murong Jin didn't let him drink more, lest he be scolded again when he returned to the palace. At the banquet, he was reminded a few times and had an epiphany, feeling that ginger is still spicy even when it's old.

  When leaving, came to bid farewell to the old lady, "Old lady, junior is leaving now, if I go back late, the palace will be closed."

  The old lady looked at him and saw that he hadn't drunk much, "Good boy, go back early, don't let your mother worry. Yuwen, help me see him off."

  Wanyu got up and bowed her head to see Rui Cheng off. After leaving the yard, Rui Cheng looked around and saw that the servants were far away, then whispered: "I bought a pair of hibiscus bracelets for you, the quality is okay, wear them to play."

  Wanyu gazed at the beautiful white yulan flowers in front of her, their pure and delicate petals exuding a refreshing beauty that made one's heart feel carefree and joyful.

  She glanced at him secretly, found that he was staring at her without blinking, and suddenly felt her face burning like fire. She lowered her head, her voice weak and mosquito-like, "Uh, thank you."

  Rui Cheng rolled her eyes and said: "I also bought you a few more books of calligraphy, I heard that your calligraphy was praised by the old lady of Dingguo Hou?"

  Wan Yu unexpectedly glanced at him, thinking he was talking to her brother, nodded and said, "Mm, but I have two words written poorly."

  "I'll take a look and see if there's a rare book that you can copy. You look really good today, better than the last time you came to the palace." Rui Cheng glanced at her.

  "Today we're going as guests, so let's dress up a bit more properly. Didn't you say you'd find me a good chess set? Did you bring it?" asked Yuwen with her head tilted and speaking in a soft voice.

  Rui Cheng smiled and said, "Miss, when did I ever forget about you? I've already given it to the servants. It's made of a whole piece of good jade, which I had to get from the emperor's private treasury. You'll definitely like it."

  Wan Yu's eyes narrowed slightly, with a hint of a sweet smile at the corner of her mouth, looking somewhat pleased. "You're still considerate, I thought you'd forgotten about me." She said with a playful pout.

  Rui Cheng looked at Wan Yu, who was blushing, and half-jokingly complained, "I spend my days with a group of rough old men, what's there to worry about? On the other hand, you, I've never heard that you attended any banquets before. Did you know that the Dingguo Hou's son is going to choose his daughter-in-law?"

  Wan Yu gave him a strange look and nodded, "I know, my mother told us when she took us there."

  Rui Cheng's face suddenly turned black, and the cold air seemed to have adjusted its frequency again, becoming even colder and more unwelcoming.

  Wanyu seemed to be unaware of anything and said to herself, "My older brother is about the same age as the prince, it's time for him to choose a partner too. I saw several good-looking girls from noble families today, my mother said we need to pick a good one, it's just right that we can take a look together." She said excitedly.

  Rui Cheng gazed at her chattering mouth, suddenly shook his head in helpless bitter smile, and his eyebrows and eyes softened again. "Then what kind of sister-in-law do you like?"

  "You must be good to me, and filial to my mother. Your behavior should be generous and elegant. Actually, I quite like Miss Zhang, I think she's very easy-going and capable, not the kind of person who hides evil intentions in her heart." She smiled slightly, having a pretty good impression of Zhang Hui Ling.

  Rui Cheng smiled along with her words: "Auntie asked for your opinion? Look at how excited you are, I don't know if you think you're choosing a daughter-in-law or not?"

  "Of course, my brother doesn't care, but I have to care, so that later on I can tease him and also get some gifts out of it." Yuanyu tilted her head with a mischievous look.

  "Hehe, you!" Rui Cheng smiled warmly, his handsome face looked gentle and soft, and the coldness on his face was reduced, making him look even more elegant and refined.

  They're almost at the second gate, and Yuwen can't see him off any further. She stops in her tracks, "You should head back now... this is for you, it's been blessed by the Buddha. Keep it." After saying that, she quickly pulls out a small pouch from her sleeve and stuffs it into his hand, then turns around and runs away.

  She hadn't even waited for Rui Cheng to speak before Yu had already run far away. Looking at the handkerchief in her palm, she couldn't help but reveal a smile. Opening it up, inside was a piece of top-quality white jade with a sheep fat texture, warm and smooth to the touch. Holding it in her hand, there was a subtle warmth flowing into her meridians. He couldn't help but feel some surprise and astonishment - such good quality jade was extremely rare to come across! How did she manage to get her hands on it? The jade pendant was carved with a qilin, symbolizing the meaning of fortune and prosperity.

  Rui Cheng smiled with a hint of joy in her eyes, thinking that she had given herself such a good thing. She was so happy that she immediately hung the jade pendant around her neck and tucked it into her clothes. Only then did she hang the purse on her waist and took off the original embroidered purse made by Yatou, casually tossing it to Xiaoxi.

  "Go back to the palace."

  "Yes." Xiaoxi quickly followed up, speaking flattering words. It was clear that her father was very pleased, and today's day went by much more smoothly.