Chapter 50 : So where is the truth?

Cui Yunzhao turned to see Cui Yunqi peeking her head through the door. She smiled and said, “No need, I’ve already found the books I was looking for.”

The Cui family’s rare books mainly consisted of classics and historical texts, with fewer travelogues, which were typically not collected. If Cui Yunqi hadn’t been there today, Cui Yunzhao might have checked the rare books room, but now she didn’t plan to.

Cui Yunqi entered and noticed Mother Xia holding medical books, looking surprised. “Second Sister, do you like medicine now?”

Cui Yunzhao paused, smiling shyly. “Your brother-in-law is always out fighting, I can’t help but worry, so it’s good to learn a bit.”

Cui Yunqi nodded eagerly. “So it seems you really like your husband!”

Cui Yunzhao’s face showed the right mix of shyness and joy, her silence conveying much more than words. She and Cui Yunqi agreed to play together another day, then left the library.

Once she was gone, Cui Yunqi’s maid, Qianyin, approached with a book in hand and asked quietly, “Miss, shall we go back?”

Cui Yunqi watched Cui Yunzhao’s retreating figure with some reluctance and sighed. “Is Second Sister going to visit Fifth Sister?”

“Most likely,” Qianyin replied.

Cui Yunqi said no more and simply remarked, “Let’s go, it’s cold here.”

Cui Yunzhao walked along the bamboo-lined path of the inner courtyard toward the moon gate in the west. Mother Xia commented, “What a coincidence, running into Fourth Miss.”

Cui Yunzhao nodded. “She still has a child’s temperament.”

As they talked, a sharp voice pierced the air. “What kind of job are you doing? You can’t even handle this little task. What use are you to me?”

It sounded like the Third Miss, Cui Yunrao. Since the path had no turns, taking a detour would waste time. Sighing, Cui Yunzhao continued forward.

“I’m encountering quite a bit of fate today,” she murmured to Mother Xia.

Sure enough, just a few steps later, she saw a girl in purple scolding a small maid with tear-stained cheeks in a nearby pavilion.

The girl in purple had an oval face, but she was a few years older and looked somewhat sharp and harsh, lacking the rounded cuteness of Cui Yunqi. This girl was Cui Yunzhao’s third sister, Cui Yunrao.

Cui Yunrao had a fiery temper and spoke sharply, often lacking tolerance. Her maids were always cautious, not daring to provoke her. It was unclear what had upset her, but she was clearly furious in the depths of the bamboo forest.

Since they had run into each other, Cui Yunzhao politely asked, “What’s wrong, Third Sister?”

Cui Yunrao seemed surprised to see her after not meeting for over ten days and raised an eyebrow. “Oh, you’re back?”

In Cui Yunzhao’s memory, this third sister was the least like a typical Cui woman. The eldest cousin was gentle and demure, the fourth sister was lovely and charming, and Lan was well-behaved and sensible. Even Cui Yunzhao was praised for her composure and grace as the model of a Cui woman. But only Cui Yunrao didn’t care for such propriety.

Cui Yunzhao didn’t want to cause conflict and simply said, “I came back to see Lan and Tinglang.”

Cui Yunrao curled her lip and replied, “You’re quite the good sister.”

In the bitter cold, Cui Yunrao’s maid was kneeling on the ground, shivering. Cui Yunzhao felt a pang of compassion and said, “Third Sister, whatever it is, let’s talk about it later. It’s freezing, we don’t want to freeze anyone else.”

The maid cast a grateful glance at Cui Yunzhao, but Cui Yunrao coldly scolded, “That ungrateful girl! Mother just gave me a piece of fine cloud brocade, which I intended to use for my new year’s clothes. Instead, she sent it to the embroidery workshop without mentioning it was for me, and they made it to Fourth Sister’s size!”

Cui Yunrao was fuming, her face twisted with anger. “I told you that girl has too many tricks up her sleeve look, she even wants to take her sister’s things!”

The maid on the ground cried, her face streaked with tears. “Third Miss, I really said it was your fabric!”

“It’s the seamstress’s fault, not yours…”

Cui Yunrao snapped, “Shut up! Are the seamstresses dead? How can they get a piece of fabric wrong? Are they trying to insult me? I say it’s your incompetence!”

Cui Yunzhao felt a headache coming on.

These trivial matters were frequent occurrences when she was at home. A piece of fabric, a hairpin, even the fruits sent for New Year, everything was a cause for competition.

Day after day, year after year, this was how life went on. Looking back, she wondered why she had cared about such things when she was younger. Perhaps because her parents had passed, she didn’t want her siblings to be mistreated, which led her to argue as well. It felt rather pointless.

With the way the Cui family was raising their children, she wondered what they would become. At least ten years later, apart from Cui Yunting, the only ones capable of standing on their own would be her second uncle’s eldest son and her third cousin’s eldest son.

Sighing inwardly, Cui Yunzhao thought to advise Cui Yunrao, “Third Sister, this isn’t a big deal. Just mention it to Second Aunt, and she can give you some fabric to make another dress. Since that one is made to Fourth Sister’s size, you might as well gift it to her.”

Cui Yunrao’s face fell.

She suddenly looked up at Cui Yunzhao and, after a moment, smiled. But the smile lacked any joy, it was more sarcastic. “Do you all prefer Fourth Sister? Father does, Mother does, and so does Eldest Brother.”

“Even you seem to favor her.”

Cui Yunrao’s mood visibly darkened. She called to her maid and walked toward Cui Yunzhao.

Once face to face, Cui Yunrao said, “I’ll just have someone give that dress to Fifth Sister. They’re of similar age, so Fifth Sister can wear it too.”

Cui Yunzhao wanted to decline, but Cui Yunrao waved her hand. “It’s my dress, I’ll give it to whoever I want. Second Sister doesn’t need to say more.”

“Then thank you, Third Sister.”

Cui Yunzhao could only express her gratitude.

Cui Yunrao looked at her again, causing Cui Yunzhao to furrow her brows. Then she said, “You’re different from before, Second Sister.”

Cui Yunzhao remained unflustered and smiled, “I got married and changed my hairstyle of course I look different.”

“No, you’re really different,” Cui Yunrao insisted, “I can’t quite put it into words. Forget it.”

“By the way,” Cui Yunrao turned back to her, “Second Sister, don’t get too close to Fourth Sister. You still think she’s a good person?”

At this point, Cui Yunrao huffed and strode away.

Cui Yunzhao found her comments baffling.

Since her words were rather vague, it was hard to ponder their meaning, so she took them as a sisterly squabble. She simply smiled and said, “Thank you for the warning, Third Sister.”

Cui Yunrao huffed again and hurried off.

Once she left, Mother Xia remarked, “It seems the relationship between Third Miss and Fourth Miss is getting worse.”

Cui Yunzhao replied, “They’re both daughters of Second Aunt and of similar age, it’s natural for comparisons to arise.”

After walking a short distance, they arrived at the moon gate in the western courtyard.

The old Cui family residence occupies this entire area, but after over a century of continuous expansion, only the main branch now resides in the very center of the old house. The rest, including the West Garden, East Garden, and a small part of the North Garden, are residences for side branches. Although there are connecting doors, they no longer function as a single family. The earlier side branches have long moved away, and the Cui name has become less familiar.

The Tingyue Hall is located in the West Garden.

By the moon gate stands a young servant who, upon seeing Cui Yunzhao approach, hesitates before asking, “Second Miss?”

Cui Yunzhao nods, understanding he doesn’t recognize her, and replies, “I’m here to visit Third Uncle at Tingyue Hall.”

The servant quickly retrieves the key and opens the door.

Cui Yunzhao had rarely visited the West Garden, so after the servant opened the door, she asked for directions before stepping inside. Compared to the main house, the West Garden looked older and more rustic, infused with a sense of time.

There was still snow on the bluestone path, indicating little foot traffic, and the servants hadn’t cleaned it.

Cui Yunzhao walked along the path, navigating around the garden, and eventually arrived at Tingyue Hall, guided by Mother Xia.

Mother Xia had only been here once, so recalling the way wasn’t easy.

Tingyue Hall is a small courtyard. In the center stands a two-story building, with two other adjoining courtyards, exuding an elegant and cozy atmosphere.

As soon as Cui Yunzhao appeared, a maid waiting at the entrance hurriedly announced, “Third Madam, Miss Zhao has arrived.”

Since the branches no longer used formal titles, they referred to Cui Yunzhao by name.

Inside the hall, Third Aunt smiled as she stepped out. “A valued guest!”

Cui Yunzhao smiled back and took a couple of steps forward to grasp Third Aunt’s hand. “Third Aunt, I’m sorry to intrude.”

Third Aunt frowned slightly. “We’re family, why say such things? Tinglang has gone to class and will be back soon, while Lan’er is helping her sister-in-law with some chores, so I didn’t want to distract her.”

The women of the Cui family also attended the clan school, but their studies were less demanding than the men’s; the boys had one rest day every ten days, while the girls had one every eight and could also take leave during their monthly periods.

Today just happened to be Cui Yunlan’s rest day.

Cui Yunzhao expressed her gratitude for Third Aunt’s thoughtfulness and then gestured to Mother Xia, who stepped forward and took out a sandalwood box from her sleeve.

Third Aunt was momentarily taken aback, then her expression turned cold. “What’s this? If you’re bringing gifts just for a visit, I’ll be upset.”

Cui Yunzhao smiled as she linked arms with her gently. “Third Aunt, you misunderstand. Look, I haven’t brought any other gifts, so you know I mean no offense. I heard that Sister-in-law is expecting, so I thought I’d bring this white jade ruyi clasp as a congratulatory gift.”

Cui Yunzhao cut off Third Aunt’s protest with this explanation. “Third Aunt, you wouldn’t deny me this, would you?”

Third Aunt lowered her eyes to assess her, noticing the brightness in her gaze and her poise, then finally conceded, “Then please thank you on behalf of the little one.”

Cui Yunzhao smiled in delight.

As they conversed, the maid who had gone to announce their arrival returned, followed by two others.

The young girl in front brightened at the sight of Cui Yunzhao, suddenly less reserved and rushing forward to throw herself into Cui Yunzhao’s embrace. “Sister, I’ve missed you so much!”

Cui Yunlan had changed significantly compared to a few days ago. She no longer shrank back or looked timid, her face free from the overly composed demeanor she had forced for outsiders.

It seemed that only by acting this way could she avoid being criticized for not embodying the qualities of a Cui woman. The identity of a Cui woman was both an honor and a constraint for the many daughters born into the family.

Cui Yunzhao hugged her sister tightly, watching the gloom fade from her features as she brightened up, filling Cui Yunzhao’s heart with joy and gratitude towards Third Aunt.

She turned to the woman approaching slowly and smiled, “Sister-in-law Liu, congratulations!”

Cui Fangming, ranked sixth among the current side branches, was generally addressed as Young Master Ming or Brother Ming. Having just come of age, he married the gentle Yao family woman, making her Sister-in-law Liu.

Despite years of turmoil in Central Plains, prominent families remained resilient. The Yao family, while not among the four great families, was also a scholarly clan, and this sister-in-law was known for her cheerful personality, which Third Aunt had immediately appreciated.

Both mother-in-law and daughter-in-law shared the same straightforward nature, never arguing, resulting in a harmonious atmosphere at Tingyue Hall. This aspect was precisely what Cui Yunzhao valued, confirming her decision to entrust her sister-in-law to Third Aunt was indeed the right choice.

Yao Xinyue, two or three years older than Cui Yunzhao, appeared softer after becoming a mother, walking with a deliberate grace, clearly valuing her unborn child.

She greeted Cui Yunzhao with, “Hello, Sister Zhao.”

Meanwhile, Cui Yunlan clung to her elder sister, refusing to budge in a show of affection.

Third Aunt invited everyone to sit down and had a maid bring in a bowl of silver fungus and lotus seed soup. She smiled, “Lan’er is particularly well-behaved and sensible, much more so than your cousin. Both your uncle and I adore her.”

Cui Yunlan thrived on such praise, as it kept her cheerful and motivated in all her endeavors.

Indeed, Cui Yunzhao noticed her sister’s flushed cheeks as she lowered her head to hide a smile.

In the main residence, no matter what they did, the He family would always cast a shadow over their actions, causing Cui Yunlan to become hesitant and afraid of making mistakes.

Cui Yunzhao turned to Third Aunt, speaking earnestly, “Thank you, Third Aunt, and thank you, Sister-in-law Liu, for your thoughtfulness.”

Taking care of children was no easy task, requiring attention to their clothing, food, living conditions, studies, and happiness, never a day could one be at ease.

In summer, there were concerns about the heat, and in winter, worries about the cold, it was a continuous commitment from youth to adulthood.

Third Aunt waved her hand dismissively, “Don’t speak such empty words. I was delighted from the start.”

“I love having a lively household, the more family, the better! But I’m not well, and I had a difficult time giving birth to your cousin, so your Uncle has discouraged me from having more children.”

“When your cousin got married last year, I felt the loss acutely, but thankfully we brought your sister-in-law into the family, and now I have someone to talk to again.”

Third Aunt always exuded happiness.

No matter the subject, she seemed unaffected by sorrow, even glossing over her difficult childbirth experience.

Yao Xinyue chimed in sweetly, “Oh, Mother, look at the two little treasures we have now, how can we not be overjoyed?”

Third Aunt playfully swatted her arm, and the family laughed together.

Yao Xinyue patted her barely visible belly and said, “Once Tinglang and Lan’er grow up, this little one will be a new source of worry for you, Mother! Let’s be clear, I have no patience for taking care of children!”

Her relationship with Third Aunt felt close and natural, devoid of any barriers.

Third Aunt playfully chided her, “You always want to rely on Mother for everything.”

With both mother-in-law and daughter-in-law present, the atmosphere in the room was warm and cheerful.

Cui Yunzhao felt reassured and engaged in light conversation with Cui Yunlan, who expressed contentment with their surroundings, praising Third Aunt for her kindness and constant care, which she and Cui Yuntian greatly appreciated.

As she spoke, her little face beamed with happiness.

Cui Yunzhao realized she genuinely liked Tingyue Hall and this family. She affectionately patted her sister’s head and said, “If you like it here, then learn well from your sister-in-law, and be sure to listen to Third Aunt.”

However, Third Aunt chimed in, “Why should children be so obedient? In my view, Lan’er is too well-behaved and serious, it’s better to be a bit more lively.”

“People tend to become stronger, and others become weaker, no one dares to bully the strong.”

Before Cui Yunzhao could respond, she noticed Cui Yunlan’s eyes sparkling with admiration. “Third Aunt is right, Lan’er will remember that!”

Cui Yunzhao thought, “…” It seemed she could fully relax now.

Cui Yunting had classes at set times and wouldn’t return for a while. When Third Aunt inquired about Cui Yunzhao’s opinion and learned that she could stay for lunch, she sent Yao Xinyue to prepare it.

Once Yao Xinyue left, Third Aunt turned to Cui Yunzhao. “Zhao girl, you have something to say, right?”

Third Aunt seemed straightforward and perceptive.

Cui Yunzhao smiled, glanced at the maids outside, and with a wave of Third Aunt’s hand, they closed the main door and exited.

“Go ahead.”

Cui Yunzhao thought for a moment and said, “I remember Cousin Fangming will be taking the autumn examination soon. With his knowledge, I believe he will definitely succeed this time.”

In the fourth year of Jingde, due to the chaos of war across various regions, the autumn examinations had been delayed. It wasn’t until winter that the court finally set a date for them.

This year’s autumn examination was quite special. Not only did a Cui family member score the top spot, but a member of the Yin family also performed outstandingly. In short, this year saw many promising young civil servants emerge.

Cui Yunzhao naturally knew this. The Cui family member referred to was Cui Fangming, while the Yin family member was her cousin Yin Xingzhi.

Cui Yunzhao remembered this year’s autumn examination so clearly partly because Cui Xu’s eldest son, Cui Yunzhuo, had failed to pass, and partly due to her cousin and brother’s excellent performances.

Third Aunt initially thought she was going to mention the two children, but was surprised when Cui Yunzhao talked about Cui Fangming.

She paused briefly before laughing, “Although your cousin is usually steady, he mentioned that this time he’s almost certain to succeed.”

Cui Yunzhao knew Cui Fangming was very composed. However, the extent of the war’s impact was so vast that many couldn’t fully prepare for the exams, resulting in fewer students taking part. Fangming had recognized this early on and took his preparation very seriously.

In contrast, Cui Xu’s eldest son, Cui Yunzhuo, became restless due to the postponement and did not prepare adequately, ultimately failing because he didn’t hit the right exam topics.

Cui Yunzhao nodded and asked Third Aunt, “So what will Cousin do after passing?”

Third Aunt had clearly considered this question already. “After passing, he will return home to continue his studies and prepare for the spring examination next year.”

Cui Yunzhao shook her head.

“Third Aunt, in my opinion, Cousin is already one of the top students in the family academy. His knowledge is solid, and he has worked hard over the years.”

“In this situation, while the academy can produce excellent candidates, it might not be able to create a top scholar.” This is the reality.

Cui Yunzhao’s voice was clear and resonant, like pearls dropping on jade, echoing in the hall. Third Aunt listened attentively, not dismissing her simply because she was a younger generation. On the contrary, she seemed thoughtful.

What Cui Yunzhao said was indeed true. The imperial examination isn’t just about having vast knowledge; it’s multifaceted. Besides poetry and other subjects, there are supplementary subjects that carry significant weight, especially current affairs, laws, and calculations, which are mandatory.

Cui Yunzhao continued, “Third Aunt, I’ve looked over the examination results of our family’s ancestors, and many of them fell short in these supplementary subjects, which prevented them from achieving top honors.”

The Cui family is formidable, indeed a prestigious clan for over a century, thanks to their extensive library and strict teachings. Under such circumstances, most children who aren’t overly dull can at least pass the exams.

Those who excel can become candidates and even successful scholars. However, truly outstanding individuals are rare, perhaps only three to five in a century, and even they draw envy from other families.

Cui Yunzhao’s father had once ranked third in the examinations, becoming the youngest to achieve such a feat. Her mother often reminisced about his brilliance during that time. Although the Cui family had seen some decline, her father’s exceptional talents revitalized the family.

What a pity…

Cui Yunzhao lowered her gaze before continuing, “The primary subjects in our family academy are naturally excellent due to their solid foundation and strict guidance, so the students generally do well. But the supplementary subjects aren’t given as much emphasis.”

“For those to excel, they need to listen more, read more, and learn more, something many young students lack.” Cui Yunzhao spoke confidently. “Cousin is indeed a standout among his peers, but he’s confined to this small world, his entire life has been within the Cui family.”

“He hasn’t seen the suffering of the common people, the dilapidated houses crushed by heavy snow, or the ragged beggars crying on the streets. He doesn’t even know how wine is brewed.”

“With this, how can he write about current affairs or understand the law?”

“The law is rigid, but people are alive. Who wouldn’t feel a headache over those topics?”

This time, Third Aunt was genuinely shocked. Even Cui Yunlan stared at her sister in disbelief, as if she didn’t recognize her.

These insights were not new to the young Cui Yunzhao; they were reflections from her previous life when Cui Fangming had accompanied Cui Yunting to see her and shared his thoughts. He only realized these truths after his disappointment in the spring examinations, where the gap between first, second, and third ranks was vast.

The first rank is for those favored by the emperor, enjoying a smooth path to officialdom, while the second and third ranks must start from the bottom and climb step by step.

Cui Fangming, bearing the Cui surname and backed by a century-old family, has a much easier path than others, yet it remains fraught with challenges. The initial starting point was that spring examination.

Cui Yunzhao still remembers her cousin, over thirty, standing under the pear tree in the courtyard, his eyes filled with a vast world.

“Children of noble families are born into a life of ease. We don’t have to worry about making a living or the sudden loss of loved ones. We just need to study well, follow the rules, and understand etiquette. Girls will marry into another noble family in due course, while boys will take the exams for official titles.”

“Because of this, we can easily succeed in the autumn examinations, yet often fail in the spring ones.”

“Our view of current affairs is limited to the splendid surroundings of the family estate.”

“How can that be considered real?”