Chapter 53: Thoughts of Writing a Book and the Talent for Paper Cutting

As they passed by a small pond, Wu Ziqing exclaimed in surprise, “Why hasn’t the water here frozen over?”

“It’s probably because there’s an underground spring. I also think this pond is quite nice. Next year, I plan to plant lotus flowers in it. That way, we can admire them and also use them to make delicious dishes. Wouldn’t that be the best of both worlds? When the time comes, I’ll invite you over. How about that?”

Wu Ziqing’s eyes lit up. “I’d love to come! Speaking of lotuses, the ones at Lingshan Temple bloom all year round.”

Xu Nian was intrigued. Seeing her curiosity, Wu Ziqing eagerly recounted the legend of Lingshan Temple in detail.

The more Xu Nian listened, the more she felt a chill down her spine. Her father was right—there was always someone stronger, and there were always greater wonders in the world. She couldn’t believe such mystical things truly existed.

When they entered Xu Nian’s boudoir, Wu Ziqing was immediately taken aback by the large cabinet filled with books. She walked over to take a closer look and found that the collection was quite eclectic.

Not only were there classics like the Four Books and Five Classics and Sheng Law, but also agricultural works such as Qi Min Yao Shu, Chen Fu’s Agricultural Book, and Land Tax Records.

Many of the titles were unfamiliar to her, but judging from their names, they all seemed related to farming.

“Xu Nian, have you read all of these books?”

Xu Nian glanced at the books and smiled. “Some I’ve finished, others I’m still reading. Are you interested in them too, Sister Wu?”

Wu Ziqing shook her head. “Even if I read them, I wouldn’t recognize the plants they describe. It would just be a confusing mess, so I’d rather not read them at all.”

Xu Nian’s eyes lit up upon hearing this.

“Sister Wu, you just gave me a great idea! If I ever discover new farming methods, I should write my own agricultural book—with illustrations!”

Seeing Wu Ziqing’s puzzled expression, Xu Nian explained, “I would include ink paintings of each plant mentioned in the book, so readers can clearly see what they look like.”

Wu Ziqing didn’t have the heart to dampen Xu Nian’s enthusiasm. After all, she had never heard of a woman writing a book before.

“Sister Wu, New Year’s is coming soon. Let’s do some paper cutting together and use them to decorate the windows!”

Wu Ziqing was intrigued. She wasn’t skilled at paper cutting, but she thought it was a wonderful idea.

Xu Nian had learned this craft from her grandmother in her past life. She remembered how the New Year was always the happiest time for the two of them because many people would come to buy her grandmother’s paper cuttings, allowing them to earn enough money for a good celebration.

Although Xu Nian didn’t have her grandmother’s extraordinary skill—capable of cutting lifelike figures—she was more than capable of handling simple designs.

She took a folded piece of red paper in her left hand and a pair of scissors in her right. As if she could see the design in her mind, she skillfully moved the scissors. In just a few moments, a paper-cut figure of a child holding a fortune pouch appeared before them.

Wu Ziqing was amazed.

“Xu Nian, your hands are incredible!”

As she spoke, she grabbed Xu Nian’s right hand and examined it closely.

Xu Nian chuckled. It seemed her skills hadn’t gotten rusty despite not practicing for a long time.

“Sister Wu, what design would you like to cut?”

Wu Ziqing thought for a moment. She wanted to make something by hand for her father and mother. Her embroidery skills were poor, and every year during the holidays, it was always her half-sister’s embroidered sachets that won their father’s favor.

After sharing her thoughts, Xu Nian decided to teach her two designs: Magpie on Plum Blossoms and Red Apricot in the Official’s Residence.

Since Red Apricot in the Official’s Residence was a bit more intricate, they started with Magpie on Plum Blossoms.

At first, Wu Ziqing either cut too much or turned circles into squares, but after getting the hang of it, she became more and more skilled.

Watching her, Xu Nian couldn’t help but sigh. If Wu Ziqing had been her in her past life, she would have certainly mastered her grandmother’s extraordinary craft.

The two of them were so engrossed in their paper cutting that they completely lost track of time. It wasn’t until Xiuer’s mother came to deliver a message that they finally stopped.

“Young Miss, the county magistrate’s wife is about to return to the county office. The old madam asked me to inform Miss Wu.”

Xu Nian nodded, then carefully placed Wu Ziqing’s paper cuttings into a small box. She also took out two cases of rouge and put them inside as well.

“Sister Qing, I made this rouge myself in my free time. Try it when you get home, and if you like it, I’ll make more for you.”

Wu Ziqing smiled. “Thank you, Sister Nian. I really had a wonderful time today.”

Initially, with Madam Shen’s instructions in mind, Wu Ziqing had been somewhat apprehensive. But to her surprise, Xu Nian had looked after her like an elder sister the entire time.

As before, Zheng Shi, Xiao Wang Shi, and Xu Nian escorted their guests to the courtyard entrance. Meanwhile, Xiuer’s mother carefully placed the Xu family’s return gifts onto the carriage.

After sending off the county magistrate’s wife, both Zheng Shi and Xiao Wang Shi let out a sigh of relief.

“Oh my goodness! My face is about to freeze from all that smiling. No wonder they say experience comes with age—just look at our mother-in-law, completely at ease the whole time.”

Xiao Wang Shi stretched her back. Entertaining guests was far from an easy task.

Xu Nian stifled a laugh and supported Xiao Wang Shi as they walked. “Aunties, you’ll have to get used to it soon. This is something that can’t be avoided.”

The two women nodded thoughtfully. Indeed, there were many customs and etiquettes they needed to learn.

Meanwhile, in the carriage, Shen Shi was also inquiring about Wu Ziqing’s visit.

“How was today? I noticed you got along quite well with Miss Xu.”

Wu Ziqing’s face softened into a gentle smile. “Sister Nian is incredibly thoughtful and knowledgeable.

“Mother, look! These are the paper cuttings Sister Nian taught me to make. She even praised me for having a talent for it.

“And these two boxes of rouge—Sister Nian made them herself.”

Shen Shi picked up a few of the paper cuttings from the box, her eyes gleaming with admiration.

“These are truly well done. It seems my daughter really does have a knack for this craft.”

Wu Ziqing blushed with embarrassment at her mother’s praise.

Shen Shi then opened the two cases of rouge and took a sniff. A faint yet elegant osmanthus fragrance filled the air.

“This Miss Xu not only has skillful hands but also an ingenious mind.

“I heard before that the wife of the Assistant Magistrate paid 800 taels for a lip balm recipe. It seems that rumor was true.”

Wu Ziqing gasped and quickly covered her mouth. “800 taels?” she whispered.

Shen Shi nodded, deep in thought. Perhaps this was what people meant when they said, their ancestors must have blessed them.

In just a matter of days, the Xu family, who previously couldn’t even afford a proper teapot, had now bought an entire estate. Who said that only men could support a household? Here was an exception standing right before them.

Shen Shi gently patted her daughter’s head, making up her mind to nurture her properly. She knew her husband favored his concubine’s daughter, but she would make sure he realized that the grace and dignity of a legitimate daughter were beyond what any concubine-born child could ever hope to emulate.

At that moment, however, in a residence within the county, the sound of furious cursing rang out repeatedly.

The one shouting was none other than Liu Fu, the man who had previously threatened Xu Yaozu with a dark and brooding expression.

But this time, the ones being scolded were Liu Wangfu, who lay groaning on the bed, and Yang Shi, who sat beside him, crying and wailing.

“Shut up! Do you think this is a mourning hall? If it weren’t for you spoiling him at every turn, would he have caused such a disaster?”

Yang Shi flinched at Liu Fu’s roar, not daring to make another sound. But in her heart, resentment festered—whenever trouble arose, he blamed her. Yet wasn’t he the one who had flaunted their son-in-law’s title to bully others in the first place?

On the bed, Liu Wangfu also stifled his complaints. Seeing the murderous look in his father’s eyes, he feared that, given the chance, Liu Fu might just swallow him whole.