Chapter 74: Persistence

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When Nanny Ruan arrived, the two sisters moved into the Yao Yuan Building. Two days later, Xiao Jingmin and his wife also returned to Songjiang.

The schedule and content of Xiao Yao and Xiao Yuan’s studies were significantly adjusted. Unexpectedly, Nanny Ruan did not occupy all their time. She still reserved most of the mornings for Mr. Zhao. Then, every day they would study one of the following: music, chess, calligraphy, painting, embroidery, or pharmacology—rotating through these subjects over six days. After a midday nap, they primarily learned etiquette and clothing coordination. Following that, they had free time to play.

What differed from before was the requirement to wake up an hour earlier every day. Xiao Yao lamented inwardly, “Oh, Zhou Gong (God of Dreams), we’re spending less and less time together!”

The news of Nanny Ruan being invited by the Xiao family quickly spread across the capital. Everyone was curious about what kind of exceptional child could have been chosen by such a demanding tutor. Those who had met Xiao Yao couldn’t help but admire Nanny Ruan’s sharp eye. In terms of appearance, Xiao Yao was undoubtedly one of the most beautiful in the capital. In terms of family background, the Xiao family was filled with men serving as officials—generals and vice ministers—holding significant ranks. It seemed the Xiao family was preparing to send their daughter to the palace. Even if she didn’t enter the palace, a match with a royal or noble house was almost guaranteed.

Those who considered themselves suitable matches had already begun quietly inquiring about the eldest daughter of the Xiao family, planning to act decisively when the time came.

When Mu Fengwu heard about this, he repeatedly tried to persuade Yun Yichen to visit General Xiao under the pretext of paying respects, all because he was too curious about this legendary junior sister. He wanted to investigate personally.

But Yun Yichen had no interest in such frivolity. Besides, what did the Xiao family have to do with him? If someone was curious, they could go on their own. He’d rather spend the time practicing archery. Currently, he had achieved perfect accuracy when shooting stationary targets, consistently hitting the bullseye. Because of this, the Prince of Jing had gifted him a treasured bow. To him, the Xiao family’s young lady was far less appealing than an arrow.

“Little Strong and Little Plump don’t come to practice martial arts anymore. Otherwise, they could have given us some insight. Don’t you think life is getting more and more boring?” Mu Fengwu complained out of boredom.

The Ninth Prince agreed with this sentiment. The Xiao family kids weren’t annoying, and that chubby boy was especially amusing. If Mu Fengwu hadn’t mentioned them, Yun Yifan wouldn’t have given them much thought. But Mu’s words reminded him: ever since that chubby boy had praised his sister’s beauty at the martial arts grounds, the two brothers hadn’t returned.

And no one understood Nanny Ruan better than him. After all, the Third Princess, his legitimate sister, had been personally taught by her. Nanny Ruan was not someone who compromised; even in the palace, she dared to be selective. It didn’t make sense for her to lower her standards for an official’s family outside the palace.

Perhaps the Xiao family’s young lady really was extraordinary. But if that were the case, why hadn’t she appeared at General Xiao’s birthday banquet to pay her respects? If she caught the royal family’s eye, her rise to prominence would be imminent.

As Yun Yifan mulled over these thoughts, he became increasingly confused. Too many aspects of this situation defied explanation.

If the Xiao family’s young lady were truly exceptional and had invited Nanny Ruan to tutor her, it would be obvious they intended to send her to the palace. Yet the Xiao family never used General Xiao’s role as a martial instructor for the royal children to introduce their daughter to influential figures.

But if they weren’t aiming for lofty connections, why invite Nanny Ruan in the first place?

While the two puzzled over these matters, Yun Yichen focused intently on his archery practice, and General Xiao observed coldly from under a tree at the edge of the grounds. In the past, he would have used this as an opportunity to harshly reprimand the Ninth Prince and Mu Fengwu. But given his good mood today, he let them off the hook.

Finally, his two granddaughters were staying by his side and had moved into the Yao Yuan Building, which was closer to Ning He Hall. Cleverly, when the embroidery building was constructed, he had secretly altered the blueprint, moving it closer to Ning He Hall.

Now, if his granddaughters were studying in Yao Yuan, he should be able to hear them from Ning He Hall, right?

For this underhanded move, General Xiao didn’t feel the least bit ashamed. His son and daughter-in-law had monopolized his granddaughters for years; it was his turn now.

How long could a girl stay in her maternal home—fifteen, eighteen years? So, the time he had to “monopolize”…no, accompany his granddaughters was only ten years, perhaps a little more. Was it excessive? Was it unfair? General Xiao shook his head, feeling his reasoning was entirely justifiable.

If anyone felt otherwise, they should take it up with that Nanny Ruan. After all, no one took up more of their time than she did. Music, chess, calligraphy, painting—all things beautiful but impractical. As far as General Xiao was concerned, his granddaughters only needed happiness and peace. He would have opposed these lessons outright if not for their willingness and Peace’s (Xiao Yao’s) talent in painting.

Nanny Ruan, oblivious to General Xiao’s complaints, was entirely focused on teaching the two girls.

She had anticipated a lengthy adjustment period, as the girls clearly hadn’t endured hardship or rigorous study before. Yet, after the initial struggles, the sisters encouraged and supported each other, persevering through the challenges. Nanny Ruan could see that Xiao Yao sincerely helped her sister, guiding and comforting her. Though Xiao Yuan sometimes grew frustrated, she quickly regained her determination under her sister’s encouragement.

Despite their young age, their resilience and refusal to give up were qualities many noble ladies lacked.

After seeing her daughters’ spirits remain unaffected despite some weight loss, Tong Mingyu’s worries finally eased. She had feared they might give up midway. Now that the hardest part was over, she trusted that Nanny Ruan’s meticulous guidance would help address their flaws.

Amidst the busyness, time transitioned into the lunar month of October. Tong Mingyu became anxious again. It was only then that Nanny Ruan learned the Xiao family had concealed Xiao Yao’s injury from the old general.

After five years of careful treatment, Xiao Yao’s health outwardly appeared normal. However, her sensitivity to cold and heat persisted.

“If there’s access to a hot spring, combined with herbal baths and acupuncture, the results should be promising.”

“A hot spring estate…” The Xiao family didn’t own one. Good hot spring locations were rare and hard to come by, especially in the capital, where land was precious and nobles were numerous.

“Our family has a hot spring estate. I’ll have someone send over the deed. Consider it a gift from a grandmother to her granddaughter.” As soon as Lady Tong entered, she overheard the conversation and immediately offered the Tong family’s estate. After all, wealth should stay within the family, and perhaps, in a decade or so, it would return to the Tong family anyway.

Nanny Ruan offered a slight bow and withdrew. As an outsider, the matter of accepting or refusing the gift wasn’t her concern.

“This was part of your dowry, and I absolutely cannot accept it,” Tong Mingyu firmly refused.

“Since it’s mine, I have the right to decide. Giving it to my granddaughter doesn’t pain me one bit. I’ve never heard of a grandmother not being allowed to give gifts to her granddaughter,” Lady Tong countered, unwavering. The Tong family cared deeply for Peace (Xiao Yao), and if they could do anything to improve her health, they wouldn’t hesitate.

Tong Mingyu ultimately failed to persuade her mother and had no choice but to accept the hot spring estate.

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