Chapter 705: 296_2
Xi Juan said from outside, “Miss, the imperial palace has sent over so lons.”
In the past two years, it was common for the imperial palace to bestow food upon the residents of Begonia Garden. The Empress Dowager, because Lady of Marquis Jingning did not favor Mingzhu being frequently summoned to the palace, rarely invited Mingzhu. After the Lady of Marquis Jingning passed away, the Empress Dowager no longer had this concern, so now Mingzhu spent about four-fifths of the year in the palace.
Despite living in the imperial palace, Mingzhu never forgot Yueyao. Whether it was delicious foods, fun things, or useful items, she always made sure to send half of whatever she had to Yueyao.
Xiang Wei looked at the three golden lons that had been brought over and laughed, “Miss, these are fine items indeed, specialties of Xinjiang. I heard that the flesh of the lon is as clear as crystal and jade, and exquisitely fragrant, crisp, and refreshing. Biting into one is like having your lips coated in a layer of fine sugar. Miss, quickly cut them open and eat!”
Yueyao was speechless again. Xiang Wei was not only a gossip but also a glutton. Because of Xiang Wei, the Kitchen Maid prepared an increasing variety of desserts that tasted better and better. According to Xiang Wei, a person lives only a few decades and should enjoy themselves thoroughly, otherwise, it’s a waste of ti.
Yueyao, looking at the three lons, said, “Xi Yu, send one to the front courtyard for my uncle and give another to Eldest Cousin-in-law.” Since it was sothing good, it was natural to let everyone have a taste.
Xiang Wei pouted; Yueyao never forgot Chengteng and Zhuang Ruolan whenever she received nice things, “Miss, cut it open and eat half now, and put the other half in the well. We can eat it tonight!”
Yueyao looked at Xiang Wei and smiled. She did not eat anything chilled, so the remaining half was bound to end up in this glutton’s stomach.
After the lon was cut open, Yueyao saw that the flesh was indeed as Xiang Wei described, clear as crystal and jade. After eating two pieces, Yueyao said, “About that other half you want to store in the well, I won’t ntion it, but these remaining four pieces, you must not eat them.” Yueyao instructed Xi Yu to take these remaining pieces out to several Nanny Haos, Xi Yu, and Qiao Lan.
Xiang Wei shrugged her shoulders. After finishing the lon, Xiang Wei said, “Miss, the Shen family’s marriage affair cannot be postponed any longer. If it is delayed further, it will be very disadvantageous for you.”
Yueyao looked at the swaying bamboo outside; the mottled shadows of the bamboo fell on the window, making it look particularly desolate.
Xiang Wei said sullenly, “Miss, I am speaking here.”
Yueyao turned her head, “Didn’t you say that a woman can live well even if she does not marry?” This was the first ti Yueyao revealed her disinterest in marriage.
Xiang Wei widened her eyes; although she had indeed said that, she never thought Yueyao truly intended not to marry.
Yueyao chuckled, “What’s so good about getting married? You have to endure your mother-in-law, manage household affairs, and raise children. After decades of hard work, in the end, it all turns to dust. Why bother! It’s better to paint with peace of mind, and perhaps even leave a mark on history.”
Xiang Wei was at a loss for words, not knowing that Yueyao had harbored such a thought. Xiang Wei felt helpless sotis; she really could not quite understand Yueyao, “Miss, although I said that ancient won could live well without marrying, that was under compelled circumstances. Miss, if possible, who would want to be lonely in their old age?” It doesn’t matter when you’re young, but it truly becos bleak in your later years.
Yueyao did not speak again.
Xiang Wei was sowhat worried about Yueyao’s reluctance to marry and thought of Shen Conghao, which made her feel conflicted. Over the past two years, she had people observe Shen Conghao, trying to find faults in him, but alas, these three years yielded nothing. He ca from a good family, had good looks, a good character, good scholarship, and was well-liked, fully deserving the title of an all-around excellent young man. Most importantly, he was exceedingly self-disciplined. He never indulged in the company of girls from the Flower Building Brothel, nor did he favor the two chambermaids given by Lady Mu. Besides, Shen Conghao had no other improper inclinations.
Xiang Wei had never shared these observations with Yueyao before because she felt that since Yueyao wanted to break off the engagent, there was no need to speak to her of Shen Conghao’s virtues. But now that Yueyao was contemplating not marrying at all, this ca as a complete surprise to Xiang Wei.
After much thought, Xiang Wei finally said, “Miss, Lady Mu is indeed not quite appropriate, so even though Shen Conghao is not bad, I never thought of matchmaking you with him. But there is soone suitable for you in this world. We just haven’t t him yet.”
Upon hearing this, Yueyao couldn’t help but smile, “Xiang Wei, I always thought you were a transparent and sharp person, but turning out you also have your confused monts.”
Xiang Wei scornfully retorted, “I am not such a transparent and sharp person, I’ve just seen more.” This was not a humble statent from Xiang Wei, she simply had more life experience than Yueyao, yet many things were not as clear to her as they were to Yueyao.
Yueyao, looking at the characters she had written, had, through six years of practice, developed hand strength comparable to that of robust n. After a long while, Yueyao said, “I do not deny Shen Conghao’s talent, but his talents are invested in the imperial exams, and his future energy and life goals will also be focused on his official career, which is different from mine.”
Xiang Wei, who hated beating around the bush, said impatiently, “Miss, why don’t you just speak plainly?”
Yueyao smiled at the sight of the frowning Xiang Wei, finding it quite amusing, “The teacher has already said, this exhibition will surely make my na known throughout the world. The fact that I am the Hermit in the Wild, while hidden now, cannot be concealed forever. It will co to light one day.”
Xiang Wei nodded, thinking that keeping it a secret for a few years would be an achievent.
Yueyao continued, “The world only speaks of ‘talented n and beautiful won,’ but never ‘handso n and talented won.’ Do you know why? Because this world regards n highly, while won are rely accessories to n.” Yueyao expressed this sentint, influenced by Yuehuan.
Xiang Wei did not understand at first, “Miss, what do you an by that?”
Yueyao thoughtfully said, “My goal is to beco a renowned Great Painter. I believe it won’t be long before I achieve that. Have you ever considered, with such fa, the man who marries will forever live under my renown. Do you think, how many n can endure that?
Xiang Wei understood what Yueyao ant. Her point was that n could not tolerate won who surpassed them, as that would prohibit them from holding their heads high outdoors. Though it was disheartening, it was, indeed, the reality.
Seeing Xiang Wei deep in thought, Yueyao picked up her brush to practice writing again.
After a long while, Xiang Wei said, “Miss, I admit that you make a very good point. But not all n in this world are like that. Miss, I believe that one day, you will et a man who is wholeheartedly devoted to you and will not be intimidated by your fa.”
Yueyao smiled gently, opting not to respond further.
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