Lian Dongfang only found solace when speaking of his sons. Tingyi was ambitious, and Tingchao was also very hardworking. However, Tingchao’s foundation was relatively weak, so he failed the autumn imperial examination this ti. But Tingchao was still young, only fifteen years old this year, and waiting another three years wouldn’t be too late.
If it weren’t for Yueyao, Tingchao would have long been hard by Lady Mo. It was Yueyao’s butterfly effect that changed Tingchao’s destiny.
Having received such a great favor from Marquis Jingning’s Residence, Yueyao was certainly obliged to pay a visit to express her gratitude. Previously, Yueyao feigned illness to avoid going out, but now she had no such concerns.
Yueyao brought many gifts to Marquis Jingning’s Residence. Upon reaching the Inner Courtyard and seeing Madam Ping supporting her waist with her hand, Yueyao silently prayed it wasn’t what she thought. Otherwise, if word spread, everyone henceforth might ask her to paint the "Picture of Guanyin for Blessing with Children."
Madam Ping welcod Yueyao into the room and sat on a Noble Consort Chair cushioned with mink, helped by a maid. Seeing Yueyao glance at her belly, Madam Ping didn’t conceal it; she touched her lower abdon and laughed, "This morning the Imperial Physician just diagnosed , saying I’m one month pregnant. Yueyao, my getting pregnant so quickly is also thanks to your ’Picture of Guanyin for Blessing with Children.’
Yueyao was embarrassed. She had given Madam Ping the Picture of Guanyin for Blessing with Children just about a month ago. Could it really be such a coincidence?
Madam Ping signaled soone beside her, and Ban Yu retrieved a painting scroll from Treasures Pavilion. Madam Ping said with a smile, "Yueyao, I heard you are going to take Mr. Yu Shan as your teacher; this is a congratulatory gift from Marquis and for your apprenticeship under such a renowned teacher. Please accept it!"
Yueyao, noticing the color and material of the painting scroll, imdiately shook her head and said, "Madam, this gift is too valuable; I cannot accept it."
Seeing Yueyao say this, Madam Ping beca interested. "How do you know this painting is valuable?" Without even seeing the painting, how could she tell whether it was valuable or not.
Yueyao pointed at the material of the painting and said, "The color and material of this painting are clearly those of an antique." Yueyao left unsaid that anything Madam Ping and Luo Shao would offer must certainly be no counterfeit. Being both a valuable piece and an antique, it surely was worth a fortune.
Madam Ping was pleased, "This is a small token from Marquis and , you mustn’t decline. If you do, I won’t be happy. If it bothers you, you can paint another Picture of Guanyin for Blessing with Children for soti." Although the painting was precious, in Madam Ping’s eyes, it wasn’t as important as having offspring. Madam Ping was extrely grateful to Yueyao for her help on two occasions.
Xiang Wei laughed from the side, "Miss, since it’s a congratulatory gift from Marquis and the Princely Heir, you should just accept it." A gift from the Marquis was not to be returned.
Helpless, Yueyao could only let Xi Yu step forward to receive the painting. Yueyao had co to express thanks, yet unexpectedly, she left with a significant gift from the Marquis’ household.
Knowing Yueyao’s intention, Madam Ping smiled amicably, "It’s a trivial matter, not worth you making a special trip!" Madam Ping also knew the full story and looked down on the Shen family, even though they were a scholarly family. rchant families, at least, knew how to be grateful in return.
Yueyao lowered her head, her expression showing she didn’t want to elaborate further.
Madam Ping sighed lightly; Yueyao was the one who had suffered the most in this affair. The people of Shen family dared to commit such vile acts because Yueyao had no parents to defend her. "Yueyao, that matter is in the past now, try not to dwell on it."
When Yueyao looked up again, her eyes were red, a look of deep sadness on her face. Yueyao didn’t want to pretend, but as the victim, presenting an indifferent deanor could make others think her heartless. Showing vulnerability was also a way to protect oneself.
From the side, Xiang Wei internally criticized, "The lady’s acting has beco purely flawless. Her eyes redden on cue, tears fall as she says; if one didn’t know the situation, even she might be fooled."
After talking with the Lady of Marquis Jingning for a while, Yueyao bid her farewell and left. Madam Ping said with a smile, "Mingzhu has been thinking of you all the ti in the palace!"
Yueyao also missed Mingzhu quite a bit; calculating the last ti they t was when Mingzhu left the palace to return to Marquis Jingning’s Residence, which was four months ago.
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