Chapter 49: There is Room For the Poor Daughter
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Chapter 49: Distances and Relationships
Daohua wasn’t really angry with Yan Wenxiu. Though she disagreed with some things he said the other day, she didn’t intend to hold a grudge. Especially when she remembered that her elder brother was just a young teenager, she felt it would be inappropriate to keep dwelling on it.
After much coaxing from Yan Wenkai, she reluctantly agreed to visit Zheguilu Courtyard.
As they reached the gate, they heard the sound of laughter from inside.
Upon entering, they found Yan Wenjie, Yan Yihuan, Yan Yile, as well as Yan Wenbin and Yan Yishuang gathered in the hexagonal pavilion in the courtyard, enjoying tea and reciting poetry.
Seeing how close her elder brother was with Yan Wenbin and Yan Yishuang, Daohua was surprised. She turned to Yan Wenkai and asked, "Fourth Brother, are Big Brother and Wenbin, Yishuang this close?"
Yan Wenkai, without much thought, replied, "Big Brother’s teacher was advisor Lin, so he’s always been close to Wenbin and Yishuang since childhood."
Daohua was taken aback. She asked, somewhat incredulously, "Why would Big Brother’s teacher be Concubine Lin’s brother?"
Didn’t she know that the wife and concubine were natural enemies?
Even if they could get along, it wouldn’t sound good for the concubine’s brother to be entrusted with teaching the legitimate son of the family!
In this era, concubines had a lower status, and their family members weren’t treated with respect. The favored ones might get an audience with the head of the household, but those less favored would be dismissed with a few servants.
Her father, who prided himself on status and rank, didn’t even think highly of merchant-born wives. How could he agree to something so absurd?
Yan Wenkai scratched his head, not realizing the gravity of the situation. "I can’t really remember. I think Father had just become the county magistrate and was busy. Mother had to manage the household, and then Concubine Lin’s brother came to visit her. Concubine Lin suggested he teach Big Brother."
"Hmph!"
Daohua sneered coldly.
It was clear—when his beloved wife spoke, her father quickly agreed, unable to refuse.
As Daohua looked at her elder brother, who was interacting so intimately with his half-brother and half-sister in the pavilion, she became even more aware of Concubine Lin’s influence.
Within the inner court, she had the master’s favor and was friendly with the legitimate son; in the county office, her brother was a helpful teacher. Concubine Lin really had a firm hold inside and out. If not for her poor family background, her influence in the Yan household would definitely surpass that of Madam Li.
Daohua asked, "Fourth Brother, does Big Brother still keep in touch with Shuangxin Courtyard?"
Noticing Daohua’s change in expression, Yan Wenkai realized she didn’t seem to like the people from that courtyard. He quickly shook his head. "No, since he started school at the county school, Big Brother has been focused on his studies. He only sees Wenbin and Yishuang when they come to ask him for help. He has almost no contact with Shuangxin Courtyard anymore."
To be honest, Yan Wenkai didn’t like Concubine Lin either. As for Wenbin and Yishuang, he simply had no interest in interacting with them.
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This novel is translated by the Eternal Novel Hits translators. Please read it at https://eternalnovelhits.blogspot.com
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"Fourth Brother, Big Sister!"
The people in the pavilion noticed Daohua and Yan Wenkai standing at the gate and immediately called out.
"Let’s go," Yan Wenkai said, pulling Daohua toward the pavilion.
"Fourth Brother!"
As they entered the pavilion, Yan Yishuang, Yan Yile, and Yan Wenbin stood up, smiling and greeting them.
However, Yan Yile had been upset for days because she couldn’t get new fabric for a nice dress to wear for the new year. When she saw Daohua, she naturally didn’t greet her kindly. She ignored Daohua herself and even stopped Yan Yihuan, who was about to greet her.
On the other hand, Yan Yishuang and Yan Wenbin, who had been embarrassed by Daohua over the incident with Shuangxin Courtyard, were even less willing to speak to her. Concubine Lin had yet to show her face since the incident, and both siblings held a grudge against Daohua.
The atmosphere in the pavilion became awkward.
Yan Wenjie, uninterested in the situation, sat on the side with a smile, watching the scene unfold without attempting to ease the tension.
Yan Wenxiu glanced at Daohua, who had been ignored by her younger siblings, and sighed. "Sister, what brings you here today?"
Upon hearing this, Daohua raised an eyebrow.
She didn’t care about the others ignoring her. After all, she had no real feelings for these so-called brothers and sisters.
But as for her full-blooded elder brother, she still cared a little.
"Big Brother, are you saying you don’t want me here?" Daohua asked with a smile.
Yan Wenxiu furrowed his brow. He really thought his younger sister’s temperament was a bit wild, and her way of speaking wasn’t very gentle.
"How could I not welcome you, Sister?" Yan Yishuang immediately moved closer to Yan Wenxiu, affectionately tugging at his arm. "Big Brother, don’t you agree with me?"
Yan Wenxiu smiled and nodded, looking at Daohua. "Sister, you're overthinking it. I'm happy you're here. We were just composing poetry. Why don’t you join us?"
Daohua chuckled. "Big Brother, it seems you don’t pay much attention to me. I’ve only been studying for a short time, and I’m not at the point where I can compose poetry yet."
Yan Wenxiu paused, realizing this was something he hadn’t considered.
Yan Yishuang, noticing the awkward silence, quickly chimed in, "Big Sister, please don’t blame Big Brother. He’s usually busy with his studies and sometimes helps me and Fifth Brother with our questions. It’s not that he doesn’t care about you."
Her words made everyone in the pavilion look at her.
Yan Wenjie, with a slight smile, thought to himself: "Mother’s right. Since Big Sister arrived, the drama from the main house hasn’t stopped. Big Sister may be difficult to deal with, but Third Sister is no easy character either."
Yan Wenxiu felt a subtle displeasure in his heart. As he grew older, he understood more and more. He had been intentionally distancing himself from Shuangxin Courtyard, but he couldn’t be too harsh with Yishuang and Wenbin.
Daohua glanced indifferently at Yan Yishuang but didn’t respond to her. Instead, she pointed to the snacks on the table and said, "Mother is so biased, giving Big Brother all these delicious treats. But Big Brother, why didn’t you invite Third Brother and Sixth Brother? They love snacks the most." She then picked up a piece of cake.
Yan Yishuang spoke again, her face full of guilt. "Big Sister, the cakes were sent by my uncle. I forgot to invite Third Brother and Sixth Brother. We’ve always done things this way, so I didn’t think of it. Big Sister, don’t be upset. I’ll go call them right away."
"Are you tired?" Daohua suddenly interrupted her.
"Ah?" Yan Yishuang was confused, not understanding what Daohua meant.
"Bang!"
Daohua slammed the cake back onto the table and clapped her hands before looking at Yan Yishuang. "I think you and your mother must be tired."
She then turned to the rest of the people in the pavilion. "You all continue with your poetry. I’ll leave you to it." With that, she turned and walked away.
"Sister, wait for me! I don’t know how to compose poetry either."
Seeing Daohua leave, Yan Wenkai immediately put down his cake and chased after her.
As they walked out of the courtyard, Daohua glanced back at the siblings in the pavilion, who were busy comforting Yan Yishuang, and gave a sneer.
"Big Sister, why are you walking so fast?"
Seeing her Fourth Brother panting and catching up, Daohua’s smile became much more genuine. "I’m afraid if I walk slowly, I’ll catch the habit of being pretentious."
"Let’s go to Grandmother’s place. I’ll treat you to something delicious."
Upon hearing this, Yan Wenkai’s eyes lit up. "Then what are we waiting for? Let’s go!" He grabbed Daohua’s hand and started running.
As for trying to mediate between Big Brother and Sister, he had already discarded that thought entirely.
In the pavilion, Yan Wenxiu watched their figures disappear and his gaze flickered slightly.
(End of chapter)
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