Chapter 112: There is Room For the Poor Daughter
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Chapter 112: The Invitation
The Yan family was unaware of the recent happenings at the academy.
As September arrived, Daohua became busier by the day. After school each day, she was occupied with managing her flower shop.
Her shop had gained some fame in Xingzhou City due to the flowers' beautiful appearance, long-lasting blooms, and fragrant scent. It was a popular spot, with many flowers sold daily.
With the Chongyang Festival approaching, wealthy families often hosted chrysanthemum viewing banquets. Daohua's chrysanthemums were blooming beautifully, large and vibrant, and once they were displayed, they would be snapped up quickly.
The entire Yan family watched with envy as Daohua's flower shop thrived.
Those who had previously advised Daohua to give up the flower shop, such as Yan Zhiyuan and Sun Shi, now seemed uncomfortable whenever they saw her.
Even Madam Li smiled and said that she would learn to grow flowers next year.
One day, while Daohua was recording the shop's earnings in Madam Li's room, she saw Ping Tong enter with a pleased expression, holding an invitation.
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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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“Madam, it’s an invitation from the Zhou family.”
Madam Li was surprised. They had been in Xingzhou City for quite some time, but this was the first time the Zhou family had sent them an invitation. She quickly took it, opened it, and found that they were invited to a trip to the mountains to enjoy the autumn scenery on the day of the Chongyang Festival.
Daohua put down her pen and curiously asked, “Mother, what is the Zhou family inviting us for?”
Madam Li handed her the invitation: “They want us to visit the Grand Canal and then go to Xiangxia Mountain to view the maple leaves.”
Daohua looked at the invitation and exclaimed, “The Zhou family even has their own boat!”
Madam Li replied, “That’s the mark of an old noble family. These families have accumulated wealth over generations, far beyond what we can imagine.”
Daohua was excited at the prospect of going out and asked, “Mother, will all the women in our family go?”
Madam Li thought for a moment and shook her head. “The Zhou family will likely invite others as well. With so many people, it’s easy for trouble to arise. Traveling by boat is the most dangerous, as it’s easy to fall into the river.”
Daohua nodded in agreement, recalling how novels from her previous life often featured characters being pushed into rivers.
“Our family is still new in Xingzhou and doesn’t have connections with other families. As the saying goes, ‘Don’t harbor ill intentions, but always be cautious of others.’ Your father’s promotion to Prefect Magistrate has made some people envious. In such situations, the fewer people we bring, the better.”
Madam Li wasn’t being overly cautious. Compared to other families, the Yan family was still too weak, without anyone to offer support. If anything happened, it could easily escalate, so even when going out for leisure, caution was necessary.
Madam Li paused for a moment. “If I take only you, others will gossip. What do you think of taking Yihuan, Yishuang, or Yile?”
She hadn’t considered Sun Shi or Wu Shi at all.
Although Sun Shi was eloquent, her second brother was still a commoner. If she sat with the wives of officials, she would certainly be looked down upon. It was better to avoid such discomfort.
And Wu Shi was still heavily pregnant.
Without a second thought, Daohua said, “Of course, it’s best to bring the one who causes the least trouble!”
“Yishuang is spoiled by Father and Aunt Lin. She cries at the slightest disappointment, acting as though she’s been wronged. No one enjoys seeing that.”
“As for Yile, she speaks without thinking, always following her heart. She offends people without realizing it. Even though she’s young, others won’t take that into account and will think the Yan family lacks manners.”
“Compared to these two, Yihuan, who is quiet and not argumentative, is the most suitable. She may not be of much help in a crisis, but she will never cause trouble on her own.”
Madam Li smiled as she listened to her daughter’s analysis of the three girls. After Daohua finished speaking, Madam Li nodded with approval. “You’re quite perceptive. I’ll take Yihuan then. I’ll talk to your second aunt at dinner later.”
After dinner, Madam Li told Sun Shi about the Zhou family’s invitation and mentioned that she would be taking Yan Yihuan with her on the trip during the Chongyang Festival.
The reactions of the others to the news were mixed.
Yan Yihuan was momentarily stunned. After confirming that her aunt wasn't joking, her heart was immediately filled with joy.
She was the eldest daughter of the second branch, but with an older brother and a younger sister, she was always in the middle. Not particularly clever, she had always been overlooked.
Now, she had the opportunity to go out and meet people, and unexpectedly, her aunt had chosen her!
On the other hand, Yan Yishuang and Yan Yile both looked disappointed. One looked at Yan Zhigao, the other at Sun Shi, hoping they would speak on their behalf so they could also go.
It was natural for Sun Shi to be happy to send the eldest daughter with her daughter-in-law, but she also had a younger daughter.
Sun Shi, being quick-witted, noticed that Yan Zhigao didn't speak up for Yan Yishuang, so she tactfully didn't speak out either. After everyone else had left, she quietly pulled Madam Li aside and said, "Sister-in-law, could you take Yile along too?"
Madam Li patted her hand and said, "It's not that I don't want to take her. The trip involves a boat ride, and with so many children, I’m afraid I can’t keep track of them. If anything happens, you would blame me."
Sun Shi bit her lip, about to speak, but Madam Li beat her to it.
"It's just a leisure trip. After I get to know all the women from the various families in Xingzhou, if there is another chance like this, I'll take all the girls from home, no one will be left behind."
"I'm taking Yihuan this time because she’s quiet and can sit still. I’m at ease with her on the boat, but Yile... You tell me, can she sit still?"
Sun Shi was speechless. Her eldest daughter was calm and composed, while her younger daughter was lively. It seemed more reassuring to take the eldest daughter on a visit.
Madam Li, seizing the opportunity, added, "You should also work on Yile’s habit of speaking without thinking. It’s fine at home since everyone tolerates her for being young, but when we go out, if she offends someone with her words, you should reconsider letting her go."
Sun Shi knew her own daughter well, and after hearing Madam Li's words, she felt awkward. She thought to herself, if her daughter had so many faults, didn’t Daohua have any?
But after some thought, she had to admit that, when it came to manners, Yihuan really couldn’t be faulted.
Regretfully, she returned to her own yard. As soon as she entered, Yan Yile grabbed her: "Mother, did Aunt agree to let me go?"
Sun Shi nodded and patted her younger daughter’s head. "You’re too restless. Aunt said the boat ride is dangerous, and she won’t take you."
Upon hearing this, Yan Yile immediately became upset, grabbing onto Sun Shi’s arm. "I’ll be careful! I’ll stay by Aunt’s side and be good. Mother, please talk to her again!"
Sun Shi sighed and reassured her, "Alright, it’s just one trip. We’ll wait for another chance. Your father and I will take you out for a trip ourselves."
Yan Yile angrily pulled away from Sun Shi. "When will that be? Aunt doesn’t want me to go because I offended Big Sister, and she’s taking revenge!"
"Smack!"
Sun Shi slapped the table, her face stern as she glared at Yan Yile. "What did you just say? Your aunt is an elder. How dare you speak like that behind her back?"
"Such words—don’t let me hear them again, or I’ll deal with you!"
After saying this, she no longer paid attention to Yan Yile, instead turning to Yan Yihuan.
Sun Shi’s anger faded as she turned to her eldest daughter. "When you’re out, make sure to follow your older sister closely. I’ve observed her a few times, and she knows how to handle things. Follow her example in how you interact with others."
"If there’s any trouble, go to her. Your aunt probably won’t be with you all the time, since she’s the eldest sister, but when you’re out, she should look out for her younger sisters. If anything happens, she’ll be just as embarrassed."
Yan Yihuan nodded. "I understand, Mother."
Meanwhile, in the Shuangxin Courtyard, Yan Yishuang was arguing with Concubine Lin.
"Why is it that Big Sister can go out to meet guests just because she’s Father’s daughter, but I can’t?" Yan Yishuang cried loudly, her eyes swollen and red.
Concubine Lin hugged her, quietly sobbing as well. "It’s my fault. It’s because I’m just your father’s concubine."
"Woo~"
Yan Yishuang spoke tearfully, "I don’t want to! I want to go out on Chongyang Festival too."
Yan Zhigao stood outside the room, silently listening to the mother and daughter. After a while, he turned and walked towards the main hall.
Hearing the movement outside, Yan Yishuang looked up, sobbing as she asked, "Mother, do you think Father can persuade Mother to let me go?"
Concubine Lin patted her head and smiled. "Your father is the head of the family, and your mother has to listen to him!"
(End of Chapter)
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