Spring in the Hall of Paintings

“Yun Wei, it’s time for bed. Staying up too late will ruin your health, and your mother won’t allow it.”

Fucha looked at her daughter, who was engrossed in her book, with only the solitary candlelight for company. She took the book from Yun Wei’s hands and admonished, “What did I say? You can’t expect to achieve everything at once; it has to be done gradually.”

Yun Wei, full of enthusiasm, gazed longingly at the unfinished book. She tugged at Fucha’s sleeve and sweetly whined, “But I want to read a little longer.”

“No, you must go to sleep. You have school tomorrow.”

With a firm heart, Fucha, who usually couldn’t resist her daughter’s pleas, stood up and pulled Yun Wei away from the study, saying:

“Reading a lot can certainly broaden your horizons, but your health is more important. Other aspects are equally significant; you can’t just focus on books. You’ve learned the traditional embroidery techniques from Grandma Lin, and that reassures me. Yun Wei, remember your noble lineage from the Tong family, which belongs to the Manchu Blue Banner. You should also embody the spirit of a Manchu girl. While horseback riding may not be your forte, you should still carry yourself well. I’ll have your brother take you riding another day.”

Yun Wei nodded obediently as Fucha led her away, casting a reluctant glance back at the study. The stories in the books were so much more interesting, allowing her to think less and forget about her outstanding fourth sister.

Back in her chamber, Fucha took the handkerchief from the head maid, Qinglu, and gently wiped her daughter’s small face. Yun Wei softly said, “Mother, I can do it myself.”

Fucha paused. Yun Wei sat at the dressing table and let down her braided hair, which cascaded like a waterfall, releasing a faint fragrance. As Qinglu assisted Yun Wei with her grooming, Fucha, sitting on the bed crafted from pear wood, remarked when she saw Yun Wei approaching in a loose, sky-blue robe, “Let me take a look.”

“You can’t see much now; please don’t worry about me, Mother.”

Yun Wei snuggled back into Fucha’s embrace, smiling sweetly, “Don’t blame my fourth sister. I was thoughtless back then; she didn’t mean it.”

Fucha lifted the embroidered hem of Yun Wei’s dress, revealing her tiny, delicate feet, which looked so lovely that one could almost bite them. Fucha glanced at her knees and saw no scars remaining. As she instinctively touched her daughter’s knees, Yun Wei pulled her legs back slightly, saying softly, “It’s been two years, Mother. The wounds are all healed.”

“Have you found it hard being back in the capital these two years?”

Yun Wei leaned closer to Fucha, resting her small hand on her mother’s, and shook her head, “No, I like the capital.”

Fucha glanced at the kaleidoscope, realizing it was the reason for her daughter’s knee injury, almost leaving a scar. “Do you still have it?”

Yun Wei kissed her mother’s cheek, nuzzling like a little pig, which made Fucha’s stern expression soften. Yun Wei smiled, “I like the kaleidoscope; it’s not at fault, so why not keep it?”

“Yun Lan, that girl, often comes up with strange ideas. Just the other day, she wanted to do something… In any case, she’s become bolder lately.”

Fucha had her reservations about Yun Lan, which was understandable; every mother hopes her daughter will be the most outstanding among her siblings.

Fucha observed coldly as Yun Lan appeared much more mature than Yun Wei. Though she got along well with Yun Wei, Yun Lan occasionally showed a hint of pride, which was understandable since she was intelligent and capable.

Fucha never believed that Yun Wei could catch up to Yun Lan; in fact, she thought Yun Lan didn’t behave like an ordinary girl her age. Although Yun Lan tried hard to blend in with her sisters, showcasing her intelligence only when necessary, over the past two years, thanks to the efforts of the Tong brothers, the Tong family had become more prominent, and Yun Lan had grown less cautious. She received much praise from both her family and relatives.

Two years ago, when Yun Lan caused Yun Wei’s injury, the usually gentle Fucha felt anger. At that time, the wife of the third branch, Guo Luoluo, personally brought Yun Lan to apologize and visit Yun Wei. Fucha claimed it was Yun Wei’s fault and had nothing to do with Yun Lan, dismissing any talk of apology. She even kindly inquired if Yun Lan had been hurt, and arranged for medicine to be sent to her, but this kind demeanor left Yun Lan feeling a chill in her heart, as she couldn’t pinpoint any problem and assumed she was overthinking.

Afterward, facing the praises directed at her, Fucha grew more observant of Yun Lan and paid more attention to her beloved daughter, Yun Wei. Yun Wei was the only one she truly valued among her sisters; if she didn’t love her, she wouldn’t have personally crafted a kaleidoscope for her. Who could have predicted such an incident?

Seeing Yun Wei with tear-filled eyes, Yun Lan felt a pang of sympathy and hugged her, promising to protect her in the future. At that moment, Fucha couldn’t help but curl her lips; what could Yun Lan truly protect Yun Wei from? Such lofty pity seemed to be for show. Fucha grew increasingly displeased with Yun Lan.

In truth, Fucha misunderstood Yun Lan’s good intentions. Yun Lan understood the situation well and would ensure that Yun Wei had a good marriage and a prosperous life.

Mr. Jiang punished Yun Wei for the kaleidoscope without asking for the reason. In his eyes, the banner’s young ladies were not someone he could reprimand; his favoritism made him appear ignorant and narrow-minded in Fucha’s eyes. How could he be a teacher worthy of imparting knowledge when he lacked even a shred of fairness towards Yun Wei and her sisters?

In class, Yun Lan clarified everything and willingly accepted punishment alongside Yun Wei. When Fucha saw her daughter’s swollen and bleeding knees, her anger only intensified. Half a month later, after discreetly exerting her influence, Mr. Jiang was expelled from the Tong residence by Guo Luoluo, who had always praised his talents, and he was forbidden from standing in the capital. Mr. Jiang, completely unaware of whom he had offended, could only return home in disgrace.

Yun Wei would always remember Fucha’s words when applying medicine: “You must remember, some things don’t require you to get your hands dirty. You can achieve your goals without bearing the blame; that is true skill.”

Yun Wei knelt on her legs and stroked Fu Cha’s temples, saying, “Mr. Song said today that my studies have improved, and my fourth sister asked me to help her with her jewelry.”

“Lin Mama’s skills are indeed inherited. Your fourth sister is lively and loves unique things. Though she excels with her craft, it’s not fair to compare; my dear, you’ve worked hard, how could you be any worse than her?”

Fucha had some reservations about Yun Lan, but she would never belittle her in front of her daughter. Instead, she focused on encouraging Yun Wei’s strengths to compensate for her weaknesses, believing that having Yun Lan as a benchmark was beneficial for Yun Wei.

Yun Wei yawned, her long lashes lowering as she murmured, “Mother, I will catch up to my fourth sister. I’m not afraid of hard work; I’ll catch up to her, I will!”

Fucha felt a pang in her heart as she tucked the blanket around her daughter and gently patted the slowly drifting Yun Wei, replying, “Yes, you will catch up to your fourth sister.”

In her dreams, Yun Wei wore a satisfied smile, her naturally arched brows relaxing. Fucha lowered the curtain from the golden rod, noticing the unfinished pouch and exquisite jewelry in the nearby sewing basket. Quietly, she stepped away, realizing that the girl had likely forgotten that tomorrow was her sixth birthday.