Chapter 268: Changes

 Chapter 268: Changes

Li Zixuan and Li Zixin were mesmerized by the flowers and plants in Daohua’s courtyard as they followed her inside, even though it was already evening. Surrounded by the faint fragrance of flowers in the air, they both involuntarily took a deep breath.

"Cousin, your courtyard is really beautiful," Li Zixuan praised sincerely.

Daohua smiled. "If you like it, both of you can stay here a little longer," she said as she led them into the main room.

As they entered, Li Zixuan and Li Zixin’s first impression was that it was spacious and elegant. The decorations were minimal, but each item was exquisite.

At that moment, Daohua turned to Gu Yu and Li Xia and asked, “Has the warm room been tidied up?”

Gu Yu smiled. "It was cleaned up early this morning, and the things for both cousins have already been placed there."

Daohua nodded and then led Li Zixuan and Li Zixin to the divan, personally making them tea. As she handed them the tea, she smiled and said, "My courtyard is small, so you’ll have to make do and squeeze into the warm room."

Li Zixuan took the tea and smiled. "Cousin, don’t say such things. We’re not inconvenienced at all. This is quite perfect."

Li Zixin nodded in agreement. "Exactly. We just hope we won’t be disturbing you."

Daohua smiled reproachfully. "Disturbing me? I’m more than happy to have you here. Once you’re here, treat it like your own home. Don’t be too polite. When I visited you, I didn’t hold back at all, so don’t hold back either."

Hearing Daohua say this, Li Zixuan and Li Zixin both smiled, feeling relieved.

Since their cousin didn’t stand on ceremony, they would be more at ease.

Just then, Wang Man’er entered with a smile. "Miss, the bathwater is ready."

Daohua nodded and turned to Li Zixuan and Li Zixin. "You’ve been on the boat all day, so you must be tired. After you wash up, you can rest."

Li Zixuan nodded and followed the maid to the side room to wash up.

Once they were done, Daohua took her turn to wash.

When she finished, Li Zixuan and Li Zixin were already lying on the bed in the warm room.

Daohua entered, dressed in a light blue robe with a matching long skirt and her waist-length hair flowing. She smiled as she asked, "Is there anything else you need?"

Li Zixuan quickly sat up. "There’s nothing we lack. Everything is perfect."

Daohua glanced around the room. Seeing that everything was in order, she nodded in satisfaction.

Li Zixin, lying in the blankets, smiled and said, "Cousin, don’t worry about us. You should go back to sleep now."

Li Zixuan chimed in, "Yes, it’s almost October now, and the weather is getting colder. You’ve just bathed, and you’re dressed so lightly. Be careful not to catch a cold."

"Alright, alright. I’m going to bed now. You two rest well," Daohua said with a smile as she left.

After she left, Li Zixuan snuggled back under the blankets.

At that moment, a voice from outside was heard: "Man’er, it’s time to lock up."

Wang Man’er asked, "Is everyone back?"

The voice answered, "Everyone is back."

"Then close the gate," Wang Man’er instructed.

When the voices faded, Li Zixin turned to look at Li Zixuan and asked in a low voice, "Sister, what were they doing?"

Li Zixuan replied, "It’s the custom of wealthy households. At night, every courtyard has to be locked to prevent the servants from running around and causing trouble."

Li Zixin sighed. "Aunt’s household has such strict rules."

Li Zixuan nodded. "Their rules only got stricter after they moved to Xingzhou."

Li Zixin peeked outside the warm room, saw no one, and whispered, "Since we arrived today, we didn’t see that concubine of Uncle’s."

"I remember when we visited Aunt’s house before, that concubine dared to show herself and even stayed around without leaving. She was really annoying."

"I thought we’d see her this time."

Li Zixuan smiled. "Didn’t you hear what Aunt and my mother said? Uncle’s position is rising, so he cares more about proper conduct. He won’t let that concubine show herself to guests anymore."

"Also, Yiyi is not someone who would let that concubine run wild."

Li Zixin nodded. "That’s true. I feel like so much has changed since we came here."

"Aunt’s family was once quite poor and relied on our family for support. But now, look at the decorations in Cousin’s room. Even just one item could be worth a lot of money."

"Also, Cousin’s things are far better than what we buy outside. The rouge, powder, and skin creams she prepared for us are all different from what we normally use."

Li Zixuan thought about what she saw at the Yan mansion today and fell silent for a moment. "Aunt’s family has really changed. They’ve become more distinguished."

Li Zixin sighed. "Our family is wealthy, but compared to Aunt’s family, we lack a few things. What do you think we’re missing?"

Li Zixuan thought for a moment and said, "Perhaps it’s the scholarly atmosphere. After I bathed, while waiting for you, I glanced at the east room. The maid said that it’s Cousin’s study."

"She’s a girl, but Aunt and Uncle have such strict expectations of her, not to mention Cousin Wenxiu."

"Our family also hired a tutor, but it’s just to teach us a few characters. Compared to Cousin, it’s almost incomparable."

Li Zixin looked regretful. "It’s a shame that none of our brothers have much talent for studying."

Li Zixuan replied, "Fortunately, Aunt married Uncle. That gave our family a solid foundation. Otherwise, we’d be like those merchants who are oppressed by powerful families and still have to apologize to them."

"Exactly, merchants are the lowest in status."

---

Meanwhile, after Daohua lay down, she fell asleep quickly. The next morning, before dawn, she went to the open space in front of the flower gate with Wang Man’er.

Qin Wu looked at Daohua, neatly dressed, and smiled. "I thought you might not come today!"

Daohua replied, "How could I not come? I’ve almost neglected my training for three months. If I don’t practice now, my skills will regress."

Qin Wu smiled approvingly. "Enduring hardship is a good thing. Let me see if you’ve improved or regressed during this time."

Then, Daohua resumed her usual morning practice with the whip.

After finishing, Daohua returned to the courtyard, quickly washed up, and took Li Zixuan and Li Zixin to the main courtyard to greet Madam Li. They then all went to the old matriarch’s courtyard for breakfast.

After breakfast, Madam Li turned to Li Zixuan and Li Zixin and said, "I’ve already spoken to Teacher Shen. While you’re staying in the Yan mansion, you’ll attend lessons with Daohua and the others."

"Teacher Shen excels in both academics and etiquette, and he also teaches women’s needlework. You must study attentively."

Li Zixuan and Li Zixin both nodded seriously.

Before coming, Fan Shi and Jiang Shi had instructed them to learn from their cousin, as it would greatly help them in their future marriages.

Not to mention, Teacher Shen, who was known even in Zhongzhou, would make them respected if they were taught by her.

(End of chapter)