Yin Hui smiled and said, “Look at what you’re saying. Businessmen can also be well-educated. Scholars study for merit tests, while businessmen study for their work. Take Cousin Huai’an for example. If Ah Lang were placed in the academy, judging by his demeanor alone, can you distinguish him from the students?”
Wei Luo fell silent.
Sensing his slight displeasure, Yin Hui pondered for a moment, then hugged his arm and said, “And you, when you paint with a brush, I think you resemble more of a champion scholar than an actual scholar.”
Wei Luo seemed to snort, asking, “Have you ever seen a champion?”
He hadn’t encountered a champion, as they were typically in the capital.
Yin Hui shook her head, saying, “I haven’t seen one, but regardless of which champion, they surely don’t match up to you in looks, artistic talent, and writing.”
Though flattering, these words lacked sincerity.
Wei Luo appeared to be in a good mood, hugging her while lying on his side. He lightly twirled her earlobes, teasing, “The number one scholar isn’t as gentle as me?”
Yin Hui chuckled.
Wei Luo, while possessing a gentle and elegant side, had little to do with the term “gentle”. If she continued to boast, she would be uttering nonsense with her eyes wide open.
“The number one scholar must be gentle, but I like your heroic appearance in dragon boat racing and horseback riding archery more. You are really elegant, and I don’t care about the gentle part much,” she said while pinching his strong arm
For Wei Luo, her action felt no different from the second brother touching the diva’s face. He grabbed her hand and squeezed it punishingly.
Yin Hui took a deep breath and said displeased, “You don’t like to hear compliments?”
He might have to wake up at any time and didn’t want to be seduced by her again. Yin Hui dozed off in his arms. In a daze, she felt as if Wei Luo had flicked her hair, but she didn’t pay much attention.
After the two children woke up, the sun had mellowed, and the family of four, accompanied by Yin Yong and Yin Lang, headed to the garden.
Supper was early, and then they set off. The family of four got into the carriage, with Yin Yong and Yin Lang standing outside. Xiao Heng lay by the window, looking at his great-grandfather and uncle reluctantly.
Yin Hui coaxed, “When uncle gets married next year, mother…”
Halfway through speaking, Yin Hui paused. Next year, many things would happen, and the situation would be very different. It might not be convenient for her to go out. Not wanting to make promises to the child that she couldn’t keep, she decided to withhold her words.
Xiao Heng, still waiting for his mother to continue talking, showed a hopeful expression. Seeing the change in her expression, Wei Luo guessed her worry and spoke on her behalf, ���When uncle gets married, let’s come to see the ceremony together.”
Xiao Heng immediately smiled happily, and Yin Hui also laughed. It was Wei Luo’s promise, and if he couldn’t come, her son would be disappointed in his father.
In late July, the weather finally cooled down. With pleasant weather, everyone enjoyed going to the garden.
Xu Qingwan even accompanied Liu Lang to the garden, and the three sisters-in-law got together to chat.
Ji Xianxian intentionally remarked, wanting to annoy Xu Qingwan, “Er Lang mentioned that San Lang often faced punishments from his teacher due to difficulties in memorizing books. What’s the matter? Da Lang is so intelligent.”
Xu Qingwan responded with a gentle smile, “Dalang is composed, San Lang is mischievous, and he struggles to focus on his studies.”
Ji Xianxian replied, “Indeed, none of the younger brothers can match Da Lang in this aspect. It’s a shame, the more handsome Da Lang becomes, the more likable he is. Just look at Liu Lang; he’s so striking that I can’t help but steal a few more glances.”
Unable to suppress her amusement, Xu Qingwan chuckled. She had two sons; Da Lang excelled in everything but bore a closer resemblance to her, while San Lang inherited the Wei family’s looks, combining handsomeness with nobility.
While Ji Xianxian praised Concubine Meng’s child, Xu Qingwan couldn’t tolerate discussions about Liu Lang’s appearance, nor did she wish to endure them. Firmly, she asserted, “Honestly, I believe Si Lang looks better than Liu Lang and has a delightful voice.”
Ji Xianxian’s eyes subtly twitched. Despite Si Lang’s delicate constitution, he was undeniably good-looking. He hadn’t inherited any of Concubine Liu’s mediocrity, and Wei Yan had always favored Concubine Liu. He would sleep more soundly if he heeded her advice.
Though Ji Xianxian possessed beauty in every aspect, her voice couldn’t rival Concubine Liu’s. In truth, her voice was pleasant, but when compared, she felt a sense of injustice.
The two of them were fighting, and Yin Hui sat silently at the side, hoping that neither of them should think of her.
At that moment, a servant girl from the main chamber rushed over, panting as she informed Xu Qingwan, “Madam, Princess Xu has requested your presence for a discussion!” Xu Qingwan glanced at Ji Xianxian, nodded to Yin Hui, and departed with a dignified stride.
Ji Xianxian shot a disapproving look at her retreating figure, turned to Yin Hui, and murmured, “If it weren’t for her prestigious background, she wouldn’t even be able to get selected as a palace maid based on her looks.” Yin Hui furrowed her brow, stating, “Second sister-in-law, your words are quite harsh. If you repeat such comments, I won’t feel comfortable sitting with you in the future.”
Understanding Yin Hui’s reluctance to offend others, Ji Xianxian snorted and shifted the topic, saying, “I wonder what urgent matter Princess Xu wants to discuss.”
Yin Hui took a moment to recall and then remembered. Indeed, in the evening, Wei Luo, returning from Qinzheng Hall, informed her that Princess Xu’s father and Xu Qingwan’s grandfather, Duke Zhen—the renowned founding father general of this dynasty—had passed away due to illness last month. The Emperor was deeply saddened and honored him with the title “King of Wuning.”