CHAPTER 23

After classes were dismissed, Momo Deng suddenly realised that she had left something behind and could only turn back to pick it up.

When she walked to the open corridors, she unexpectedly found Chu Jinmiao too.

“Fourth Young Lady?” Momo Deng was surprised, “Classes have been long dismissed so why are you still here?”

Chu Jinmiao closed the book, “Today, Momo has taught well and I felt some emotions. There is still a lingering fragrance in my mouth, I could not calm down for a long time, thus I stayed back and read for a while.”

Momo Deng stepped forward and when she saw Chu Jinmiao’s words on the books, she said in amazement, “Young Lady has also read [New accounts of the tales of the world]­?”

“One does not dare. I have only flipped through a few pages during my spare time.”

Momo Deng pointed towards the words in the books, asking, “You have written all these?”

“I have read it before and thus casually wrote it.” Chu Jinmiao was somewhat embarrassed and with a turn of a hand, closed the book and stood up. “One has let Momo see a joke.”

Momo Deng, however, shook her head before picking up Chu Jinmiao’s book and roughly flipped it through. She saw that there were ink markings scattered at different parts of the books and some of them were old. From the first look, it was a book that was frequently read and there were even insights written. Momo Deng smiled and nodded her head after she saw them, “Fourth Young Lady has surprised me. These books do not appear in the Imperial examinations and thus males would rarely read them. One did not think Fourth Young Lady has read them many times. Fourth Young Lady’s wide literary readings have made this old servant ashamed.”

“One does not dare. May Momo not speak like that.” Chu Jinmiao waved her hands as she smiled, “I would only read it playfully and need not participate in examinations, so how could one compare with older brothers’ skills and efforts.”

“Fourth Young Lady is being too modest.” Momo Deng smiled. She was used to hearing others speak of Fourth Young Lady’s talent, but it was today that she witnessed it. She suddenly felt the feeling of appreciation of talents as it was difficult to find such an intelligent and studious young lady. Momo Deng asked gently, “Fourth Young Lady, it is getting late, it is time to have a meal at Old Madam’s. Why is there no one looking for you?”

Chu Jinmiao smiled bitterly, “What status do I have? How could there be someone who will look for me?”

Momo Deng suddenly understood. Even though Fourth Young Lady had a young lady title, her real identity was not a young lady of the Chu family. This young lady was indeed pitiful. She had stayed in the family for thirteen years but suddenly found out that she was not a member of this family and the real one was someone else. Momo Deng felt sorry about it as the lives of talented females would always be very miserable. The more she thought about it, the more she felt upset, “Fourth Young Lady does not need to be this depressed. With your talents displayed, it is only a matter of time that it would shine. Even if a pearl is covered in dust, as long as it is a pearl, there will be a day when one would meet someone with knowledge!”

“Thanking Momo for your comfort.” Chu Jinmiao bowed to Momo Deng but the smile on her face did not stay long and it was filled with sadness and worry, “I too wish to meet a person with knowledge, like what Momo mentioned. However, I have an awkward identity and live in the Marquis residence with unclear status, thus I fear that I would not be able to encounter that person. I too had not once thought that I was wrongly carried away and had occupied the identity of other’s status and position in life. It is already a great kindness for the Marquis residence to retain me and I would not dare to ask for more. Those few words that others complained about, I have deserved it since I am guilty since birth. I had originally felt that if there was a place that allows me to read, it would be alright but unfortunately, it was only my extravagant hope.”

Momo Deng frowned when she heard those words, “Fourth Young Lady, could it be that Fifth Young Lady is secretly targeting you?”

When Chu Jinmiao heard these words, she kept her head down and was silent. After a while, she shook her head, “May Momo not speak about it as she does not like to hear these. It is after all me who stole other’s stuff. She did not live well outside so it is alright to throw a temper upon returning. Grandmother and Father are both committed to making up with her and since I am not a genuine daughter of the Chu family, it is already a good thing that they are willing to raise me. How would I dare to speak of the genuine daughter? It is anyway alright. It will be over after some toleration.”

Momo Deng sighed. Fourth Young Lady was originally a proud daughter and to suddenly be told that she was a farmer’s daughter, how would any young lady be able to bear such a drastic change of identity? Not to mention that Fourth Young Lady still had to often face her former sisters and servants. One feared that after her identity had been revealed, the previous servants would dare to openly neglect her. Momo Deng had only felt that Fourth Young Lady was quiet and talented, but she had never expected that she was living such a life in secret.

Momo Deng felt pity in her heart but she could only say, “Young Lady do not need to complain. It would be better in the future.”

“Hopefully.” Chu Jinmiao smiled bitterly and sighed, “One does not know how long this Marquis residence would tolerate me until. Since I am like a duckweed, it does not matter at all.”

Momo Deng could not speak. She also felt that the Marquis residence was not a place to stay long term for Fourth Young Lady. However, it was not her decision on the matter of the Prince residence’s study companion. Momo Deng felt that it was good to find a talented and studious young lady to accompany the County Princess, but her words did not matter as it required the Prince Consort’s and Old Madam’s agreement! If Momo Deng could decide, she would have comforted Chu Jinmiao, but she was unable to do so, thus she did not give Chu Jinmiao any hope. Finally Momo Deng could only say, “May Young Lady rest assured, there will be someone that will recognise how precious you are and marry you in the future.”

Chu Jinmiao smiled, “Thanking Momo for the auspicious words.” She quickly wiped away her tears and gave a pretentious strong smile. However, such a pretence would only make others feel more distressed. Chu Jinmiao spoke as if she did not know it, “I feel that I am particularly fated with Momo. I have liked Momo since the first time I saw Momo but did not dare to speak about it, fearing that you might find me flattering. I have a collection of poems that I have previously written randomly. How about me gifting this to you as a first encounter gift?”

Momo Deng was somewhat hesitant, “It is Young Lady’s collection of poems, how could…”

When Chu Jinmiao saw that Momo Deng wanted to refuse, she quickly spoke, “Momo does not need to refuse as this is from my heart. With this farewell, one fears that I would no longer see you, thus gifting you my collection of poems can be considered as fulfilling my wish.”

Upon seeing Chu Jinmiao speaking as such, Momo Deng had no choice but to accept, “Alright. This old servant has overstepped.”

Chu Jinmiao immediately pulled out a collection of poems under the pile of books and handed it to Momo Deng with both hands. Momo Deng flipped a few pages and suddenly heard Chu Jinyao’s shocked voice. Momo Deng looked up, “What is the matter Young Lady?”

“Momo, I almost forgot that there are some poems that are composed by my older brother inside. If it was all written by me, then it is fine that I can gift it to you directly. However, since it contains my Second Older Brother’s poems, I do not know if he has another copy, so it is not good to give it you. How about I make a copy tonight and gift you tomorrow?”

Momo Deng smiled, “Yes, it is naturally so.” Momo Deng could not help but add after speaking, “Fourth Young Lady does not need to rush. We only leave tomorrow noon. You can copy it slowly and should not let such a thing play your sleep.”

“I understand.” Chu Jinmiao pursed her lips to a smile. Just as she and Momo Deng were talking, a voice was suddenly heard outside, “Fourth Younger Sister, are you there?”

Chu Jinmiao’s heart thumped. Why did she come? However, Momo Deng was still present and thus Chu Jinmiao could not remain silent, so she smiled reluctantly as she replied, “I am here.”

As soon as Third Young Lady Chu Jinchan entered, she saw Chu Jinmiao and Momo Deng standing, looking as though they had been talking for a long while. Third Young Lady’s eyes flashed and she cursed in her heart, but there was a smile that formed immediately on her face, “What is Fourth Younger Sister doing here? It was not easy for me to search.”

Chu Jinmiao smiled awkwardly, not wanting to entertain Third Young Lady at all. She spoke hurriedly, “It is getting late so I will send Momo Deng out and not let Momo miss the meal time.”

However, Third Young Lady refused to let the matter slide and continued to talk with Momo Deng forcefully. Chu Jinmiao was afraid that Third Young Lady would spoil matters. She had finally made a good impression in front of Momo Deng and hoped that it would not be ruined by the foolish Third Young Lady.

Chu Jinmiao secretly tugged on Third Young Lady’s sleeves, with eyes full of threat, “Third Older Sister, we should leave as Grandmother would be looking soon.”

Third Young Lady sneered in her heart, “Eldest Sister and Fifth Younger Sister are by Grandmother’s side, how would Grandmother remember us?”

Momo Deng asked upon hearing it, “It sounds like Fifth Young Lady is very favoured?”

Speaking of Chu Jinyao, Third Young Lady and Chu Jinmiao glanced at each other secretly, they spoke in unity, “Exactly so. Grandmother felt that she owed it to her and would treat her very well. Us sisters would give in, but it is unfortunate that she always targets Fourth Younger Sister.”

Chu Jinmiao waited for Third Young Lady to finish speaking before interrupting, “Third Older Sister, stop speaking. One has let Momo see a joke.”

Momo Deng had some understanding in her heart, “It is almost time for meal, may both young ladies quickly return.”

Third Young Lady and Chu Jinyao greeted together and watched as Momo Deng left. Only when Momo Deng was far away and could no longer hear anything here did Third Young Lady push Chu Jinmiao’s hand away, sneering, “Fourth Younger Sister does have some good methods. We had clearly stated that we are in an alliance, but in the end, you went behind my back and seek to please Momo Deng?”

“One only depends on one’s ability.” Chu Jinmiao put away her collection of poems, gone was the pitiful expression on her face. She no longer bothered to look at Third Young Lady and turned to go out.

With Third Young Lady’s sharp eyes, she saw the things in Chu Jinmiao’s hand and quickly grabbed it, “What is this? Did you secretly write these for Shizi?”

Chu Jinmiao felt that this person was truly unreasonable. What kind of identity did she have that she would dare to do such a shameless thing and even write poems to males? She stubbornly held onto the collection of poems and refused to let go of it. This was what she wanted to give to Momo Deng so that she would bring it to the Prince Consort! How could one let the concubine-raised Third Young Lady to snatch it away? When Third Young Lady saw that Chu Jinmiao was unwilling to let go at all, the more she felt that love poems were written inside and Chu Jinyao wanted to seduce the Shizi before her! She used more force and in the end, with a tearing sound, the collection of poems spilt into two.

Once the force on her hands suddenly released, Chu Jinyao could not help but take a few steps behind. When she could collect herself, she saw that her carefully selected collection of poems had been torn up!

Chu Jinmiao was very furious and shouted, “Chu Jinchan, what are you doing!”

Third Young Lady was stunned and when she stood up, she flipped the collection of poems and spoke disdainfully, “It seems that these are poems that shed tears over the change of seasons. If you had said it earlier, who would want to read it.”

Chu Jinmiao was trembling with anger and Third Young lady was prepared to muddle things. “Don’t give me that look. I know what virtue you have so it is useless! It is only torn apart and not that one cannot recognise the words inside. You also wanted to make a copy so there is nothing to lose.”

“You…” Chu Jinmiao was so angry that her hands were trembling. It was the situation where the wicked got pestered by the wicked. Chu Jinmiao had only deliberately slandered Chu Jinyao but was now downright angry with Third Young Lady. However, Third Young Lady spoke mystifyingly, “Who let you eat alone behind my back. You deserve it! If Chu Jinyao was not originally good looking and that the Third Household not easy to deal with, who would want to form an alliance with you?”

Chu Jinmiao knew that it was useless to be angry with Third Young Lady as she was one that would not get embarrassed. Upon hearing Chu Jinyao’s name, a light flashed in Chu Jinmiao’s mind, “You just said that Chu Jinyao…”

After lunch Chu Jinyao stayed at the back of the room to write. She was only halfway through when she heard a calmour outside. The maids said that Huailing Shizi came over to greet Old Madam.

Chu Jinyao thought about it before speaking, “Aunt will be leaving tomorrow, so it is courteous for Shizi to give his greetings to Old Madam today.”

“He has always been like this.” Qin Yi did not care about it as he had seen Lin Xiyuan a few times and knew about his temperament. However, Chu Jinyao was taken aback when she heard it. She quickly glanced secretly at the people by her side and lowered her voice, “Be quiet, there are still people around!”

Chu Jinyao could hear Qin Yi speaking, so naturally others could do so too, thus they had always been very careful. Lately, one did not know the reason but Qin Yi would not be able to restrain and start talking outside. Chu Jinyao felt that it was mostly because he often appeared, gradually became ambitious and was no longer as cautious as he was when he first appeared.

Sure enough, Qin Yi did not listen. It was always others avoiding him and there was no reason he should avoid others. Chu Jinyao was unable to handle it and could only continue to lower her head.

Chu Jinyao and Lin Xiyuan had an earth-shaking first encounter as Lin Xiyuan caught her defying all etiquette. That encounter onwards, Chu Jinyao had been avoiding him, that even her greetings were deliberately done to avoid him. Fortunately, he was leaving and most likely she would not be seeing him in the future. Her dark history would not be known and thus she was as happy as she could be.

However, as the saying goes, ‘one does not go to the mountains but the mountains came to one’. Chu Jinyao was hiding in the back of the room, she saw Lin Xiyuan leading a group of people over and parted the curtain with a smile.

“Fifth Younger Sister, why are you hiding here alone?”

Chu Jinyao’s heart was filled with gloom and she did not want to speak.

Lin Xiyuan had always been the center of all gazes, no matter where he went, the focal point would be there. He had arrived at the back of the room so in a short time, the young ladies of the Lin family, Lin Xining and the few young ladies of the Chu family all came in with various reasons.

In a short time, the rear room became noisy, so how could one continue to write? Chu Jinyao put away the collection of poems in secret anger and forced a smile as she listened to them chatting.

Everyone surrounded Lin Xiyuan and Chu Jinyao was quickly pushed aside. Lin Xiyuan was in the center surrounded, but he still remembered that Chu Jinyao did not reply to him. He looked towards Chu Jinyao with a smile, “It is only a short while, why is Fifth Younger Sister pushed so far away? This is also my fault. Fifth Younger Sister has been staying well in the rear room and it is me who disturbed Younger Sister’s peace. Younger Sister would not blame me right?”

I would. Chu Jinyao secretly scolded him, but on the surface, she still smiled, “How would it be? Shizi is too polite.”

When Lin Xiyuan saw Chu Jinyao’s expression, he knew that this girl’s lips were not aligned with her heart. He became more amused, “I have yet to ask what Younger Sister is doing?”

Upon seeing that Lin Xiyuan took the initiative to talk to Chu Jinyao and only spoke to her, the rest of the young ladies secretly twisted their handkerchiefs in annoyance. Chu Jinyao knew that there would no longer be peace now and could only sigh, “I am only copying books.”

“Coping books?” Lin Xiyuan was very surprised, “It turns out that Younger Sister is so diligent and I have interrupted Younger Sister’s hard work. May Younger Sister not place any blame.”

As Lin Xiyuan spoke, he even stretched his hands out to make a gesture that Chu Jinyao quickly avoided. The rest of the young ladies became more jealous when they saw it and quickly spoke to capture Lin Xiyuan’s attention, “Older Brother, today I do not really understand what Momo has taught. Can you teach me?”

Lin Xiyuan was surrounded quickly and was unable to get out. Chu Jinmiao silently glanced at Chu Jinyao and a sneer flashed across her lips. She quickly hid it, “It so happens that I want to write some stuff. Move a table over, I too want to write some words.”

When the young ladies heard it, they then realised that this could be done and all of them quickly said, “I want too!”