Time Travel: The Noble Family
Chapter 310 - Chapter 310 Chapter 114 Borrowing Rubbings_2

Chapter 310: Chapter 114: Borrowing Rubbings_2 Chapter 310: Chapter 114: Borrowing Rubbings_2 Yueyao shook her head, “I’m not concerned about it.” Lady Xiao Ma was her aunt, no doubt, but the two had no interaction, and she could not see where there would be any affection. In her eyes, Lady Xiao Ma was just a stranger, and how could a stranger concern her?

Ruo Lan looked at Yueyao, who smiled indifferently, and sighed softly to herself. If only her sister-in-law and Loo Ying could be as unperturbed as Yueyao, she would have a lot less to worry about. However, she soon smiled again; the Ma’s Mansion was still manageable, with just one troublesome sister-in-law and an unlikable Cousin Miss, which was nothing compared to the inevitable cousins at the Duke Mansion. Yet every time Zhuang Ruolan remembered Ma Linlin, who had been sent back to her parental home, she could only shake her head. The poor girl was unlucky to have such parents.

Unfortunately, it wasn’t long before Loo Ying came back.

Ruo Lan looked at the ingratiating Loo Ying and softened. She bore no ill will toward Loo Ying, for a young girl ought to be treated well to sow good karma. Thus, Zhuang Ruolan had initially been quite kind to Loo Ying. However, as time passed, she also noticed many faults in Loo Ying. Zhuang Ruolan felt that someone needed to properly straighten out these faults.

Loo Ying also stepped forward to support Zhuang Ruolan, her cautious demeanor causing Cai Yun and Cai Yi to twitch.

After walking around the courtyard for a quarter of an hour, Ruo Lan also felt somewhat tired. She lay back in the chair and felt bored: “Cousin, do you play chess? Play a game with me.”

Yueyao was worried, “Cousin-in-law, I’ve heard that pregnant women should eat well, drink well, relax, and avoid overexertion. Chess is very taxing on the mind; might it not be bad for you?”

Upon hearing this, Ruo Lan grew even fonder of Yueyao. How would a young girl know such things unless she had sought advice from her mother? “It’s no bother, just a way to pass the time. However, since I’ve been pregnant, my mind hasn’t been as sharp as before. I guess I won’t be able to beat you this time.”

Yueyao chuckled, “Then I’ll give you a three-piece handicap, cousin-in-law.”

Ruo Lan laughed heartily, “Agreed.”

The day was overcast and the weather was not inviting. The maids quickly set up a table outside and arranged the chessboard.

Yueyao then played chess with Ruo Lan in the courtyard. Loo Ying stood by, understanding none of it, wondering what it felt like. If only she could paint and play chess like her cousin, surely her cousin-in-law would like her too!

Yueyao gave a three-piece handicap, and the game ended in a draw.

Ruo Lan was just passing time, not vying for victory or loss, and she believed that if Yueyao put effort into this area, she would definitely leave her behind very soon: “Sister, I lost.” A loss was a loss.

Yueyao put the chess pieces she was holding back into the bowl: “If it were under normal circumstances, cousin-in-law, you definitely would not have lost.” She was interested in competing in painting, but considered chess just a casual pastime.

Ruo Lan nodded.

Yueyao looked at Loo Ying following behind Zhuang Ruolan and felt it strange. She did not leave because she was waiting for her uncle to return; why was Loo Ying still around in the courtyard, unperturbed by everyone’s subtle disregard?

Zhuang Ruolan, however, was not surprised; she had seen much of this sort at the Duke Mansion. If Loo Ying wanted to stay, then let her stay.

At noon, Ma Chengteng had returned. Since Ma Chengteng was a Shangguan, he would come home when work was not busy. Moreover, Ma’s Mansion was only a half-hour away from the Yamen, provided there was business at the mansion. On ordinary days, however, Ma Chengteng did not return.

Ma Peng had recently joined Hanlin Academy as a novice. Apart from the time Ruo Lan had determined she was pregnant and he joyfully asked for a half-day off, he had never asked for leave again.

On such joyful occasions, the Shangguan was willing to give leave. At other times, it was not acceptable to leave at will, otherwise, it would leave a bad impression.

When Ma Chengteng heard Yueyao was visiting, he sent a maid to the main house.

The maid respectfully said, “Young lady, the Old Master asks Cousin Miss to come to the study.” Ma Chengteng had moved to the study since Lady Cheng had left.

Ruo Lan was now somewhat understanding why her Father-in-law was so fond of Yueyao. Being sensible and helpful was one aspect, but he probably also admired Yueyao for her abundant talents.

Loo Ying stared eagerly at Yueyao as she left with Hua Lei, her expression complicated, filled with envy, jealousy, and sadness. She had been in Ma’s Mansion for five years now, and in all those years, her uncle had never seen her alone, yet every time Yueyao visited, her uncle always met with her alone.

As though she hadn’t noticed Loo Ying’s complex expression, Ruo Lan simply smiled and then followed up, “Cousin, it’s almost time for lunch. Have lunch before you head back.”

Cai Yi added from the side, “Then I’ll tell the maid to inform the kitchen to prepare two more dishes.” This was obviously telling Loo Ying to go back and eat.

Loo Ying shook her head, “No need, cousin-in-law, I’ll eat back at home.” After saying this, she quickly left the courtyard. She was afraid she might not be able to control herself and would start crying.

Cai Yun recalled the earlier conversation and chuckled, “Miss, it has been a long time since I saw you so happy.” Of course, it had also been a long time since she had heard her own miss talk so much. Miss had talked with Miss Lian for nearly a whole morning, and still seemed wished to continue.

Cai Yi frowned, “You still haven’t corrected yourself on that.” If Eldest Young Master were to hear that, he would definitely be uncomfortable.

Cai Yun’s face turned red, “I’ll be careful.”

Ruo Lan was unconcerned, “Yueyao writes beautifully, embroiders well, plays chess excellently, and even understands the art of tea. I wonder how hard this child has worked. Next time, I’ll have a chance to see her paintings.” If she had just started learning characters and embroidery for a year and had become so proficient, then her painting, which she had started from childhood, must have reached the top level. Ruo Lan couldn’t help but look forward to it.

Cai Yun rarely nodded, “Cousin Miss is genuinely a talented lady.” Many talented ladies are hyped up, such as the cousin Miss from Duke Mansion who claims to be a talented lady, but everyone knows their actual skill level.

Cai Yi shook her head with a light smile.

Loo Ying went back and cried in Lady Xiao Ma’s arms, “Mother, why can cousin do everything, and I can do nothing? Mother, I want to be proficient in guqin, chess, calligraphy, and painting, just like cousin. Mother, find me a teacher?” Loo Ying was also somewhat naive, staying in someone else’s house while still having so many requests; who would like that!

Lady Xiao Ma patted her daughter, “Alright, in a few days, I’ll have your cousin-in-law find a teacher for you. Once you learn well, you’ll be able to outshine that girl.”

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