Reborn of the Rightful

****** (Revised)

This Madam Zhou was the woman Ren Yaoqi had seen at the Yanbei Prince's Mansion last time, accompanying Madam Liu to meet the Princess Consort. She was about the same age as Madam Liu but much more elegant in appearance, speaking with the gentle softness characteristic of women from the water towns of Jiangnan.

Women in Yanbei were generally reluctant to marry far away to Jiangnan, but men in Yanbei preferred to marry or take concubines from the south. If nothing else, the gentle and tender nature of southern women was quite appealing to men.

Madam Zhou had a son and a daughter, whose ages happened to be close to Fang Shuzhou and Ren Yaoying. The four children had likely met several times before, as they immediately fell into familiar conversation upon seeing each other. Ren Yaoqi and Ren Yaohua stepped forward to greet Madam Zhou, then sat to the side, finding little opportunity to join the conversation.

After exchanging a few words with them, Madam Zhou called a maid to serve tea and then found an excuse to retreat with Madam Liu to a side room for private conversation, leaving her children to entertain the guests.

Madam Zhou's son, Zhou Wen, was a talkative young man with a handsome appearance. While he and Fang Shuzhou were together, it was mostly Zhou Wen speaking, with Fang Shuzhou listening.

Boys of this age were at an awkward stage, and when encountering girls their own age—especially attractive ones they had met a few times—they often developed vague, budding feelings.

As Zhou Wen chatted with Fang Shuzhou, he stole glances at Ren Yaoying's face, occasionally looking at Ren Yaoqi and Ren Yaohua as well.

To be fair, the Ren Family's daughters were all quite good-looking. Ren Yaohua was radiantly beautiful, Ren Yaoying delicate and fragile, and Ren Yaoqi elegant and refined. Standing together, they made a pleasing sight.

Ren Yaohua, with her proud nature, felt annoyed upon sensing Zhou Wen's gaze, though more than anything, she felt disdain. In Ren Yaoqi's eyes, someone like Zhou Wen was just a callow youth, so she paid him no mind at all.

As for Ren Yaoying, she had likely sensed Zhou Wen's interest in her before, feeling both shyly annoyed and an indescribable delight. A faint blush colored her cheeks, and she adopted a deliberately reserved manner while speaking with the Zhou family's young lady, Zhou Rong.

Miss Zhou Rong was also charming and lovely in appearance, with a lively and cheerful personality. She pulled Ren Yaoying aside, chattering softly with a smile that revealed deep dimples. However, compared to her enthusiasm toward Ren Yaoying, she was rather cold toward Ren Yaoqi and Ren Yaohua, merely exchanging greetings when they first met in front of Madam Zhou before largely ignoring them.

Ren Yaohua and Ren Yaoqi could clearly see that Zhou Rong was trying to stand up for Ren Yaoying, but neither of them minded much. They sipped tea and chatted among themselves.

Although they were being slighted, Ren Yaohua's mood remained unaffected today, perhaps because it was her first outing after being confined to bed for several days due to a foot injury.

As the weather was hot, Ren Yaohua had little appetite in the morning and ate little. After the journey to Sun-Moon Spring, she felt somewhat hungry. Not one to suffer in silence, she found a pastry served by the Zhou family's maid—pine nut lily pastry—quite to her liking and ate two pieces with her tea.Over there, Zhou Rong suddenly spoke up, "Sister Yaohua likes pine nut lily pastries? This pastry is one of the signature treats from Fumanlou, the most famous pastry shop in Yunyang City these days. If Sister Yaohua likes it, I can have someone pack a box for you to take back later."

Although Zhou Rong's tone was gentle, it carried a hint of superiority, as if subtly mocking Ren Yaohua for being unsophisticated.

However, after Ren Yaoqi's repeated guidance—both overt and covert—Ren Yaohua, though still far from being tactful and restrained, was no longer the easily provoked person she once was.

Coupled with her good mood today and being on someone else's turf, she held back in the face of Zhou Rong's provocation. Upon hearing this, she merely curved her lips slightly and replied indifferently, "Thank you, Miss Zhou."

Zhou Rong didn’t seem to be a particularly sharp-tongued person in daily life either. Seeing that she had gained little from her remark, she continued chatting with Ren Yaoying and ignored the others.

Meanwhile, Ren Yaohua took the opportunity while wiping her hands with a handkerchief to whisper to Ren Yaoqi, "It seems our ninth sister has mentioned us quite often in front of others." And likely not in a flattering way.

Hearing this, Ren Yaoqi smiled and deliberately whispered back, "So what? If it were me, I wouldn’t befriend those who gossip about others behind their backs. If she can speak ill of others in front of me, who’s to say she won’t criticize me in front of others? Smart people understand this, so the only ones she can befriend are either those with ill intentions or the foolish and thoughtless. What is there to worry about?"

Ren Yaohua pondered Ren Yaoqi’s words carefully and then revealed a radiant smile. "What you said is quite true. It seems I shouldn’t speak ill of her in front of others from now on?"

Ren Yaoqi blinked. "Of course not. You are our eldest sister. In front of outsiders, you should only speak well of us and protect us at every turn. As for our youngest sister, the ninth, you should praise her to the skies."

Ren Yaohua glanced sideways at Ren Yaoqi, her eyes filled with understanding and amusement.

A sister who seizes every opportunity to speak ill of her elder sister, and an elder sister who always speaks well of her younger sisters—who has the broader mind? Anyone with eyes can see it clearly, without Ren Yaohua having to defend herself.

Over there, Zhou Wen was momentarily dazzled by the sudden radiant smile on Ren Yaohua’s face, leaving him somewhat stunned.

Ren Yaoying accidentally noticed this and felt displeased.

It wasn’t that Ren Yaoying had feelings for Zhou Wen, but he was the first boy her age to show interest in her, and he wasn’t bad-looking either. During their previous meetings, he had deliberately tried to impress her and was always willing to flatter her, satisfying Ren Yaoying’s vanity in a way she had never experienced in her over ten years of life.

Now, seeing Zhou Wen’s attention drawn to Ren Yaohua felt like something that belonged to her had been taken away—especially since it was her legitimate elder sister, whom she always enjoyed competing with.

Thus, for the first time, Ren Yaoying spoke to Zhou Wen, "Brother Zhou, didn’t Sister Rong say the scenery around this estate is excellent?" Earlier, Zhou Rong had mentioned that her brother could take them around the estate. Her words were a hint that she wanted to go out and see the sights.Zhou Wen, hearing Ren Yaoying take the initiative to speak to him, was immediately diverted. Being a clever young man to begin with, his eyes lit up at her words, and he promptly said, "Yes, especially a waterfall about two li away from our estate. The Sun-Moon Spring is inside the Yanbei Prince's Mansion's villa, so we can't go in to see it, but this waterfall is still worth a visit. If Yaoying sister wants to go, I'll go tell my mother right away." As he spoke, he looked at Ren Yaoying expectantly, waiting for her reply.

Ren Yaoying's vanity was satisfied, but she deliberately hesitated for a moment, making Zhou Wen watch her nervously, afraid she would say no.

It was Zhou Rong who pulled Ren Yaoying and said, "Yaoying sister, you rarely come here. Shall we go see that waterfall? The scenery there is no less beautiful than the Sun-Moon Spring."

Having put on enough airs, Ren Yaoying finally nodded reservedly, "Well... alright then, but if Aunt doesn't agree, we'll forget it."

Zhou Wen beamed with joy and quickly said, "Why wouldn't she agree? I'll go tell my mother and Aunt Liu right away. Yaoying sister, just wait."

Ren Yaoying lowered her head with a smile, but just as Zhou Wen turned to leave, she suddenly seemed to remember something and said to Ren Yaoqi and Ren Yaohua, "Oh, I forgot to ask Third Sister and Fifth Sister. If my sisters don't want to go, I won't go either."

Ren Yaoqi understood her little scheme all too well and chuckled softly at her. Ren Yaoying felt a bit guilty under her gaze and blushed.

Ren Yaohua smiled faintly, "If Ninth Sister wants to go, how could we sisters spoil the fun? If the elders agree, then let's go."

Zhou Wen immediately pulled Fang Shuzhou to the next room to ask his mother.

Not long after, Zhou Wen returned excitedly, "Mother and Aunt Liu agreed, but they told us to bring more people. I'll go make arrangements now. Sisters, please wait here." With that, he went out to busy himself.

Zhou Wen was eager to impress the sisters and soon had the carriages, horses, and people arranged, personally coming to invite the Ren sisters out.

This time, they used the Zhou family's carriage. Since the journey wasn't far, Ren Yaoqi, Ren Yaohua, Ren Yaoying, and Zhou Rong rode together in one carriage. Zhou Wen and Fang Shuzhou rode horses alongside the carriage, with some sturdy maidservants accompanying them. Before departure, Madam Zhou came over to give a few instructions and, seeing her son's arrangements were fairly sound, felt reassured.

The weather that day was excellent—not too hot, with a gentle breeze. Traveling with peers, even if their relationships weren't as harmonious as they appeared on the surface, everyone was cheerful along the way. Even Ren Yaoqi felt the scenery near the Sun-Moon Spring was exceptionally beautiful, and the breeze blowing through the bamboo lattice window curtains lightened her heavy, gloomy mood.

Zhou Wen, wanting to impress the sisters, sat upright on his horse and even competed with Fang Shuzhou in improvising poems. Whether he truly had some talent or had prepared beforehand, he actually recited two poems, which were more impressive than the one Fang Shuzhou composed.

Their voices outside were loud, and Zhou Wen was deliberately showing off, so the young ladies in the carriage naturally heard everything. Zhou Rong said proudly, "My brother studies at Yunyang Academy, and his teacher often praises him. Last year, he even passed the imperial examination at the county level."Ren Yaoying's eyes flickered, her face showing surprise as she said, "Brother Zhou is truly remarkable, achieving the rank of scholar at such a young age. Passing the provincial examination in the future must be within easy reach for him, right?"

Zhou Rong smiled faintly, a hint of pride in her eyes. "His teacher said the same, holding high expectations for him. However, my father worries that early success might make him frivolous, so he advised him to take a break before the next exam to calm his mind."

Ren Yaoqi was also somewhat surprised, not expecting this Zhou Wen to possess some literary talent.

Whether Zhou Rong had noticed her brother's interest in Ren Yaoying or not, she spent the entire journey talking about Zhou Wen. Though Ren Yaoying's expression remained neutral, she listened attentively in secret.

The carriage moved slowly, but as the distance was short, they arrived before long.

Sitting in the carriage, Ren Yaoqi could hear the sound of water and feel the moisture in the air.

The carriage gradually came to a stop, and Zhou Wen called out from outside, "Sister, Miss Ren, we've arrived. Please stay seated in the carriage for a moment while I have the area tidied up before you alight."

No one objected, and Zhou Wen personally led a group of servants to work nearby.

Zhou Rong had the maid lift the carriage curtain, and everyone saw a waterfall not far ahead, cascading like a white ribbon from a cliff dozens of feet high, splashing into the pool below with a roaring sound, surrounded by a mist of water vapor.

Below the waterfall was a deep, unfathomable pool, reflecting the lush greenery around it with shimmering emerald hues.

Zhou Wen had the Zhou family maids lay out felt blankets not far from the waterfall, along with small tables, embroidered stools, tea, and snacks, all arranged thoughtfully.

Compared to the honest and reserved Fang Shuzhou, Zhou Wen proved to be much more capable and considerate.

Once the maids had everything ready, Zhou Wen personally came to invite them to alight from the carriage. The young ladies inside had long been captivated by the scenery before them. The Ren sisters, visiting for the first time and seeing a waterfall for the first time, were filled with awe.

Zhou Wen eagerly invited the Ren sisters to take their seats while introducing the waterfall's scenery to them.

Previously, he hadn't had the chance to speak with the Ren sisters, but now that he had an opportunity to impress them, he wasn't about to let it slip. Zhou Wen truly had a way with words and some knowledge, speaking eloquently and citing classics with ease. Even the proud Ren Yaohua listened with interest, her opinion of this young man she had previously deemed frivolous and flirtatious shifting slightly.

People are always more forgiving toward those with talent or good looks, and even Ren Yaohua was no exception to this.

Ren Yaoying watched Zhou Wen speak confidently, her blush growing more pronounced and a smile lingering on her lips. Seeing this, Zhou Wen felt secretly delighted and became even more attentive and considerate.

Ren Yaoqi and Ren Yaohua spoke little, busy admiring the beauty of the waterfall.

"Fifth Sister, shall we take a walk by the pool?" Over there, Zhou Wen was eloquently answering a question from Ren Yaoying. Ren Yaohua, not particularly interested, turned to Ren Yaoqi.

Though Zhou Wen was chatting and laughing with Ren Yaoying, as a proper host, he remained attentive to his other guests. Hearing this, he paused and glanced at Ren Yaohua and Ren Yaoqi before looking back at Ren Yaoying. "Shall we all take a walk by the pool together?"Ren Yaoying lowered her gaze, then replied with a shy smile, "I’m still a bit tired from just getting off the carriage… But if Third Sister wants to take a walk, we can go together. It’s fine with me."

Her demeanor was naturally delicate, and with this soft-spoken, gentle smile, she evoked an instinctive sense of pity. Zhou Wen hesitated upon seeing this.

Ren Yaohua glanced at her, thinking her affected mannerisms were a perfect replica of Concubine Fang’s, and felt a surge of disgust. She said coolly, "Ninth Sister should rest here. Don’t overexert yourself. Fifth Sister and I will go for a walk."

Ren Yaoying looked at Ren Yaohua, seeming to want to say something but holding back, her expression hesitant and apologetic.

Zhou Rong immediately chimed in, "Then my brother, Brother Fang, and I will stay with Yaoying. Sister Yaohua and Sister Yaoqi, please feel free to go."

Seeing Ren Yaoying’s expression, Zhou Rong felt she had been wronged and was convinced that Ren Yaoying, as a concubine-born daughter, must often suffer under her two legitimate sisters’ bullying—too afraid to defy them even when tired. This only deepened her indignation on her friend’s behalf.

Zhou Wen looked at Ren Yaohua and Ren Yaoqi, thinking it improper as the host to let the two young ladies wander off alone. But just then, Zhou Rong shot him a glare, and Ren Yaoying blushed, casting a soft, pleading glance his way. Zhou Wen swallowed his words.

Ren Yaohua couldn’t stand their lingering indecisiveness. She took Ren Yaoqi’s hand and stood up, nodding to Zhou Rong. "Thank you, Miss Zhou, for looking after my ninth sister. We’ll return after a short walk."

Without waiting for Zhou Wen to say anything more, she pulled Ren Yaoqi away.

Feeling uneasy, Zhou Wen sent a Zhou Family maidservant to accompany them. Ren Yaohua, unappreciative, sent the maid back, taking only her and Ren Yaoqi’s trusted personal maids.

Seeing this, Zhou Rong sneered at her brother, "Serves you right for being overly attentive—they don’t appreciate it!"

Zhou Wen looked embarrassed. Ren Yaoying quickly smiled to smooth things over. "Brother Zhou was just fulfilling his duties as host. There’s nothing wrong with that. My sisters probably have some private matters to discuss and didn’t want others around. Let me apologize on their behalf to Brother Zhou and Sister Zhou. Please don’t take offense."

Zhou Rong linked arms with Ren Yaoying and laughed. "Why should you apologize? It’s not you who’s difficult—it’s those who put on airs and scheme too much. What can’t be said openly? Why must they whisper behind our backs? Let’s enjoy ourselves and ignore them."

Zhou Wen opened his mouth to defend Ren Yaoqi and Ren Yaohua, but when he caught sight of Ren Yaoying’s charming, smiling face with lowered eyes, he momentarily lost his train of thought and forgot what he intended to say.

Observing Zhou Wen’s expression, Ren Yaoying felt a surge of satisfaction. In the Ren Family, one of her legitimate sisters enjoyed their grandmother’s favor, while the other won their father’s affection. Though she believed herself no less capable, her status as a concubine-born daughter meant she was always a step behind—it was impossible not to feel envious.

Now, in Yunyang City, in front of the Zhou siblings, she held more face than her two legitimate sisters. Zhou Wen’s willingness to defer to her over them boosted her sense of superiority like never before. Her attitude toward Zhou Wen also shifted from mere politeness to investing more genuine attention.Ren Yaoying had her own calculations. The Zhou family naturally couldn't compare to families like the Yun or Su families, but the Zhou family had some foundation in Yunyang City. Zhou Wen's father served as a secretary in the Yanbei Prince's Mansion, which gave him more face than even the ranked local officials of Yanbei—a respectable position indeed. As for Zhou Wen himself, he had passed the imperial examination at a young age to become a xiucai. If he could advance further to become a juren and earn an official title through the imperial spring examinations... then Zhou Wen would indeed be a suitable match.

However, Ren Yaoying didn't intend to pin all her hopes on Zhou Wen alone. If she could encounter a family better than the Zhou family, that would be ideal. Zhou Wen could serve as a fallback option.

To be fair, one couldn't blame Ren Yaoying too much. Many young women with some beauty tended to overestimate themselves, thinking everything should naturally go their way.

Time and experience would slowly teach them some truths.

While Ren Yaoying was lost in her thoughts, Ren Yaohua and Ren Yaoqi strolled leisurely to the pond's edge. The misty vapor greeted them, bringing a refreshingly cool breeze.

"This outing was definitely worth it," Ren Yaohua said with a genuine smile, different from her usual mocking, arrogant, or sharp expressions—instead carrying a rare childlike satisfaction. But then she added, "It would be even better without certain clueless people around."

Ren Yaoqi couldn't help but chuckle softly. "When does everything ever go perfectly in this world? Besides, if it weren't for Ninth Sister this time, we wouldn't have seen this beautiful scenery."

Ren Yaohua glanced back at the four people chatting happily, just in time to see Zhou Wen say something to Ren Yaoying. Ren Yaoying responded with a shy, gentle smile, while Zhou Wen watched her with bright, admiring eyes.

Ren Yaohua frowned, then scoffed. "We should indeed thank her. But this young master Zhou is too... I don't believe Ninth Sister doesn't notice. After all, she's nominally Mother's daughter. If something happens, Mother will be the one to suffer."

This thought reignited her anger. "I don't know how Concubine Fang raised her daughter, teaching her those flirtatious ways at such a young age. She's truly embarrassing the Ren Family."

Seeing Ren Yaohua's mood darken again after just improving, Ren Yaoqi quickly advised gently, "Everyone has their own fate. Why trouble yourself with such worries? Although Ninth Sister is nominally Mother's daughter, she was raised personally by Concubine Fang since childhood. Mother can't really control her." Besides, Ren Yaoying wasn't as impulsive and thoughtless as she previously appeared—she wouldn't casually risk her reputation.

Actually, compared to Ren Yaohua's harsh criticism, Ren Yaoqi was more indifferent.

Ren Yaohua at least still considered Concubine Fang and Ren Yaoying as part of their third branch, but Ren Yaoqi's definition of "her own people" didn't include this mother-daughter pair.

In her mind, whatever happened to Concubine Fang and her daughter wasn't her responsibility. With Concubine Fang's formidable abilities, it wasn't for people like them—struggling to protect themselves—to worry unnecessarily.

Time and experience had taught her not to casually extend kindness or invest her limited energy in everyone. Her indifference had unknowingly become ingrained in her bones, hidden beneath her calm and gentle exterior.The two sisters were still talking when they suddenly saw a group of people approaching from the path they had just taken. The newcomers were on foot, without any carriages or horses.

Leading the way was a little girl.

She appeared to be about four or five years old, dressed in a plain apricot-colored silk jacket, looking as lovely as jade and snow. She was trying her best to run over on her short little legs. Behind her trailed a string of maids and elderly servants, all running after her, terrified she might fall or get hurt. A woman who looked like a wet nurse deliberately walked quickly ahead of her, half-crouching with her arms spread wide, carefully shielding the child while facing her as she moved backward.

"Miss, slow down, slow down—watch your step."

Both Ren Yaoqi and Ren Yaohua were taken aback and instinctively fell silent. As the group drew closer, they recognized the little girl leading the way—someone they had actually met once before.