Upon hearing this, Miss Han lowered her head shyly, appearing somewhat bashful.
Ren Yaohua turned a bright smile toward Old Madam Ren. "I notice that our Han family sister seems a bit reserved sitting here. Why not let us sisters entertain her?"
In front of Old Madam Ren, Ren Yaohua was quite different from her quiet and reticent demeanor in front of Ren Shimin, instead appearing lively and cheerful.
Old Madam Ren chuckled. "I think it's clearly you, little monkey, who wants a new playmate, isn't it? You Jie'er is a gentle girl who knows her manners. Don't you go scaring her."
Since You Jie'er was likely how the Han family young lady was addressed, Ren Yaohua cast a somewhat teasing glance toward Han You.
Han You quickly said, "I also like the Ren family sisters very much and was just thinking of finding an opportunity to get closer."
Madam Han gave her daughter an amused look and said to Old Madam Ren, "She usually doesn't like going out. Even after moving to White Crane Town for a year, she hasn't made many friends her own age. Today, meeting the young ladies of the Ren family, she is truly delighted."
Old Madam Ren laughed heartily. "In that case, let the younger ones go play together. Yaoyin, Yaohua, Yaoying, you must entertain You Jie'er well and not neglect our guest."
In front of guests, Old Madam Ren mostly presented herself as a kind and tolerant elder.
Ren Yaohua and Ren Yaoyin promptly acknowledged her words.
Old Madam Ren then looked at Ren Yaoqi, who was standing to the side, and said with relative gentleness in the presence of guests, "Since you're here, follow your two older sisters in entertaining our guest. You must not be mischievous or cause trouble again."
This made it sound as if she had ignored her granddaughter earlier because she was usually too "mischievous and troublesome."
In her previous life, Ren Yaoqi would have felt wronged and upset. Now, however, she inwardly scoffed and lowered her head in acknowledgment.
She had advised Ren Yaohua not to lose Old Madam Ren's favor but had no intention of currying favor herself.
Some people, no matter how hard you try to please them, will not hesitate to sacrifice you when the time comes.
Having lived a second life, with what she had learned, it wouldn't be difficult to win Old Madam Ren's favor and gain her regard. She simply didn't want to waste the effort!
The group went together to the eastern warm chamber, which was currently the living quarters of Ren Yaoyin and Ren Yaoying.
Ren Yaoyin naturally took on the role of hostess, directing maids and matrons to prepare tea and snacks. Everything was handled in an orderly manner, very much in the style of her mother, First Madam.
"What does Miss Han usually enjoy doing at home for leisure?" Ren Yaohua, ignoring the other mistress of the eastern warm chamber, Ren Yaoying, directly led Miss Han to take a seat. She had lived here longer than Ren Yaoyin and was very familiar with the eastern warm chamber.
Ren Yaoying concealed her displeasure and sat down next to Ren Yaoqi.
Han You glanced at Ren Yaohua's bright smile and then at Ren Yaoyin, who was barely containing her irritation, feeling somewhat at a loss.
"My Third Sister enjoys playing chess and needlework, Fifth Sister likes playing the qin and reading, while my Ninth Sister and I enjoy calligraphy and painting. That's why Third Sister asked what you like to do for leisure, Miss Han," Ren Yaoqi said to Han You with a smile.
"Miss Han has just arrived, and you've already revealed all our sisters' secrets," Ren Yaoyin walked over and lightly patted Ren Yaoqi's shoulder, pretending to be displeased.Han You finally relaxed a bit, smiling as she said, "I enjoy reading, and occasionally I learn calligraphy and painting from my elder brother. Unfortunately, I lack talent and my paintings aren't very good. Also, please don't call me Miss Han anymore. If you don't mind, just call me You Jie'er."
Ren Yaoqi observed her discreetly, noting that her words and actions were quite proper. Though she seemed somewhat shy, it was likely due to her limited interactions with outsiders.
Ren Yaoqi grew curious about the Han Family. From what she could see, Madam Han and her two children were well-mannered individuals. Yet, in her previous life, she had only heard that the young master of the Han Family was a talented and handsome gentleman, but she had hardly ever seen him since he spent most of his time studying at a renowned academy in Yunyang City.
As for the other members of the Han Family, she had no recollection at all. She vaguely remembered that Madam Han would pass away not long after, and the young lady of the Han Family would begin observing mourning for her mother, rarely leaving the house afterward.
"Sister You, do you have no other sisters at home?" Ren Yaoqi asked with curiosity. "My family has many sisters. Besides Third Sister, Fourth Sister, and Ninth Sister sitting here, there are also Eldest Sister and Second Sister, who are already married. In the neighboring eastern mansion, there's Seventh Sister from our granduncle's family, and Sixth Sister, who is in the capital with Fourth Uncle. Oh, and also..."
"Alright, Fifth Sister, your long list of sisters has already confused me, let alone You Jie'er," Ren Yaoyin interrupted with a laugh, shaking her head.
Han You said enviously, "It must be so lively with so many sisters. In my family, it's just my brother and me."
Ren Yaoyin comforted her gently, "You can come visit often in the future and treat us as your sisters."
Han You's expression darkened. "My grandfather and father don't like us going out often. I'm afraid I won't be able to come much in the future."
"Why won't they let you go out?" Ren Yaoying asked curiously.
Han You lowered her head. "Grandmother says women should be gentle and reserved, and it's not good to always be running outside. My mother and I rarely go out. Today, Grandmother originally only allowed Mother to come. It was only after I pleaded with her that she permitted me to come along."
Everyone was somewhat taken aback by this.
Yanbei had once been ruled by the Liao people, but the people of Yanbei had never truly submitted to the Liao cavalry. Later, under the leadership of the Prince of Yanbei, they drove the Liao people north of the Great Wall. Perhaps because of this historical background, the people of Yanbei were more open-minded compared to those in the south. Even the strict boundaries between men and women were not as rigid as in the south, and it was quite normal for young ladies from prominent families to socialize and go out for leisure.
Nowadays, even the prominent families in the south likely didn't enforce such strict family rules as the Han Family.
"Do you really never go out? Not even to visit relatives with elders or go to temples to pray... none of that?" Ren Yaoying asked. Even as a concubine-born daughter, she had opportunities to go out and be seen.
Han You blushed and shook her head. "When we were in Jizhou, we still had interactions with clan relatives. But after moving to White Crane Town... today is the first time I've gone out."
The Ren sisters didn't know what else to say.
Madam Han spoke with Old Madam Ren and First Madam, who arrived later. She politely declined Old Madam Ren's invitation to stay for a meal and sent someone to call Han You back.
Han You, who rarely had the chance to chat with so many peers her age, was reluctant to leave but said nothing as she stood up.
"Will you come visit my home in the future?" Han You invited.The Ren sisters all smiled and agreed, then together they saw Han You off at the door.
Seeing that the Han mother and daughter had left, Ren Yaoqi no longer wished to stay in Glory and Splendor Courtyard and took her leave from Old Madam Ren. Ren Yaohua remained behind to keep the old madam company.
As Ren Yaoqi walked back, her thoughts turned to the matters of the Han family. When she reached the garden, she couldn’t help but pause in her steps.
After a moment of contemplation, she instructed the maids behind her, “Father asked me to see him before lunch. Xier and Xueli, come with me. Qingmei, take the others back to the courtyard first.”
Xier was the head maid from Madam Li’s quarters and had followed her over earlier.
Qingmei glanced at Xueli and said with a smile, “Shouldn’t this servant stay to attend to you, Miss? With only two people by your side, I fear it won’t be enough.”
Xier rebuked her coldly, “If the young miss tells you to go, then go! If you still haven’t learned the proper order of respect and hierarchy, go to Nanny Zhou first and receive a beating before you speak again!”
Qingmei no longer dared to act presumptuously toward the head maid of the main household and could only look pleadingly at Ren Yaoqi.
But Ren Yaoqi had already turned and walked away without a word.
Xier and Xueli hurried to follow, while Qingmei silently spat at Xier’s retreating back before turning and leaving.
“Miss, if these little wenches aren’t serving you well, just dismiss them all. You are a young lady of the Ren Family—are you short of people to command?” Xier said, casting a meaningful glance at Xueli as she spoke.
Ren Yaoqi also turned to look at Xueli, who quickly lowered her head, her posture growing even more deferential.
Ren Yaoqi gave a light laugh and said to Xier, “Even cats and dogs grow on you after a while, let alone those who serve you closely. I think Xueli is quite promising. When you have time in the future, give her some guidance. With time, she may yet prove herself worthy.”
Xueli’s face lit up with joy, seizing the opportunity to ingratiate herself: “This servant thanks the young miss, and thanks Sister Xier. I will certainly live up to your promotion.”
Xier gave a soft hum but refrained from saying anything unpleasant in front of Ren Yaoqi.
Thank you, enigmayanxi, for the reward～^^
Mei Nan’s completed works: [bookid=2288861,bookname=The Noblewoman's Revenge]
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