Spring in the Hall of Paintings

After coming ashore, Fucha Zheng returned to his room to wash up and change into a fresh, well-pressed dark green robe. He then hurried back to the octagonal pavilion, where Yun Wei was chatting and laughing with Fucha Huixin. Huixin glanced slyly at her brother, secretly proud of her efforts; if not for her, Yun Wei would have long since returned to the main household.

Fucha Zheng nodded subtly, acknowledging his sister’s help. Clearing his throat softly, he called out, “Cousin Yun Wei.”

Yun Wei turned her head. At this moment, Fucha Zheng finally exuded the air of a nobleman from a distinguished family. His face lit up with a sunny, radiant smile. After exchanging proper greetings with Yun Wei, he joined the conversation.

Fucha Zheng, knowledgeable and well-read, effortlessly referenced classic texts while speaking. His manner wasn’t stiff or overly scholarly but rather charming and witty, making him naturally approachable. In just a few sentences, he managed to put everyone at ease.

Yun Wei listened attentively, occasionally adding her own comments at the perfect moments, never interrupting or seeming out of place. Fucha Zheng, his gaze fixed on her, admired her deeply and praised, “Well-read indeed, Cousin Yun Wei. You must have read a great deal.”

Yun Wei smiled faintly, the memory of countless nights spent with a solitary lamp long forgotten. She tucked a stray strand of hair behind her ear and replied modestly, “Not that many.”

“Grandmother says that Sister Yun Wei excels in music, chess, calligraphy, painting, and embroidery, and has read books even I haven’t heard of,” Huixin said, clasping Yun Wei’s arm, her eyes full of admiration. She winked at Fucha Zheng and added, “Brother, you wouldn’t believe it—Sister Yun Wei can do double-sided embroidery!”

Yun Wei’s cheeks flushed slightly. Fucha Zheng’s heart raced, almost leaping out of his chest as his gaze fell on the silk handkerchief in Yun Wei’s hand. One corner was embroidered with a design that seemed to resemble both plum blossoms and intricate script.

Intrigued, Fucha Zheng asked, “Is that double-sided embroidery? Or plum blossom script?”

Huixin furrowed her brows in confusion, while Yun Wei clutched the handkerchief tightly and said softly, “It’s plum blossom script. Among my mother’s dowry was a rare book introducing this style of script. I was fond of it, so I decided to embroider it.”

Raising her head, her dark eyes glimmering with respect and delight, Yun Wei asked excitedly, “Cousin Zheng, do you like plum blossom script?”

“May I borrow the book to have a look?”

Fucha Zheng’s expression grew serious. Yun Wei bit her lip and slowly handed the handkerchief to him, her delicate face lowering slightly. The faint fragrance emanating from her sleeves stirred something in his heart. The slender, jade-like fingers before him seemed so close, tempting him to reach out, to hold them in his palm and feel the softness unique to a young maiden.

Yet he could not act rashly toward such a virtuous lady. The manners ingrained in Fucha Zheng since childhood prevented him from behaving improperly, no matter how moved he felt. Yun Wei’s serene beauty and innocence, her pure and clear eyes, made even the thought of teasing her seem like an offense.

Fucha Zheng steadied his emotions, accepted the handkerchief, and studied the embroidered plum blossom script carefully. At first glance, it appeared to be a red plum blossom, but on closer inspection, it formed four distinct characters: Tong Jia Yun Wei.

“Cousin Yun Wei,” Fucha Zheng took a step back and returned the handkerchief with both hands, no longer hiding the admiration and respect in his voice. “My teacher once mentioned plum blossom script, saying it was long lost. I’ve been studying it for six years and am only beginning to grasp the basics. Yet you not only write it but can embroider it so beautifully. I am truly impressed.”

The handkerchief, now tinged with a hint of his presence, felt slightly warm in Yun Wei’s hand. Meeting his gaze, she smiled modestly, her dimples adding to her charm. “Cousin Zheng, you’re welcome to visit the Tong family estate sometime. I have a few books on plum blossom script there. Once you’ve read them, it will all become clearer to you.”

“Thank you, Cousin, thank you!” Fucha Zheng’s face lit up with a joyful smile, brighter and more dazzling than ever.

Huixin looked between the two of them, then snatched the handkerchief from Yun Wei’s hand. Holding it up to examine closely, she shook her head and commented, “So this is plum blossom script? I’ve heard my brother talk about it before, but this just looks like a red plum blossom to me! How can this be writing?”

“Sister Yun Wei, what does it say?”

“Stop talking nonsense and return it to her!” Fucha Zheng scolded, his eyes fixed on Yun Wei’s shy expression. “You can’t even write properly, let alone understand plum blossom script.”

“Such a miser,” Huixin teased, making a face at her brother. She handed the handkerchief back to Yun Wei, her dark eyes twinkling as she pleaded, “Sister Yun Wei, teach me plum blossom script! I won’t tell my brother so he can’t tease me.”

“Alright, we won’t tell him,” Yun Wei agreed, her playful smile mirroring Huixin’s. She glanced over at Fucha Zheng, who was now completely entranced.

Fucha Zheng was utterly spellbound. Playful, gentle, adorable, intelligent, kind, resilient—so many facets to Yun Wei, yet he couldn’t quite decide which one defined her. Perhaps there were even more sides to her that he had yet to discover.

A young maid approached from a distance and reported, “The Old Madam has called for dinner.”

Yun Wei, now closer to Huixin after spending time together, linked arms with her as they walked away. Fucha Zheng, unable to follow, stood still. Yun Wei glanced back with a faint smile, her gaze lingering for a moment before turning away. Watching their retreating figures, Fucha Zheng clenched his fists, determined. There was still a chance—he could visit the Tong family estate to borrow the rare books. He knew Tong Cheng Wu after all.

The dining customs at the Fucha residence were elaborate. Fortunately, Lady Fucha had taught Yun Wei well. Though her movements weren’t yet seamless, Yun Wei handled herself with grace. From washing her hands to dining and sipping tea, she exuded a composed and elegant demeanor.

When Yun Wei and her mother bid farewell after the meal, the elder Madam of the Fucha family, Yi’ergen Jueluo, held Yun Wei’s hand, reluctant to let her go. During their post-dinner conversation, Yun Wei’s sweet voice had charmed her deeply. She couldn’t help but ask Lady Fucha about Yun Wei’s accent—how it had been cultivated to sound so pleasant and melodic.

“Xiao Wei, remember to visit me often,” the Old Madam said, unwilling to part with her.

Yun Wei’s smile grew even sweeter. With a delicate tone, she replied, “Of course, Grand Aunt. Please take good care of your health. Next time, I’ll embroider a birthday screen for you.”

The Old Madam beamed with satisfaction and said warmly, “Good, good, good! I’ll look forward to it.”

On the carriage ride home, Lady Fucha gently held Yun Wei’s shoulder and asked softly, “Are you tired, my dear? Did you manage everything well?”

“Not tired at all, Mother,” Yun Wei replied, leaning against her. “Grand Aunt is so kind, and Aunt Tong is also warm and affectionate. They really dote on me.”

Yun Wei counted on her fingers with a playful smile. “And Huixin is adorable—just a little less so than me.”

“And Fucha Zheng?” Lady Fucha asked.

Yun Wei buried her face in her mother’s embrace and murmured, “He’s interesting. He even fell into the water.”

Lady Fucha tightened her arms around her daughter and teased gently, “Was it because he was trying to impress my darling Wei?”

“I don’t know,” Yun Wei replied with a pout. “All I know is that he fell into the water.”

Lady Fucha lifted Yun Wei’s chin lightly, her gaze soft and loving. “You are the treasure of my heart. Everything I’ve taught you and will teach you in the future is to prepare you for what’s to come. I hope you’ll marry into a family where you can thrive and be cherished. My dear, I want you to be happy and loved for your entire life.”

“Mother, I understand,” Yun Wei said softly.

Yun Wei, just as she had done when she was younger, kissed Lady Fucha on the cheek and said gratefully, “Thank you, Mother. Your daughter will listen to you.”

Lady Fucha’s fingers brushed gently over her daughter’s delicate cheek as she sighed, “With your appearance, no one would have the heart to let you frown. But, my dear, remember this: beauty and grace must go hand in hand. Men are first drawn to beauty, but as time passes and you live side by side, they will come to value your inner character and strength.

“The foundation of your standing in the household lies in your title and position. Navigating the relationship with your mother-in-law requires patience—neither too close nor too distant. No matter how good the relationship, a mother-in-law and daughter-in-law can never truly be like mother and daughter. As for your sisters-in-law, let your dignity speak for itself without anger.

“And whether you find happiness and stability in marriage depends entirely on your ability to win and hold your husband’s heart.”