Chapter 59: There is Room For the Poor Daughter
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Chapter 59: The Calligraphy Book
On the first day of the new year, the entire Yan family gathered to pay their respects to Old Madam Yan.
Everyone spoke auspicious and pleasant words, making Old Madam Yan smile from ear to ear.
Looking at her children and grandchildren, her eyes and face were full of joy.
Though life in the old home had been freer than in Lin Yi County, the family had never been together during the holidays, and Old Madam Yan couldn’t hide her feelings of longing every New Year.
But now, with everyone gathered together, even though there were occasional misunderstandings, the bonds of kinship could easily resolve any minor conflicts, and the family could get along harmoniously.
Seeing Old Madam Yan so happy, Daohua also smiled throughout. When she paid her respects to Yan Zhigao, she followed her older brothers Yan Wenxiu and Yan Wenkai, performing the customary bow. She repeated whatever her brothers said—neither too extravagant nor too lackluster, but perfectly proper.
Madam Li watched from the side, feeling both gratified and a bit heartbroken. She knew that though her daughter was straightforward and stubborn at times, she was sensible when it counted. As a mother, she could see that her daughter was forcing a smile, hiding her true feelings.
Madam Li glanced over at the group and then at Concubine Lin, who had just been called over by Yan Zhigao. Her gaze darkened.
The master’s favoritism was still so apparent!
When Concubine Lin arrived, the entire Song He Court fell silent.
However, it was the first day of the new year, and everyone was focused on the good fortune that the occasion brought. Despite any underlying tensions, the Yan family presented a peaceful and cheerful atmosphere.
“Big Brother, why are you following me around?” Daohua asked, looking puzzled at her older brother.
Yan Wenxiu glanced toward the courtyard where Concubine Lin and her children were standing, then said, “Little sister, today is the first day of the new year. You shouldn’t cause trouble.”
Daohua laughed in disbelief. “Big brother, do you really think of me as someone who causes trouble at any moment?”
Yan Wenxiu paused before replying, “That’s not what I meant.”
Daohua sneered. Her older brother, though gentle and refined, was just like their father—believing in the ideals of cultured, gentle, and quiet women.
There was nothing wrong with having personal preferences, but he seemed to think all women should fit into that mold, which was infuriating.
For someone like her, who had a bit of rebellious spirit, he believed she needed to be corrected and controlled.
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This novel is translated by the Eternal Novel Hits translators. Please read it at https://eternalnovelhits.blogspot.com
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“Big Brother, if you’re worried I’ll make a scene, you don’t need to follow me. If I really wanted to cause trouble, your presence wouldn’t stop me,” she said, turning and walking away.
Watching her leave, Yan Wenxiu frowned. He cared for his younger sister, who had not been raised by their parents, but her personality was too wild. She didn’t acknowledge him as the elder brother, nor did she show the respect that was expected.
He couldn’t count how many times she had rebutted him.
“Why can’t little sister be like Yishuang, gentle and soft?” he sighed, turning his attention to the other siblings. He couldn’t let what happened last night with Wenkai and Wenjie fighting repeat itself.
Thus, the Yan family’s New Year passed without much excitement.
Since Yan Zhigao had to report back to the capital after the holiday, he left for the county office early on the third day of the new year.
After the Lantern Festival, the county school resumed classes, and Teacher Qin returned to the Yan residence.
Upon her return, Teacher Qin, who had come to deliver gifts to each household, learned from Concubine Lin in Shuangxin Court that Yan Zhigao had slapped Daohua in front of everyone, and since then, had been ignoring her.
Teacher Qin sneered upon hearing this: “I’m not saying this, but the eldest young lady’s temper is truly too rebellious. It’s one thing to speak out in my class, but now she doesn’t even respect her own father, the head of the family. If she’s not corrected, she’ll face even more hardship when she marries.”
Concubine Lin, kindly repeating these words to Yan Zhigao, had him pondering for a long time. After a while, he instructed Concubine Lin to call Teacher Qin and personally ask her to properly teach Daohua.
Thus, on the first day back to school after the New Year, with Teacher Qin carrying an “imperial edict” in hand, she suddenly struck Daohua’s hand with a ruler during calligraphy practice.
“Miss Yan, I told you that women should practice delicate and graceful handwriting like that of Madam Wei. Look at what you’ve written! Do you really think you, a woman, can capture the essence of the great calligrapher Wang Xizhi’s ‘Preface to the Orchid Pavilion’?” she scolded.
Daohua looked at the red, swollen marks on her hand, her eyes cold. She glanced at Teacher Qin indifferently.
Teacher Qin furrowed his brow, annoyed by her stare. “Miss Yan, I am here under your father’s orders to teach you. I know you’re the daughter of the county magistrate, but here in this classroom, I am your teacher. Shouldn’t you show me some basic respect?”
Daohua suddenly stood up, her voice cold as she retorted, “Teacher? Do you really think you deserve that title?”
“You…” Teacher Qin was furious, about to say something to reprimand her, but Daohua picked up the paper she had just copied and called out to Wang Man’er outside the classroom.
“Man’er, come in and help me clean up the desk,” she ordered, and then shot Teacher Qin a cold smile. “You think just because I show you a little respect, you can dominate me? Not in a thousand years.”
With that, she walked out of the classroom.
Teacher Qin was left standing there, her face dark with anger, while everyone else in the room, including Yan Yishuang, looked on in shock.
Outside, Daohua didn’t return to the main courtyard or Song He Court. Instead, she took the copybook and headed directly to the front courtyard.
In the office where County Magistrate Yan was discussing the upcoming trip to the capital with his assistants, Advisor Xiao and Advisor Lin , Daohua’s voice suddenly rang out.
"Miss Yan!"
“Is Father busy right now?”
Hearing Daohua’s voice, Yan Zhigao was surprised. After considering the recent distance between him and his eldest daughter, he immediately called out, “Is that Daohua? Come in!”
Daohua walked into the room with a piece of tracing paper in her hand, smiling. Seeing that both of the elders were present, she immediately said, "If Father is busy, I can come back later."
Yan Zhigao waved his hand, saying, "It's fine, we have finished what we needed to discuss. What’s the matter with you?"
Daohua placed the tracing paper on the table in front of Yan Zhigao. "This is a copy of the ‘Preface to the Orchid Pavilion’ that I've written. Please take a look, Father."
Yan Zhigao glanced at his eldest daughter, feeling a bit curious, but still carefully examined it. After reading, his eyes brightened. "Did you write this?"
Daohua nodded with a smile. "The calligraphy booklet for ‘Preface to the Orchid Pavilion’ was a gift from third Uncle. I've been tracing it for two years. He said I'm suited for running script."
Yan Zhigao nodded. "Hmm, although your stroke power still needs work, the flow of the brush is already quite graceful and elegant. However, the brushwork still lacks subtlety and reserve, you need to practice more."
"Miss is tracing the great calligrapher’s ‘Preface to the Orchid Pavilion,’ let us take a look." Advisor Xiao smiled as he stepped forward.
Yan Zhigao chuckled, "She's just a little girl practicing for fun. It’s not something to be praised like this, Advisor Xiao."
Advisor Xiao had already taken Daohua’s work into his hands and was nodding as he examined it. "Sir, I believe the young lady’s calligraphy is already showing the influence of the great calligrapher."
Hearing this, Advisor Lin also came over and took a look. He kept glancing at Daohua for a while.
This eldest daughter of the Yan family, though only nine years old, had indeed done a good job with her tracing.
Yan Zhigao modestly downplayed it. At this moment, Daohua smiled and asked, "Father, do you think I should continue practicing this style?"
Yan Zhigao immediately nodded without hesitation. "Of course, your practice is good. Do you want to try tracing another style?"
Daohua shook her head. "It's not that I want to, Father. It’s Teacher Qin. When I was tracing the characters today, Teacher Qin said I should practice Madam Wei’s small regular script. She immediately gave me a ruler and seemed to insist that I change." As she spoke, she stretched out her hand.
The swollen mark from the ruler was immediately visible to Yan Zhigao and the others.
Daohua said, "Father, I’ve been tracing ‘Preface to the Orchid Pavilion’ for two years now. I really don’t want to switch to another style. Madam Wei’s small regular script is good, but it’s not suitable for me. Father, could you please talk to Teacher Qin on my behalf?"
Yan Zhigao’s expression darkened when he saw the ruler mark on his daughter’s hand. He had asked Teacher Qin to teach his daughter well, but not to punish her so carelessly.
If his wife found out, the household would be in turmoil again.
"I understand. You should continue practicing what you’ve been working on. I’ll talk to Teacher Qin."
Daohua smiled and nodded. "Thank you, Father. I won’t disturb you any longer." She then bowed to the two elders and quickly left the room.
Once Daohua left, Advisor Xiao smiled and said, "The children of your household all seem to be very knowledgeable."
Yan Zhigao chuckled. "Well, they're fine. But my eldest daughter is not good at embroidery."
Advisor Xiao’s gaze flickered for a moment before he replied with a faint smile, "I think your eldest daughter is very clever. If she didn’t learn, perhaps it’s because the teacher wasn’t good enough."
Hearing this, Advisor Lin suddenly raised his head and looked at Advisor Xiao with a darkened expression. Wasn’t Advisor Xiao someone who didn’t like to meddle in others’ business? Why was he now favoring the eldest daughter of the Yan family?
Yan Zhigao, however, fell into deep thought upon hearing Advisor Xiao ’s words.
That same day, Yan Zhigao met with Teacher Qin in the Shuangxin Courtyard.
Teacher Qin argued that Daohua’s lively and unrestrained personality made her suited to continue practicing running script. Otherwise, her character would only become more unruly and arrogant, which blocked Yan Zhigao’s attempt to defend her.
Concubine Lin, who was present, also spoke in favor of Teacher Qin, saying that her actions were all for Daohua’s good.
Finally, Yan Zhigao said in a deep voice, "Daohua should learn what she needs to, but she cannot be punished without reason. Today’s incident is over, but I ask that Teacher Qin be more patient in the future."
Teacher Qin nodded in agreement.
Concubine Lin gave Teacher Qin a reassuring look and gestured for her to leave.
That night, Concubine Lin spoke with Yan Zhigao, finally managing to calm him down.
However, just as Teacher Qin and Concubine Lin thought the matter was over, the next day, Madam Li sent a message to Teacher Qin, telling her that Daohua would no longer attend her lessons.
Upon hearing this, Teacher Qin, who had originally thought nothing of the matter, suddenly panicked.
(End of Chapter)
(She's from modern era and her doing of things is kinda childish not someone who's being reborn lols)
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