Chapter 78: Chapter 37: Cousins_2
Cheng Lizi saw Lady Cheng's displeased expression and knew she had spoken out of turn.
Wen Wan smiled faintly, "Uncle has always been telling Yueyao about my mother's childhood. Once he starts, he forgets about the time."
Cheng Lizi was momentarily at a loss for words. Even if she didn't believe it, there was nothing she could do if they chose not to share.
Lady Cheng said, "Yueyao, your uncle mentioned that the clothes you are wearing are too thin. He plans to make more clothes for you. This morning, I asked the jewelry store to send over some fashionable pieces later. You can pick a couple."
Yueyao chuckled, "Yueyao thanks uncle and auntie for their kindness. However, Yueyao has many clothes and pieces of jewelry, so there's no need to go to the trouble." It seemed this was prearranged and not specifically made for her. However, since there were new clothes and jewelry, she wouldn't be shy to accept them. It was better to give them away than to let Ma Yue squander everything.
Of course, Yueyao said this to show everyone present that she had plenty of clothes and jewelry. If her uncle's family was willing to give, she would naturally accept; not having them wouldn't mean she'd have fewer clothes to wear. Moreover, she was visiting, not coming to ask for things.
Loo Ying's expression turned sour upon hearing this. Over the years, her living expenses had all come from the Ma Family. Wasn't Yueyao mocking her? Such a young girl, yet so sharp-tongued.
Cheng Lizi didn't expect Yueyao to be so outspoken.
Yueyao, seeing everyone had their thoughts, didn't want Brother Zheng to interact too much with these women. After speaking with Lady Cheng, she had Mu Qiu take Brother Zheng back to Begonia Garden first.
Lady Cheng also didn't think highly of Brother Zheng, an official maid, merely a treasure to this girl. If it were up to the Ma Family, they would have thrown him out long ago.
Nanny Deng looked around the room and saw both Miss cousins there but not the Legitimate Daughter Ma Linlin, which made Nanny Deng shake her head. She decided that once she got back, she would have a good talk with the young lady about Lady Cheng.
Upon seeing Lady Cheng's expression, Cheng Lizi grinned, "I have long heard that Sister Yueyao has quite a reputation for her talent in Jiangnan. Sister Yueyao, delight us with your skills."
The smile on Yueyao's face faded instantly upon hearing this, "Yueyao has no such reputation; it's merely hearsay. I'm just a beginner. I'm sure Elder Sister Cheng in Capital City must be quite renowned! It's been a long time since Yueyao was in Capital City, perhaps Elder Sister Cheng can enlighten me!"
Yueyao was indifferent to Cheng Lizi's expression. Even if she had a reputation, what business was it of Cheng Lizi to command her to perform? To treat her like a performer for sale.
Cheng Lizi's face changed instantly. To gain a reputation among so many beautiful and talented women in Capital City required not only talent but also a significant background. The Cheng Family was nothing in Capital City; if Lady Cheng hadn't used her strategies, they wouldn't have even been able to enter the Ma Family's door, let alone Cheng Lizi having no talent at all, always hoping to marry a rich man.
Although Loo Ying didn't like Yueyao, she also didn't care for Cheng Lizi, so she took pleasure in her misfortune. She hadn't expected this young girl to have such a sharp tongue. Lady Cheng had to smooth things over. Seeing Lady Cheng speak, Yueyao obediently fell silent.
It was then that Ma Linlin finally arrived, dressing quite strikingly. She wore a goose-yellow gold lotus half-sleeve top, a moon-white waistband, and below was a light celadon twelve-sectioned moonlight skirt. She wore few pieces of jewelry, a choice reflecting her young age.
Compared to the three other girls present, Yueyao was much simpler in attire. She didn't comment on this, as young girls naturally dressed more brightly. If she weren't in mourning, she wouldn't be wearing such plain clothes.
Ma Linlin examined her from head to toe, then turned to whisper to Lady Cheng, "Mother, Sister Yueyao's outfit is too plain. Have the seamstresses make some more beautiful and colorful clothes for sister. Wearing this is just too unsightly."
Yueyao gently replied, "Thank you, cousin, for your concern. I am in mourning and cannot wear bright clothes." Yueyao was puzzled; Ma Linlin had turned a new leaf, suddenly caring about her clothes. Strange.
Soon, the people from Embroidery Square arrived. Embroidery Square was the largest jewelry store in Capital City, favored by the nobility for its fine craftsmanship.
Yueyao watched the maids, each old nanny carrying a tray, enter in procession. Her expression grew dim. Yueyao sighed inwardly. Her mother had said her uncle was capable in the official circle but paid no mind to domestic matters, not knowing the value of thrift. He often spent lavishly on favorite items. Lady Cheng was even worse, never knowing how to economize, always showing off. Now Yueyao understood what her mother meant. It was entirely possible to go to the store to pick jewelry; having it delivered like this was much more costly. Only the nobility would indulge to this extent. With her uncle's position, it was a bit too much.
Gifts
-- Gift
received Weekly Power Status
-- Power
Ranking 
-- Power
stone