Time Travel: The Noble Family-Chapter 567: Entry to Ma’s Mansion (Part 2)

They soon reached the main entrance. Before boarding the carriage, Yueyao stepped out of the sedan and glanced at the enormous plaque bearing the words "Lian Mansion," her gaze somewhat distant. The Lian family was her clan, her roots, yet now to survive she had to abandon these roots and leave this place.

As the carriage left, Lian Dongfang watched with an unsettled expression, then turned his head to look at Lady Mo, his eyes full of disdain. If it were not because his two sons needed to participate in the imperial examination next year and then discuss marriage alliances, he would have never swallowed his pride, much less agreed to send Yueyao to Ma’s Mansion.

Lady Mo was so frightened by Lian Dongfang’s look that she felt a chill on her neck.

Yueyao boarded the carriage, and because she was frail, all the tables and chairs had been removed. She lay half-reclined on a thick quilt.

Resting her head on a pillow, Yueyao let out a long breath. It had been two years; she had hoped for this for two years, and now her wish was finally fulfilled.

The carriage made its way to the bustling city center market. Xiang Wei, seeing Yueyao lift the curtain and gaze outside with a content smile, her eyes flickered. It was as if, since leaving the Lian Mansion, the shackles bound to her had been removed, and her whole body rejuvenated.

Xiang Wei also smiled, feeling that her planning had not been in vain. She moved closer to Yueyao and said, "Miss, once you are well, the Young Master (cousin) will take you out."

Yueyao responded with some worry, "I don’t know if my eldest cousin will agree." Though she liked the quiet, if there was a chance in the future, it was always good to go out more, to see and listen more.

Xiang Wei laughed heartily, "The Eldest Young Master will surely agree."

Yueyao lowered the curtain of the carriage, thinking of the days ahead, her smile as radiant as the sun rising on a winter day, warming everyone.

The carriage paused momentarily, tightening Yueyao’s heart. She instantly asked, "What happened?" hoping there wasn’t some mishap along the way.

Seeing Yueyao’s anxious expression, Xiang Wei found it funny yet also felt heartache; Yueyao clearly detested Lian Mansion, yet due to various considerations, she was reluctant to leave.

Outside, Nanny Hao reported, "Miss, someone from the Yamen (government office) is here to find the Old Master." There happened to be a matter that required Ma Chengteng’s intervention.

Seeing that the matter was not urgent, Ma Chengteng said, "I’ll head there after I’ve sent my niece to the mansion." It was only a half-hour away from the mansion.

With that minor issue resolved, the carriage continued on its way.

They soon arrived at Ma’s Mansion. Zhuang Ruolan personally came to receive them and led Yueyao to Begonia Garden. Ma Chengteng instructed people to move items to Begonia Garden, then instructed Zhuang Ruolan on a few things before leaving for the Yamen. As he left, he said to Yueyao, "If there’s anything unsatisfactory, tell your cousin-in-law."

Yueyao beamed, "Uncle, rest assured, I will talk to my cousin-in-law if there’s anything." It wasn’t her first time at Ma’s Mansion; she was very familiar with it and had nothing to complain about.

Seeing Yueyao so happy, Ma Chengteng couldn’t help but smile, saying, "Don’t let yourself suffer." It was the first time he saw Yueyao smile so joyfully.

Zhuang Ruolan, seeing Yueyao’s demeanor, knew that her days at Lian Mansion were filled with trepidation. Now she was at ease, undoubtedly because she no longer had to be afraid.

Yueyao boarded the soft sedan prepared for her and quickly arrived at Begonia Garden. As she entered the yard, she noticed several differences from before. It was February, and the Begonia flowers hadn’t bloomed yet; only new buds were sprouting. However, on both sides of the corridor were more than twenty pots of various potted plants, and there was a large tank placed in the center containing over ten fish, swimming freely among the thick water plants below—a sight of utmost comfort.

Upon entering the room and seeing the green floral soft curtains hanging, she lifted the curtain and paused as she saw the interior, which had been significantly altered.

The rosewood cabinet with gold-inlaid Ruyi patterns with wrapped corners, the rosewood couch placed beside the window, the landscape floor screen blocking the inner chamber, the golden-lacquered table, and the Western lacquered table.

Zhuang Ruolan, seeing Yueyao’s puzzled look, smiled, "A lady’s room should be arranged richly and grandly, not bland as before." This wasn’t a room for a fairy aloof from worldly desires; the plain design was not fitting for a lady’s chamber.

Yueyao knew Zhuang Ruolan meant well, "Cousin-in-law, I really like this arrangement." Such a setup must have cost a fortune, not just in money but in effort as well.

Other than the bed, most of the things in the room had been changed. On the right side of the wall, a kitchenette was placed, neat and clean with a stack of books on top.

Zhuang Ruolan said with a smile, "I originally planned to put this kitchenette in the study, but your eldest cousin said there are bookshelves there and suggested it better be in the bedroom, so you can place books on both sides and it will be convenient for you to read later on."

Yueyao laughed, "You and my cousin have really taken great pains for me. This kitchenette is perfect for placing my books." That even such a small detail was considered showed how thoughtful they were for her move.

Zhuang Ruolan was aware that Yueyao had brought several large boxes of books with her; the kitchen wall had enough space for Yueyao to place them.

Yueyao’s eyes fell on the blue and white porcelain fishbowl with pine, bamboo, and plum patterns, placed on the round wooden table, containing aquatic plants and two small goldfish swimming inside.

Zhuang Ruolan explained from one side, "I was worried that you might tire your eyes from reading and practicing calligraphy, so I placed a few fish in the room. You can look at them whenever you feel weary."

Yueyao’s eyes turned red as she said, "Thank you, cousin-in-law." This arrangement had clearly required a great deal of effort. Having been accustomed to the coldness of the people in Lian Mansion, how could she not be moved by the present contrast?

Zhuang Ruolan said with a smile, "Silly girl, this is what we should do. You don’t have to say you like everything; if there’s anything you’re not accustomed to, just tell me, and I’ll have it changed. You must not suffer in silence like before."

Yueyao smiled, "Cousin-in-law, I truly like everything. If there’s anything I don’t like, I will definitely tell you." She did not have many material demands, only desiring a place where she could feel at ease.

Seeing that Yueyao spoke sincerely, Zhuang Ruolan did not persist further, "Then don’t worry any longer, you should lie down and rest well. The doctor said you need proper recuperation, otherwise, you could suffer from sequela."

Obediently, Yueyao replied, "Alright. Cousin-in-law, there’s much to attend to in the mansion; you need not worry about me here. The two nannies by my side are very experienced, and the maids are competent too, they will manage well." Yueyao did not want Zhuang Ruolan to overexert herself. Coincidentally, at that time, Cai Yi came to find Zhuang Ruolan for some mansion affairs, and Zhuang Ruolan left to deal with the family tasks.

Nanny Deng entered the room and looked around at the arrangements and then said, "Miss, among the things we brought, there are a few items that could be displayed. Do you want to arrange them?"

Yueyao smiled, "If Mom thinks it’s good, then go ahead." Yueyao trusted Nanny Deng’s judgment and believed she would not make her bedroom too luxurious.

Nanny Deng, seeing Yueyao completely relaxed, felt happy herself, "Alright. Once things are sorted out, I will bring them over for placement. Miss, if you’re tired, rest for a while."

Yueyao smiled and waved her hand, "Mom, go help Nanny Hao; I want to nap and don’t need anyone to attend to me." Once everyone in the bedroom had left, Yueyao opened her eyes and gazed at the ceiling, feeling relieved to have finally left the hostile environment of the Lian family. Feeling relaxed, she soon fell asleep.

When Yueyao woke up, it was already the second quarter of the Wei Hour. Xi Yu helped Yueyao get up, briefly freshen up, and then have her lunch.

Yueyao actually wanted to move around a bit. She knew her body well and after resting for two days, she had almost fully recovered. However, her current situation meant she needed to pretend and thus stay in bed for another three to five days.

After finishing her lunch, Yueyao lay back down in bed. Having slept so much, she was not able to fall asleep again. Yueyao asked Xi Yu to find her the copy of "Historical Records" that she had been reading.

Xi Yu brought the book over to Yueyao and said, "Miss, Nanny Hao asked if these books should be stored in the library or the kitchen wall?" Yueyao had brought four boxes of books this time, conservatively estimated to be over a thousand volumes!

Yueyao smiled, "Leave them here for now. Put the books on the closet shelves, and I’ll organize them once I’m feeling better." Sorting them by categories would make finding them easier later.

Madam Tang had lunch and then went with Su Zhen to Begonia Garden. Originally, she planned to join Zhuang Ruolan in welcoming Yueyao at the entrance. However, Lady Cheng called her over, talked all morning, and kept her occupied until after Lady Cheng had finished her lunch and finally had some time to spare. Now, taking advantage of Lady Cheng’s nap time, she had the chance to leave, otherwise she would not have found the free time again.

Although Su Zhen thought that the Old Master and Eldest Young Madam were being overly formal about Yueyao’s entrance into the family, Lady Cheng’s behavior was far too petty. For an elder to treat a younger relative in such a manner was a joke in itself if word got out.

On her way to Begonia Garden, Madam Tang encountered Ma Linlin.

Ma Linlin absolutely looked down on Madam Tang, thinking a merchant’s daughter unfit to be her sister-in-law; hence, every time Ma Linlin dealt with Madam Tang, her demeanor was condescending.

Ma Linlin, without even calling her "sister-in-law," asked in a displeased tone, "Where are you going?" The road clearly led to Begonia Garden.

Given Ma Linlin’s usual attitude, how could Madam Tang not be aware of her disdain? Madam Tang could only lament the poor upbringing in the Lian family that had resulted in such an ignorant fool. Regardless of her own background, she was now Ma Yue’s wife, Ma Linlin’s sister-in-law. Ma Linlin’s disdain shamed herself more than it did Madam Tang.

Madam Tang was not one to back down; she had long been exasperated with Ma Linlin’s attitude, but she did not want to become a spectacle for the servants, so she kept a smiling face. If Yueyao were there, she would have noticed the coldness beneath Madam Tang’s smile. Madam Tang said, "I am going to visit Cousin Sister Yao. Why don’t you come with me, little sister?"

Ma Linlin had no intention of visiting Yueyao, still annoyed by her unannounced arrival, and curtly said, "You go if you want. I certainly won’t!" Then she turned and left.

Su Zhen became so angry her face turned pale, but Madam Tang just lightly said, "Let’s go." Getting angry with her would only harm her own health.

This content is taken from (f)reewe(b)novel.𝗰𝗼𝐦