Li Xia conveyed the news he received from Li Hui to Auntie Mei. Lu XuanNing received a letter from Li Hui and arranged for someone to inquire about it. As soon as there was news, it would be relayed to Li Hui.
Auntie Mei, upon hearing the news, became so excited that she accidentally pricked her finger with a needle. She laughed as she sucked on her finger, but tears flowed uncontrollably. Li Xia handed her a handkerchief to wipe away her tears. "Auntie Mei, this is a happy occasion, no need to cry."
"Okay, okay, no crying," Auntie Mei wiped her tears with a smile. Then she called out repeatedly to Qiu Ju outside the door.
"Auntie," Qiu Ju hurriedly entered.
"Auntie, quickly fetch the wine I've been saving. I want to have some tonight," Auntie Mei said. It was three bottles of wine she bought after the incident with Prince YongKang. One bottle had been consumed earlier, and now with the news, she intended to finish another, saving the last for when she learned more details from her father and brother.
Qiu Ju was also happy for her mistress and even borrowed the small kitchen from the Orchid Pavilion to prepare two delicious dishes. Despite her skill, Qiu Ju rarely cooked. Both Auntie Mei and Li Xia had an extra bowl of rice that night.
After dinner, the two of them took a walk in the courtyard. Auntie Mei recounted her childhood memories to Li Xia, reminiscing about her family - her parents, brother's family, and nephew. Though not wealthy, they were very happy.
"I remember every time my father returned from a trip, he brought me treats. Once, he brought back a string of candied haws, but my mother wouldn't let me eat too many. I secretly ate them under the covers and ended up getting sugar on my clothes and bedding. When my mother found out, she made me stand against the wall as punishment, while my sister-in-law helped wash my clothes and bedding," Auntie Mei recalled happily.
"My older brother, much older than me, treated me like his daughter and was better to me than even my nephew. My sister-in-law also doted on me. My mother wasn't skilled at styling hair, but my sister-in-law was excellent. She would make beautiful hairstyles for me every day and sew various little dresses for me as the seasons changed." ... Auntie Mei kept talking until the wee hours of the morning.
Back in the Orchid Pavilion, Li Xia couldn't sleep at all. His mind was filled with Auntie Mei's descriptions of her family. He took out his wooden carving tools and began sculpting with the Wind Blade. It wasn't until dawn that Li Xia stopped carving. Following Auntie Mei's descriptions, he carved a portrait of the Xu family. However, it still needed careful polishing.
Li Xia felt his Wind ability improving more and more. He spent more time on carving. Portraits were a great exercise for him. After completing the Xu family portrait, Li Xia also carved out the celebration banquet held at the Li family's residence that day. Within the limited space, he depicted the Li family's garden, the people inside, the flowers and plants, pavilions, and towers, all intricately carved.
Filled with inspiration, Li Xia planned to carve several more. Zijuan came to the courtyard again, saying that Mrs. Lu wanted to see Li Xia. Li Xia put down his carving knife and followed Zijuan to Mrs. Lu's residence. Upon entering, he saw Li Shan standing in the hall, her eyes filled with obvious ridicule and disdain.
Li Xia averted his gaze, ignoring Li Shan, and stepped forward to the hall to await Mrs. Lu's instructions.
Mrs. Lu summoned Li Xia because Li Shan had noticed that Li Xia had repeatedly asked for wood from the garden steward, requesting quite a bit. What would a proper young lady need these for? Upon inquiry, it turned out he was learning to carve. A young lady from the governor's mansion learning carving, it truly was surprising.
Li Shan was very excited; she had long been displeased with Li Xia. As both were illegitimate daughters, why couldn't she manage her own kitchen and had to work in the garden where there was little benefit? Meanwhile, Li Xia could work in the needlework room, and it was said that Mrs. Lu trusted her a lot with the flower affairs.
"San Yatou said you were carving wood?" Mrs. Lu asked Li Xia.
"Just learning to play," Li Xia didn't conceal it, admitting openly that she was learning.
"Mother, look, Second Sister admits to learning such lowly things," Li Shan said disdainfully. Not only did this remark make Li Xia unhappy, but it also displeased Mrs. Lu.
Naturally, Mrs. Lu didn't like Li Xia learning these artisan skills. But she disliked even more that Li Shan would readily report everything to her without any consideration for sisterly bonds. Li Xia learning wood carving was a minor matter, as long as outsiders didn't know, it wouldn't have much impact within the family.
Li Shan insisted on bringing it to Mrs. Lu's attention, forcing Mrs. Lu to deal with the matter.
"Carving is the craft of artisans. Girls should focus more on needlework and culinary arts," Mrs. Lu's tone remained calm, without a hint of anger, which annoyed Li Shan greatly.
"Mother, how can you be so easily..." Li Shan's words were swallowed by Mrs. Lu's stern gaze.
"Second Yatou, you're confined to your quarters for half a month and must copy 'The Analects' twice. Remember, you are a daughter of the Li family," Mrs. Lu didn't impose too severe a punishment on Li Xia.
"Mother's teachings," Li Xia obeyed Mrs. Lu's instruction, but she couldn't stop carving. She would just be more careful.
Mrs. Lu nodded, then turned to Li Shan. "San Yatou, you have no consideration for sisterly bonds. Go copy 'The Female Precepts' twice."
"Mother," Li Shan couldn't believe it. Why did she have to be punished too? But seeing Mrs. Lu's expression, she dared not say more and reluctantly agreed. However, she resolved to report to her father. She couldn't tolerate being bullied just because her stepmother favored her aunt.
"Go down," Mrs. Lu served tea and saw them off.
Li Xia and Li Shan bowed and left. As they exited the courtyard, Li Shan gave Li Xia a cold snort and said, "Don't get too cocky."
"What do I have to be proud of? Copying 'The Analects'?" Li Xia was very annoyed about having to copy books.
Back at Orchid Courtyard, the maids in the courtyard anxiously watched her. "What's with your expressions? I'm fine," Li Xia waved her hand, reassuring them, then instructed Qiu Shui, "Qiu Shui, have someone take all the wood from the garden back."
Qiu Shui nodded and took Qiu Chan to move the wood back.
"Qiu Ling, Qiu Kui, from today, Orchid Courtyard is closed to visitors. Starting today, I'll be reflecting in seclusion for half a month," Li Xia felt very annoyed at the thought of copying books.
"Serves you right," Auntie Mei's voice came from the door.
"Auntie," she was punished, and Auntie Mei was still scolding her. Li Xia pouted, showing her displeasure.
"How many times have I told you, girls from respectable families shouldn't be involved in carving, but you wouldn't listen. Now you've been reported by San Yatou," Auntie Mei said, pointing at Li Xia's forehead.
But she held a grudge against Aunt Wang and her daughter. Her daughter wasn't doing this outside. She was just playing in her own little courtyard. Was it necessary to make such a big deal out of it? Truly, neither mother nor daughter had any good qualities.
"Here comes Auntie Mei." Li Xia pulled Auntie Mei's hand into the room and showed her the carved portrait of the Xu family. Auntie Mei's eyes moistened at the sight. "How long have you been working on this? Does your hand hurt?" Auntie Mei asked, pulling Li Xia's hand and carefully examining it, checking for any injuries. Though she missed her family, her daughter's well-being was her priority.
"My hand is fine," Li Xia said, spreading her hand out for Auntie Mei to inspect.
Meanwhile, Li Shan stormed back into the courtyard, visibly angry. She entered the house and carelessly smashed two cups, catching Aunt Wang's attention.
"Where did you learn to handle anger by breaking things?" Aunt Wang's expression soured.
Li Shan set down the vase she was holding. "Auntie."
