TSNCWEM Chapter 37.2

Song Yunzhao brought a pot of nourishing soup, very obediently placed it on the table, and said with a smile, “Father, I specifically had the kitchen make this. You’ve worked hard for this family, so please nourish yourself.”

The Third Master actually took a sip, finding the taste a bit indescribable. He didn’t particularly like these soups, but he couldn’t refuse his daughter’s kind gesture, so he drank it all to avoid disappointing her. Then he said, “Why did you suddenly think of bringing soup? Did you get into trouble again?”

Song Yunzhao was annoyed. “You make it sound like I’m a troublemaker.”

The third master thought she certainly was, but he didn’t say it out loud to avoid provoking her. “Of course not, I’m just teasing you. So, what’s the matter?”

After all, she wouldn’t come without a reason; there must be something to complain about.

Seeing her Father’s keen gaze, Song Yunzhao was silent for a moment, then decided to be straightforward. She immediately recounted the entire situation, swearing she hadn’t exaggerated.

“Father, do you think Mother would give me the other bracelet?”

The Third Master fell silent. The things his mother gave to his wife were naturally hers to handle as she pleased; how could he interfere?

His daughter asking this clearly meant she knew her mother wouldn’t give it to her.

He looked at his daughter and said, “What kind of bracelet do you want? Father will buy it for you.”

Song Yunzhao sighed wistfully, “I just feel embarrassed, being laughed at by Yexi and pitied by Second Sister. In this family, I’m like a withered cabbage in the field, an insignificant little thing, unvalued by anyone, not even by the servants of the household…”

“Alright, alright, Father understands.” The Third Master quickly interrupted her, thinking that if she continued, even the household’s dog barking at her would be seen as disrespect.

“I knew Father was the one who dotes on me the most. With the selection approaching, you wouldn’t want me to embarrass myself”, Song Yunzhao said with a radiant smile.

The Third Master wasn’t short on silver; he just found the situation both amusing and exasperating.

Moreover, his daughter didn’t even consider asking her Mother for the other bracelet, but was simply looking for a gift of equal value.

He knew that his daughter was aware that even if she asked, she wouldn’t receive it.

“Is there anything else?” The Third Master softened his voice as he thought about it.

Song Yunzhao shook her head, “No, I won’t disturb your reading any longer, Father. I’ll take my leave.”

“Zhao Zhao.”

Song Yunzhao turned back to see her father sitting under the lamplight, his eyes looking at her with a warmth and tenderness that seemed to carry the gentle hues of the evening.

“It’s nothing. Be careful on your way.”

Song Yunzhao smiled and walked away.

Although her Father didn’t say it explicitly, she understood.

He felt sorry for her.

Knowing that there was still a family member who cared for her made her journey worthwhile.

The next day, Song Yunzhao received a gift. Upon opening it, she found a pair of sheep-fat white jade bracelets[mfn]photo 1 after the chapter [/mfn]. The jade was warm and smooth, with a slight oily sheen, clearly chosen with great care.

Compared to the vivid green bracelets of Song Qinghan and Song Yexi, she preferred these more subtle and gentle items.

Receiving the gift put Song Yunzhao in a great mood, and she enjoyed her breakfast with joy. Noticing an extra bowl of soup on the table, she asked Qian Cao, “Why is there soup so early in the morning?”

Qian Cao placed the soup in front of her and said with a smile, “The kitchen said that with the selection approaching, the First Madam instructed them to provide nourishing soups for the young ladies. From now on, there will be a bowl of soup every day.”

Song Yunzhao nodded slightly. “Aunt has thought of everything.”

She took a sip of the soup and immediately asked, “What kind of soup is this? Why does it taste so strange?”

“I asked the kitchen, and they said it’s perilla soup[mfn]photo 2 below[/mfn]. The aroma of perilla isn’t something you like very much, but it makes the skin fairer, so bear with it,” Qian Cao quickly explained.

Song Yunzhao twitched her mouth. While others found the aroma of perilla pleasant, she thought it smelled a bit off and didn’t like it much. After one sip, she refused to drink another.

She wasn’t dark-skinned and didn’t need to lighten her complexion.

Qian Cao didn’t try to persuade her any further; instead, she smiled: “Since you won’t drink it, give it to Jiang Xiang. She has always thought she is too dark-skinned, and this soup costs quite a few copper coins. It would be a pity to waste it.”

“As you wish,” Song Yunzhao didn’t care about such small matters. “Clean up the study room; I’ll need it today.”

Qian Cao agreed with a smile.

After finishing breakfast, Song Yunzhao walked around the courtyard to aid digestion and thought about her new script. Once she felt ready, she returned to her room to start writing.

After a little more than half an hour, she noticed her face feeling a bit itchy. She lightly scratched it but didn’t pay much attention as she was engrossed in writing an important part of her script.

By noon, Qian Cao rushed in, “Young lady, let me take a look at your face.”

Song Yunzhao raised her head upon hearing this and asked, “What’s wrong?”

“Jiang Xiang drank the perilla soup, and now her face is covered in small rashes. I’m worried about you since you also had a sip this morning,” Qian Cao said, hurrying forward to examine her closely. Indeed, there was some redness on her cheeks. “You don’t have any rashes, but your face is red. I’ll ask Madam to send for a doctor to check on you.”

“Wait a moment.” Song Yunzhao said, looking at Qian Cao, “Bring the mirror.”

Qian Cao hurriedly fetched the small copper mirror and handed it over.

Song Yunzhao carefully examined her face in the mirror. Since it was a copper mirror, the color was slightly yellowish, and without any small bumps, it was hard to see the extent of the redness on her face. However, she could tell that the color of her cheeks was indeed a bit deeper.

Putting down the mirror, Song Yunzhao felt that the situation was not so simple. She looked at Qian Cao and said, “Go to the East Courtyard to see my Aunt; explain everything to her clearly.”

“The First Madam?” Qian Cao was puzzled.

Song Yunzhao nodded, “The soup was made at my Aunt’s instruction, so if there’s an issue, we should go to her first.”

Understanding now, Qian Cao hurried to the East Courtyard.

Yunzhao suspected that someone might be using this opportunity to harm her. First Madam wouldn’t harm her, but if there was a problem with the soup, going to her Aunt would show that she wasn’t blaming her.

The First Madam would appreciate the heads-up and would likely investigate the matter thoroughly, which was exactly what she wanted.

 

photo 1- jade bracelet

photo 2- perilla soup