Yu Youyao took a deep breath and thought of something. “I heard that Mr. Xian Yun set up his precious chess game in Youzhou, but no one cracked it. In the last game, it was cracked by a mysterious young man. Could that person be Cousin!”
Zhou Linghuai smiled but said nothing.
Ever since then, there had been rumors that the mysterious young man was the heir of King You, Yin Huaixi. However, it had not spread widely, and not many people knew about it. Later, when the Di people invaded on a large scale, no one mentioned this matter anymore. Later, when King You was accused of treason, no one dared to mention this matter. It was not until Mr. Xian Yun entered the capital and took Song Mingzhao in as his disciple that a dead person was not enough.
“Cousin, you’re too amazing.” Yu Youyao looked at her cousin with a sigh, her eyes filled with admiration. “However, you’ve met Mr. Xian Yun once, so you can be considered an old friend. Don’t you have to greet him when he enters the Yu Residence?”
Zhou Linghuai’s lips curled up slightly as he smiled secretly. “He probably doesn’t want to see me for the rest of his life.”
Yu Youyao was stunned for a moment. “Why is that? Back then, you solved his precious chess game and became friends with him. Come to think of it, the two of you are old friends.”
Zhou Linghuai lowered his eyes. “That longevity peach blossom stone seal of yours was something I won from the debate with him back then. It’s said that he’s kind-hearted. He’s kept it for many years, but because he hasn’t been able to find a suitable carving master, I benefited in the end.”
Yu Youyao immediately smiled. “Cousin, you’re wrong. I’m the one who benefited. However, I really didn’t expect that the peach blossom stone to have such a powerful background.”
She held her cheek and looked at her cousin. She felt that her cousin was really amazing in every way. Even Mr. Xian Yun had once lost to him.
She thought about it. Three years ago, her cousin seemed to be only about twelve years old!
It turned out that at that time, her cousin was already so impressive.
Zhou Linghuai felt a little uncomfortable under her burning gaze. He lowered his head slightly, clenched his fist, and pressed it to his lips to clear his throat. The wooden osmanthus incense beads on his left wrist had been replaced with cooling summer beads. The brownish-black beads looked inconspicuous, but they were reserved, heavy, and round, revealing a hint of grace.
At the mention of the longevity peach blossom stone, Yu Youyao couldn’t help but think of it. “Cousin, Cousin, didn’t you say that you wanted to carve a zither one the stone? Is it done?”
It had been almost a month.
Zhou Linghuai shook his head. “I still need some time. I’ll show you then.”
During this period of time, he had spent most of his energy on making the boxwood comb. The other portion of his energy was also focused on the “Bodhisattva”, so he did not have much time to carve seals.
Yu Youyao nodded. “Cousin, don’t worry. Take your time.”
Mr. Xian Yun stayed in the Yu Residence until the sun rose in the west before saying goodbye to Mr. Hu Shan.
Before leaving, Mr. Xian Yun suddenly asked, “I heard that the young master of the Youzhou family, Zhou Linghuai, is now living in the residence and has become your student?”
Mr. Hu Shan’s heart skipped a beat. He nodded. “That’s right.”
Mr. Xian Yun was silent for a long time. In the end, he did not say anything and turned to leave the residence.
Just like that, the Yu Residence was peaceful for a few more days.
The clan aunt that Old Madam Yu had invited from the Yu Clan also entered the Yu Residence.
Although she was not a direct descendant, she was still an elder after all. Yu Youyao naturally did not dare to be negligent. As soon as she received the news, she personally welcomed her into the residence.
Auntie Su saw that Yu Youyao was young and did things in a methodical manner. Her words and actions were also quite polite. When she looked around the residence, the servants were all doing their own things obediently. When Eldest Miss came over, she subconsciously put down the work in her hands and bowed. She waited for Eldest Miss to pass before continuing to work. She was also sincerely respectful to her.
The residence was also orderly.
It was said that Eldest Miss Yu was in charge of the first branch now. She had really taken after Old Madam.
To be invited into the Yu Residence, one needed to have some discernment. Auntie Su smiled and held Yu Youyao’s hand along the way. After chatting for a while, they arrived at An Shou Hall.
Yu Youyao bowed to Old Madam. “Grandmother, Auntie Su is here.”
Old Madam Yu smiled. Auntie Su was quite famous and talented in the clan. She was a capable person. Not only was she proficient in pharmacology, but she also knew how to take care of others.
Her old madam had broken her leg in her early years and was paralyzed in bed. It was she who had served her until she died of old age.
In her early years, when her husband had gained power, she had followed him to work in the capital and had seen the world.
Later on, when her husband died early, she could still stand tall when she returned to the clan as a widow.
She could stand upright, had seen the world, was careful and capable. There was no one better to take care of Yu Jianjia.
Auntie Su quickly greeted Old Madam Yu. “It’s been many years since I’ve seen you. I think you’re much healthier than before.” Her eyes darted around and she glanced at Eldest Miss Yu, who was sitting beside Old Madam Yu and handing her tea. She also noticed that before Eldest Miss Yu served the tea, she gently tapped her delicate fingers on the wall of the cup. It was obvious that she was a meticulous person. “It’s obvious that Eldest Miss is filial!”
It was a simple sentence, but Old Madam Yu’s heart skipped a beat. “Isn’t that so? This girl has also learned her skills well. She’s also the one who helps to take care of the daily life in my house. She’s also the one who’s worried about everything in the family. It’s stable inside and out, so I feel more at ease.”
If it were an outsider, she might have even said a few more humble words.
However, the clan and the Yu Residence were connected by flesh and bones. The matter in the main house had long been spread to the clan. She wanted to show off so that her granddaughter wouldn’t be underestimated.
As soon as Auntie Su entered the residence, she observed a lot. Naturally, she knew that Old Madam’s words were probably true. She smiled and flattered, “Isn’t that so? Old Madam has worked hard for most of her life. It’s time for her to enjoy the blessings of her grandchildren. Eldest Miss is a capable person. Your comfortable days are still ahead.”
With just a few words, Old Madam Yu’s expression became much more sincere.
On the other hand, Yu Youyao’s face turned red with embarrassment.
At this moment, Ai Ye helped Yu Jianjia into the house.
Yu Jianjia went forward to greet Old Madam Yu with a pale face.
Old Madam Yu pointed at Auntie Su and said, “This is Auntie Su from the clan. She’s known to be virtuous in the clan. In the future, she’ll take good care of your daily life. You should greet her too.”
Yu Jianjia quickly bowed. “Greetings, Aunt. I’ll have to trouble you in the future.”
“Third Miss, you’re too polite.” Auntie Su returned the greeting with a smile. She quietly sized up Third Miss Yu. Looking at her thin body and pale face, she indeed looked sickly. It seemed that the rumors in the clan were true. Third Miss Yu was born prematurely, which meant that she was born with some congenital deficiencies.