A small test

  Yang Lan was overjoyed as soon as her mother agreed, and she jumped up three feet high without saying another word, dropping a sentence before running off, "Mother, I'm going to tell Teacher Lin this good news!"

  He Hui shook her head with a curious and amused expression, "How can this child still be so restless! How much longer will it take to calm down!"

  The chambermaid stepped forward and replaced the princess's cup with a warm one, then smiled and said: "This morning when you paid your respects, you didn't see that our young master was very well-behaved, but the maids in the mansion were somewhat rough. Especially the third daughter's behavior was really beyond words! This is also because she is still young, but what's unbearable is that she kept staring at the golden silk red agate bracelet that the old lady gave to the young master, it's really petty!"

  I'd say our young master is quite something, but what's truly impressive is that he knows how to keep a low profile and hide his sharp edges. He doesn't like to show off, which is really rare for an 8 or 9-year-old kid! The other day I made you a pair of casual shoes with cotton fabric, I think they're quite well-made, not fancy but very comfortable, especially the thick insoles I added just for you! It was worth the effort!"

  Zhang Yima has been serving the princess since she was a child, and in front of the princess, she is very dignified. The most important thing is that she understands etiquette, never holds herself above others, and treats her subordinates with kindness and fairness. A group of young maidservants respect her very much.

  He Hui's face showed a relieved expression, thinking of those shoes, she couldn't help but feel proud and warm in her heart. She smiled and said: "This child is indeed filial, not like some who are sweet on the surface but bitter inside. It's just that she's too strong-willed and doesn't know that children who cry get fed!" Whenever she mentioned her daughter, she had a lot to say, although she seemed dissatisfied on the surface, in reality, she was deeply fond of her.

  Zhang Yaoyao smiled and said, "The young master's temper is indeed a bit strong, but it still needs to be tempered. However, I think he's already quite good! This is what a truly filial child should be like - not wanting to trouble you and sincerely respecting you! On the other hand, that child who cries all the time will only bring trouble in the future, who knows what kind of problems they'll cause?! I see that Third Miss is quite sweet-tongued, she's won over Old Lady's heart, even Second Miss has to yield to her!"

  Hehe, look at the kind of child you've raised! A complete little homebody, so arrogant and lawless, without a shred of discipline! You think my Lian'er won't learn from her bad example? I'll die from worry!

  The old lady held her belly and laughed loudly, "Master, you're really clever! Our young master is a very discerning person! You don't have to worry about this, the young master doesn't think much of her at all. Didn't you see that she can only chat with the second daughter for a few more sentences, while the other daughters are all lukewarm?"

  He nodded in relief, "You let Lin and Yue be more careful and remind them from time to time. The Hou Mansion has many people and things are complicated. I want Lan to learn more about the inner workings of the household, not for my daughter to suffer. Let them keep an eye on her!"

  "Don't worry, they're watching! It can't be wrong, besides the young master is the Quiet Peace Princess, personally conferred by the Emperor himself. As long as one isn't brainless, who would dare to have ideas about the master?"

  "Ah! Right, Lan'er said to invite a seamstress back, you go and get it done, find a good one to come back, that child likes to think about this, I think this is also a good way to calm the mind, girls' families are more virtuous and quiet." He Hui turned her head to instruct Zhang Yiniang.

  "Don't worry, old slave, I'll take care of it and hand it over soon."

  Yang Lan ran back to her own courtyard, Lan Ting Yuan, which was separated from the princess's courtyard by a wall. Through the winding corridor, you could see a elegant and beautiful small courtyard, where osmanthus trees and a patch of flowers were planted.

  The varieties of osmanthus are very complete, specially brought back from all over the world, including common varieties such as golden osmanthus and silver osmanthus, as well as precious varieties such as "Jade Curtain Silver Thread Osmanthus", "Purple Cloud" and "Daily Fragrant Osmanthus". The flowering seasons are different, and every time the osmanthus blooms, the faint fragrance is very attractive.

  Orchid Pavilion has three main rooms, with three wing-rooms on each side. In the small courtyard in between, many flowers and grasses are planted, and under the flower trees, there are stone tables and chairs. Yang Lan lived in the three main rooms, the three eastern wing-rooms served as a study, and the western wing-room was used as an embroidery room. The one she used most often was still the study, and behind it were the servants' quarters.

  As soon as she entered the west wing, there was a multi-treasured pavilion, on which were placed many of her favorite decorations. The inner room was a bedroom, and the middle room was connected to the study to form one room. There was a lacquered bed, and the furniture was made of Huanghuali wood, all of which were high-quality goods. A round table, an imperial concubine's couch, on the other side, a small guqin table made of Huanghuali wood held an ancient zither, all of which were used by women.

  Yang Lan sat on the couch and ordered: "Go and get someone to call Lin Fuzi over, tell her I have something to discuss with her."

  Bixue smiled and nodded in response, then turned around to instruct the little maids to go call for someone.

  Bi Yun's emerald green dress made her look bright and youthful, "Young Mistress, why do you want to help Lin Fuzi? I think that person is cold and distant, and even on ordinary days, she is stern and unapproachable. You helped her, but it's not necessarily a good thing!"

  Yang Lan raised a good-looking smile, blinking her lively big eyes and laughed: "Lin Fuzi is a talented person, and his character is also good, but he has a hard life and can't help being a bit rigid. Otherwise, an unmarried widow would be too close to people and would be bullied to death! I've taken a fancy to her skills, thinking of opening a shop, this person is a talent, if used well, will bring us unexpected gains, in the future you all have to show some respect, don't be rude!" After finishing speaking, her eyes swept across, and her white and tender small face became stern with a rare air of majesty.

  Bixue's heart skipped a beat, and she secretly thought that the young master was becoming more majestic by the day. Indeed, the aura of the heavenly family's bloodline was enough to make people surrender. She didn't hesitate in her response either, "Yes! I understand!"

  Before long, a little servant girl outside reported, "Master Lin has arrived!"

  "Quickly, please!" Yang Lan immediately stood up.

  Lin Fuzi wore a neat and tidy hair bun, with only one silver hairpin on her head, wearing a dark blue blouse and skirt, looking simple yet elegant without any hint of poverty, but instead showing great dignity and elegance in every gesture.

  "Pay respects to the young lady of the manor!"

  "Lin Fuzi, please get up quickly, Lin Fuzi is being polite!" Yang Lan didn't wait for her to finish bowing before immediately taking a step forward and pulling her up with a smile.

  Bixue hastily held up a red lacquer wooden tea tray, presented two cups of tea and respectfully retreated quietly.

  Lin Fuzi had a faint smile on his lips, and his eyes were warm and gentle. "Is there something you want to ask me, County Master? If so, please feel free to instruct me!"

  Yang Lan smiled sweetly, her big almond-shaped eyes sparkling with intelligence and wit, making her look adorable. "I specifically came to find you, Master, because I have something important to discuss with you. I've seen your exceptional skills in blending fragrances, and my mother has agreed to let me open a shop to practice my skills. I was thinking of inviting you to join me, with you as the master blender and instructor for the staff. The shop's profits will be divided, with 20% going to you as silent partner. You can be in charge of managing the internal affairs, such as blending fragrances and inspecting goods. As for external matters, I'll find someone else to handle them. Please take your time to consider my proposal and respond later."

  Lin Fuzi pondered for a long time, wanting to say that she really liked Yang Lan, this child. Although she was a noble lady, she was not arrogant and rarely showed respect to her. Now, this move was also out of pity for herself, who would be lonely and helpless in the future, thinking of finding a reliance for herself! This was indeed a rare and kind-hearted good child, and her heart warmed up threefold at once.

  "May I go back and consider it before giving an answer to the young lady?"

  "Alright, there's no rush for this matter, Master Yang can take his time!" Yang Lan wasn't worried at all.