Chapter 85: Sisters, Scolding the Maid

Floating Melody Pavilion.

Song Ruqi held a wolf-hair brush in her fingers, propping her chin with one hand. Her gaze lingered outside the window upon a cluster of blooming roses, her mind wandering far from the page before her.

“Second Miss, Third Miss has arrived.” Shuhua called softly, glancing at the rice paper. The ink had soaked through, blurring the page.

Song Ruqi snapped back to attention and turned her head. “My third sister is here? Isn’t she supposed to be in class today?”

“Second Sister, I’ve already finished my lessons.” Song Ruwei poked her head halfway through the door, her smile bright and cheerful.

Song Ruqi set her brush on the jade lotus brush rest. “Come in, then. Why are you peeking around like that?”

Song Ruwei stepped into the room, casting a glance at the scholar’s tools on the table. “Second Sister, you’re practicing calligraphy?”

“A girl in her chamber is either practicing calligraphy, embroidering, or reading. What else is there to do?” Song Ruqi drew her over to the beauty couch and had her sit. “Why have you come over? Has your move been completed? I saw Third Aunt directing people to help you move earlier this morning.”

“It’s all settled.” Song Ruwei handed over a delicately crafted invitation with both hands. “I’m inviting Second Sister to my housewarming banquet.”

Song Ruqi accepted it, admiring the fine craftsmanship and faint floral scent. Opening it, she found neat, graceful handwriting in the elegant hairpin script.

“Your calligraphy is quite impressive.”

Song Ruwei’s cheeks flushed. “It can’t compare to yours, Second Sister.”

Song Ruqi wrinkled her little nose. “At eight, I couldn’t write so beautifully. Third Aunt must have kept a close eye on your practice, hasn’t she?”

Song Ruwei nodded.

Her skill with the brush was indeed thanks to Lady Lu, who not only hired renowned teachers but also taught her personally, urging her each day and reminding her that one’s character could be seen in their writing. Good calligraphy, she said, was the fundamental skill for a talented young lady.

“Third Aunt is truly relentless. You’re still so young, practicing like this—she isn’t worried about straining your hands?”

Song Ruwei lowered her head slightly, thinking that unlike her cousin, she was not the prime minister’s legitimate daughter and could only work harder to earn favor. She smiled lightly. “I’m already used to it.”

Song Ruqi seemed a bit bored. “I’ll accept your invitation, but it’s a pity you don’t have many friends yet. Otherwise, inviting some young ladies would make for a lively gathering. By the way, in a few days it’s my cousin’s birthday. Have you prepared jewelry and dresses? Don’t embarrass me. If you haven’t, I can lend you something.”

Song Ruwei quickly replied, “I’ve prepared everything. When the time comes, Second Sister can look it over first—if it’s not suitable, I’ll change.”

Song Ruqi was pleased with her obedience and nodded. “Alright, I’ll check for you then. You’ve been in Shanxi all this time and probably don’t know what’s fashionable in the capital. Don’t let those people laugh at you for dressing so plainly.”

Song Ruwei felt a bit awkward but answered dutifully.

After chatting for a while, Song Ruwei said she still needed to deliver invitations to their grandmother and took her leave.

Leaving the Floating Melody Pavilion, Song Ruwei’s chief maid, Pearl, couldn’t help but grumble, “Third Miss, Second Miss is so blunt—she all but said Shanxi is a backwater and called you rustic.”

Song Ruwei was startled and scolded softly, “Hold your tongue! Do you know where you are? How dare you gossip about your masters here? Are you trying to get yourself into trouble?”

Pearl’s face reddened to the color of pork liver. “I—I just felt bad for you, Miss.”

“I’m not aggrieved. Second Sister is willing to take me to the marquis’s banquet and advise me on my attire. I have nothing but gratitude.” Song Ruwei’s gaze was cold as she warned, “You’d best correct your temper and not cause me trouble. Otherwise, I’ll have Mother replace you.”

Pearl was so frightened she dropped to her knees, repeatedly promising she would never dare again.