But a small village had no place for such a striking young woman. For her own protection, and to avoid unnecessary trouble, Wanqing often wore simple, elegant colors to tone down her natural beauty.
Just then, she was speaking to Zhao Jing with a smile. "De'an's fever has broken, but he's still not feeling his best... I tried to get him up for breakfast this morning, but he refused. He's been sleeping for quite a while now. Jing, why don't you go in and see him?"
Zhao Jing hesitated slightly. "A recurring fever can be especially draining. Since De'an is resting, I can wait until noon…"
He had just spoken when the window of the eastern room was pushed open from the inside.
Chen De'an's voice cut through the brilliant sunlight, reaching everyone's ears.
"Is that Jing? Jing, come in, quick! I've been dreaming about writing essays, it's killing me. As it happens, there are a few academic points I don't understand. You have to come explain them to me. Otherwise, after missing a few days of class, I'll fall behind the teacher's lessons."
Zhao Jing looked over, and Chen Wanqing stepped aside to let him pass. "Go on in, Jing… just don't mind De'an if he's being a nuisance. I never realized he loved studying so much. After being sick these past few days, he's suddenly become so diligent."
"You're too kind, Sister. De'an has always been diligent and works hard at his studies."
"You don't have to praise him in front of me. As his sister, I know exactly what he's like. Hurry inside. I'll go get you some tea."
"I couldn't trouble you, Sister."
"It's no trouble. You won't even stay for a meal, so you can't refuse a cup of hot tea."
"Then I'll have to impose on you, Sister."
"It's no imposition…"
From inside the room came Chen De'an's wail. "Sis, is there anything to eat? Bring me something, I'm starving to death!"
"Yes, it's keeping warm in the pot. I'll bring it to you as soon as I'm done with this…"
After the siblings exchanged a few words, Zhao Jing gave Chen Wanqing a slight nod and entered the eastern room with a smile.
Chen Wanqing gathered all the withered branches and fallen leaves she had swept into a pile.
They would all be placed in the family's private plot to be used as compost.
The family had five mu of farmland. It wasn't much, but it provided all of their food.
Although their family's income was much higher than others in the village, the expense of supporting two boys' education was considerable. They had to be frugal in their daily lives, and nothing that could be used was ever thrown away.
Chen Wanqing bustled about, quickly lighting a fire to heat up the meal and boil water.
Seeing this from the main hall, the old matriarch felt a pang of jealousy at how capable her eldest granddaughter was.
Normally, she would have already made some sour, cutting remark about the girl's mother not caring for her daughter. But now, not daring to annoy Xu Suying, she only chose pleasantries.
"Look how well Wanqing and Zhao Jing look together. It's not just me saying this; you'd be hard-pressed to find a more proper young lady than Wanqing in the entire Zhao Village."
Xu Suying snapped back at the old woman, "That's not what you used to say. You used to say Wanqing didn't look respectable, while Wanyue was virtuous and gentle, the type who would bring prosperity to any household she married into. What changed your mind after just a few days?"
The old matriarch was so stung by the retort that she felt a pang in her chest, but she stubbornly refused to admit it.
"Wanqing is my own flesh-and-blood granddaughter too! Even if I favor Wanyue, deep down I still care for Wanqing. Don't you try to sow discord between us!"
She spoke glibly, but inside, the old matriarch was full of apprehension.
'Who told Mrs. Xu what I said?'
'After thinking it over, it could only be my third son's wife.'
'I'll have Third Son give his wife a good talking-to when I get back!' the old matriarch thought. 'A grown woman, and still so loose-lipped. With that big mouth of hers in the house, we'll never be able to save a mountain of gold and silver!'
As for the looks of Wanyue and Wanqing, Wanyue was not unattractive. She had a demure, girl-next-door sort of beauty that was quite charming. In a small village, she would be considered one of the prettiest girls.
But when compared to Wanqing, she paled.
Even though she disliked her eldest granddaughter, the old matriarch had to admit the girl took completely after her mother. She was both radiant and charming, yet also possessed a dignified and noble air. Even the wealthy madams and ladies from the county town didn't seem as impressive as her.
Moreover, she was an eighteen-year-old young woman whose figure had fully developed. She had a defined waist, a full chest, and shapely hips.
Although she usually dressed in a simple and plain manner, wherever she stood, she effortlessly drew all eyes to her.
Comparing Wanyue to Wanqing was, as they say in the operas, like comparing the glow of a firefly to the brilliance of the full moon. There was simply no comparison!