Time Travel: The Noble Family
Chapter 420 - 148: Masterpiece_2

Chapter 420: Chapter 148: Masterpiece_2

Ma Chengteng stared at the painting Yueyao had made for a good while before he collected his thoughts and asked with a hint of skepticism, "Yueyao, did you really paint this? Don’t lie to your uncle." The technique and skill were already first-rate, not to mention the realm of the artwork had soared far beyond the level of two years ago.

The two paintings were vastly different; one reason was that Yueyao had not given her all initially, and the second was that her skills had now taken a qualitative leap.

Yueyao felt somewhat embarrassed, after all, she had hidden something two years ago, and hurriedly said, "I painted it when I came over this morning."

Ma Chengteng patted Yueyao’s shoulder with relief and said, "You girl, to think you’ve made such great progress in just two years. Good, good, really good." Yueyao’s current level had already surpassed his; with her talent and perception, she would undoubtedly become a Great Painter in a few more years.

Yueyao blushed with shame, she really wanted to tell her uncle she was a young lady, not a filial son, and to stop patting her shoulder.

After thinking for a moment, Ma Chengteng said, "Yueyao, I want to have Mr. Yu Shan critique this painting of yours. What do you think?" Ma Chengteng believed that Yueyao’s significant improvement could not be separated from Mr. Yu Shan’s guidance. The last critique had led to such great progress, and he believed another one or two critiques would surely elevate Yueyao’s skills even further.

Yueyao had this intention all along; it was as if someone had brought a pillow to her just as she felt sleepy.

Upon hearing this, Ma Chengteng didn’t even wait for dinner, he took the painting and rushed out, leaving Yueyao standing there in a daze. There was no need to be so hasty, it wouldn’t be too late to go after dinner!

After finishing dinner, Yueyao took a stroll in the garden. She had grown very familiar with Ma’s Mansion, no longer feeling the awe she did the first time she came. She returned to her courtyard and began practicing calligraphy for half an hour, and then, lured by the faint fragrance drifting through the window, Yueyao put down her brush and headed to the backyard.

Yueyao said to Nanny Hao, "Nanny, these apricot trees were all planted by my mother when she was a girl."

Nanny Hao smiled and said, "I’ve heard from Nanny Deng that Madam was very fond of apricot trees."

Yueyao nodded and said, "Yes, my mother loved apricot trees. She said they have many benefits. When they bloom, they not only provide a spectacle for people to enjoy but can also be used to make Apricot Blossom porridge and cakes. When the fruits ripen, one can eat them fresh or make them into candied fruit, and the kernels can even be used as medicine."

Nanny Hao clicked her tongue in wonder.

After speaking, Yueyao seriously observed the courtyard full of Apricot Blossoms. The shape of the apricot flower was similar to that of peach and plum blossoms, their colors were both red and white as if dotted with rouge, and their beauty was vibrant and charming.

As she gazed at them, Yueyao said, "The books say that apricot flowers are pure red when they bud, gradually fading in color as they bloom, and turning pure white when they fall."

Knowing Yueyao to be knowledgeable, Nanny Hao laughed and said, "It just so happens you’ll be staying here for a while, so you’ll find out if it’s true."

Yueyao nodded; believing in books alone was inferior to seeing with one’s own eyes.

Looking at Nanny Hao, Yueyao remembered something and said, "Nanny, I have sent someone to fetch the child, they should arrive the day after tomorrow."

Nanny Hao’s heart tightened, and aside from saying okay, she didn’t know what else to say.

Ma Chengteng arrived to find Mr. Yu Shan was not in, and the people at the mansion said, "The master’s return is uncertain, Lord Ma, once the master returns I will pass on the message."

Ma Chengteng had no choice but to suppress his anxiety.

The next day, Yueyao went to see Ruo Lan and brought up the matter of the maid, since introducing a new maid into Ma’s Mansion would certainly require a word with the person in charge.

Ruo Lan was a very astute person. As soon as she heard Yueyao’s words, she knew there was a reason for the visit and smiled, saying, "Once the girl arrives, just place her in Begonia Garden, and after you leave, she can stay on there." Leaving her in Begonia Garden would keep her out of trouble, and she could live there quietly.

Yueyao thanked Ruo Lan, "Cousin-in-law, there’s something I’d like to ask for your help with."

Ruo Lan asked, "What’s the matter? Tell me."

Yueyao replied with a smile, "Two years ago, I promised my uncle I’d make him an Apricot Flower Cake, and it just so happens that the backyard is filled with apricot blossoms now. Cousin-in-law, I’ve never made pastries before and would like to find a kitchen maid to learn from."

Ruo Lan chuckled. "That’s easy. Cai Yi, go call for Nanny Jiang." Then she turned to Yueyao and said, "Yueyao, Nanny Jiang’s pastry-making skills are quite good. If you can learn even a small portion from her, it will serve you well." Yueyao was skilled in painting, but a lady’s needlework was still essential to learn. These skills were a matter of reputation.

Yueyao nodded, but when she met Nanny Jiang, she took a slight dislike to her. Nanny Jiang had a rather stern appearance.

Yueyao quickly realized she had made the error of judging by appearances. She was merely learning to make cakes from Nanny Jiang, and whether the latter was stern or not was irrelevant to her.

Yueyao learned with great diligence, and with a good memory, she mastered the procedure quickly but, due to lack of experience, her cakes were either too sweet or too bland. Feeling embarrassed, she said to Ruo Lan with a smile, "Cousin-in-law, I’m really too clumsy and can’t seem to get it right."

Nanny Jiang, who was nearby, quickly said, "Cousin Miss, you’re being too modest. It took me three days to learn when I was younger. However, making pastries often is crucial, as experience is key to mastering the correct measurement of ingredients. Also, the heat control is very important." After finishing, she listed several examples.

Yueyao kept nodding.

However, Zhuang Ruolan seized the opportunity to inquire about Yueyao’s cooking skills and, upon hearing that Yueyao had never cooked before, Zhuang Ruolan said, "Needlework is fundamental for a lady. You don’t need to be a famous chef, just like making pastries, knowing how to cook a few dishes well is enough. But if you can’t cook at all, it would be improper if you were asked about it." These were all skills for keeping up appearances.

Yueyao knew Zhuang Ruolan meant well and nodded, "I understand." She was definitely keen to learn cooking, not for the sake of appearances or to please her husband but for herself.

Ruo Lan’s expression lit up with a smile. Ruo Lan had met several talented ladies, but unfortunately, those ladies were all full of pride and lived as if above worldly concerns. She was not willing to be closely involved with them; maintaining superficial relationships was enough. Yueyao shattered her definition of a talented lady; not all were aloof and arrogant.

Seeing Yueyao’s pleasant attitude, Ruo Lan was also willing to teach her more about how to handle affairs, how to interact with people, who to learn from, who to be wary of, and with whom to maintain superficial relationships. These were all areas in which Yueyao was lacking.

Yueyao listened very carefully, nodding and responding from time to time. Lastly, she said gratefully, "Thank you, cousin-in-law." Only someone who truly cared about you would consider everything on your behalf.

Ruo Lan didn’t know how much Yueyao had understood, but she still appreciated Yueyao’s attitude. Not understanding was not a problem, as long as she was eager to learn.