Time Travel: The Noble Family-Chapter 120 - 52: Embarrassment_4

Chapter 120: Chapter 52: Embarrassment_4

Yueyao looked at the characters she had written: “Just started learning.” In the past, where would she find the time to practice this? Yueyao also planned to make copies during the lessons in the future. Of course, if the teacher assigned homework, she would need to complete that too.

Read latest chapters at freёweɓnovel.com Only.

Surprise flickered in Mr. Yun’s eyes, but he quickly said, “Quick Snowfall and Sunny Day Post mainly features a round brush technique that conceals the sharpness, with the beginning and ending strokes, hooks, and flicks all devoid of pointed edges. The transitions from horizontal to vertical strokes are mostly rounded, and the structure is uniform and stable, exhibiting a calm and leisurely spirit, neither hasty nor sluggish.” By pointing out the characteristics of this calligraphy post to Yueyao, Mr. Yun indicated that it was a challenging piece to practice. At least, he believed that Yueyao was not suited to practice it as her level could not meet its requirements.

Yueyao smiled faintly: “I understand. ‘Quick Snowfall and Sunny Day Post’, though comprising merely over twenty characters, has a clever design and dense form, with the intent being spacious and the characters leisurely. The ink usage is fresh and vibrant, light and shade appropriately balanced; the brushwork is round and clean, vigorous, with a rhythm and a sense of elasticity that seems rather peaceful; the structure primarily takes a square form, stable and full, sometimes restrained and sometimes expansive, able to contain and unfold, infusing vigor within elegance, and conveying emotions through the brush. Moreover, these twenty characters also reveal a harmonious and sublime blend of nature, carrying the essence of regular script within semi-cursive script. Although not outwardly sharp, its spiritual content is profound, its strength hidden within a peaceful and simple style, conveying a sense of relaxed and superior charm. It is said to possess ‘a roundness and classical elegance, with an aesthetic of leisurely and abundant tranquility, its profound taste immeasurable’.”

After Yueyao finished speaking, Yueying and Yuebing looked at her.

Yuehuan was stunned on the spot because she had no idea what Yueyao was talking about. To Yuehuan, what Yueyao said might as well have been arcane scriptures. Yuehuan gazed at Yueyao earnestly; she had always heard that the Third Young Lady was a talented lady, yet she never discerned where that talent lay. Who could have expected that an unintended glimpse would cause one such embarrassment?

Mr. Yun was also stunned; she hadn’t expected Yueyao to have such a comprehensive understanding of ‘Quick Snowfall and Sunny Day Post’. This also meant that the Third Young Lady was not acting on a whim but was truly prepared to study seriously. But if she was prepared, why wait until today?

...

Mr. Yun was thoroughly perplexed by Yueyao, but she was only responsible for teaching calligraphy and painting to several young ladies; other matters were not her concern. In a great household, one had to be extremely careful in one’s duties: “Since you are determined to copy this piece, I will not stop you. However, Fourth Miss, learning calligraphy is not an overnight task; since you have started, do not abandon it halfway. Half-hearted efforts can lead to failure in the long run.” Mr. Yun’s words carried a warning as well.

Yueyao knew Mr. Yun spoke those words for her benefit, and she responded sincerely: “Thank you, teacher, I will remember that.” Regardless of the outcome, she intended to practice this piece earnestly. The level she might achieve would depend on how much time she had.

After an hour of calligraphy and a quarter-hour break, it was time for Mr. Qi to teach everyone music practice. Yueyao stood up, bowed to Mr. Yun and said, “Teacher, I’m leaving now.”

These arrangements had been agreed upon earlier. Studying calligraphy, even if spoken about, would not be criticized. However, learning music and other leisure arts during the mourning period could greatly tarnish her reputation if word spread: “Go ahead!” Mr. Yun had never believed in geniuses before. But the past hour had made her believe that there truly were such people in the world. If the Third Miss of the Lian Family could produce decent writing in just an hour, what was that if not genius?

Mr. Qi, looking at his four students reduced to three, remained expressionless, yet he felt a sense of regret internally. Having heard Mr. Yun’s words, the absence of the most talented student made the lesson less interesting.

After practicing for half an hour, Yuebing received a lot of praise. Mr. Qi was quite satisfied and said, “Third Young Lady, you have great potential; with diligent practice, you will surely play touching music.”

Encouraged by the compliments, Yuebing became even more interested in learning the piano. Compared to her, Yueying was merely average, adhering to the standards, but Mr. Qi shook his head in secret, thinking she was too restrained to truly master the instrument.

When it was Yuehuan’s turn, only two words could describe it: disaster.

Yuehuan had played for less than five minutes when Yuebing covered her ears and blurted out: “Little Sister, please stop playing; I’m going to go mad if you continue.” Was this the sound of music? No, it was sheer cacophony, a sound that tortured the soul.

Mr. Qi spoke gently to Yuehuan: “Fourth Miss, you lack the natural gift for the piano. However, you could learn other musical instruments; among so many, there must be one suited for you.” Mr. Qi was knowledgeable in other instruments as well; even if not an expert, he was more than capable of teaching a novice like Yuehuan.

Yuehuan’s face turned so red it seemed she might bleed from embarrassment. She had never felt such shame as she had today in all her years. Her etiquette was a mess, her calligraphy terrible, her piano playing a disaster.

Resigned, Yuehuan shook her head to clear it of the clutter. What will be will be. She resolved to work hard and learn diligently from now on, firmly believing that effort would not betray a willing heart.

Returning to the courtyard, she hesitantly described the day’s events to Maternal Aunt Su. Today’s incidents made Yuehuan feel as if she had lost all her dignity for a lifetime. She had bungled the rules, her calligraphy was atrocious, and her piano playing – a humiliation.

Maternal Aunt Su hurriedly comforted her: “It’s okay, the beginning is always hard. But you’ll improve gradually. As long as you are willing to work hard, you can definitely learn well.”

Determined, Yuehuan resolved to diligently practice to escape her current predicament. Starting that day, she practiced until her entire body was drained of strength and only then did she rest.

As Yuehuan lay in bed, watching Maternal Aunt Su bring in medicinal wine and kneel to massage her, her heart softened. Though her birth status was not favorable, just a daughter born of a concubine, having such a caring maternal aunt who let her experience the taste of familial affection was also quite wonderful. In the future, she would just stay here honestly and make peace with her situation.