lcionline Chapter 397: Softness
Chapter 397: Softness
My name is Ulanara Rouze, and my nickname is Wanwan.
I am the eldest daughter of the Ulanara family. Since I was born, my father and mother have held me in the palm of their hands and raised me carefree.
When I was six years old, I was playing in the garden as usual when I suddenly saw a little girl about my age. She was pretty, wearing plain clothes, and she was standing timidly beside the flowers, with a hint of shyness and uneasiness in her eyes.
I was very curious, so I ran back to Mammy, pulled her sleeve, and asked, "Mammy, who is that? Why have I never seen her before?"
The nanny's expression changed slightly, and she seemed a little embarrassed. She whispered, "Miss, she is a concubine's daughter in the mansion. You don't need to ask too much."
I tilted my head, looking confused: "A concubine's daughter? What is a concubine's daughter?"
Mammy sighed and was about to explain when my mother came over. When she heard my question, her brows furrowed slightly, and a cold look appeared in her eyes.
She squatted down and gently stroked my hair. Her tone was gentle but carried an unquestionable authority: "Wanwan, you are the eldest daughter of the Ulanara family and have a noble status. Although she is your sister, she is only a concubine's daughter, of humble origin, not even worthy of being your maid. You don't have to pay attention to her, understand?"
But I don’t agree with my mother’s opinion. The older sister of the Sun family next door has a younger sister. They eat and sleep together every day, and even when they quarrel, they stand together. I have always been envious of her, but I didn’t expect that I also have a younger sister.
I looked back at the little girl. She was still standing there, with her head down and her fingers tightly clenched around the corner of her clothes. She seemed to have heard what her mother said, and her body trembled slightly.
At that moment, even though I was young, I felt a vague emotion I couldn't explain. I didn't understand why she couldn't play with me, nor did I understand why my mother's eyes were so cold. All I knew was that the little girl looked lonely and helpless, and I couldn't get close to her.
After that, I never saw her in the garden again. Later, I learned from the servants' gossip that she was my father's concubine, named Yixiu. Her mother was a concubine in the mansion, of low status, so her position in the mansion was extremely awkward.
When I grew up, my mother hired a master to teach me music, chess, calligraphy and painting. I was very talented and could learn anything quickly.
Amma likes me very much, but I always feel something is weird. The way he looks at me is not the loving look of a father looking at his daughter, but more like he is looking at a commodity that can bring him huge profits.
That day, after I finished dancing lessons, I came to my mother's courtyard and overheard her conversation with my younger sister. After my younger sister left, I pulled my mother aside and asked, "Mother, my younger sister wants to learn the arts of music, chess, calligraphy, and painting. Why don't you let her go?"
"Don't call her sister, she doesn't deserve it."
"Okay, okay, mother."
"She's lucky enough to have a meal in the mansion, but she wants to act like a master like you. What wishful thinking."
"But, mother..."
"Okay, stop talking! How was your study today?"
Seeing that my mother couldn't convince me, I went to my father's study and said, "Father, my sister is old enough, it's time to find someone to teach her some talents. I heard that my aunt is multi-talented. We are both daughters of the Ulanara family. If she doesn't know anything, it will bring shame to my aunt!"
"Father, my sister likes medicine. Why don't we let Doctor Zhang's daughter teach her?"
"Father, if my sister learns medicine, she can take care of me in the future. She is my sister, so she is more trustworthy than others!"
That evening, my father went to my mother's courtyard. After a few days, my mother asked my sister and I to study together and assigned Dr. Zhang to her side.
So, my sister and I started to interact more.
My sister is always cautious around me. When I talk to her, she speaks very softly and doesn't even dare to raise her head. I feel a little sorry for her, but I'm afraid that my mother will be angry, so I don't dare to be nice to her openly.
I gradually discovered that my sister's clothes and jewelry were all the ones I had left over. When I was picking, I deliberately left behind the colors and styles she liked and asked the maid to deliver them to her courtyard.
When the servants brought snacks, I also paid attention to her preferences, told them what I liked to eat, and asked them to bring more.
However, even though I tried so hard, my sister still treated me with more respect than intimacy.
There was a constant tinge of fear in her eyes as she looked at me, a barrier formed by long-term repression. But how could I give up so easily? In this deep and spacious courtyard, this sisterhood was a warmth I wanted to protect no matter what.
I believe that as long as I persevere, one day my sister will feel my sincerity and we will be able to get along closely like ordinary sisters.
A few years later, as we grew up, I overheard an elderly servant in the mansion say, "The Second Miss is a concubine's daughter. If she can't marry a man of her dreams, she'll probably suffer for the rest of her life!"
This reminded me that it is far from enough for me to be good to her. In this world where a woman's fate is often tied to marriage, only by helping her find a good husband can I truly protect her lifelong peace.
From then on, whenever there were flower-viewing parties or poetry gatherings in the capital, I would pester my mother to take my sister with me, saying that I was not feeling well and needed my sister's close care. I thought that if there were more social occasions like this, my sister would have more opportunities to meet outstanding young talents.
On weekdays, I also pay more attention to my sister's dressing and often pick out some exquisite clothes and jewelry, and give them to her on the pretext that I don't like them. I just hope that she can dress up beautifully every time she goes out and shine in front of everyone.