Too high to reach

Chapter 101 Speechless Family
"Father! Please come and save your daughter!"

Mo Yi cried out in her heart, looking anxiously at her family members around her.

A few days ago, she ruined the Liang family's blind date.

My aunt was furious and didn't bother to talk to me, nor did she even ask if my nose was broken or if it would leave a scar.

There was absolutely no news from my maternal grandmother or my maternal aunt.

She's not even as good as my older cousin!

I bet she's had her share of complaints about me behind my back!
And now, they're all acting like... her most doting elders, and they're all so generous with their money!

They don't even know what they're going to do in the palace, yet they've placed so much hope in me.

If the plan to enter the palace ultimately fails, or if I gain the Empress's favor, or even if something goes wrong.

Then… she thought sadly: How can I possibly survive?

After waiting in vain for her father to come to her rescue, she could only smile awkwardly: "Grandmother, there are still more than ten days until the day we go to the palace. I don't know if anything will change. That Granny Zhao won't say what she's going to do! You know, we don't know anything about the rules for going to the palace. So, Yi Yi is very scared..."

She should first show weakness and pour some cold water on things!

"What are you afraid of!" Old Mrs. Wang advised with great experience: "That is the Empress, the mother of the nation. Would she make things difficult for a little girl like you? You have encountered an incredible opportunity! It is something that will bring glory to our families for generations to come."

Just listen to what everyone's saying: "Perform well, make the Empress like you, and she'll give you a little help, and you'll be successful... Oh, remember to ask Granny Zhao how we should show our respect to the Empress! Quickly have the eldest son arrange it..." Old Mrs. Wang turned to instruct her eldest daughter-in-law, and thinking about this, tears welled up in her eyes again.

Faced with good news, the eldest daughter-in-law readily agreed.

Madam Wang's eyes darted around: "Yi Yi's face seems much better. Did she use the precious medicine that Granny Zhao gave her?"

Precious medicine...

Mo Yi was in a complete mess. "Father, why aren't you here yet?"
"Mother, I used it as soon as I got back to my room!"

Wang showed off to her mother and sister-in-law: "Granny Zhao gave Yi'er some good stuff, go and get it for your grandmother to see!"

Feeling utterly helpless, Mo Yi had no choice but to send the maid back to her room to fetch it.

It arrived shortly after. Upon opening the brocade box, I found two small, sky-blue jars with crackled patterns, fired in a high-quality wood-fired kiln. The jars looked as if they were coated with oil. The wooden lids were even carved with flowers.

The Wang family knew their stuff. "Leaving aside the contents, these two small jars alone are quite expensive!" One jar contained a brownish paste with a faint medicinal scent. The other was pearly white, with a fine, fragrant paste…

Wang Xiujuan was very knowledgeable. "Hmm, this white one is probably pearl cream. I've used it before, but it wasn't this smooth, and the fragrance wasn't this pleasant. These might have been tribute items."

"what!?"

Several people exclaimed in amazement and passed it around for a look.

Mo Yi sat silently, feeling helpless. She always felt a cold gaze fixed on her... probably Mo Wen.

She overshadowed her elder sister, who had secured a good marriage, completely eclipsing her own brilliance. Even when her maternal grandmother came, she didn't have a chance to speak to her!

Mother! Aren't you most proud of your eldest daughter? Keep going, don't turn your gaze to me!
Don't give me anything, I don't want it! Just then, Liu came in with Mo Yuan and chatted warmly with Old Madam Wang.

At this moment, Liu stopped saying anything sarcastic and kept calling her "old lady" and "old lady," her words full of hope that Mo Yi would have good luck and that it would bring blessings to several families.

Yes, Mo Yuan must have convinced her.

As the atmosphere grew more lively, Wang became even more enthusiastic, setting off a feast in front of everyone:
"Oh dear, that Granny Zhao, I don't even know how to describe her. She always has a smile on her face, is polite, speaks softly, and is witty. But you just feel... that her status is unusual..."

She pondered for a moment and said, "She wasn't putting on airs, but there was this inexplicable air of superiority about her. I didn't dare to speak casually! Sister, when that Madam Chen came, I thought she was particularly formidable! So proper! But compared to Granny Zhao, she's completely different!"

Hearing his mother say this, Mowen belatedly realized... and couldn't help but sigh: Old ginger is indeed spicier!
I still lack experience; I never even considered the differences between those taught by Madam Chen and Granny Zhao, who were both learning etiquette...

Madam Wang continued, "That Madam Chen made demands for everything—tuition, meals, travel expenses, tea, snacks—leaving no stone unturned… She even said ten taels for one girl, seventeen taels for two, and twenty taels for three… She was haggling! Oh dear, I didn't think much of it at first, assuming everyone was like that. But when you compare them all!"

Liu and Mo Yuan exchanged a glance; they had already found out that a tutor was to be hired for Mo Wen. They were even planning that once the tutor arrived, Mo Yuan would find a way to attend classes as well.

"But Granny Zhao only said to prepare a clean room for her and hot water for washing up. Meals can be whatever she wants at home, no special arrangements needed. She'll take care of everything she needs, we don't need to worry about her... I even asked her how much the tuition was, but Granny Zhao said she didn't want any money, it was her official business! Good heavens, I really don't know who she is!"

Wang proudly showed off, leaving everyone who heard it sighing in disbelief.

"Those who can enter the palace are indeed different in their vision and methods from ordinary people!"

Mo Wen suddenly wanted to speak, opened her mouth, but then swallowed back her words.

Mo Yuan said sweetly, "Auntie, Second Auntie, could you ask Granny Zhao if my Third Sister and I could also attend classes with our younger sister?"

Mo Wen was startled; that was exactly what she wanted to say.

But then she felt a little embarrassed to bring it up now, especially since she had recently declined Mo Yi and Mo Qing's invitation to attend classes with her. Besides, this would mean taking advantage of Mo Yi's fame...

How embarrassing would it be to be rejected again!

But... someone like Madam Chen can be hired anytime with money. But Granny Zhao is a once-in-a-lifetime find!
She was too embarrassed to speak, but Mo Yuan spoke for her... She was secretly delighted, but immediately put on a surprised look, as if she hadn't expected it before!

Upon hearing this, Madam Wang immediately felt it was a good idea: "Yuanyuan is absolutely right! Someone like Granny Zhao isn't someone you can hire just by having money. It would be wonderful if you could learn from her! What do you say, Wenwen?"

Everyone then went to look at the ink patterns.

"What Fourth Sister and Mother said makes sense. But it also depends on whether it's convenient for Yi Yi to tell Granny Zhao." She seemed to be going along with everyone else.

Grandma Wang quickly said, "Yiyi, you should go and discuss it with Granny Zhao. We can give her more money if we want!"

Madam Wang surprisingly nodded: "Although Granny Zhao said she doesn't want money, who would complain about having too much money?! If we ask for a higher amount, it's only for two more people, she'll definitely agree."

My mother is perceptive and what she says is all true. So why doesn't she understand: can she really say these things to Granny Zhao herself?
"Still trying to negotiate benefits?" Mo Yi found it amusing. Although she didn't know who he was yet, his demeanor was outwardly gentle but inwardly domineering. He was living in this dilapidated courtyard of the Mo family all day for official business! He provided everything himself and refused any payment. The medicine they gave him—just the jars alone must have cost dozens of taels of silver!
Is this an ordinary governess?
Moreover, she emphasized from the very beginning: those who can speak, will speak; those who cannot speak, please do not ask.

In essence, it's saying: If you can do it, you will do it. If you can't do it, don't even mention it.

Under such circumstances, would I be expected to offer benefits or make demands?

Really... speechless!
(End of this chapter)