The Rebirth of Han Yuxi

Chapter 70 : Self-Confidence

Momo Quan placed more than 20 kinds of medicinal materials in the room. Before explaining the characteristics of these medicinal materials to Yuxi, she explained, “You must be familiar with all kinds of medicinal materials before learning about medicinal diet, and then you must be familiar with the medicinal properties of all kinds of medicinal materials. This is a mistake that can’t be made. Do you understand?”

Yuxi nodded, “I know that if there is a mistake in brewing medicine, it will not become tonic but poison instead.”

Momo Quan was satisfied with Yuxi’s words, “You are right, so be careful. Many herbs look similar, but their properties are completely the opposite. If there is a mistake, it may well take a human life. “

Yuxi listened to this more seriously and took notes. With the experience of learning from Teacher Song, Yuxi was accustomed in writing notes very quickly.

After class, Momo Quan read Yuxi’s notes and advised, “You don’t have to remember them in such detail. Just write down the most important parts.” After that, she taught Yuxi on how to take notes well but quick.

Yuxi was very much inspired.

“Don’t tell anyone what I teach you,” reminded Momo Quan.

Yuxi nodded and agreed without even thinking much, “Momo, rest assured. I won’t tell anyone else.” Momo Quan’s medicinal diet was good because of her continuous practiced over so many years. She just started learning pharmacology from Momo Quan. How would she dare telling others casually? What if something went wrong? She couldn’t afford this huge responsibility.

Momo Quan nodded slightly, “Remember what you just said.”

It didn’t take long for Yuxi to understand what Momo Quan meant. Pharmacology was not as simple as she thought, as it not only revolved mainly in preparing medicinal diet. It involved a lot of things. Simply put, if she really wanted to learn pharmacology well, she must have medical skill. Of course, to properly practice medical required a lot of experiences and practices. Even though she learnt it not to cure other people diseases or saved lives, it was still required that she had medical skill. Momo Quan had no problem with people knowing that she was teaching Yuxi pharmacology, but it would be a big problem if people in the residence knew that she taught Yuxi medical expertise.

Being tense and busy with life always made one fell that time passes quickly. In an instant, it was already the end of the year.

In the cold winter months, snowflakes looking like goose feather continuously falling down, weaving a curtain of snow. They were like catkins of willow trees, silver-like white and smooth like jade. One after another, they clustered, fluttering about as they slowly floating down while shining the world with their cold silver lights.

Yuxi came outside and looked at the falling snowflakes. She muttered that the snowy road would not be good for travel so, it would be impossible for things from her hamlet to be send out.

Hongshan did not know what Yuxi was thinking as she smiled and said, “A timely snow promises a good harvest. Two more snowfalls, then there will be a good harvest next year.”

It then snowed heavily for another two days, leaving a vast expanse of whiteness outside. The day when the snow finally stopped coincided with the day Teacher Song began her holiday.

Yuxi was preparing to go to the main courtyard after her breakfast when she saw Yuchen’s maid, Shiqin, coming over.

Shiqin greeted Yuxi and said, “Fourth Miss, our Miss is in the back garden in Tingyun Pavilion. She invited Fourth Miss to come over.” Momo Quan could not move to the Rose Courtyard because she had to prepare medicinal meals for Yuchen so she had to stay in Tingyun Pavilion. Plus, Rose Courtyard was relatively small and had no empty room. So, every afternoon, Yuxi had to go there for etiquette classes. If there was no class in the morning, she would stay in Tingyun Pavilion much longer. So this year, Yuxi’s evening meals were basically in Tingyun Pavilion. After Yuxi and Yuchen spent a long time together, the relationships between them naturally become much better.

Yuxi wondered, “What is Third Sister doing in the garden on such a cold day?” The back garden in Yuchen’s courtyard was bleak and had nothing to look at.

Shiqin didn’t share anything with Yuxi as she only said, “Miss will know when Miss arrives there.”

Yuxi went to the back garden of Tingyun Pavilion with her maid, and before she arrived, she could smell a strong fragrance. After turning into a corner, she could see several plum blossoms proudly blooming.

In this world of snow and ice, the blooming red plum blossoms were particularly delicate and charming.

As Yuxi andhher maid approached the scene, they saw Yuchen collecting snows from the plum blossoms. Yuxi asked surprisingly, “What are you doing, Third Sister?”

Yuchen smiled and said, “I’m collecting snowflakes on the plum blossoms. I’m going to use them to boil tea later on.” Using snows, especially the newly melted snows from plum blossoms, to boil tea was the most refined activity of the intellectuals.

Yuxi’s mouth twitched when she heard about boiling tea in newly melted snows. Eh, there was such way mentioned in the book, but she was a person with a common mind. She would rather spending her spare time reading more medical books. “Third Sister, in fact, I think it would be much nicer if we can draw this beautiful scene.”

Yuchen was in a good mood. When she heard Yuxi’s words, she did feel it was very reasonable. The scenery here was beautiful. It would be nice if it was painted, but now, she was busy collecting newly melted snow from plum blossoms. “I should finish collecting the snows first.”

Yuxi said nothing more. She had no right to peck on what Yuchen was doing. In the eyes of others, what Yuchen did was what a lady should be doing. While, for her to learn pharmacology was considered as silly instead. Others believed that people of high status like them, could invite a professional to come, even if they only wanted to take a good care their health. There was no need for any of them to waste time learning it.

Seeing Yuxi standing motionless in the snow, Hongshan reminded her in a low voice, “Miss, the Third Miss is collecting snows on plum blossom. You should also lend a hand.”

Yuxi returned to her senses and joined the group in collecting newly melted snows.

The group of people spent half an hour busily collecting newly melted snows from several plum trees. Once they done, Yuchen smiled and said, “Fourth Sister, come to Tingyun Pavilion with me and try what the tea boiled with this snow will taste like.”

Yuxi also learned the tea ceremony. She did not learn it voluntarily though, since Momo Quan required her to learn it. She said that it was essential for noble lady to learn on how to brew fragrant tea. Yuxi studied it for three months, and when she became proficient in brewing tea, she immediately dropped it.

A video on traditional Chinese tea ceremony.

At Tingyun Pavilion, Yuxi followed Yuchen into the tea room. This tea room was specially cleaned up by Yuchen in order to learn the tea ceremony, and it was also here where Yuxi learned brewing tea.

The small stove was already on fire. Yuchen poured the collected snow water into the small copper pot, put it on the small stove, and then sat back at the tea table with Yuxi.

Yuxi looked at a set of purple clay tea set placed on the tea table and asked, “Third Sister, who sent this tea set?” A few days ago, there was still a set of blue and white porcelain tea set on the table.

Yuchen smiled and said, “This is from my uncle. My uncle said that tea made in purple clay pot tastes more mellow.”

Although Yuxi could brew tea, she was not keen on it and knew little about it. Presently, she responded with a smile, “Marquis Pingqing intentionally gave them to Third Sister.”

Yuchen took a handful of tea from a box of tea cans. Seeing Yuxi’s puzzled expression, she explained, “This is Yunwu (clouds and mists) tea.”

When Yuxi was learning about tea, she read a brief introduction of Yunwu tea and said, “It is said that Yunwu tea has a beautiful metaphor of ‘fragrance is finer than orchid’. Today we have to see if the rumor is true.“

Yuchen nodded, “Well, Yunwu tea is famous for its mellow taste, beautiful color, fragrance and clear soup.” Though she hadn’t drink this type of tea before.

Yuxi didn’t drink tea very much. She didn’t like to drink tea no matter what other people say about the benefits of drinking tea. It was not that she had any quirks, but Momo Quan advised her that women shouldn’t drink tea too early. Yuxi admired Momo Quan very much. Whatever she said, Yuxi would always abide like they were imperial edicts.

When water finally boiled, Yuchen went over and looked at it carefully. Tea-making water was also exquisite. It should not be boiled too much or too less, otherwise the taste of the tea would be less concentrated.

Yuxi looked at Yuchen’s graceful and skillful movements. She felt that it was also a kind of enjoyment to watch Yuchen brewing tea rather than drinking one.

After Yuchen done making tea, she brought a cup to Yuxi.

Yuxi took the teacup and noticed that the colour of the tea inside was like jasper. She took a sip and commented, “It tastes like Longjing (Dragon Well) tea and is more mellow. Third Sister, where did you get this tea from?” Must be from Marquis Pingqing again.

Yuchen said happily, “Well, this is my uncle’s new tea. My uncle didn’t get much. He only got a small jar and for a special purpose, he could only give me a few . “

Yuxi knew that Marquis Pingqing was good to Yuchen, but she sometimes had a very subtle feeling, that he was being extremely too good to Yuchen. Nevertheless, this has nothing to do with her. She also do not want to say so much more. If she did, others would think that she was being envious of Yuchen for having such a good uncle!

After tasting the tea, Yuchen went to the studio to paint and took Yuxi along with her.

Until noon meal time, Yuchen’s painting had not yet complete. “Fourth Sister, you can have lunch with me!”

Yuxi replied, “Okay.” After more than a year, she felt that her original decision was really brilliant, because her body was getting much better now. Of course, this was related to her insistence on exercising every day, but the medicated diet she eats every day also contributed a lot.

To Yuxi’s surprise, Yuchen asked her to go to Tingyun Pavilion again the next morning. Yuxi felt so helpless. She couldn’t understand why Yuchen always liked to pull her when she tasted tea, painted and played the qin. She couldn’t spend her time like that one after another. Once in a while, she does not have that much time. She also had her own matter to attend!

Yuxi told to Shiqin, “Please tell Third Sister that I have something to do today. Let’s make it another day.”

Shiqin didn’t expect Yuxi to refuse. She tried to persuade her again, but when she saw Hongshan shaking her head, Shiqin resolutely stopped saying more and said, “I’ll go back and tell my Miss.”

Hongshan sent Shiqin out. When they reached the gate of the courtyard, she whispered, “My Miss stands on her words. Once she has decided not to go, it will be useless for you to say more.”

Shiqin secretly muttered, this attitude was very similar to Third Miss.

Yuchen was disappointed to hear that Yuxi was not going to come. She wanted Yuxi to listen to her qin today. It was quite boring when there was no audience around her. Yuxi would give some advice if she was there. However, she also knew that it was impossible to force Yuxi. “Since the Fourth Sister is busy, just forget about it.”

For Yuxi, New Year meant red envelopes, and nothing else.

After the Lantern Festival, Teacher Song came back to the residence. After the chess lesson the next day, Teacher Song met Yuxi alone and told her, “I have finished teaching you the . I will now consider this class to be done.”

Yuxi had no regrets and said, “Teacher, I really don’t want to learn painting.” Now her mind was fully on pharmacology, so she didn’t want to waste time on painting.

This time, Teacher Song readily agreed, “Okay.” Yuxi had a natural talent in painting, but she didn’t want to spend time to practice at all. How could her skill be better if she was only willing to attend painting class and did her assigned homework? So, for the past two years, Yuxi’s painting skill had not improved even a little.

After two years, Teacher Song finally knew that it was impossible for her to persuade Yuxi to study painting seriously. She simply went with her flow. In any case, Yuxi was not really her official student.

After a few days, Yuxi heard that Teacher Song started teaching Yuchen history books. She asked Momo Quan, “Momo, what’s the use of learning history books?”

After teaching Yuxi for more than a year, Momo Quan still didn’t know what Yuxi thought and said, “Learning history books can cultivate one’s morality, unite one’s family and rule the country and level the world.”

Yuxi was stunned. Learning history books can cultivate one’s morality, unite one’s family and rule the country, and make the world peaceful. How high-end it was!

Momo Quan looked at Yuxi with a straight face and said, “Didn’t I tell that no matter what happens, even when Mount Tai topples, we won’t change our color?”

Yuxi was jerk from her mind wandering and felt that she just blown up her cover. It would take her 20 years to reach the state where she would remain calm even when Mount Tai collapsed. However, she did not dare to say these words out loud, or Momo Quan would have to punish her again. She quickly changed the subject and asked, “Momo, why didn’t Teacher Song let me study history with Yuchen?”

Momo Quan did not hide the truth from Yuxi as she frankly answered, “She doesn’t want you to be a threat to Third Miss.”

Yuxi suddenly felt silly. She finally responded after a while, “Momo, could there be a mistake? Teacher Song is worried about me being a threat to my Third Sister? How can I pose a threat to Third Sister? “ There was nothing of hers could be compared with Yuchen, okay? She did not understand why Teacher Song was so worried.

Momo Quan shook her head helplessly, “You are too modest. Although Third Miss has her own natural advantages, she is far inferior to you in some aspects.“ Yuxi did things with a sense of purpose. For people like Teacher Song, she didn’t like people with too much purpose like Yuxi.

“How can that be?” said Yuxi incredulously. Yuchen in some ways far inferior to her and this was not even a fantasy! (T/N : Ehem… You are in a fantasy world, Yuxi.)

Yuxi’s exaggerated expression succeeded in pleasing Momo Quan. She smiled and said, “Be confident with yourself. Nine times out of ten people of the same age as you in this capital can’t even compare to you.”

Yuxi blinked, as if to say that she really had such excellent sides?

Momo Quan said helplessly, “Why do you have no confidence in yourself? Your chess skills and calligraphy are better than Third Miss. Not to mention your embroidery. Even Third Miss can’t hold a candle. “

Yuxi looked puzzled at Momo Quan and honestly said “I think Third Sister is like a fairy in the sky, beyond my reach.” In her mind, Yuchen was an unattainable existence!

Momo Quan didn’t know if she should laugh or cry, “Although peony is the king of flowers, graceful and luxurious. But can you say that lotus and orchid are not as good as peony?”

Yuxi shook her head and said, “No.” Different flowers, different species. How could they be compared?

Momo Quan nodded and explained, “Peony, it symbolizes wealth and auspiciousness; lotus symbolizes purity and tranquility, orchid symbolizes high quality. Fourth Miss, people are the same as flowers, so you don’t have to feel so inferior to Third Miss at all.”

Yuxi knew Momo Quan said these words to tell her that she was no worse than Yuchen. This was something she never thought of. She couldn’t help herself from thinking about it deeply.

Momo Quan did not disturb her.

However, after a short while, Yuxi nodded and exclaimed, “Momo, I won’t put myself down any more.”

Momo Quan felt that the children could still be taught.

Having said so much, Yuxi still hadn’t forgotten her original intention, “Momo, what’s the use of learning history books?” It was still too far away from her to cultivate herself, run the country and make the world a peaceful place, or to be practical as a whole.

Momo Quan chuckled. Her favourite child, Yuxi, no matter how many turned she took, she would never forget her original intention. “Reading history can increase your knowledge, broaden your thinking and you can see things more thoroughly. If you learn it well, it is much more useful than studying pharmacology and embroidery. “

When Yuxi heard this, she only had one idea in her mind. Something this useful should be learned!