The Whole Body is Full of Thorns
There were many Taoist girls in Yushou, but he was the only son.
Yu Boyan was the eldest son of Huo, now over sixteen years old. He had been studying at Hengshan Academy and rarely returned home. This time, however, he came back early for the New Year Festival, taking a break from the academy.
As soon as Yu Boyan returned, the old lady's Yuhua Garden became lively.
When Yu Linlang passed by, she saw a room full of people gathered around several large cages, happily selecting fabrics.
Yu Boyan resembled the governor of the Yu family in both face and figure. His features were slightly square, his stature not particularly tall, but his build was sturdy. He had not inherited the beauty of Huo, yet this did not diminish the old lady's or Huo's affection for him. After all, he was the only eldest master of the Yu family, and the old lady had always been kind to him.
Yu Boyan was generous and polite. Though not striking in appearance, his manner of speech was gentle and courteous.
The old lady looked at her eldest grandson with increasing satisfaction and smiled. "Come, meet your sister Linlang. Linlang just returned home. These days, she has been busy assisting your father's case. I heard from him that she has helped a great deal."
"Thank you for your hard work, Sister Linlang," Yu Boyan said, bowing politely.
Yu Linlang returned the greeting in a proper manner and addressed him as "Big Young Master."
Yu Boyan was momentarily stunned by the formal address but then smiled. "The New Year is approaching. Sister Linlang should also pick a few fabrics she likes."
Yu Linlang thanked him but did not immediately step forward to choose.
The old lady glanced at the lively crowd, a trace of concern flickering in her eyes. "I wonder if your father can handle everything before the New Year."
"Grandmother, look at this fabric. It's soft and smooth—just perfect for making a hood for you. If there's any extra, I'll make a forehead cloth as well," Yu Pianpian said, holding up a brown-red fabric and playfully nudging the old lady.
The old lady's worries dissipated slightly. She smiled and tapped Yu Pianpian's forehead lightly. "You!"
Yu Pianpian pouted playfully. "Does Grandmother not trust my embroidery skills?"
"Of course, I trust you. Your embroidery has been praised by everyone."
Huo, who had been sipping tea, smiled and said—perhaps intentionally, perhaps not—to Yu Linlang and the other female relatives, "Pianpian received excellent grades again this year. She excels in all her studies. The embroidery instructors at Lishuyun Women's Academy have high regard for her skills."
Yu Zhihuan, who had just picked a few fabrics she liked, immediately frowned upon hearing such high praise for Yu Pianpian.
"Ping Jie'er has been embroidering her wedding items these days. Pianpian, pick a few fine fabrics for her as well."
"Yes, Grandmother," Yu Pianpian replied, standing up. She then glanced at Yu Linlang, who remained on the sidelines, and smiled.
With the lightness of a colorful bird, Yu Pianpian flitted over to Yu Linlang and reached out to pull her wrist. "Sister Linlang, why are you just standing there? This is a New Year's gift from Big Brother for the women of our household. Come, pick one you like."
Yu Linlang swiftly avoided her touch, frowning slightly. "Don't be so familiar with me. Stay away."
Yu Pianpian's hand froze midair, and she instinctively stepped back, looking hurt.
She hadn't expected Yu Linlang to be so blunt, revealing her distaste so openly in front of their grandmother and mother.
Huo's face darkened upon seeing her beloved daughter slighted. She angrily slapped the table. "Yu Linlang, what kind of attitude is this? Your sister was being kind, yet you treat her like this?"
Yu Linlang took out a veil from her sleeve and tied it over her nose. Her voice was cold. "She reeks—her perfume is overpowering. If she comes near me again, I'll have someone throw her out. Madam, you should take better care of your daughter. Just because you like her doesn't mean everyone else must."
"You—you!" Huo's fury flared, and she stood up. "Do you think I can't discipline you?"
"Mother!" Yu Boyan sensed the tension rising and quickly intervened. He stepped forward and bowed. "Please, calm down. Today is the day of my return. Let's not spoil it with anger."
He turned to Yu Linlang. "Miss Linlang is still young and has lived in Xiaozhuang for many years. It's understandable that she has certain discomforts. Mother, please don't take it to heart."
Yu Pianpian, still teary-eyed, wiped her face with her veil while discreetly sniffing it.
Where does it stink? she thought bitterly. Yu Linlang is just being cruel!
The old lady frowned and gently pulled Yu Pianpian into her arms, soothing her.
"Linlang, your sister meant no harm. Why did you have to wound her so deeply?" the old lady asked, looking into Yu Linlang's dark eyes behind her veil.
But thinking of Linlang's pitiful upbringing, she sighed and let the matter drop.
"Forget it. If you don't want to choose, I'll ask Madam Hu to pick some fine fabrics and send them to your courtyard."
Without another word, Yu Linlang turned and left.
Huo, still seething, resisted the urge to throw her teacup, her beautiful face dark with hostility.
"Wait!"
Yu Zhihuan ran after Yu Linlang, stopping her just outside Yuhua Garden.
The young girl, only twelve or thirteen years old, barely reached Yu Linlang's shoulders.
Even with her hands on her hips, she still had to tilt her head up to look at Yu Linlang, making her feel as though she lacked authority.
Yu Linlang raised an eyebrow at her.
Yu Zhihuan hesitated, clutching the handkerchief in her hand. "Come with me. I need to talk to you."
Yu Linlang ignored her and walked past.
Growing anxious, Yu Zhihuan ran ahead, calling, "Hey! Didn't you hear me? I have something important to tell you!"
When Yu Linlang still paid her no mind, Yu Zhihuan reached out to grab her sleeve.
But before she could touch her, Yu Linlang swiftly pulled away, brushing off her sleeve as if discarding filth.
Yu Zhihuan's eyes widened in disbelief. "Are you a hedgehog covered in thorns? No one can even touch you? I just wanted to talk!"
"You don't want the whole mansion to turn against you, do you? You've already made an enemy of Yu Pianpian. She holds grudges. She might smile now, but who knows how much she hates you inside?"
"It's only a matter of time. When the opportunity comes, you'll see how she strikes back."
Seeing that Yu Linlang continued walking, unbothered, Yu Zhihuan quickened her pace to keep up.
"We don't have to be enemies. We can form an alliance."
She huffed, nearly twisting her ankle from running.
"If we work together, we can deal with Yu Pianpian. I can help you—hey! Are you even listening?"
Still, Yu Linlang walked on.
Yu Zhihuan stomped her foot in frustration, glaring at her retreating figure.
Her grip on the handkerchief tightened until it nearly twisted into knots.