Hua Manman knelt on the prayer cushion, kowtowed dutifully to the old matriarch, and then offered her a cup of hot tea with both hands.
"I am to be married soon, Grandmother. I will no longer be able to attend to you, so please take good care of yourself."
The old matriarch accepted the teacup and took a delicate sip.
"Once you are married, you will be a daughter-in-law in another family. You can no longer be as willful and reckless as you were at home. You must adhere to your duties, support your husband, and raise your children. Do not bring shame upon our Zhong'an Bo Mansion."
"I will remember your teachings, Grandmother."
Seeing her act so obediently today, without her usual impatience, the old matriarch's mood improved slightly.
She took out a land deed and handed it to her.
"Whenever a daughter of the Uncle's Mansion marries, I provide a contribution to her dowry. This is for you."
The old matriarch and Mrs. He were of one mind on this point: even if they disliked someone, they would put on a good face and leave no room for criticism.
Hua Manman accepted the deed with both hands and kowtowed again in thanks.
She knew the old matriarch did not care for her, so after completing the formalities, she tactfully rose and took her leave.
When she stepped outside, she found Hua Qingqing in the courtyard.
Hua Qingqing was dressed in a smoky-pink, empire-waist gown. Her hair fell to her waist, and she stood tall and graceful, a smile playing in her beautiful eyes.
She was cradling a small white kitten.
"Manman."
The kitten meowed at Hua Manman as well.
'What a cute little kitty!'
Hua Manman wanted to reach out and pet the cat, but then she remembered her persona. She could only suppress the urge, and instead, she scoffed.
"What are you doing here? Don't tell me this cat is yours. It's hideous!"
The corners of Hua Qingqing's mouth lifted into a smile. "This is my cat. His name is Little White. I heard you were visiting Grandmother, so I brought him to see you. You're getting married tomorrow, and it'll be hard for you to see him again. Would you like to pet him one last time?"
The little white kitten opened its jade-green eyes. Its fur was snow-white and soft—it looked irresistibly pettable.
Hua Manman's hands were itching to pet it.
But in the end, reason triumphed over impulse.
"I would never touch such an ugly cat!"
With that, Hua Manman turned and stomped away.
She was afraid that if she spared the kitten one more glance, she wouldn't be able to stop herself from breaking character.
Watching her younger sister run off, Hua Qingqing couldn't help but smile again.
"She's so contrary."
The little white kitten gave a soft MEW, as if in agreement.
As Hua Qingqing turned around, she saw the old matriarch standing at the door.
Clearly, the old matriarch had witnessed the entire exchange.
Hua Qingqing walked over, still cradling the cat. "Grandmother, see? I wasn't wrong. My younger sister is just a bit contrary, but she's actually very kind-hearted."
The old matriarch recalled the way Hua Manman had looked at the kitten earlier, and she frowned.
"As I recall, Manman never used to like small animals."
Hua Qingqing replied, "That's probably because she's so contrary. She clearly likes something, but she insists on pretending she doesn't. Just like a moment ago."
The old matriarch was skeptical. 'Is that really how it is?'
But she didn't dwell on it. In any case, Hua Manman was marrying out of the family tomorrow. What her personality was truly like was no longer her concern.
The old matriarch was most concerned about her eldest granddaughter.
"Qingqing, you are the eldest daughter. By rights, you should have been the first to marry.
But Manman's marriage was personally arranged by Princess Ningyang, and the wedding date was chosen by Prince Zhao himself.
We have no power to change it, so I'm afraid you've been put at a disadvantage.
Rest assured, I've already made arrangements with the Song family. As soon as Song Ding's mourning period is over, the two of you will be married."
At the mention of her marriage, Hua Qingqing couldn't help but blush, a bashful look on her face.
"I will abide by your arrangements, Grandmother."