Chapter 72 Old Madam Mo Is Back (1/2)

Mo Xuetong glared at Bai Yihao's retreating back until he disappeared completely. She only regained her calmness then. She lifted a corner of her skirt and entered Mo Huawen's study. Mo Huawen was sitting in his study. He was smiling and seemed to be in a good mood. When he saw Mo Xuetong entering, he waved at her and gestured for her to approach.

What did Bai Yihao tell her father earlier to make him so happy?

Learning the Qin? She would not believe that, of course.

”Learning the Qin?” Mo Xuetong looked at Mo Huawen incredulously and with wide eyes and repeated that.

”That's right. I did not expect Sir Bai to think that you have potential and would be good at the Qin. He came especially to invite Tong'er to learn the Qin. This is something unprecedented.” Mo Huawen laughed out loud and looked at his daughter's dazed and adorable face. He could not help but reach out and touch her hair. He was in a very good mood.

Bai Yihao's Qin cla.s.ses were not something that anyone could attend if they wanted to. As a famous man in Qin Kingdom, Bai Yihao's skill at the Qin was just as great as his medicinal skill. Even though he was amazing at medicine, this did not attract any attention from the girls. His skill at the Qin though, was something elegant, and the n.o.ble ladies in the capital all admired him for it.

The n.o.ble ladies all wished to study the Qin under Bai Yihao. However, Bai Yihao had never cared for this. As such, the ladies all pleaded with their fathers, but the officials had no way to ask the n.o.ble Bai Yihao to teach them. As such, they all got their wives to bring their daughters to plead with the Empress Dowager.

This annoyed Bai Yihao even more so, and in the end, having had his hand forced by the Empress Dowager, he decided to teach the n.o.ble ladies for a month in spring every year. However, he only taught a few of them. Those who wanted to learn from him had to first pa.s.s a test set by him. He would only teach them if they had talent.

They could only learn from him if he considered them talented. No matter what, this matter would increase their status by manyfold. Furthermore, being able to learn the Qin from Bai Yihao, who was ethereal and like a fairy, would make the other ladies envious of them. The ladies all attended Bai Yihao's test, but only one in ten could pa.s.s it.

”Father, Tong'er's musical skills are decent and I don't need to learn it from Sir Bai. Furthermore, men and women should not be in close contact. It is not right for him to teach me the Qin personally.” Mo Xuetong pouted secretly. However, she kept a smile on her face as she objected to the idea.

”Relax, Sir Bai is n.o.ble and elegant. He is like the clouds in the sky. He teaches several girls, and they are all from n.o.ble families. They are all musical and everyone would think that this is something elegant. Even the Princess is learning the Qin from him. Sir Bai had never invited anyone to his cla.s.s personally. You can get to know some n.o.ble ladies of the capital in his cla.s.s. This is great. I have already agreed on your behalf. You will go to learn the Qin when the year starts. I will get you an instrument and everything you need.” Mo Huawen laughed happily, unable to hide his joy.

”This is a rare opportunity! Sir Bai is too kind! I will take you to Sir Bai's and thank him personally!”

Mo Xuetong could not say anything else when she saw how happy Mo Huawen was. Furthermore, he had already agreed, and it would be hard to make any changes. Anyway, they still had to wait for Spring of next year, and that was still a month or two away. So many things could change then, so she would not defy her father right now. Furthermore, she understood Mo Huawen's intentions and she was very touched.

It was true that he really cared for her. He was afraid that she would not be able to a.s.similate into the n.o.ble ladies' social circle and that she would be ostracised by them. However, she had never experienced such deep love her father had for her in her past life.

”Yes, I will listen to you, Father.” She was not insistent on objecting. She poked out her tongue and smiled obediently.

”You naughty girl!” Mo Huawen's heart softened when he saw how adorable and active his daughter was, and he scolded her with a smile.

”Father, look, this is a letter Second Uncle gave me to pa.s.s to you. He said that I had to give it to you when you are alone. I wonder what he was so secretive about. He won't allow me to look and the seams of the letter are stuck so firmly.” Mo Xuetong laughed and changed the topic. She took out the letter Luo Bin gave her to Mo Huawen. She looked as if she was reluctant to give it to Mo Huawen and pouted her tiny lips.

Mo Huawen was startled. He took the letter and his expression grew slightly grave. However, he seemed as if he was afraid to let Mo Xuetong see it. He put the letter away casually and smiled at Mo Xuetong, saying, ”Your grandmother is here. Remember to greet her later!”

Mo Xuetong discovered the trace of darkness deep down in his eyes. It was as if there was a flash of sadness through them. Even though he sat there with his back straight and tall, it made one feel as if he was old and wizened.

Was it because of the letter?

However, since Mo Huawen did not say anything, she could not ask about it.

”Grandmother is here? Did she come today?” She asked with a smile, changing the topic as what Mo Huawen did.

”She came last night, but she might only leave after the New Year. Go and see her since you just came back. Your cousin Xueyan is here too. The two of you can keep each other company. Go on.” Mo Huawen ordered with a smile. He was afraid that she might not recognize Mo Xueyan who had just come and mentioned it especially.

”Alright, Father, then I will take my leave now.” Mo Xuetong smiled and stood up. She had only taken a few steps when she suddenly turned around. Her smile faded and she scrunched up her nose unhappily at Mo Huawen, saying, ”Father, it's so cold and your study is really cold. Get the servants to make this place warmer, of I'll be unhappy.”

Then, she looked at Mo Huawen adorably.

”Alright, I will get them to heat up the room.” Mo Huawen said with a smile. He watched his daughter leave the study with a satisfied and gentle smile. Then, he picked up the letter he had placed beside him earlier and opened it. He frowned as he read, his expression growing colder and colder.

Mo Lan had long been waiting at the eves. She handed Mo Xuetong a heated stove to hold and then carefully helped her onto the snow-covered ground. It had stopped snowing, and only a few stray snowflakes were still swirling in the air, on the branches, leaves and fake mountains. There was a light layer of snow by the lake banks. It made the lake look like it was wearing clothes of white jade.