That day, in the end, I still didn't untie the rope that bound my older brother. I just sat at his feet and talked with him for a long time. I can't remember how long exactly, but I do know that when our father remembered to untie my older brother, I was already asleep leaning against his boots. Luckily, I didn't catch a cold that day. I still remember that my older brother spoke many words to me that he wouldn't normally mention.

Big brother said, Ayin, remember, from now on, you must not bow to anyone casually in the Shangshu Mansion. Besides father, you are the most esteemed person in this mansion.

Big brother said, "Ayin, I'm sorry. Brother wasn't good enough, didn't protect you well."

Big Brother said, Ayin, from now on, whenever there's trouble, just focus on taking care of yourself. You don't need to worry about me, as long as you're doing well, that's all that matters.

Big brother said, "Aying, don't be afraid. You are the only sister I have in this lifetime. No matter what you look like, you are the best in my eyes and no one can compare to you."

Big brother used to be always cold towards me, only speaking a few words. I always thought that he didn't care about me. But today, hearing him speak so much, I finally understand that in this Shangshu Mansion, big brother is the person who treats me the best. Upon careful consideration, I realized that even though he spoke few words to me in the past, every sentence was expressing his concern for me. It was just that I never paid attention.

Afterwards, I often heard people say that Father bought ZhuZhu a lot of jewelry and made her many winter clothes. But as for my winter clothes, I still wore the ones leftover from last year. The servants always said that Father wanted to raise Hongniang as his main wife. There were even people in Yunying Garden who tried to curry favor with Hongniang. Perhaps it was my childish vanity that made me do it, but every time there was a family banquet, I would take out the hairpin that Father had given me and pin it to my head, as if to show everyone in the mansion that Father was also very kind to me. Even though I knew that the hairpin surrounded by pearls and jade was not suitable for someone of my age.

Looking at the shining and brilliant steps in Yin Yin's hand, and then looking at the reflection in the mirror of himself who had already shed his childishness, he couldn't help but find it somewhat amusing. Thinking back to his own childish thoughts when he was young, he finally reached an age where he could match the splendor of Jin Buyao. However, he always felt that the color was too bright and the style too extravagant.

I suddenly felt a little emotional about those years when I wandered aimlessly. I couldn't be considered at the age of golden footshakes. In order to attract my father's attention, I would style my hair into a youthful coiffure and wear elaborate hairpins, while dressing in oversized palace robes and adopting the posture of a virtuous young lady. Finally, I reached an age where I could be worthy of a golden footshake. Yet, in a moment of realization, I found that the extravagant golden footshakes surrounded by jewels were actually quite vulgar, and simply couldn't compare to the delicate and elegant white jade hairpin.

I put on a smile and took the golden hairpin from Yin Yin's hand, putting it back into the vanity box. Then, I carefully searched through the jewelry inside the box. After looking around, I realized that most of my jewelry was actually hairpins, and they were all brightly colored and glamorous. Seeing me taking so long to make a decision, Yin Yin couldn't help but ask, "Miss, are these not to your liking? Should I go and get the hairpin that young master gave you last year during the Lantern Festival?"

I shook my head and after careful consideration, I still felt that the white jade hairpin I wore at the Orchid Tower looked the best. I took out the white jade hairpin and handed it to Yinyin, saying, "I won't choose anymore. I'll go with this one." Perhaps the white jade hairpin was too ordinary, Yinyin looked dazed as she stared at it. After a while, she finally said, "Miss, today is the reception banquet arranged by the master for you. In the past, you always dressed up for family banquets. But now... Besides, Miss Zhu Zhu will definitely dress meticulously. If you are compared to her, Lady Wei might boast about Miss Zhu Zhu to the other ladies. If you are always overshadowed by Miss Zhu Zhu, how can you secure a good marriage in the future?"

Yinyin is the maid that my mother left for me. Everything she says is for my own benefit. However, after I visited Lanshan Tower, I have gained some understanding of human relationships and worldly customs. I am no longer as enthusiastic as before when it comes to competing for favor with Zhu Zhu. I smiled and said, "It doesn't matter. Zhu Zhu is Lady Wei's daughter. No matter what, she will always be favored by Lady Wei. Lady Wei likes to brag, so let her do it. Our Miss will not be unable to find a husband."