Madam Yue was amazed by Chun Mian's beautiful handwriting. When she opened the manuscript and began reading the story, her astonishment only grew.
Before long, she became so completely engrossed in the tale that she didn't even hear Chun Mian calling her. Seeing this, Chun Mian felt reassured.
Twenty thousand words was not particularly long, and Madam Yue quickly finished it. Afterward, she remained silent for a long time. Chun Mian was in no rush to ask for her opinion. She simply sat by the edge of the bed, quietly waiting for her to speak.
"What a pity my child is not a boy," Madam Yue sighed softly after the lengthy silence.
If she were a boy with such literary talent, how could she possibly fail the imperial examinations?
"If I were a boy, I wouldn't be able to be this close and intimate with you, Mother," Chun Mian said. She didn't think her gender was an issue at all; she merely nestled closer to Madam Yue, speaking affectionately.
