"Ninth Sister, why are you acting like a gourd with its mouth sawed off today?" Third Sister felt that An Ran should show herself more in front of her future mother-in-law, so she pointed at An Ran with her finger and said, "Where's your usual cleverness?"
When these words reached the ears of Sixth Sister and the others, they could clearly hear Third Sister's favoritism.
However, since Third Sister was their elder sister and now held a high position, they could only harbor their anger in their hearts without daring to speak out.
An Ran sighed inwardly. Her sister meant well, but wasn't she just indirectly making her the target of hatred?
She could only chuckle twice, trying to get away with it.
Third Sister was about to say something more when suddenly there was a commotion in front, as if someone had come to announce that the Empress's reward had arrived.
This is an immense honor. It must be understood that the current emperor has only one empress in his harem, and all three princes are born of the empress. Such an honor is rare throughout history. Everyone knows that the current emperor cherishes the empress; if it were the empress's wish, the current emperor would find a way to make it happen.
Fortunately, the empress was always low-key, understanding, and reasonable, so no incident of a femme fatale bringing disaster to the country occurred.
If they could gain the Empress's favor, their family would be on the verge of meteoric rise. The Empress's glory would extend not only to this moment but also to the future.
After the eunuch who delivered the imperial decree left, everyone crowded around to see the Empress's rewards, offering a few flattering words to please their mistress. An Ran's eyes also flashed with envy. She wasn't envious of the generous rewards, but rather of the fact that the Empress had someone who truly cared for her.
If she could find someone who truly loves her and stays with her for life, she would be willing to accept anything, regardless of wealth or poverty.
But this is probably just a wishful thinking that can never be fulfilled!
******
After the birthday banquet of Lady Qingxiang, Anran still had to go back with Third Sister.
She had previously agreed with Third Sister that once her injuries were fully healed, she would return to the Marquis's residence with Third Sister to explain everything. She figured the Grand Madam and Madam Zhao wouldn't object, especially Madam Zhao, who had suffered enough herself and naturally didn't want her daughter to suffer any more.
Third Sister and Zhao came out together. Zhao looked at Third Sister with a hint of something in her eyes, but swallowed her words back.
"Mother, I will return to the Marquis's mansion in a few days. I have something to tell you." Third Sister looked at Zhao Shi and said softly, "Don't worry, I am doing very well now."
Zhao nodded, feeling a slight stinging sensation in her eyes.
When I saw Third Sister again this time, she seemed quite different from before. Her eyes seemed to have gained more composure and maturity, and lost some of her childlike enthusiasm.
Women always have to overcome this hurdle, especially the wives of noble families.
Perhaps she really has changed and can adapt to the identity of the Crown Prince's wife, and live a good life with the Crown Prince.
Zhao felt both gratified and heartbroken.
Seeing Zhao Shi board the carriage, Third Sister followed suit, leading Ninth Sister onto her own carriage. Sixth Sister and the others, lagging behind, harbored a hint of jealousy in their eyes.
Third Sister treats Ninth Sister way too well!
Seventh Sister and Tenth Sister grew up in the Marquis's mansion since childhood, and Third Sister's treatment of Fifth Sister was no different. Ninth Sister had only been back from outside for a short time, yet she had already won over Third Sister. Moreover, it seemed that Ninth Sister was not destined to become the young master's concubine.
If Ninth Sister were to return to the Marquis's mansion—having won the favor of Third Sister, she would surely stand out among her sisters and gain the attention of Madam Zhao.
Could it be that after all this time, the person most likely to marry the Marquis of Pingyuan is still Ninth Sister?
The three sisters boarded the carriage with mixed feelings.
"Today you and Miss Zhou went to—" Third Sister originally wanted to ask An Ran how she felt about meeting Fang Ting today, but thinking that they were still in the carriage and the old woman accompanying the carriage might hear, she gave up and abruptly changed the subject, saying, "You went to instruct her on her embroidery skills?"
An Ran was both amused and exasperated.
"Sister, don't you know how my embroidery is going?" An Ran had already guessed that this was an excuse, and there must be something going on inside. Coupled with San Niang's unusual behavior at the moment, she was even more certain of her guess, but she held back because they were outside. "Miss Zhou invited me to go see her cat."
Third Sister nodded, feigning sudden realization, and said, "So that's how it is."
"Third sister, her cat is a Linqing Lion Cat, its long white fur is so beautiful!" An Ran said with envy.
Third Sister didn't take it seriously and said, "What's the big deal? If you like them, I'll have someone get you two tomorrow. I guarantee they'll be even prettier than Miss Zhou's, okay?"
To everyone's surprise, An Ran shook her head, "I'll just take a look, I'm not going to keep it."
She did like the cute little creature very much, but the thought that it might become a tool for others to exploit made her give up.
An Ran remembered that one of Chen Qian's previous concubines had used someone else's cat to harm others and frame them. If she ever had her own house, she might consider keeping one.
There are too many underhanded tactics in the inner quarters, and she won't add to her burdens or drag others down unless she's sure she can protect herself.
Third Sister wasn't interested in these things to begin with, and when An Ran said she didn't want them, she gave up on the idea.
As the carriage slowly and steadily made its way out of the street in front of the Marquis of Qingxiang's residence, it suddenly slowed down. The carriages of Zhao and the others ahead also came to a temporary stop.
An Ran lifted the curtain and looked outside, only to see several carriages parked ahead.
There were quite a few people coming to the Marquis of Qingxiang's residence to offer birthday wishes today, so the process of leaving would definitely be slower. Anran lowered the curtain and chatted with Third Sister every now and then, waiting patiently.
Little did they know, a completely different world unfolded inside the carriage carrying Sixth Sister and the others. The three of them were filled with excitement.
"Isn't that Marquis Pingyuan?" Bored out of her mind, Qi Niang lifted the carriage curtain and unexpectedly saw a tall, slender figure in stone blue riding a horse and waiting in front of the main gate of the Marquis of Qingxiang's mansion.
Shi Niang had also seen Marquis Pingyuan from afar. Upon hearing this, she immediately lifted the curtain to look, and sure enough, the tall and imposing figure was none other than Marquis Pingyuan, Lu Mingxiu.
Even among those traveling together, their backs all looked quite similar. But just by looking at Lu Mingxiu's tall, slender back, one could almost glimpse his aloof and stern demeanor.
Sixth Sister had not yet met Lu Mingxiu, but she had only heard Liu Mama talking about how there was such a good marriage in the mansion, and that she must do everything in her power to win it, so as not to let down all the years of hard work she had put into raising her.
With such excellent conditions, Liu Niang was naturally very satisfied. If she could really marry Pingyuan Marquis, she could live a life of wealth and worry-free happiness. It would not have been in vain for all the suffering she had endured over the years. Although she didn't know what he looked like, his status and position were enough to make her yearn for him.
This was a rare opportunity, so Sixth Sister hurriedly looked outside.
Although Lu Mingxiu was a young master from a prominent family, he could now be considered to have a military background. Being stared at by so many eyes, he could naturally sense it keenly.