Even though she practiced hard for a while, the work she produced could only be described as barely passable.
"Seventh Sister is a bit better than me, but Sixth Sister's needlework is even better! Ninth Sister, look at this purse of mine." Tenth Sister took the purse and handed it to An Ran. "This was given to me by Sixth Sister."
A pair of butterflies, seemingly poised for flight, landed lifelike on the peony blossoms, as if one could almost see their wings trembling. The peony petals, layered upon layered, bloomed vividly on the purse. This craftsmanship is enough to qualify her as an embroiderer at the Lingxiu Pavilion!
An Ran's heart skipped a beat.
Shi Niang said that her needlework was the worst among the three sisters, but in her opinion, it was already good enough.
Debts must always be repaid.
But Shi Niang looked at her with admiration and said, "Ninth Sister grew up in Jiangnan, so I'm afraid you're better at needlework than Sixth Sister! Please don't think I'm stupid, Ninth Sister, and teach me more in the future!"
An Ran felt extremely guilty when she realized that her needlework skills were practically childlike compared to the three of them.
She mumbled a few words of evasion, which Shi Niang probably took as her modesty.
As the two were talking, Liu Niang and Qi Niang came to see An Ran together.
Sixth Sister gave Anran two purses and a handkerchief; Seventh Sister was generous and gave Anran a pair of crystal vases.
In comparison, the gifts Anran gave were much more meager.
Anran's gift was nothing more than a collection of novel trinkets she bought in Yangzhou before leaving. Compared to the handmade vases made by Sixth Sister and Tenth Sister, and the valuable vases given by Seventh Sister, Anran's gift was simply unimpressive.
Fortunately, the three of them didn't mind.
An Ran originally wanted to prepare a handmade gift to express her feelings, but she had grown up in a pampered environment before the age of twelve. Although she was reborn and suddenly realized her mistakes, she did not focus on this. She only thought about how to manage her own family with her younger siblings, so she did not have any outstanding skills.
Thinking about having to meet the Grand Madam, Madam Zhao, and even her own father at dinner, she, as a junior, felt utterly helpless for not being able to offer a thoughtful gesture...
An Ran resisted the urge to cover her face, and a genuine sense of unease appeared on her face.
Being a daughter of a noble family isn't easy!
Chapter 6 Father
Before the end of the day, the four Anran sisters arrived at the Grand Madam's Rong'an Hall.
At this time, the eldest son, Feng-ge'er, and the second son, Rui-ge'er, had finished their studies and came to pay their respects to the Grand Madam, while also waiting to see their ninth sister, Anran, whom they had never met before.
Feng is thirteen years old this year, the same age as Anran, but two months younger. Rui is nine years old this year. Their father, Marquis An Yuanliang of Nan'an, has hired a tutor for them to study at home.
When Anran entered, the Grand Madam was asking the two brothers about their studies.
Upon seeing her arrive, the old lady's eyes lit up.
Her lake-blue dress paired with a white half-sleeved top with apricot blossom design created a refreshing and charming look that further accentuated An Ran's fair complexion. She still wore her hair in a slightly childish double bun, but the two gorgeous ruby pearl flowers at her temples added a touch of nobility, giving her the air of a noble lady.
The old lady beckoned her forward and introduced their ninth sister to An Feng and An Rui.
An Feng approached An Ran with a generous gesture, addressing her as Ninth Sister. An Rui, however, was somewhat shy and awkwardly uttered, "Ninth Sister."
Looking at An Rui, who was about the same age as An Mu, An Ran felt a surge of tenderness in her heart. She smiled brightly and greeted the two of them separately: "Big brother, second brother."
Her bright smile was even more radiant than the sunset, and a hint of amazement flashed in the brother's eyes.
An Ran had met the two brothers, and then Zhao Shi brought An Yu over as well.
After exchanging greetings, An Feng and An Rui withdrew to return to their studies.
When Zhao saw the pearl hairpin in Anran's hair, a hint of satisfaction appeared in her eyes.
"Ninth Sister has fair skin, and this lake-blue dress and ruby look beautiful on her." Madam Zhao praised An Ran, then smiled at the Grand Madam and said, "Knowing that she would be back in the next few days, I prepared to have several clothes made for her, and they all fit perfectly. The fabric that Third Sister sent over the other day was quite good; we'll make a few more sets for her after we take her measurements another day."
"Mother is biased!" Seventh Sister snuggled up to Zhao Shi and acted coquettishly, then turned to look at the Grand Madam and said, "Grandmother, you see, as soon as Ninth Sister came, Mother forgot all about us!"
Zhao laughed and said, "You little rascal! Your sister just got back, so I should be showing her more favoritism. Your tenth sister hasn't even said a word yet!"
The old lady was very pleased with the harmonious atmosphere.
"Alright, alright, take a few bolts of fabric from my storeroom, and each of you sisters can make two spring outfits." The Grand Madam beckoned for the wet nurse to put An Yu on the daybed. She patted An Yu affectionately and said softly, "And our Yu-ge'er too."
When An Yu saw that the Grand Madam had mentioned him, and everyone's eyes were on him again, he smiled shyly, revealing two small dimples.
Seeing that the Dowager Lady doted on An Yu, Zhao's tense spirits were finally somewhat relieved.
Shi Niang chimed in, "Then we should all thank Ninth Sister. We've really benefited from her this time!"
An Ran blushed slightly, revealing a shy and reserved smile.
Upon hearing that new clothes were to be made, the sisters immediately started chatting excitedly. Seventh Sister even pestered the Grand Madam and the Madam to ask what kind of clothes they wanted and how to match them to look good.
Looking at the several beautiful young girls, the Dowager Lady's mood brightened considerably. She began to carefully discuss their appearances with Zhao Shi, not wanting to spoil the Dowager Lady's mood, and enthusiastically recounted the latest fashion trends in the capital. An Yu, sitting in the Dowager Lady's lap, looked left and right, her gaze finally settling on the newly arrived Ninth Sister.
Feeling his gaze, An Ran smiled gently at him, and then An Yu turned around and snuggled into the Grand Madam's arms.
The harmonious atmosphere continued until their biological father, An Yuanliang, returned.
The sound of curtains rustling came from outside, followed by a maid's clear voice announcing, "The Marquis has arrived."
The sisters, who had been laughing and joking, quickly stood up straight. Even An Yu climbed out of the old lady's arms and stood obediently on the ground.
An Ran suddenly felt a little nervous.
From a young age, she didn't know what a father and mother were; her closest person was her grandmother. Back then, her younger siblings had parents, and she secretly envied them. Although her aunt passed away later, and her uncle worked far away, they still had something to hold onto.
Now that she's back in the Marquis's mansion, Zhao Shi is only her legal mother, her mother in name only. As for her father... she has to admit that she still harbors a faint hope in her heart!