"Third Sister, please listen to me." An Ran simply closed the box and forcefully stuffed it into Third Sister's hands. "It's not to appease you. Although Grandmother and Mother didn't explain the purpose of my coming to the Prince's Mansion when I left the Marquis's Mansion, the rumors spread throughout the entire Marquis's Mansion, so I knew."
Seeing the still somewhat wary look in Third Sister's eyes, An Ran smiled slightly.
“That’s right. Even though I knew it all along, I didn’t resist at all and just came here. I knew I had no power to go against my grandmother and mother, so I could only come here first and then make plans. But in these plans, I never thought of interfering between you and my brother-in-law!” A bitter look flashed across her eyes as she said, “Just like a few months ago, no one asked for my opinion before they brought me back to the Marquis’s mansion.”
Upon hearing this, San Niang was immediately moved. However, she still couldn't help but ask with doubt, "Is there anything wrong with returning to the Marquis's residence?"
“It’s not bad, of course.” An Ran didn’t want to look like a complaining old woman, so she quickly said, “It’s just that I’ve lived in the countryside for thirteen years and I’m used to life there. Now that I’ve suddenly moved to a different place, I’m not used to it.”
"To be honest with you, I really don't like the life of aristocratic families. For me, it's much better to go back to Yangzhou where I can be more comfortable."
Not used to it? Although An Ran's tone was sincere, Third Sister still looked at her with a suspicious gaze.
These past few days, she's thought of everything I hadn't even considered. Her calm, composed, and unhurried demeanor is truly unlike that of an ordinary country girl.
Meeting San Niang's gaze, An Ran seemed to realize that her words were not quite convincing enough. Her face flushed slightly, and she forced herself to remain calm, saying, "When it comes to learning, talent, and needlework, I am inferior to my sisters in the family in every way. I can only be careful and cautious in everything I do, and earn a reputation for being obedient and sensible."
Third Sister remained silent.
She had indeed heard her mother say that Jiu Niang was just pretty, but her mind was empty; at best, she was just a pretty vase.
But after spending time together, she realized that Anran was more than just that.
“Third Sister, although I am not outstanding, I am self-aware.” An Ran said sincerely to Third Sister, “Life in this secluded mansion in the capital is not suitable for me. The carefree life in the countryside of Yangzhou is the most suitable for me.”
"Now that I've experienced wealth and luxury in the Marquis's mansion, I realize that the simple and carefree life in the countryside is what I should cherish most." An Ran smiled slightly, her two souls speaking out simultaneously, shouting.
Anran stood up and bowed deeply to Third Sister.
"Please help me, sister."
A hint of surprise flashed in San Niang's eyes. "You actually want to go back?"
“That’s right. As things stand right now, the only one who can help me is you, sister.” An Ran looked at her third sister with anticipation and said, “Grandmother is the first one who won’t agree. But you are the heir apparent of the Prince’s family, the future Princess Consort, and your words carry the most weight in the family. If you can speak up, I think Grandmother won’t refuse.”
This is why she willingly came to Prince Yi's residence.
Helping Third Sister secure her position as the Heir Apparent's wife is the most important thing for the Marquis of Nan'an's household. Moreover, Third Sister doesn't want anyone else to interfere in her relationship with Yun Shen, which is also an opportunity for me to extricate myself.
As expected, Third Sister remained silent for a moment before slowly saying, "Do you know that the longer you stay in the Prince's mansion, the worse your reputation will become? How will you marry someone in the future?"
Who would want to marry a girl who had lingered in her elder sister's household for a long time, preparing to become her brother-in-law's concubine?
An Ran, however, didn't seem to care and blurted out, "Anyway, I'm going back to Yangzhou. It's far from here and the emperor's reach is limited, so what does it matter?"
Her nonchalant manner touched Third Sister.
If Jiu Niang wanted to stay, with her looks and the advantage of being by the water, she might have had the chance to have private contact with Yun Shen. However, she strictly adhered to the rules and mostly stayed in her room without going out.
And this bracelet right now.
Third Sister reopened the box in her hand, her fingers gently brushing against the lustrous and translucent jade bracelet.
This was a perfect excuse to get Yun Shen's attention. But he had never seen this bracelet on Jiu Niang's wrist before. And... San Niang glanced at An Ran, who was dressed up in her finest attire today. At this moment, she didn't seem like an innocent and naive little girl, but rather had gained a touch of delicate charm.
There were many guests at today's full moon celebration, and many people were amazed when they saw Jiu Niang.
However, since she usually lived in the Prince's mansion, An Ran had never dressed up like this before. Her childlike double buns and simple, plain clothes made people see her only as a child.
The facts are right before our eyes; no one can deny that she had no improper thoughts.
"I'm sorry you had to suffer." Third Sister wasn't ungrateful. She sighed deeply, took An Ran's hand, and said, "It's me who's dragging you down."
An Ran was overjoyed.
"Sister, please don't say that. I should thank you properly!" An Ran's worried expression relaxed. She was genuinely happy and said playfully, "If you think I'm good, you can give me a few acres of paddy fields."
Seeing her uninhibited and straightforward manner, Third Sister also felt a liking for her. "You certainly know how to plan. Don't worry, I will prepare a generous dowry for you."
An Ran thanked the Third Sister openly and without any hesitation.
Now that the two sisters had resolved their differences, Third Sister found An Ran even more pleasing to the eye and became even closer to her than before.
"Sister, I think today's events are most likely related to Madam Li and Consort Li." To achieve her goal, the first step is to ensure that Third Sister secures her position as the Crown Prince's wife. An Ran analyzed, "We should thoroughly investigate them."
At this moment, Third Sister trusted An Ran even more, and she asked, "Do you think Consort Li is also involved?"
An Ran nodded, and just as she was about to speak, she heard a maid's announcement from under the eaves that Yun Shen had returned.
Third Sister's face immediately turned cold.
"Sister, I'll say goodbye to my brother-in-law and leave now," An Ran hurriedly instructed her third aunt. "Please remember to be patient and let your brother-in-law finish speaking. So many eyes are watching you, you mustn't act impulsively."
As they were talking, Yun Shen had already lifted the curtain and come in. (Just Love Network)
Chapter 50 Poisonous Scheme
An Ran didn't linger. After exchanging greetings with Yun Shen, she returned to the east wing.
Yun Shen's gaze fell on the jade bracelet on San Niang's wrist, which he had specially brought back for her when he went to Yunnan on business last time.
His gaze softened involuntarily.
"There's something I need your help with, Madam," Yun Shen's voice softened slightly.
Third Sister's heart tightened; it must be that matter. However, she showed no sign of it on her face, pretending to know nothing. She smiled and said, "Young Master, you actually have something to ask of me? Tell me, if I can do it, I will not refuse."
"Do you still remember Captain Wang Xin, who was a good friend of mine when I was training in the army?" Yun Shen asked.