The craftsmanship was exquisite and novel, but the South Sea pearls on it... Sixth Sister examined them carefully without showing any emotion, and their quality wasn't that good. Moreover, the style seemed somewhat familiar. The more Sixth Sister looked at it, the more familiar it seemed.
It seemed that An Jiu had a similar set, except that An Ran's set was made of red gold pearls, each pearl being perfectly round and full, almost the same size, and very lustrous.
The set that Chen Qian sent was far inferior in terms of both the size of the beads and their color and luster.
Sixth Sister's grip on the brocade box tightened suddenly, almost as if she wanted to throw the set of jewelry out the window.
Why does Chen Qian have to belittle her like that!
"Miss, what's wrong?" The maidservant beside her looked at Sixth Sister with a strange expression.
Despite the raging fire in her heart, Sixth Sister remained calm and composed. She even carefully closed the brocade box and smiled slightly, saying, "Since it was sent by Father, please keep it safe."
The maidservant responded and left.
Sixth Sister put down her purse and prepared to copy the scriptures.
Chen Qian, you think you can intimidate me before I even step inside? Well, let's wait and see who comes out on top!
******
The engagement date between Chen Qian and Liu Niang was finally agreed upon, and An Ran learned about it from San Niang.
At this time, Third Sister was almost six months pregnant and her pregnancy was quite noticeable. However, her morning sickness was not severe, and all her relatives, including Zhao, believed that she was carrying a boy.
An Ran took Nian Ge'er to visit San Niang's residence, where they first met Princess Yi. Princess Yi praised Nian Ge'er highly and presented him with many gifts.
Nian-ge'er didn't make the decision himself, but waited until An Ran nodded before accepting it and thanking her generously.
"Nian-ge'er is so well-behaved." Princess Yi praised without reservation, "Although he is young, he knows how to behave properly." She looked at An Ran and smiled again, "It is because you, as his mother, have taught him well."
An Ran quickly smiled and said a few words of modesty.
Now Nian-ge'er can behave very generously in front of strangers, with good manners and etiquette, showing the demeanor of a young master from a noble family. An Ran has really put a lot of thought into it.
Fortunately, he resolved his inner conflict, listened to Anran's advice, and learned very quickly.
Princess Yi, watching An Ran handle the situation with composure, felt a growing fondness for her. Although Third Sister could be a bit scatterbrained at times, she was kind-hearted. Her treatment of Dong Ge'er showed that she was definitely not a ruthless person.
Having such a smart and sensible younger sister by her side, who can offer guidance and help, is a blessing for Third Sister.
Moreover, An Ran is marrying the powerful Marquis of Pingyuan, whose status in the Emperor's heart is probably even higher than that of the Prince Yi's family. The two families are now related by marriage, and a closer relationship would also be very beneficial to the Prince Yi's family.
Therefore, the Princess Consort strongly encouraged Third Sister to spend more time with Anran.
Knowing that the two sisters had something to say, the Princess Consort did not keep them any longer and let them go to the Third Sister's courtyard to talk.
Nian-ge'er obediently let An-ran lead him.
Third Aunt was initially quite unhappy, as Lu Mingxiu had already caused a city-wide uproar over his illegitimate child before even marrying An Ran. However, when such a lovely child stood before her, calling her "Third Aunt" in a soft, sweet voice, Third Aunt's heart softened instantly.
Perhaps it was because she was pregnant these days, but her temperament had become much gentler.
Third Sister even took the initiative to bring Dongge'er out for Niange'er to see. In the past, Niange'er had only seen people who were older and of higher seniority than him. Now, seeing Dongge'er, who was even younger than him and couldn't even babble, he naturally found it very novel.
He immediately stopped walking and wanted to play with Dongge'er.
Third Sister already had something to say to Anran, and seeing this, she told the maids and wet nurses to keep a close eye on the two children while she took Anran inside to talk.
Seeing that Third Sister had been supporting her waist with her hand, An Ran knew that the walking had made her tired, so she quickly and considerately took a large pillow and put it under Third Sister's arm.
"I'm fine, don't worry." Seeing An Ran's concerned look, San Niang felt a warmth in her heart and smiled, "That's how it is when you're further along in your pregnancy."
An Ran nodded, still somewhat bewildered.
"The 26th was the day Chen Qian came to propose marriage. Grandmother and Father wanted us all to go back." Third Sister didn't mention Zhao Shi, following Zhao Shi's wishes, it was best not to give Sixth Sister any face. However, she also knew that in the eyes of outsiders, there was still the dignity of the Third and Ninth Aunts of the Marquis of Nan'an's mansion.
If Yun Shen and Lu Mingxiu do not show up, it also means that the two aunts are not valued in their husbands' families.
“Your brother-in-law said he’ll go.” Third Sister smiled slightly, a look of happiness and satisfaction in her eyes. “He’s worried about me going alone.”
An Ran's eyes darted around, and she immediately asked, "Third sister, how have things been between you and your husband lately?"
Seeing An Ran's ambiguous expression, San Niang couldn't help but scold, "You child." However, she still couldn't help but smile and said, "We don't sleep in separate rooms, and he always stays with me. He's the one who brings me tea and water at night."
It seems that Third Sister and Yun Shen have made up!
Anran was genuinely happy for her third sister, who had once been spoiled and arrogant, and who was finally able to manage her own life well.
Despite its many imperfections, the most important thing is to make yourself happy and comfortable.
"Don't talk about me, how are things between you and Lord Lu?" Third Sister also showed concern for An Ran; she trusted Lu Mingxiu's character. Since he had proposed not consummating the marriage, he wouldn't touch Ninth Sister. But as time went on, it couldn't be a problem, so she lowered her voice and asked, "Are you sleeping separately?"
An Ran blushed slightly and shook her head.
After hearing this, San Niang was both happy for An Ran and worried.
"What will you do if he... needs something?" Although it was an embarrassing question, Third Sister still asked it. There was still over a year until An Ran's coming-of-age ceremony; were they really going to let Lu Mingxiu endure it indefinitely?
An Ran's face turned completely red.
But with Third Sister watching her, she couldn't remain silent. So she steeled herself and told the truth.
He went to take a cold shower.
Chapter 131
Before An Ran could finish speaking, the astonishment in San Niang's eyes was already evident.