The reason why Third Sister was so kind and gentle to An Ran was largely due to the fact that when Li Shi served tea earlier, An Ran's words were all in her favor, while Li Shi suffered repeated setbacks.
An Ran smiled and said, "Thank you, sister! Although the silk bracelet you bestowed upon Li Shi is very nice, I took a look and it's empty inside. I'm worried..." She lowered her voice and said, "What if Li Shi puts something inside herself, and it turns out that you, sister, did it?"
"That bitch Li dares to do that!" Third Sister slammed her hand on the table, nearly spilling the hot tea. "I'm being magnanimous by not arguing with her! And she's still trying to scheme against me!"
Anran was helpless.
They've already set their sights on you, sister! They're just too skilled to notice right now.
"Sister, don't worry." An Ran was determined to make Third Sister realize how formidable Li was and to take precautions against her. Although it would be difficult to retaliate immediately, they couldn't let others lead them by the nose any longer. "Let's put aside whether she's still around or not; we can't be too careful."
“This set of crimson gold jewelry was given to you by the Princess Consort not long ago. You had it registered and haven’t touched it since. Just now, I specifically asked Huaping to tell her this, to warn her to think carefully before she acts.” Anran said in a deep voice, “If she wants to do something shady, she should first think about who gave it to her, and see if she dares to scheme against the Princess Consort as well.”
Third Sister unconsciously widened her eyes, clearly not having figured this out.
No wonder, her third sister has always had a smooth life, she has never encountered such a setback.
"Third sister, you must remember what I told you!" Anran was worried about her third aunt, knowing she would be going back by the afternoon at the latest. "First of all, you must show weakness in front of your brother-in-law. Whether you feel wronged or angry, you must not quarrel with him. No matter whose fault it is, you must endure it for a few days."
"As for Lady Li, since you've allowed her into the family, you must be magnanimous and accept her. You must ensure that she gives birth to her child safely and without any mishaps. The best way is to ask the Princess Consort for her; that would be the proper course of action."
“Your reasons are quite valid. You have never given birth yourself, so naturally the people around you have no experience. Not sending someone over is not because you are stingy or jealous.” An Ran was afraid that Third Sister might not understand, so she added, “It would be best to tell your brother-in-law and the Princess Consort what you have to say, so that they can understand as well.”
To outsiders, Li Shi might seem like the weaker party, but that's not actually the case. Some things, if left unsaid, can lead to misunderstandings, especially given San Niang's personality.
Third Sister agreed.
"Since Third Sister has other matters to attend to later, why don't you find an old woman to prepare a carriage to take me back?" An Ran realized there was nothing she could help with the remaining matters, and it wouldn't be appropriate for her to stay here any longer. "Don't worry, Third Sister, I know what to say to Mother and Grandmother!"
Unexpectedly, Third Sister shook her head.
"Have lunch here, and I'll take you back!" Third Sister said calmly. "When you go back, take Zhimo and Rulan with you. I'll give them to you to use from now on."
For the first time, a crack appeared on An Ran's usually calm expression.
You should know that these two people were sent to Third Sister by Zhao Shi, who wanted Third Sister to be the young master's concubine! Third Sister immediately explained the situation to her.
"Third sister, I'm afraid this is not appropriate?" An Ran disagreed, and said with a double meaning, "I can go back by myself, don't worry."
At this time, it is not advisable for San Niang to leave the Prince's Mansion, and Zhi Mo and Ru Lan should also stay in the Prince's Mansion safely.
Third Sister was about to say something more when she heard the voice of a little maid outside.
"The young master has arrived."
An Ran quickly stood up, and San Niang also got up to go out and greet them.
A moment later, Yun Shen lifted the curtain and entered. He was wearing a royal blue silk robe with black floral patterns and a rising star design, making him look even more tall and handsome.
"Third Sister—" He was about to speak to Third Sister when he looked up and saw An Ran standing to the side, looking a little reserved. He then smiled and said, "Ninth Sister is here too!"
Today, in preparation for meeting Li, Anran dressed up meticulously, resulting in a strikingly beautiful and assertive appearance.
Even though Yun Shen had seen many beauties, he couldn't help but be amazed.
"Brother-in-law." An Ran stepped forward and curtsied, then smiled at Third Sister and said, "Sister, I'll head back now."
The couple watched Anran leave.
"Ninth Sister said she wanted to go back, and I told her I would take her after lunch." Third Sister said, "Li Shi came by earlier, so I told her to go and rest for a while and then I would take her to see Mother Consort."
Yun Shen nodded, a hint of guilt flashing in his eyes. "Three years, it must have been tough on you..."
Third Sister behaved very well today, and arranged Li Shi's courtyard very well. She even rewarded her with jewelry. Yun Shen and Third Sister were a young couple, and he knew Third Sister very well. He knew that it was very rare for Third Sister to have done such a thing.
"Young Master, what are you saying?" Third Sister smiled slightly, her voice unsteady, "We're finally going to have a child, and I'm happy for you. It's just that the first boy... wasn't blessed."
Before San Niang finished speaking, tears streamed down her cheeks.
That was a painful memory for Third Sister. She was strong-willed and rarely mentioned it. But once she did, Yun Shen never failed to soften his heart.
"It's all my fault!" Yun Shen quickly hugged San Niang to comfort her, softening his voice as he coaxed, "I'm the one who made you suffer! We'll have children in the future..."
Overwhelmed with grief, Third Sister remained silent, only leaning against Yun Shen's chest and weeping silently.
"Stop crying, you'll hurt your eyes." Yun Shen patiently persuaded Third Sister, "Aren't you going to take Ninth Sister home after lunch? I'll go with you! It's been a while since I paid my respects to Grandmother, Father-in-law and Mother-in-law."
Third Sister nodded silently.
She knew this was Yun Shen's way of making amends to her.
It had been agreed that Third Sister would take Li to see the Princess Consort. Soon, Yinping and Huaping came in to help Third Sister with her washing and dressing, while Yun Shen went out to give instructions about going out in the afternoon.
As for the gifts to be given to the Marquis's residence, Yun Shen took it upon himself to double the amount.
******
An Ran, back in her room, was unaware of all this. She was waiting for Third Sister to send someone to inform her when she would return to the Marquis's residence.
Third Sister took Li to the Princess Consort's place, while Huaping brought a bunch of things to Anran's place. "They're just some trinkets; the Princess Consort asked you to take them back."
An Ran couldn't help but click her tongue in amazement. Third Sister was indeed very generous. The jewelry and clothes from last night weren't enough, and today she sent several exquisite hairpins and hair ornaments, various precious fabrics, and some ornaments and toys.
Having already gained some understanding of San Niang's personality, An Ran didn't refuse and generously thanked her, accepting the gifts. She planned to distribute these things when she got back, saying only that San Niang had asked her to bring them back for her sisters at home.
When Third Sister returned, Anran saw that she looked alright, so it seemed that everything had gone smoothly.
After lunch, An Ran learned that Yun Shen and San Niang, a married couple, had escorted her back together. Or rather, the couple were going to visit the Marquis's residence and were taking her along on the way.