An Ran gave an awkward smile.
Even if she wanted to act spoiled, it depended on the situation. Normally, it wouldn't be a problem; Third Sister treated her like a younger sister and showered her with affection, so she could be a little coquettish. But today, Third Sister was clearly in a bad mood, so she naturally had to be careful and cautious in everything she did.
An Ran wasn't oblivious to the blindingly bright red of Third Sister's clothing. It was a color reserved for the principal wife; concubines could at most wear pink, begonia red, or similar shades…
She clearly remembered that the last time Li Shi came to the house, she had chosen this dress for Third Sister. Only bright red could command an aura, and she never expected that Third Sister would also wear bright red to see her today.
She couldn't help but give a bitter smile to herself.
"It doesn't hurt that much!" An Ran said nonchalantly, then smiled a little embarrassedly, "I'll just put on some ointment when I get back, and it'll go down in a couple of days."
Despite An Ran's usual composure and calmness, San Niang could still sense her restraint.
Third Sister couldn't help but soften her heart again.
"Yinping, go and fetch the wound ointment that the palace has bestowed upon us." Third Sister said, "This is perfect for reducing swelling and relieving pain. Apply it for two days and it will keep the swelling going."
Yinping secretly breathed a sigh of relief and agreed to go.
An Ran's arrival made the head maids, Yin Ping and Hua Ping, very nervous. They were afraid that if the Ninth Miss came, their young lady might not be able to resist and start a fight with her, which would just do what Madam Li wanted.
Now it seems that our own daughter is treating Ninth Miss very well!
No wonder, Huaping thought to herself. Ninth Miss looked like a pretty and well-behaved young girl, how could anyone not like her? Li Shi and her ilk, on the other hand, looked like they had wicked intentions. They were gentle and weak, and although their eyebrows and eyes looked gentle and tender, their eyes seemed to have little hooks, which were used to seduce men.
The Ninth Sister was different; her beautiful big eyes were like two clear pools of water, and her double buns, though showing some childishness, made her very charming and lively.
She's clearly a girl raised in a prestigious family.
"Thank you very much, sister!" Anran couldn't refuse her third sister, so she stood up and thanked her in a crisp voice.
Third Sister nodded.
Yinping returned shortly afterward, and said to Third Sister with some difficulty, "Princess Consort, the young master needed them a few days ago, but you gave them all to Mosong, so we don't have any here..."
San Niang was taken aback upon hearing this, then suddenly remembered something, and her expression became dazed.
At that time, Li Shi had not yet entered the family, and her relationship with Yun Shen had not yet soured. Yun Shen only said that it was for a friend, so Third Sister simply took it all out.
Seeing this, An Ran thought to herself that there was no need to trouble herself, but then, as if struck by a sudden inspiration, she had an idea.
"Third sister, no need." An Ran frowned, but still forced a smile and said, "I'm not in pain! Really!" After saying that, she deliberately shook her arm to show that she was really fine.
But her disguise was not successful, and Third Sister still easily saw the pain in her eyes.
"Go and ask the young master if he still has that ointment. Just say I need it." Third Sister hesitated for a moment, then gritted her teeth and said, "Go quickly."
Upon hearing this, Yinping's face lit up with joy, and she happily agreed and went to do so.
You see, the Crown Princess hasn't spoken to the Crown Prince for quite some time now! This is a perfect opportunity to speak with him; perhaps he'll even come to see her…
Yinping decided to be vague, only saying that the Crown Princess wanted it, without specifying who it was for. If the Crown Prince was interested, he would naturally come to see the Crown Princess.
An Ran secretly breathed a sigh of relief.
It seems she understands Third Sister quite well; Third Sister is easily provoked. Third Sister was initially hesitant about today's events, but after she made a seemingly innocuous remark, Third Sister made up her mind.
If Third Sister and the Prince can reconcile as soon as possible, then there will be no need for her to interfere!
An Ran thought to herself, looking back now, she had unintentionally taken the first step.
If she can help Third Sister speak to the Prince again and ease the tension, then her injuries will not have been in vain!
Chapter 42 Reconciliation
Having already decided to arrange a meeting between Third Sister and the Prince, An Ran simply said she was tired and went to the east wing where she had stayed previously. Fortunately, all her belongings were still there, and Third Sister had Hua Ping oversee the preparation of many things for An Ran. At least An Ran was still her half-sister, and she had to at least presentable-looking An Ran.
Anran took Qingmei to the east wing first. As usual, San Niang brought Zhimo and Rulan to her, and Anran accepted them generously.
They were at least two familiar faces in the Prince's residence.
"Huaping, I have something to tell you." Qingmei was busy helping the maids of the Prince's mansion tidy up the room, so Anran called Huaping aside. "I think my third brother-in-law will be here soon, and if he comes..."
An Ran whispered a few words to Hua Ping, who listened attentively and readily agreed.
"When Qingxing arrives, if your third brother-in-law is here, don't disturb him and your third sister. Just quietly let Qingxing come over." Anran thought for a moment and then instructed, "Don't bring the trunks in yet either. Just have someone keep an eye on them for me."
Although Hua Ping was somewhat puzzled, he responded to all her questions.
An Ran couldn't help but smile bitterly to herself.
From now on, in the Prince's mansion, she would have to minimize her presence while helping Third Sister remove obstacles. Especially when her brother-in-law was around, she would definitely try to avoid him as much as possible. After all, she had no desire to actually become some kind of noble concubine.
Since the excuse given by the Grand Madam and the others was to let her come in and keep Third Sister company, she would make sure to use that excuse.
Even to others, it was obvious what the beautiful half-sister, Third Sister, was up to when she entered the mansion.
Regardless of what others thought, Anran kept hypnotizing herself, saying that she was just San Niang's younger sister who had come to keep San Niang company during this time.
Even though it might seem like self-deception, we can't care about that anymore.
Fortunately, An Ran made the right bet this time.
Yinping was clever. Just as Yun Shen was returning home from his official duties, she went to find Mo Song to get the ointment. Sure enough, upon hearing this, Yun Shen didn't hesitate at all and personally took the ointment to Third Sister's courtyard in a great stride.
Yun Shen knew that Third Sister was someone who disdained using underhanded tactics to win favor. Unless absolutely necessary, she wouldn't even speak to him, out of pride.
The fact that Yinping is here to pick it up means something must have happened.