Third Sister was always very opinionated and strong-willed, and she couldn't stand An Ran acting like this. "It looks good, our Ninth Sister has good taste!" Third Sister coaxed her like a child, and she carefully looked at the clothes An Ran had brought over again.
Finally, Third Sister picked out a moon-white cross-collar top for her, paired with a bright blue satin cross-collar vest with scattered flowers, and a moon-white pleated auspicious moon skirt underneath.
An Ran has fair skin, and this outfit of varying shades of blue makes her look like a young girl, making her appear even more delicate and charming.
A hint of satisfaction couldn't help but appear in San Niang's eyes.
When it came to choosing jewelry, Anran quickly picked out two ruby chains and excitedly showed them to her third aunt.
Third Sister sighed, rubbing her forehead. Seeing that Anran was in the middle of her fun, she didn't want to interrupt her, so she had no choice but to go along with her wishes.
As a result, Anran could only wear her hair in two buns as usual.
Once Anran was dressed up, a pretty little girl stood gracefully, her face as white as jade, captivating all who saw her. Her delicate features inspired only a desire to protect her, without any romantic thoughts.
Seeing her dressed like this, Third Sister became interested and simply asked Cuiping to open the storeroom and take out a red gold necklace inlaid with seven treasures for Anran to wear.
"Third sister, it's too heavy, I won't wear it!" An Ran shook her head like a rattle drum. She did want to dress in a more childlike way, but that thing looked so heavy it could break her neck, no matter how valuable it was, she wouldn't wear it.
Third Sister was in high spirits and wouldn't allow anyone to refuse. She beckoned Huaping to bring over the necklace and forced it onto Anran's head.
“It’s not heavy at all! If you don’t wear this, I won’t allow you to wear your hair in double buns. I also have a set of ruby jewelry that would suit you perfectly.”
An Ran compared the items with a pained expression, carefully held them in her hand to weigh them, and finally, after much hesitation, chose the Seven Treasures Necklace.
Third Sister was very satisfied with her work, and happily took Anran's hand and went to the Princess Consort's courtyard.
Xiao Cui, from the Li family's courtyard, was craning her neck and looking out from the small garden by the path.
She was inconspicuous hidden among the crabapple blossoms, but An Ran, who had been paying close attention to her surroundings, spotted her. She secretly noted down the person's clothes and appearance, intending to ask Hua Ping about it when she returned.
In the princess's courtyard.
Princess Yi, who had just finished her afternoon nap, was leaning against a soft couch. It just so happened that today was the day the estate managers from below would come to report. At noon, the estate managers had left, but a few old women were still talking here.
"Your Highness, the Crown Princess is coming this way with the Ninth Miss from the Marquis of Nan'an's residence." An Ran and San Niang had just stepped out when someone delivered the message to the Princess.
The Princess Consort nodded slightly.
She wasn't surprised at all that the Marquis of Nan'an's household would send in his illegitimate daughter. Although it wasn't explicitly stated, she had already reached a tacit agreement with the Marquis of Nan'an's household: the household wouldn't interfere with the matter of elevating Li to the rank of concubine, and she tacitly allowed the household to send more people in.
She was somewhat surprised that the Marquis of Nan'an's mansion had chosen to send An Jiu Niang over. Although Jiu Niang was a beauty, she was still too young and probably not suitable. She quickly guessed what Zhao was planning, but just smiled.
The Princess Consort knew San Niang's personality very well. Before, when San Niang was her younger daughter-in-law, the Princess Consort would have been more affectionate towards her. But now that San Niang had become the Crown Prince's wife, the Princess Consort felt that San Niang was somewhat lacking.
If Third Sister can grow through what happened to Li Shi, then she will be a qualified Crown Prince's Consort.
Before long, San Niang brought An Ran to the Princess Consort's place.
This wasn't the first time An Ran had met her, but the Princess Consort was still immediately struck by her appearance.
What a beautiful young girl! Her entire outfit is clean and refreshing, without a trace of vulgarity, yet exuding both playfulness and elegance, making her instantly likable.
This little girl doesn't seem like someone who would be sent to be a concubine.
"Greetings, Your Highness." An Ran stepped forward and bowed, her knees curtsying gracefully.
The Princess Consort asked Anran and San Niang to sit down on the embroidered stools.
"Mother, Ninth Sister is coming to stay with me for a few days." Third Sister's expression had completely changed, as if she was very happy about An Ran's arrival. "I'll bring her here to pay her respects to you first."
The Princess Consort nodded lovingly.
"When Ninth Sister came today, there was a problem with the carriage, and she suffered a few scrapes, which is why I didn't bring her to pay my respects to you this morning." Third Sister knew that An Ran's entry into the mansion could not be kept from the Princess Consort, so she decided to explain the reason first.
Sure enough, the Princess Consort asked with a worried expression, "Ninth Sister, what happened? Let me see quickly, where are you injured?"
"Thank you for your concern!" Upon hearing her name mentioned, An Ran quickly stood up and said, "It was just a couple of bruises. My sister was just worried and that's why she said that. I'm fine!"
The princess was still worried and insisted on going to see for herself.
Just as the stalemate was reaching its conclusion, a voice suddenly came from outside the curtain: "The young master has arrived."
Why did Yun Shen suddenly come here?
The checkered Shu brocade curtain was lifted, revealing a handsome man's face.
"Your Highness—"
"Brother-in-law—"
San Niang and An Ran both stood up.
Yun Shen looked at San Niang with a hint of guilt that was barely perceptible. San Niang did not notice it, but An Ran vaguely sensed something was amiss.
Upon hearing this, the Princess Consort raised an eyebrow and glanced at An Ran.
This woman is quite remarkable. She probably knows herself that she was sent to be the prince's concubine. Yet, she can still address Yun Shen as "brother-in-law" with such grace and poise.
"Ninth Sister is such a troublesome child." Yun Shen's gaze fell on An Ran. He couldn't bring himself to be angry with this delicate little girl, so he could only sigh and say, "Such a big thing happened, and you didn't even say anything. No matter what, you should have told your sister."
Upon hearing this, Third Sister immediately shielded An Ran behind her, displaying a protective expression. She said to Yun Shen, "Ninth Sister is young. If she does anything wrong, Young Master, just tell me, and I will apologize to you. I will teach her slowly when we get back."
The Princess Consort was not surprised. She knew how much Third Sister valued Yun Shen. In the past, Third Sister disliked all the concubines around Yun Shen and spoke coldly to them. But today, she was fiercely protecting Yun Shen's half-sister, who was to be promoted to the rank of concubine. Could it be that Third Sister had truly come to terms with things this time?
Yun Shen was both amused and exasperated. Had he suddenly become the villain who harmed her sister?
“She didn’t do anything wrong.” Yun Shen shook his head and sighed, “Today on Zhuque Street, a group of bandits were fleeing. They happened to run into Jiu Niang’s carriage. Someone in the bandits injured the horse so that it would be startled and run away, thus buying them time to escape.”