An Ran said half-jokingly, "Let's call the needlework master over and have him take a look. The four of us are overwhelmed by all the choices."
Third Sister was in a good mood at the moment, and she said cheerfully, "If you like it, it's fine to make a few more sets."
An Ran quickly waved her hand and said, "I've already made quite a few clothes this year, enough to last me two or three years. If I have a style I like, I'll naturally ask my sister to make it for me."
Seeing that she was determined not to agree, Third Sister finally gave up.
Anran and San Niang had lunch together. After lunch, Anran wanted to sneak back.
"Wait, drink your medicine before you go." Third Sister called out to An Ran, who was trying to escape drinking the medicine. She cleared her throat and said, "Don't try to fool me."
An Ran puffed out her cheeks, her fair face scrunching up like a little steamed bun.
"Sister, how do you still remember!" An Ran said helplessly, taking the sweet white porcelain bowl that Hua Ping handed over with a smile and drinking it all in one gulp.
Huaping quickly handed her some water to rinse her mouth and then took out a jar of candied fruit.
"Don't eat too much candied fruit either," Third Sister instructed. "Eat two pieces after each dose of medicine, that's enough."
An Ran reluctantly agreed.
It was only with great difficulty that Third Sister let her go back to take a nap. She returned to the east wing, let her hair down, changed her clothes, but found it hard to fall asleep.
Li will definitely not let this go easily; after this incident, we need to be even more wary of her.
Fortunately, after today, Third Sister should change her ways! Hopefully, she can wake up to the truth, win back the Crown Prince, and firmly control Li Shi and those two concubines.
She was the first wife of the Prince of Yi, a woman of noble status. How could she be controlled by those people?
Furthermore, Third Sister needs to give birth to a legitimate son as soon as possible, as this is the foundation of her position.
An Ran stared at the blue sky above the tent after the rain, silently planning for Third Sister. The time when Third Sister had firmly established herself in the Prince's mansion would be the time for her to leave.
When that time comes, she can ask Third Sister for a favor...
******
Having finally gained the upper hand in her open and covert struggle with Li, Third Sister was in a great mood, even when preparing a full-moon banquet for Dongge'er.
Anran was afraid that Anran was still feeling awkward, so she simply offered her a few more words of advice.
“Third Sister, you said that there has to be a reason to gather people together like this.” An Ran said casually, “For example, there are flower-viewing banquets such as spring banquets, winter plum blossom viewing, and spring peony and peony viewing. In reality, is it really just for flower viewing and spring outings?”
An Ran tilted her head, somewhat puzzled, and said, "Take the flower-viewing banquet for example, I always feel that flower viewing is just an excuse, the most important thing is to invite people over for a get-together!"
For a moment, San Niang didn't guess what An Ran meant, so she just nodded instinctively and said, "That's natural. It's these banquets that encourage families to visit each other, deepen family ties, and even bring strangers closer if they're willing."
“If that’s the case, then the reason for the banquet is no longer important.” An Ran looked at San Niang and smiled, “All banquets are nothing more than gathering together people who are not often seen.”
As San Niang listened, she suddenly sensed something was amiss.
That's right. Although it was Dongge'er's full moon celebration, inviting these people was not just for Dongge'er's sake, but also a normal exchange between aristocratic families.
"It was supposed to be a flower-viewing banquet, but I didn't see anyone actually go. It was just people admiring the flowers," An Ran muttered.
Third Sister's eyes lit up.
The full moon banquet brought together the noble ladies from the capital who were on good terms with the Prince Yi's family. The higher their status, the less they would likely want to talk about illegitimate sons. If the noble ladies were to discuss parenting, they would mostly be talking about legitimate sons; illegitimate sons were not to be compared to them.
Third Sister's gaze involuntarily fell on the lotus pond outside the window.
Although it was supposed to be a full-month celebration for her illegitimate son, she insisted on inviting some noblewomen of high status as guests. In this way, the purpose was no longer just to hold a full-month celebration for her illegitimate son.
Moreover, the Princess Consort also needs to worry about the marriages of Yunlan, Yunfang, and others recently...
Perhaps this is a good opportunity! Go and mention it to the Princess.
Seeing the gleam in Third Sister's eyes, An Ran knew that she had figured out the key point.
"Third Sister, I think there's something wrong with the two wet nurses around Dong-ge'er." An Ran added, "Have you asked the Princess Consort for them?"
Upon hearing this, Third Sister shook her head, somewhat embarrassed.
“It was my fault for not paying attention.” Third Sister took a deep breath and said slowly, “I was angry at the time and didn’t care about these things. I heard from Yun Shen that these two people were found outside, and Li Shi trusted them a lot.”
Seeing that An Ran was still confused, Third Sister explained in detail, "Back then, Li pretended to be indifferent to worldly affairs, saying that she didn't care if the child was born outside, so she found a wet nurse well in advance..."
An Ran finally understood.
On the day of the full moon celebration, Third Sister will inevitably have to take Dongge'er out to be seen by others. If the two wet nurses suddenly make trouble at that time, in front of everyone, Third Sister will inevitably be unable to defend herself and will be burdened with a bad reputation that is difficult to clear.
“In my opinion, you should also tell the Princess Consort about these concerns and ask her to bestow two experienced mothers to take care of Dongge’er.” Anran said to San Niang, “Even if Li wants to use Dongge’er to cause trouble again, she should think twice about the two informants around her.”
After thinking it over carefully, Third Sister readily agreed.
Anran went to Xiujin Courtyard to find Yunfang and her sister, while Sanniang went to the Princess Consort's place.
Unfortunately, when she arrived at Xiujin Courtyard, only Yunfang was there; Yunlan and Yunrui were not.
“Ruiniang went to Consort Han’s place, and Fourth Sister was summoned by Consort Li, it seems to be to help embroider a dress or do some other work,” Yunfang explained. “She will be back soon.”
An Ran's heart stirred.
How could she have overlooked Consort Li all this time? Consort Li is related to Lady Li; Lady Li herself entered the Prince's residence through Consort Li's connection. Consort Li has no children of her own, and she is considerably younger than Prince Yi. What will Consort Li do when Prince Yi passes away and Yun Shen inherits the title of Prince?
Now that Li, who is considered her niece, has given birth to her eldest son, and the Crown Prince's wife, the Third Princess, has yet to bear children, Dongge will receive even more attention.
Would Consort Li do nothing?