Jia Niang nodded, nestling beside An Ran like a docile kitten. If only these days could last forever; she only wanted to be with someone who truly loved her. But she knew it was just wishful thinking.
To maintain appearances, Scholar Liu's household sent people to fetch Jia Niang twice. However, Princess Yunyang said that Jia Niang had been somewhat frightened and needed to rest for a while. Why was the Scholar's household sending people so frequently? Did they not trust the Princess's household?
Wu, who was always adept at playing both sides, naturally wouldn't want to offend Princess Yunyang. Moreover, this was a good opportunity to get to know Princess Yunyang better.
Therefore, she sent many gifts to the Princess Yunyang's residence. Princess Yunyang said nothing and simply accepted them all for the time being. An Ran knew in her heart that Princess Yunyang was holding back, waiting to settle scores with her.
After resting for the afternoon, Anran was sitting with Jia Niang at the desk, reading aloud. Jia Niang had received some formal education in her childhood, but after arriving in the capital, her studies were interrupted at the scholar's residence. Anran felt sorry for her, and seeing the books in the guest room, she taught her to read whenever she had free time.
Jia Niang was very clever, and eager to make a good impression on An Ran, she studied even more diligently.
Neither of them noticed Princess Yunyang, who had been standing outside the door for quite some time.
She watched the two little girls sitting together, the older, prettier one gently and patiently teaching the slightly younger one, who was learning very diligently. Whenever she could recite a passage or answer a question correctly, her big eyes would sparkle with excitement, and she would eagerly await her "little teacher's" praise.
Princess Yunyang's eyes suddenly reddened.
Anran's neck felt a little sore from looking down for so long. She reached out and rubbed her neck, also telling Jia Niang not to look down for too long. She inadvertently looked up and saw what appeared to be a shadowy apricot-yellow figure outside.
She hurriedly stood up; it was Princess Yunyang.
Anran woke up Jia Niang, and the two of them went over together to pay their respects to Princess Yunyang.
Princess Yunyang had already wiped away the tears from the corners of her eyes with a handkerchief. Seeing the two delicate-looking girls approaching, she couldn't help but smile and say, "Are you studying?"
An Ran intended for Jia Niang to have more contact with Princess Yunyang, so she just looked at Jia Niang and didn't say much.
Seeing this, Jia Niang had no choice but to step forward and reply, "Replying to the princess, my sister is teaching me to read." She was still very proper and reserved in front of Princess Yunyang, unlike how she was so uninhibited in front of An Ran.
Princess Yunyang sighed inwardly, telling herself that there was no point in rushing things.
"Come on, let's go inside and talk." Princess Yunyang's smile went straight to her eyes as she led one of them into the house.
Anran invited Princess Yunyang to sit in the seat of honor before she and Jia Niang sat down on the chairs next to her.
"I have something to discuss with you today." Princess Yunyang said in a friendly and gentle manner, "Ninth Sister, please make preparations for tomorrow. The day after tomorrow, come with me to the palace early in the morning to pay our respects to the Empress."
To enter the palace to see the Empress? The Empress who has won the Emperor's heart?
An Ran was somewhat surprised.
"Her Majesty the Empress knows you were injured here and wants to see it with her own eyes to put her mind at ease." Princess Yunyang deliberately spoke vaguely, "Don't worry, Her Majesty the Empress is the most peaceful person."
Suddenly, a possibility occurred to her.
The Empress and Princess Yunyang are like sisters. Perhaps the Empress heard about Jia Niang's matter and wanted to confirm it with her again!
An Ran, believing she knew the truth, readily agreed.
Princess Yunyang knew something, and when she saw An Ran's gaze fall on Jia Niang, she knew that she had misunderstood.
She smiled slightly, without reminding An Ran.
Jinniang will like Anran, such a kind and sincere girl.
******
Lu Mingxiu has been feeling restless these days.
Since returning from the palace last time, Chu Tianze told him to wait for good news, but there has been no news yet.
He was worried about the arranged marriage while also concerned about Anran's injuries.
After waiting several days without hearing any news of Anran's return, Lu Mingxiu couldn't help but worry. Could her injuries be severe, preventing her from moving around these past few days?
The more he thought about it, the more restless he became.
After pacing back and forth in his study, Lu Mingxiu finally came up with a reason to visit Princess Yunyang's residence. If he was lucky, he might even manage to find out news of Jiu Niang!
Lu Mingxiu couldn't reveal his desire to marry An Jiu before Yun Shu issued the imperial decree granting the marriage. Otherwise, it would be seen as coercion, something he didn't want. He could also guess some of Yun Shu's concerns.
Fortunately, the emperor's attitude has gradually softened.
"Qin Feng, go to the storeroom and find some of the precious medicinal herbs that the Emperor and Empress bestowed upon us the last two times," Lu Mingxiu instructed. "Take the best ones. Go open the storeroom right now; I need them immediately."
Qin Feng agreed and went.
He silently grumbled to himself that the mansion really needed a mistress; it was in such a mess that it was truly unacceptable. He and Colin not only held positions in the Imperial Guard, but also had to serve as stewards for the Pingyuan Marquis's mansion in private.
If there were a lady of the house, these things would be very easy!
Our Marquis had fought on the battlefield in his early years and had some old wounds. A few days ago in Baoding Prefecture, the Marquis was also injured. When the Emperor and Empress heard about it, they bestowed upon him rare medicinal herbs like water.
These medicinal herbs are for nourishment and treating external injuries...
Qin Feng suddenly remembered that just a few days ago, Miss An Jiu was injured at the Yunyang Princess's residence!
Could it be that the Marquis is going to send it to Miss An Jiu?
As he thought this, he couldn't help but glance back. In the study, the Marquis was still pacing anxiously back and forth in front of his desk.
My guess must be right, right?
Qin Feng thought to himself with a touch of smugness that he was getting smarter and smarter.
He was still lost in his own thoughts, but he dared not stop walking. If he really wanted to prepare medicinal herbs for Miss An Jiu, he would have to be even more careful.
By the time Qin Feng had quickly prepared the medicinal herbs, Lu Mingxiu had already changed his clothes.