But before Xiao Jin's smile could fade, she felt her arms suddenly empty, and Chu Muyan was pulled into Chu Tianshu's arms again. Chu Muyan finally couldn't hold back any longer. He struggled desperately in Chu Tianshu's arms, pouting and only wanting Xiao Jin to hold him. "Third Aunt! I want Third Aunt!"
"Stay put!" Chu Tianshu forcibly held Chu Muyan in his arms and started walking out.
"Third Master!" Xiao Jin quickly caught up and said hurriedly, "Third Master, you must be tired from your journey. Let me carry Yan Ge'er!"
Upon hearing this, Chu Tianshu looked intently at Xiao Jin, a smile appearing on his lips. "No need." Then he lowered his head and whispered something to the restless Chu Muyan. Before Xiao Jin could hear it clearly, Chu Muyan immediately became obedient.
Xiao Jin was taken aback. When did Third Master Chu become so good at coaxing children? He managed to win over Chu Muyan, whom he had never gotten along with, with just one sentence?
To accommodate Xiao Jin's pace, Chu Tianshu slowed down, and the three of them strolled leisurely towards Jiashou Courtyard. Bai Wei and Dong Shuang, following behind them, exchanged a smile, their faces beaming with joy.
The combination of Third Master Chu and Xiao Jin is normal, and the combination of Xiao Jin and Chu Muyan is normal. But when Third Master Chu was carrying Chu Muyan and Xiao Jin was by his side, and the three of them walked out of the alley and into a crowded place, all the servants who were serving them were dumbfounded and stared wide-eyed, thinking they were hallucinating.
Third Master was actually holding the eldest young master... and the eldest young master was obediently staying in Third Master's arms...
It wouldn't be an exaggeration to call this a once-in-a-century spectacle!
Jiashouyuan.
As they walked in, attracting much attention, Xiao Jin couldn't help but chuckle at the astonished looks on Lian Qiao and Di Jin's faces. No wonder, it seemed Third Master Chu had never held a child before.
They quickly lifted the curtain and welcomed the three inside.
When Wang saw Chu Tianshu holding Chu Muyan in his arms and the pretty Xiao Jin standing beside him, her smile immediately deepened to her eyes.
"Mother!" Chu Tianshu handed Chu Muyan to Xiao Jin and bowed to Madam Wang. "Your son is back."
Mrs. Wang smiled broadly. She rarely showed such emotion, clearly very satisfied with the three of them, and she saw hope of holding her grandson again soon.
Although it was mainly Wang Shi and Xiao Jin who were talking, Chu Tianshu unusually chatted with them for a few minutes, which made Wang Shi beam with joy.
Xiao Jin checked the time on the clock and got up to take his leave. "Mother, Third Master, I'm going to the flower hall now."
Wang nodded with a smile, while a hint of doubt flashed in Chu Tianshu's eyes. Wang laughed, "Your wife is busier than you are these days!"
Seeing Chu Tianshu's somewhat disapproving look, Madam Wang understood and quickly said, "Your sister-in-law sprained her ankle, so Jinniang is temporarily taking care of her. It'll only be for a few days, don't worry, she won't be overworked!"
Chu Tianshu nodded slightly without saying a word.
Xiao Jin blushed deeply at their words.
Chu Tianshu glanced at Xiao Jin, then got up to take his leave, saying he was going to Chu Zhaoming's place.
The two had just left Jiashou Courtyard and were about to part ways when they suddenly saw Huanyue running towards them in a panic. Xiao Jin immediately had a bad feeling; she rarely saw Huanyue so disoriented.
"Third Grandmother, something terrible has happened!" Huanyue ran to Xiao Jin's side, her face filled with anxiety, and said, "Fourth Master is in trouble!" (For readers, you can search for "" to find this site immediately.)
Chapter 169
Anti-theft seal
"Third Sister, Fourth Sister!" Minglian and the other three went over together and greeted Mingrong and Mingfang.
Mingwei's room was already rather cramped, and with the six sisters standing together, it felt even more crowded. Mingluo and Mingling, however, showed no intention of leaving.
"I've come at a rather inopportune time!" Mingfang, like Mingling, blurted out her sarcasm without any attempt to hide it. "I never expected Seventh Sister's place to be so lively. But if Seventh Sister manages to climb the social ladder in the palace, just don't forget about us sisters!"
"Fourth Sister flatters me!" Mingwei said calmly, "I was merely serving Grandmother in the palace; I have no idea who I met."
Mingfang was immediately dissatisfied. Even though Mingwei was stating the facts, she heard it as showing off...
"What does it matter, Fourth Sister!" Mingluo chimed in at the opportune moment, her envy undisguised. "To be able to enter the palace and meet a noble person is a great honor!" Suddenly, she changed the subject, turning to Mingfang and saying, "Fourth Sister, I envy you very much too!"
"Oh?" Mingfang responded somewhat impatiently. She knew that Mingluo was always the most clever and best at flattering people.
Mingluo laughed and said, "You and Seventh Sister live close by, so you're closer. When Seventh Sister becomes successful, the first one we sisters will definitely think of is Fourth Sister!"
Before she could finish speaking, Mingfang's face immediately changed. What did she say? Did she expect to rely on Mingwei's charity? Would she fawn over Mingwei? What a joke!
"Of course, there are also Third Sister and Sixth Sister!" Mingluo seemed to suddenly remember something, and smiled apologetically at the two of them, as if apologizing for only mentioning Mingfang earlier.
At this point, Mingwei was absolutely certain that Mingluo's only purpose was to cause trouble!
Mingrong, being adept at maintaining appearances, remained relatively composed. Minglian, however, was already resentful of Mingrong for having her relationship with Mingwei soured, and would not tolerate further insolence.
“Eighth Sister, you’re mistaken.” Minglian smiled at Mingluo. “Your Seventh Sister is merely going to the palace with Grandmother. Your words make it sound like Grandmother wants her to be sent to the palace for the imperial concubine selection!”
“That’s exactly what I meant.” Mingwei said with a half-teasing smile, “How could Eighth Sister have thought of that? Could it be—” She deliberately drew out the last syllable, “Eighth Sister has fallen in love?”
Mingluo's face flushed red and then turned pale.
"Sixth Sister, Seventh Sister, you—" Mingling indignantly wanted to seek justice for Mingluo, but Mingluo grabbed her sleeve.
"I was just too happy for Seventh Sister, and that's why I said something a little off." Mingluo knew that the more she said, the more mistakes she would make. Mingling was impulsive, so she wouldn't let her stand up for her. "Since Third Sister and Fourth Sister have come, they must have a lot to talk about with Seventh Sister. We won't disturb them."
She held Mingling's hand tightly as she bid farewell to Mingwei and the others.
Did Mingwei think everything would be fine once she got rid of her? Mingluo lowered her eyes, a cold smile slowly spreading across her face. Mingrong was alright; she wouldn't embarrass her to her face... but Mingfang would definitely not let her off easily!
Thinking of this, her mood improved slightly, so she smiled warmly, took Mingling's hand, and walked out with light steps.
"Our Seventh Miss has really made something of herself now." Mingfang casually picked a round-backed chair with a bright blue satin cushion adorned with cloud patterns and sat down, her raised eyebrows filled with disdain and envy. "Having gained Grandmother's favor, she's bound to rise to great heights!"
Mingrong smiled gently from the side. "It's all something to be happy about. Your fourth sister and I are both so happy for you!"
Mingfang snorted coldly.
Faced with overwhelming hostility from all sides, Mingwei could only ignore it and remain calm. In her previous life, if she had transmigrated into the body of a lowly concubine's daughter, she would naturally have used a gentler approach instead of rashly stepping forward. But she couldn't wait!