A dark glint flashed in An Ran's eyes as she realized she had just forgotten about Li Shi.
Perhaps before she entered the manor, Lady Li was unaware of her impending arrival and was unprepared. However, the moment she stepped through the gates of the Prince's residence, Lady Li likely knew immediately. And given Lady Li's intelligence, it was impossible for her not to guess why she was there.
That is why Li wanted to take advantage of the situation and seize every opportunity to sow discord between her and San Niang.
Li knew very well that although she had entered the manor to help Third Sister secure the emperor's favor, Third Sister's temperament was what it was; in reality, Li was going to become Yun Shen's concubine. It would be far too easy for Li to sow discord between the two sisters!
It must have been her doing!
An Ran was almost certain that this matter was carried out at Li's behest.
Thinking of this, An Ran felt another chill run down her spine. Li Shi had only been in the household for a short time, yet she could accomplish something so easily. Keep in mind that Li Shi gave birth not long after entering the household and had been confined to her own small courtyard. Without anyone noticing, her influence had grown so far!
"Miss, the Crown Princess has arrived!" An Ran was still lost in thought when Qing Xing suddenly whispered in her ear.
An Ran hurriedly got up to greet her.
I saw that Third Sister had already redone her makeup; not only did her complexion look much better, but she also seemed to be in much better spirits than when I first saw her.
It seems the two have made up.
Li's plan should not have affected Third Sister and the Prince, and the two did not have any unpleasantness because of her arrival. If there were any rifts again, Third Sister should not have the expression she has now.
An Ran felt much relieved.
Third Sister said in a good mood, "Remember to have Qingxing and the others apply the ointment for you on time, it wouldn't be good if it left marks. Is there anything else that feels uncomfortable on your body?"
An Ran quickly shook her head.
To prove she was alright, An Ran jumped and hopped around a few times, panting heavily, and said, "Third Sister, look, I'm fine!"
Third Sister couldn't help but chuckle.
"How old are you? Still so naughty!" Third Aunt quickly gestured for her to stop. Third Aunt tapped her forehead and smiled, "How old are you this year?"
"Just the right size!" An Ran said with a smile, "It'll be perfect for the New Year, so I can ask my third sister for a red envelope!"
"You!" Third Sister looked helpless. "What can I say!"
An Ran just chuckled twice.
Third Sister's heart softened instantly. Looking at An Ran, she realized that not only was her appearance childlike, but her mannerisms and speech were still those of a child. Perhaps she shouldn't have taken her so seriously.
"Look at you, acting like a little monkey. I'm afraid Qingxing and the others are still too young, and you probably won't listen to them." Third Sister gestured for Qingxing to hand the ointment to Anran, and she personally "escorted" Anran towards the bedroom. "I'll apply it for you myself."
An Ran begged for mercy repeatedly, but Third Sister wouldn't let her go.
Later, Anran couldn't refuse Third Sister's request, and in the end, Third Sister helped her apply the ointment.
Although An Ran was grimacing and looked like she was in pain, she felt much more relieved inside.
She could escape more quickly if Third Sister showed less hostility towards her.
Now it seems that everything is moving in a positive direction.
Chapter 43 Provocation
Luoyue Pavilion.
After feeding the sleeping Dongge'er, Li handed him over to the wet nurse to soothe him, and then called in her two personal maids and the old woman.
"The Ninth Miss of the Marquis of Nan'an's residence has arrived." Xiao Cui lowered her voice and said to Madam Li, "I've inquired, and it seems that the Ninth Miss is not only here to see the Crown Princess. She also seems to have brought her maids and servants with her."
Li nodded.
She had long anticipated this would happen. Having given birth to the eldest son of the heir apparent, and having used the Grand Princess of Lin'an's influence to pressure the Prince's household and gain the status of a concubine, the Marquis of Nan'an's household was likely already on edge.
She wasn't surprised at all that the person who came was An Jiuniang.
The day she entered the household, she met An Jiu Niang at the Prince's residence. She was a quick-witted and eloquent young girl. Moreover, she was so beautiful that no man could resist her. Although she came from the countryside and had no particular talent, she... took concubines for her beauty.
All you need is a pretty face and a clever mind.
Before long, news came that the Crown Prince had gone to the main courtyard. It was learned that the Crown Princess had sent a maid to the Crown Prince to find medicine, so the Crown Prince hurriedly went to the main courtyard.
Li's heart tightened.
The fact that the Crown Prince and Crown Princess argued and had a cold war shows that the Crown Prince still cares about her. So when he heard that something had happened to the Crown Princess, he rushed over immediately.
The four-year relationship between the Crown Prince and Crown Princess is not something that can be easily destroyed.
Why is it that as soon as An Jiuniang arrives, she tries to get the young master to come over? She's sick and doesn't go to the doctor, but instead asks the young master for medicine; there's definitely something fishy going on. She wants to see what excuse An Jiuniang can come up with!
Not long after, another maid came to report that Ninth Miss's maid and several trunks had arrived at the door.
This confirms that An Jiu was indeed sent by the Marquis's mansion to be the heir's concubine.
Strangely, these boxes were kept under guard in the west wing next to the main courtyard and were not immediately sent inside.
Li suddenly remembered An Jiu, who had been standing behind Third Sister since the day she entered the mansion. She seemed innocent and naive, but in reality, she was sharp-tongued and difficult to deal with.
She probably has a deeper meaning in not letting people move in immediately.
"You all need to think of a way to find a few old women and maids to help Ninth Sister move her things into the east wing of the main courtyard." Li's eyes flickered slightly, and a hint of sarcasm flashed across her lips. She said in a low voice, "Don't let them know that you were the ones who relayed the message directly. Once they're in the main courtyard, find a way to make them make a bigger commotion."
You, An Jiuniang, want to keep a low profile? I won't let you have your way!
Li gave a cold smile.