“You should hold a grand and lively event. Not only will the guests think you are virtuous and generous, but the Princess Consort and your brother-in-law will also think you are broad-minded and tolerant. This is the calm and composed demeanor you should have as the principal wife.” An Ran changed the subject and said, “Otherwise, Madam Li will inevitably become complacent. You really think you can take her for granted.”
"Third sister, you should give me a nephew soon." An Ran said seriously, "Why was Li Shi able to come back? Isn't it because she had an heir? I don't think brother-in-law likes Li Shi that much."
Third Sister was momentarily dazed.
“You’re right.” Third Sister’s figure was somewhat ethereal as she softly said, “...The dream should have ended long ago.”
Her voice was too soft, and Anran didn't hear it clearly. But Anran's intuition told her it wasn't something pleasant.
"The full moon celebration is in seven days. You'll help me entertain the guests then!" Third Sister perked up and smiled, "You'll go with Yunfang and the others to entertain the noble ladies."
An Ran nodded in agreement.
"Third Sister, let me tell you something funny!" An Ran felt uneasy, remembering the Ding family she had seen at the Spring Banquet. However, she had to pretend to be nonchalant: "At the last Spring Banquet, Yun Fang was talking to me about how the Ding family of the Chen family, the imperial merchants from Yangzhou, wore a complete set of red gold and pearl headdresses, along with a wig. It was so heavy for her to look at, as if everyone knew her family was rich!"
Third Sister chuckled upon hearing this. "You two are so mischievous, you're even making fun of others."
An Ran just smiled.
Yunfang had mentioned something about the Ding family to her before, but Yunfang's focus was on the luster and size of the pearls. They were definitely rare and top-quality.
"I didn't know she was my sister's guest, that's why I said that!" An Ran quickly apologized.
Third Sister shook her head and smiled, "I don't blame you. It's just that I don't know who she came with. There were too many people that day, and I didn't notice."
An Ran felt as if she had found the answer.
She could understand that Ding might have asked some noblewoman to take her to Third Sister's spring banquet in order to expand her social circle in the capital. After all, the Chen family were wealthy merchants in Jiangnan and needed someone in the capital to speak up for them and support them.
Third Sister didn't recognize her, so it seemed that Ding hadn't managed to curry favor with the Prince's Mansion or the Marquis of Nan'an's Mansion. An Ran breathed a slight sigh of relief; she didn't want to have anything to do with the Chen family anymore.
She especially doesn't want to see Chen Qian again in this lifetime.
“There will be many guests at the full moon banquet, so you can’t dress so plainly again. How about this, you and Yunfang each have two sets of clothes made,” Third Sister said generously.
No wonder Yunfang and the others all had a good opinion of Third Sister!
An Ran smiled, pursing her lips.
It seems that Third Sister has made quite a few gains in the four years she spent in the Prince's mansion, except for the lack of offspring. Also, she values emotions too much, which is why she was blinded by them.
“I saw a set of ruby headdresses in the storeroom the other day. There were nine pieces in total. The colors were beautiful, and they were very delicate and lightweight. They would be perfect for you. I asked Yinping to find them. You can dress up beautifully then.”
The two sisters were chatting about clothes and jewelry when Qingyue suddenly rushed in.
"Your Highness, Xiao Cui from Consort Li's courtyard has arrived, saying she wishes to see you." (Just Love Network)
Chapter 46 Enjoyable
Third Sister frowned upon hearing this.
"Ninth Sister, now that you're here, go and see Yunfang and the others." Third Sister forced a smile and said to Anran, "I'll have Yinping take you there. It'll be a good opportunity for you young ladies to discuss what clothes to make."
Anran stood up obediently and agreed to leave.
Although her original intention was to help Third Sister control Li Shi, she couldn't overstep her bounds if Third Sister didn't want her to interfere. Appearing too eager would only arouse Third Sister's suspicion.
"Third sister, I'll head over now." An Ran bowed respectfully and followed Yin Ping outside.
Upon reaching the corridor, she heard Third Sister's voice, tinged with anger, say, "Let her in!"
An Ran couldn't help but sigh inwardly.
When An Ran arrived at the central courtyard, she happened to brush past the maid named Xiao Cui. Xiao Cui calmly bowed to her and addressed her as "Ninth Miss".
An Ran gave a faint reply and looked her up and down. From her figure to her appearance, she was quite remarkable, and she seemed clever as well; she must be one of Li's confidantes.
Yesterday, Madam Li suffered a hidden loss, and Yun Shen must be angry with her. The full moon celebration for Dong Ge'er is coming soon, and Madam Li, who has finally earned the status of a concubine, is probably thinking of making a good impression at the celebration.
Originally, she intended to embarrass Third Sister so that Yun Shen would despise her.
Little did she know that she had miscalculated.
"Sister Yinping, has anyone been sent to my sister's place since Aunt Li gave birth?" An Ran suddenly had an idea and turned to ask, "Have they had any contact with my sister before?"
Yinping shook her head. "Aunt Li knows that the Princess Consort doesn't like her, so she's usually quite sensible and stays in Luoyue Pavilion. The Princess Consort is very generous; she's never skimped on anything for their little courtyard. They have everything they need in terms of food, clothing, and daily necessities, so they don't come to the main courtyard."
An Ran nodded slightly upon hearing this.
With only seven days until the full moon celebration, is Li Shi's approach to San Niang at this time a conspiracy?
She was a little worried, but since Third Sister had told her to go and play with Yunfang and the others, she couldn't just go back. She could only silently pray that Third Sister would keep her composure and not fall into Li's trap; she couldn't afford to make a mistake at this crucial moment.
Embroidery Courtyard.
There are three unmarried concubine daughters in the Prince Yi's mansion: Yunfang, Yunlan, and Yunrui. Yunfang is about the same age as Anran, Yunlan is a little older at fifteen, and Yunrui is still young at ten. The three sisters currently live in the Embroidery Courtyard, not far from the Princess's residence.
Yunfang's aunt died young, so she grew up by the side of Princess Yi and enjoyed a relatively respectable upbringing. Yunrui was born to Han, a favored concubine of Prince Yi, and as the youngest of the sisters, she was very much loved by Prince Yi. On the other hand, Yunlan, the eldest of the three, had an obscure mother who was merely an unfavored aunt. Although she was the elder sister, she was ranked after her two younger sisters.
When Anran arrived, the three sisters were in Yunfang's room looking at flower patterns.
"The Ninth Miss of the Marquis of Nan'an's residence has arrived." An Ran had just stepped under the corridor when two pretty maids dressed in red and green announced her arrival.
Yunfang came out first, followed closely by Yunrui, and finally Yunlan followed her two younger sisters with a helpless expression, saying, "Slow down, you two. What kind of behavior is this, being so reckless?"
The four greeted each other at the door.
They had already discussed their age order at the Spring Banquet, and Anran followed Yunfang and Yunrui in calling Yunlan "Sister Yunlan" and Yunfang and Yunrui "Fangniang" and "Ruiniang".