Why did Li deliberately provoke Third Sister again? She knew perfectly well that such provocation was harmless. However… An Ran sighed again; for sowing discord, this slow, insidious method was indeed a good one.
No matter how good her relationship with the third sister was, the fundamental conflict was there. Even if the third sister endured it for a while without making a scene, the resentment in her heart would accumulate again and again.
"Miss, the bracelet is here." Qingxing brought over an exquisite brocade box.
An Ran took it and saw a bright, watery jade bracelet placed on the deep red velvet cloth.
This was the bracelet that Third Sister took off from her wrist and gave to Anran on the day she entered the Marquis's mansion. It was probably Third Sister's personal possession. At the time, Third Sister was a little reluctant to part with it, but Yun Shen had specially brought it back from outside.
Anran has never worn the bracelet since she got it, especially after hearing the story behind it from Shi Niang. She just waits for the day when it will be returned to its rightful owner.
An Ran's expression was inscrutable. She put the bracelet away and placed it on a high table to the side.
This jade bracelet is very meaningful to Third Sister. I'm afraid that ten bracelets more valuable than this one combined wouldn't be as valuable to her as this one.
The bracelet definitely needs to be returned to Third Sister, but how can it be used to its fullest potential? Especially given that their relationship is deteriorating...
She can't let all her previous efforts go to waste!
******
These past two days, Anran has spent more time in the east wing or with Yunfang and the other two. As the full moon banquet approaches, San Niang has become even busier.
Fortunately, no matter what San Niang thought in her heart, she didn't show any discord with Jiu Niang in front of outsiders. In fact, she even had Hua Ping come to watch An Ran take her medicine every day. But in reality... An Ran felt San Niang's indifference.
The time she took her medicine twice a day became the time for Anran to find out news about San Niang.
"What has Aunt Li been doing these past two days?" An Ran drank the bitter medicine in one gulp, then gulped down several mouthfuls of water before asking, "Has she been in contact with anyone in the Prince's mansion?"
Huaping hurriedly said, "Tomorrow is Dongge'er's full moon banquet. Aunt Li has been writing furiously these past two days, and I'm afraid she won't be able to finish copying the books." She thought for a moment and then added, "Aunt Li seems to be much more well-behaved now, except for one time when Xiaocui from her courtyard went to Consort Li's place."
Aunt Li was considered Consort Li's niece, a fact known to everyone in the Prince's residence. They didn't need to hide their interactions from others.
Yunlan also became close friends with Consort Li...
For no apparent reason, Anran remembered what Yunfang had once told her.
"Do you know what she went to do?" An Ran asked, without much hope.
As expected, Huaping shook his head.
“It’s alright.” An Ran was not discouraged. She said to Hua Ping, “Tomorrow is the main event. Dong Ge’er’s full moon banquet is the highlight. I’m a little uneasy. I don’t know if Li Shi will cause any trouble again. At that time, with everyone watching, if Third Sister makes a mistake, it will be all over.”
Hua Ping's expression turned serious.
“Third Sister is very smart! It’s just that there are some things she can’t let go of right now.” An Ran sighed slightly and said with emotion, “So many intelligent women in the world have fallen because of love, and Third Sister is no exception.”
“There will be many people tomorrow, so I’m afraid I’ll have to stay with Yunfang and the others to greet the ladies who will be attending the full moon banquet.” Anran said with some concern, “You and Yinping should stay by Third Sister’s side. If anything happens, please tell me or the Grand Madam or Madam immediately.”
Upon hearing this, Huaping hurriedly and solemnly replied, "Don't worry, Ninth Miss, I've remembered it."
“The wet nurse who will take Dongge’er should not be one of the people around Li Shi…” An Ran said, “When you go back, you must persuade Third Sister to have the two wet nurses around the Princess bring Dongge’er over first thing tomorrow morning.”
"Yes," Huaping readily agreed.
Seeing that it was getting late, Anran told her to go back early to prepare for the full moon banquet tomorrow.
"Miss, the seamstress has brought your clothes." Zhi Mo handed An Ran a bundle.
Inside, she wore a bright blue jacket with butterflies and floral patterns, a white silk skirt with pear blossom embroidery, a silver-white waist belt with pink and blue embroidered gold thread, and a main waistband.
That day, when the seamstress took their measurements, Yunlan chose a pale yellow, Yunfang chose a lotus root color, Yunrui chose pink, and Anran chose bright blue to avoid repeating any colors. No one chose the same color, to avoid comparisons.
"Put it away," Anran said to her. "Find out the ruby headdress that Third Sister gave me, and wear that tomorrow."
Just as Anran finished giving these instructions, a maid came to invite her over, saying that Third Sister wanted her to have dinner.
"The young master is not here, but the young master's wife is waiting for you!" As if she had anticipated An Ran's concerns, the maid who came to deliver the message said sweetly, "The meal is all set out, just waiting for you to come over."
Anran had no choice but to come with her.
Every day after dusk, Anran would stay indoors. She was currently living in the main courtyard with San Niang, and Yun Shen came over every day, so she should avoid any appearance of impropriety.
Sure enough, when she entered the west side room of the main house, a steaming meal was already laid out on the round black marble table. Third Sister was sitting to the side waiting for her.
"Third Sister." An Ran entered, smiling and curtsying.
These past few days, her attitude towards An Ran hasn't been particularly warm, but An Ran has remained the same as always. Whenever she sees Third Sister, she always has a smile on her face, and her attitude is gentle but not humble.
"You've arrived." Third Sister also felt that she hadn't been very kind these past few days. She cleared her throat, a rare hint of embarrassment flashing across her face. "Please sit down."
Anran readily accepted the suggestion and sat down at the round table.
Following the principle of not speaking while eating or sleeping, the two sisters sat down to talk after finishing their meal.
“Grandmother and Mother are coming tomorrow, along with Fourth Sister and Fifth Sister, the three sisters in the family.” Anran sincerely said to Third Sister, “They will definitely be happy to see Third Sister’s good spirits now!”
She made no mention of the somewhat strained relationship between the two of them these past few days, instead showing concern for Third Sister's clothing. "What color clothes will you wear tomorrow, Sister?"
San Niang was about to say "bright red" when she opened her mouth, but then she realized that it was a bit inappropriate.
“I remember my sister has a jacket with embroidered gold peony patterns and glossy satin trim. The color isn’t too flashy, but it exudes a noble air.” Anran suggested, “It can be paired with any kind of brocade skirt.”
It was just a baby's one-month celebration, so she didn't need to dress too formally. But even when entertaining guests on ordinary days, she couldn't dress casually.
The two sisters chatted for a bit more about clothes and jewelry. Third Sister hesitated, wanting to say something to An Ran about her avoidance of An Ran these past two days. But An Ran didn't seem to mind at all, her attitude was poised and generous, making it difficult for Third Sister to speak.
"I have to get up early tomorrow, so I'll head back now." Judging by the time, and knowing she'd run into Yun Shen if she didn't leave soon, An Ran got up to say goodbye. "Sister, you should rest early too. You'll be the busiest one tomorrow."