Lady Qingxiang, standing to the side, chuckled and said, "Not only are they beautiful, but their character is impeccable. Just look at their two older sisters, and you'll know."
As soon as she said this, a hint of satisfaction flashed in Madam Zhao's eyes. Not only did she praise the four sisters, including the sixth sister, but she also included the legitimate daughters, the third and fifth sisters. Even if it was just flattery, Madam Zhao felt pleased to hear it.
An Ran thought it would just be a routine greeting, but she didn't expect that the Lady of Qingxiang Marquis would stop them and say a few words. Moreover, An Ran noticed that the Lady of Dingbei Marquis looked her up and down several times with a slightly scrutinizing gaze.
Today was only the first time An Ran had met Lady Dingbei, and she was a little puzzled. Was there anything about her that was worth noting?
"I heard from your sister that you all do a good job with needlework," said Lady Qingxiang with a smile. "I'll have to let my good-for-nothing daughters learn from you another day."
Before she finished speaking, a look of excitement appeared on the faces of Liu Niang and the others.
Normally, when Madam Zhao took them out, she never gave them such an opportunity to show themselves. Could it be that their stepmother had changed her mind today?
"It's just something to look at." Sixth Sister tried her best to suppress her excitement and smiled reservedly. "Compared to Miss Zhou and the others, we are far behind."
Hearing this from the side, Seventh Sister couldn't help but feel annoyed, as Sixth Sister had taken away her chance to show herself for no reason.
"Sixth Miss is so modest. Your elder sister has already praised you all." Lady Qingxiang nodded with a smile and said, "She said that the younger sisters in the family are all beautiful, talented, and learned. In your elder sister's eyes, there is nothing wrong with any of you."
An Ran was fine, but Liu Niang, Qi Niang, and Shi Niang all felt a sense of surprise. When did San Niang change her nature and become so concerned about them?
However, this is ultimately a good thing. As the eldest daughter of the Marquis of Nan'an and the heir apparent of the Prince of Yi's mansion, Third Sister's willingness to help them will definitely benefit their marriages in the future.
These words did indeed come from Third Sister, but Third Sister only wanted to praise Anran to Lady Qingxiang. Lady Qingxiang couldn't mention only Anran in front of the four sisters, so she attributed the praise to all four of them.
"Of course," Third Sister said with a smile. "I'm very protective of my own, so it's natural for me to be protective of my sister."
If you pay close attention, you'll notice that when Third Sister speaks, her eyes are fixed on An Ran; she's finally able to subtly express her favoritism towards others.
"My sister always treats us very well at home." Shi Niang smiled sweetly, her face still carrying a touch of girlish innocence and charm.
This rare opportunity to impress the ladies was cherished by everyone from Sixth Sister to Tenth Sister. Even Seventh Sister, who had fallen behind, managed to say a few words. Only An Ran stood calmly to the side while others eagerly answered, listening attentively with a polite smile.
An Ran would only say a word when Third Sister called her name, without trying to show off.
Lady Dingbei glanced at it and a hint of satisfaction flashed in her eyes.
Fang Ting's aunt was sensible; from a young age, she taught Fang Ting to respect his stepmother and love his brothers. Therefore, she did not object to her eldest son's success. Now, Fang Ting has passed the imperial examinations twice and has been selected as a probationary official, making him well-known among the noble families of the capital. In the future, when he enters officialdom, he can also help the heir apparent.
Therefore, the Lady of Dingbei put in just as much effort as she did for her own son, the heir of Dingbei, when choosing a wife for him.
At least as Fang Ting's wife, she couldn't be such a frivolous person. Relying on her husband's official rank, she instigated the division of the family property and caused discord within the household. First and foremost, the girl's character was paramount; her background and appearance were secondary.
Fang Ting has now reached the age of twenty. He spent his early years buried in his studies, and thus remained unmarried. Now, having been selected as a junior official, he has attracted many suitors seeking a marriage alliance with the Marquis's family. Even some daughters of once-prosperous noble families, whose fortunes have declined, wish to marry Fang Ting.
Lady Dingbei became even more cautious.
My sister-in-law recently returned to her parents' home and told her about the ninth daughter of the Nan'an Marquis's family, who was born out of wedlock. She seemed to have a very good appearance and temperament, and the heir apparent of the Yi Prince's mansion also doted on her. She had even won the favor of the Yunyang Princess.
These conditions weren't the best among those who proposed marriage to Fang Ting. But Lady Dingbei was somewhat tempted upon hearing them.
The two are of similar social standing, and if they were to marry, they could respect and love each other. Fang Ting is handsome and has a scholarly air about him; he exudes the refined and elegant air of a gentleman. He probably wouldn't be satisfied with someone less attractive.
Only after meeting her did Marquis Dingbei realize that what his sister-in-law had said was true. This Ninth Miss was as beautiful as a pearl in the morning dew, but her personality was not at all flamboyant. On the contrary, she was very steady and reserved.
Furthermore, since it was her sister-in-law who acted as matchmaker, putting aside everything else, just looking at the flourishing of the Qingxiang Marquis's mansion, the Lady of Dingbei Marquis also wanted the relationship between the two families to be closer. Therefore, she was quite satisfied with the matchmaking by the Lady of Qingxiang Marquis.
The sister-in-law even arranged for the two to meet, and she would ask Fang Ting's opinion when she got back. It seemed impossible for Fang Ting not to be tempted by such a beautiful young woman, with her graceful demeanor and quiet, composed air. As the legal mother, although she had the right to decide on her son's marriage, she also had to respect Fang Ting's wishes.
Ultimately, the best wife is one he likes.
Third Sister, who had been secretly observing her, saw that she had no complaints about An Ran, but rather seemed quite satisfied. Only then did Third Sister feel relieved.
If Jiu Niang is also interested and thinks Fang Ting is acceptable, then the two families can discuss marriage.
Although her mother, Zhao, was unaware of this... Third Sister felt a little guilty. Behind her grandmother's and mother's backs, she had already decided on her half-sister's marriage. Moreover, this half-sister was originally intended to be sent to her husband as a concubine.
However, she no longer needed anyone's help. Li Shi was confined to the small courtyard, and her every move was under her surveillance. She could take in her eldest son, Dong Ge'er, whenever she wanted.
If she could give birth to another legitimate son, she would have nothing left to worry about.
When I return to the Marquis's residence next time, I should tell my grandmother and mother all about these things.
Third Sister was silently making plans in her heart.
The Lady of Qingxiang Marquis's birthday banquet had quite a few distinguished guests, and she had separately invited the Lady of Dingbei Marquis, Third Sister, and others to a private gathering, entirely out of respect for Third Sister. Therefore, she didn't linger long before rising to attend to the other guests. The Lady of Dingbei Marquis, being her sister-in-law, naturally went along to help.
As soon as the two left, Third Sister called Ninth Sister to her side to talk, and her intimate attitude was quite different from what one would expect, which made Sixth Sister and the others jealous.
How could An Jiuniang be so lucky? They initially thought that her going to Prince Yi's mansion was like entering a fire pit. But who could have imagined that she would turn misfortune into blessing and be greatly favored and supported by Third Sister?
Moreover, there was no news from the Prince's Mansion about promoting any concubines, so Anran's identity remained that of a young lady from the Marquis of Nan'an's Mansion.
What if... what if this gets out?
They thought with ill intent that An Ran's reputation was probably ruined, and she would never be able to shine as brightly as she was now, winning her elder sister's favor and the attention of everyone.
In that case, she could only become the prince's concubine, and who else would be willing to marry her?
Originally a concubine's daughter, and with such a reputation, let alone the Marquis of Pingyuan, even a concubine's son from an ordinary noble family would not marry her.
But once they are discovered... the consequences are beyond their ability to bear.
The An family sisters each had their own thoughts, leaving Zhao completely bewildered.
She was both happy and worried about San Niang's special regard for Jiu Niang. An Ran would eventually be promoted to a concubine, and it was naturally a good thing that the sisters were getting along well; but if San Niang listened to Jiu Niang's every word, she was also worried that in the future Jiu Niang would be favored in the Prince's mansion, and that it would make her, the legitimate wife, lose her footing.
Zhao was deeply conflicted.