An Ran remembered that in her previous life, Chen Qian had a concubine, whom he kept outside the home. But before her pregnancy even showed, she returned home in a grand manner. And what happened? Before her belly could even swell, she miscarried. They said she had accidentally eaten something unsuitable, or that the pregnancy wasn't stable enough, and the journey had been arduous…
What good did all that crying and fussing do? Not only did she fail to save her child, but she also lost Chen Qian's favor and soon withered away in the backyard of the Chen residence.
It's too easy to kill an undeveloped fetus. And once it's gone, it's gone, so what?
This Li family member was quite extraordinary; she possessed remarkable composure, and such a person instinctively instilled a sense of fear in An Ran.
An Ran glanced again at the still clearly furious Third Sister and couldn't help but sigh inwardly. Could such an emotional Third Sister control Li Shi?
Third Sister reluctantly nodded in agreement.
"Third sister, when your husband comes back tonight, you should bring it up yourself." An Ran reminded her again, still worried. She said carefully, "Let her come back first before making any plans. Men are more responsive to gentle persuasion than force. If you say a few sweet words to him, he'll definitely listen to you!"
Third Sister didn't speak, but simply nodded again.
"Try to find out more indirectly," An Ran whispered in San Niang's ear. "Whose idea is it that Li Shi hasn't come to the manor for so long while she's pregnant? Is it her or her brother-in-law?"
Although Third Sister was somewhat puzzled, she still agreed.
If it was Yun Shen who suggested it, that would be fine. Li Shi was only trying to gain favor with Wenrou and Mentality, so there was no need to take it too seriously. But if Li Shi brought it up herself, that would be too dangerous.
Seeing that Third Sister was generally cooperative, An Ran finally breathed a sigh of relief.
but……
I'm afraid my third sister's days will not be peaceful from now on.
An Ran recalled how beautiful and noble Third Sister was at the flower-viewing banquet a few days ago, her face radiating happiness and pride. But today's events have almost dragged her from heaven to hell.
I hope she can pull through!
******
The Marquis of Nan'an's residence.
The Dowager Lady and Madam Zhao were anxiously waiting for news from the Prince's residence.
Fortunately, not long after, Su's mother rushed back and immediately went to report to the Grand Madam and Zhao Shi.
When Zhao arrived at Rong'an Hall, her heart felt like it was being boiled in oil and water; she felt extremely tormented. Seeing Su Mama return, before the Grand Madam could even speak, she preemptively asked, "How is Third Sister now? Has any news come from the Prince's residence?"
Before Su Mama could catch her breath, she hurriedly replied, "Replying to Madam, Third Aunt is doing well. I wonder how Ninth Miss persuaded Third Aunt. When we first arrived, there were faint sounds coming from Third Aunt's room, but after Ninth Miss went in, the noise subsided."
Only then did the Dowager Lady and Madam Zhao feel half relieved.
"Where is Ninth Sister? Why didn't she come back with you?" the Grand Madam asked.
Madam Su replied, "Ninth Miss asked me to come back and tell you and Madam that Third Aunt is doing well. She also said that Third Aunt asked me to stay a little longer and asked me to come back first."
Zhao's face was still full of worry.
Have you seen Third Sister? How is Third Sister?
Madam Su shook her head and said, "I didn't see her. When we arrived, Ninth Miss went in alone. Later, when Ninth Miss went out to make some snacks, the maids were carrying hot water to help Third Miss wash up. I suppose Third Miss is alright!"
Helping Third Sister with her washing and grooming? Third Sister must have been crying!
Zhao was heartbroken. She had spoiled her daughter since she was little, never letting her experience the slightest discomfort. Her husband had also loved her dearly after marriage, and she had never suffered such a setback before! Zhao was truly afraid that her daughter might do something rash.
The old lady's attention was drawn to the "making desserts" topic, and she asked more questions.
Madam Su quickly and carefully repeated the story, and the old lady's expression relaxed.
She was right about him!
Chapter 27 Entering the Door (Part 1)
An Ran stayed at the Prince's residence that night and did not leave.
Third Sister explained that she was so happy to see her younger sister that she forgot the time while talking, and since it was getting late, she let Anran stay overnight.
After the Princess Consort returned from her outing to meet friends, Third Sister took Anran to pay her respects. Then, she sent Anran away and had Yunlan and Yunfang, the two concubine daughters of the Prince's mansion, accompany her around the mansion.
Fortunately, An Ran had met them at the Spring Banquet, so she wasn't too reserved; in fact, she was quite warm. She subtly inquired about the attitudes of her two half-sisters, Yun Shen, towards Third Sister, and was surprised to find that they were quite good. Third Sister was generous and straightforward, and although she inevitably had a bit of a temper, she wasn't too unpleasant.
It is unknown what Third Sister said to the Princess Consort, but it was not until the lanterns were lit that Third Sister returned to her own courtyard with An Ran.
"I've already spoken to Mother about Li's matter, and I promised to have her return in the next couple of days." Third Sister said listlessly, as if in a fit of pique, "Now no one's unhappy, right?"
Anran shook her head and sighed inwardly.
As expected, Third Sister still had some childlike qualities; she couldn't hide what she was thinking on her face.
An Ran wanted to say a few more words, but after thinking about it, she was afraid it would backfire, so she kept quiet. After all, it wasn't easy for Third Sister to do this much.
She only understood those principles after dying. San Niang was spoiled since childhood, so how can we expect her to suddenly understand so much?
Thinking this way, she felt a great deal of tolerance.
"You did a great job!" An Ran smiled and said, "We'll talk to your brother-in-law properly when he gets back. Please be patient and don't argue with him. Since you've already decided to let her into the manor, we mustn't let anything go wrong in these small matters, or it will be unpleasant."
Third Sister agreed, raised an eyebrow, and said with a self-deprecating laugh, "I've lived all these years in vain, and in the end I still need a little girl like you to teach me!"
An Ran quickly smiled and brushed it off.
As dusk settled, Anran briefly mentioned Third Sister's decision to Nan Mama and sent the message back to reassure the Grand Madam and Madam Zhao.
Third Sister had the west wing room quickly prepared and was put into Anran's residence. She also assigned two maids, Rulan and Zhimo, to Anran.