Upon seeing this, Madam Ding quickly snatched the box, closed it securely, and then said, "Don't touch it. This is a rare item; it's meant to be given to Consort Li."
Seeing how much importance Ding placed on these small, pill-like objects, Chen Qian became even more curious. He asked, "What kind of pills are these? Why is Mother so concerned about them? You yourself said that Consort Li is deeply favored; what good things hasn't she seen in the capital?"
“This is something for women; you can’t buy it even if you have money,” said Madam Ding. “I got it by chance.”
Chen Qian assumed it was something like beauty and skincare, so he didn't ask any further. Speaking of beauty, the little girl he bumped into that day was truly beautiful—his beautiful face involuntarily floated before his eyes again.
Madam Ding murmured, "Giving her this is probably even more precious than giving her ten thousand taels of silver. She's the Prince's favorite concubine; she's seen far more fine things than anyone else..."
Chen Qian was still lost in his own thoughts and didn't hear what Ding said.
"The Lady of Qingxiang Marquis's birthday is in two days." Seeing that Chen Qian was not listening to her, Madam Ding asked, "I can't go. Have you made friends with any of the young masters of the Qingxiang Marquis's mansion?"
The mother and son's purpose in going to the capital was ostensibly to visit distant relatives, but in reality, it was to make connections. Therefore, not only did Madam Ding go to great lengths to befriend noblewomen, but Chen Qian also spent money to cultivate relationships with the sons of prominent families or officials.
Chen Qian hadn't originally planned to go to the Marquis of Qingxiang's residence; he had other plans. However, after listening to Chang Qing's words today, he decided to try his luck there.
Perhaps he can take this opportunity to find out about that girl. If he's lucky, he might even get to see her again!
Chen Qian was startled by his own thoughts. He was no longer an inexperienced young man, yet he suddenly felt a stirring of first love.
"Qian-ge'er, what are you daydreaming about?" Seeing that Chen Qian was just staring blankly and not speaking, Ding Shi couldn't help but urge him to ask, "Are you going or not? If you go, Mother can quickly prepare a birthday gift for you to take to Lady Qingxiang Marquis."
"Of course I'll go," Chen Qian quickly replied, and walked out. "Mother, please help me prepare. I have something to do and need to go out for a bit!"
Ding raised her voice and said, "Why are you leaving so soon after you just got back? It's lunchtime now, where are you going?"
Chen Qian waved his hand and said, "I have something to do, so don't wait for me for dinner."
After saying that, he lifted the curtain and left as fast as the wind, and Ding couldn't stop him.
This child, who seemed much more composed these days, was acting recklessly today, completely lacking his usual calmness, and instead looking preoccupied with his own worries.
Ding was unaware of Chen Qian's thoughts, and naturally, he was anxious. Only two or three days remained; he needed to quickly find a way to establish a connection with the young master of the Qingxiang Marquis's mansion, even if he was an illegitimate son. First, he needed to be able to enter the mansion and offer birthday greetings. He took out the handkerchief he had found in the Stele Forest that day and looked at it again, as if its fragrance still lingered in his nostrils.
He wanted to see that little girl one more time!
******
On the morning of the Lady of Qingxiang's birthday banquet, Third Sister got up early and went to the east wing to wake Anran. She put all her energy into dressing Anran up.
Striving for elegance and refinement, and a dignified and noble air, Third Sister had already planned ahead. Even if she was not satisfied with Fang Ting's appearance, she wanted to leave a good impression on An Ran in front of all the noble ladies, so that it would be easier to arrange a marriage in the future.
She had a seamstress quickly make Anran a pale yellow embroidered jacket with scallion green persimmon calyx patterns, paired with a white pear blossom skirt.
She looks charming and lovely, elegant yet lively.
The maid who combed Anran's hair came over and changed Anran's favorite double bun hairstyle into a morning cloud bun. After thinking it over and over, even examining all her jewelry and headdresses, Third Sister finally picked out a few pieces that she was satisfied with.
The most outstanding piece is a gold filigree phoenix holding a pearl. What is most remarkable is not the round, full, and lustrous pearl, but the craftsmanship of the phoenix, which is not only lifelike but also very light.
The remaining pieces of jewelry, made of red gold and inlaid with pearls, are all of the finest quality.
After dressing up, she stood calmly in front of Third Sister. Third Sister looked her up and down before revealing a satisfied smile.
The pearls accentuated her fair and jade-like face, adding to her gentle beauty and noble air.
"Ninth Sister is truly beautiful, with both a lovely face and a kind temperament," Third Sister sincerely praised. "I wonder which lucky family will be able to marry her in the future."
An Ran blushed slightly, stamped her foot, and said in a coquettish tone, "Third Sister, what are you saying!"
“Our Ninth Sister is shy.” Third Sister said with a smile, “Alright, alright, I know, I won’t say anything more.”
The two had a simple breakfast in the east wing. After rinsing their mouths, Huaping sent someone to announce that the carriages were ready and that the Crown Princess and Ninth Miss should move over.
Princess Yi was feeling unwell these past two days, so she sent the Crown Prince's wife with her three illegitimate daughters. Therefore, Anran and the Third Sister rode in one carriage, while the three sisters Yunlan, Yunfang, and Yunrui rode in another.
This time, it was Third Sister who kept Anran behind, wanting to give her a few more words of advice. She then used the excuse that Anran's old injuries hadn't fully healed, making it easier for her to take care of her, and didn't let Anran go to the back.
"Now that you're at the Marquis's residence, you should chat with the three young ladies from the Qingxiang Marquis's household. You met them before at Qixia Temple," said Third Sister. "They are the masters of the household. You haven't been back in the capital for long, so it will be beneficial for you to get to know more noble ladies."
“Recently, the Marquis of Qingxiang has gained the Emperor’s favor,” said Third Sister. “It is said that he made military achievements in the west and only returned to the capital a few days ago. Now, there are many people who want to befriend the Marquis’s family.”
Anran nodded obediently.
"There are quite a few people here today, so just be natural and don't be shy." Although Third Sister was quite at ease, she still couldn't help but remind her at the end: "There are quite a few noble ladies here, and the Lady of Dingbei is the sister-in-law of the Lady of Qingxiang."
Even someone as sensitive as Third Sister could be so thoughtful. An Ran was touched, but also sensed something amiss. Wasn't this the birthday banquet of the Marquis of Qingxiang? Why was the Marquis of Dingbei being specifically mentioned?
An Ran didn't ask any more questions; she responded to whatever San Niang said.
“Mother is coming today with Sixth Sister and Seventh Sister. They can socialize with whomever they want. You just need to stay by my side.” Third Sister was still the same person who clearly distinguished between likes and dislikes. She said, “If they say anything unpleasant, you don’t need to pay attention to them.”
An Ran felt a warmth in her heart and quickly agreed with a smile.
The journey to the Marquis of Qingxiang's residence was not short. Seeing that Third Sister wasn't looking at her, Anran secretly lifted a corner of the carriage curtain to peek out. Third Sister was amused by her slightly childish behavior and didn't pay any attention to her.
An Ran looked at the bustling scene on the street, and a hint of longing couldn't help but show in her eyes.
Just as she was about to lower the carriage curtain, she heard a rapid sound of horses' hooves, and her hand paused involuntarily.
A tall, slender figure in dark blue rode past on horseback, heading in the opposite direction from their carriage.
Although she couldn't see his face clearly, An Ran had a sense of familiarity with him.
Could it be him? (Just Love Network)
Chapter 59