Third Sister and Fifth Sister were both legitimate daughters of the Marquis's family, and should have been the two who married the best. But suddenly, An Jiu Niang appeared and became the Marquis's wife, and Fifth Sister was overshadowed.
What Fifth Sister was thinking was still unknown, but Seventh Sister was extremely jealous.
“Ninth Sister is naturally different from us.” Sixth Sister smiled, as if willingly acknowledging the differences between concubine’s daughters, very calmly, without anger or jealousy. “Third Sister dotes on Ninth Sister the most, and Ninth Sister’s treatment is almost the same as that of the legitimate daughters.”
Seventh Sister snorted coldly and didn't say anything more.
"I'm not even as good as my younger sister. At least she has a aunt who cares for her and helps her plan things out." Sixth Sister sighed softly, a hint of loneliness and pity in her eyes. "Unlike me, all alone, without any support in this Marquis's mansion..."
"The closer the day of departure gets, the more uneasy I feel."
Sixth Sister's show of weakness evoked a bit more sympathy from Seventh Sister. As far as she knew, Sixth Sister's maid, who had served her since childhood, had been personally dealt with by the Grand Madam, perhaps exiled to a distant villa. Even if they weren't separated by great distances, it would be difficult for them to meet again in the future.
In particular, Seventh Sister was also betrothed to a marriage she was not satisfied with, which inevitably made her feel a bit of a sense of shared sorrow.
"Sixth Sister, don't worry. Who knows what the future holds?" Seventh Sister offered a rare word of comfort to Sixth Sister.
Liu Niang's face immediately showed a look of gratitude.
"Thank you so much, Seventh Sister!" Sixth Sister said with emotion, "In the end, it's still Seventh Sister who can confide in me!"
Seventh Sister smiled.
"Seventh Sister has treated me so well, and there's something I've kept to myself for a long time. I feel bad for not telling you, for not being able to repay your kindness." Sixth Sister looked somewhat troubled, and her hesitant expression aroused Seventh Sister's curiosity.
Seventh Sister said somewhat anxiously, "If that's the case, Sixth Sister, just say it. Don't beat around the bush anymore." Seeing that Sixth Sister was still hesitant, Seventh Sister grew impatient. "Sixth Sister, just say it! I promise I won't tell anyone!"
At this moment, Liu Niang spoke hesitantly, saying in a low voice, "I didn't want to say it and hurt your feelings, but I also don't want you to stay in the dark forever."
"Why didn't your marriage to the second young master of the Dingbei Marquis's mansion work out? Have you never thought about the reason?" Sixth Sister looked at Seventh Sister with pity in her eyes: "After all, Father intended to arrange your marriage with the second young master of the Fang family."
"What's the reason?" Seventh Sister raised an eyebrow, looking at Sixth Sister without saying a word. "Isn't it because you failed to seduce Fang Ting that day that you ended up like this?"
Seeing her expression, Sixth Sister already guessed what she was thinking. However, she tried her best to remain calm, "Young Master Fang has always loved Ninth Sister. Even though Ninth Sister is already married, he has not forgotten her, which is why he refuses to arrange another marriage."
Before Sixth Sister could finish speaking, Seventh Sister looked astonished.
"Seventh Sister, why would I lie to you?" Sixth Sister said earnestly, "That day I did go to the waterside pavilion with Second Young Master Fang, but Second Young Master Fang kept asking me about Ninth Sister. Later he got drunk and mistook me for Ninth Sister, talking incessantly and saying that he would not marry anyone but Ninth Sister!"
"It's all Ninth Sister's fault. She knew there was no future for her and Second Young Master Fang, yet she still ignored him." Sixth Sister sighed, somewhat heartbroken. "She even gave Second Young Master Fang a token of their love, which he cherished and wore like a priceless treasure. He probably even wrote some ridiculous poems about it—"
Seventh Sister could no longer control herself and forcefully pushed the famille rose tea set beside her aside.
An Jiuniang has gone too far! She's already the Lady of Pingyuan Marquis, what more does she want? Does she need all men to love her to prove her charm?
If An Jiuniang hadn't used her charm to seduce Fang Ting, Fang Ting would probably have given up long ago, and she wouldn't have had to marry Fang Yu. The person chosen for the marriage with the Marquis of Dingbei would definitely be Fang Ting!
Fang Ting went to such lengths for An Jiu—preferring to spread rumors that he was not suited for early marriage rather than marry someone else.
Seventh Sister was so angry she wanted to grind her teeth.
"Seventh Sister, don't get angry!" Sixth Sister saw that Seventh Sister's face was ashen, as if she was really angry. She couldn't help but say gently, "I just didn't want you to be deceived, but I didn't mean for you to go to Ninth Sister! After all, Ninth Sister's status is different now, and you can't fight against her."
Sixth Sister's words, if left unsaid, would have been better; the more one thought about them, the angrier one became. Seventh Sister almost slammed her hand on the table, wanting to find An Ran and demand an explanation.
"Seventh Sister, these things can't be forced," Sixth Sister added fuel to the fire without saying a word. "But it was Ninth Sister who arranged the marriage first!"
******
After An Ran returned to the Pingyuan Marquis's residence from the Nan'an Marquis's residence, she was surprised to find that Lu Mingxiu had already returned.
"Lord Marquis, you've returned so early?" An Ran found it strange. Nian Ge'er's arm was almost fully healed, and nothing had happened at home. What could have prompted Lu Mingxiu to rush home so quickly?
Lu Mingxiu nodded slightly. Seeing An Ran's anxious expression, he suddenly smiled and said, "Does Madam still remember what the Grand Princess said she would do?"
When the Grand Princess of Lin'an was mentioned, An Ran's heart skipped a beat, and she couldn't help but look at Lu Mingxiu with worry.
As expected, she kept her word and went to petition Lord Lu.
An Ran suddenly remembered that Princess Yunyang had once said that sometimes even the Emperor had to give the Grand Princess some face. If it were about Lu Mingxiu, she might become overly concerned and confused.
"As expected, the Grand Princess of Lin'an personally entered the palace yesterday, first meeting with the Empress, then with the Emperor." Lu Mingxiu maintained a calm and composed smile throughout. Although every word seemed to concern him, he didn't take it to heart at all. "How could she save face if she didn't speak up about this?"
At first, An Ran was worried about him, but later he felt more and more that something was wrong.
Anti-theft seal
As Qiancao helped Xiao Jin to the main hall, Madam Wang had already brought Chu Muyan in.
Lady Wang, a first-rank noblewoman, exuded an air of elegance and nobility even in her elaborate makeup, yet she couldn't conceal the weariness on her face. Upon seeing Xiao Jin, she held Chu Muyan's hand and respectfully prepared to kneel down to pay her respects.
"This humble woman greets Your Highness the Eldest Princess." Wang Shi addressed Xiao Jin only as the Eldest Princess, her calm demeanor masking the anxiety in her eyes. Standing beside Wang Shi, Chu Muyan, as if he had been properly instructed, obediently lowered his head upon entering. However, Xiao Jin could tell from his subtle movements that he was desperately suppressing his curiosity.
Recalling the carefree days at the Duke of Dingguo's mansion, Xiao Jin felt a pang of pain in her heart. How could she truly accept Wang Shi's courtesy? Wang Shi had only half-squatted down when Xiao Jin quickly gestured for Mo Ju and Zi Ying to help Wang Shi up.
She sighed softly and said quietly, "You don't need to be so polite."
Chu Muyan, who had been enduring all along, raised his head, his large, clear eyes swirling with misty tears. He gazed longingly at Xiao Jin, his eyes filled with confusion and longing. That innocent look almost burned Xiao Jin.
A sudden burning sensation rose in her throat, and the emotional turmoil made her want to vomit, but with so many people present, she had to endure it. She simply took a handkerchief and gently covered her mouth; the refreshing fragrance of the handkerchief finally refreshed her, and then said calmly, "Please sit down." Xiao Jin gestured for Wang Shi to sit on the large huanghuali wood armchair beside her, and then took her seat in the main seat herself.
Chu Muyan still nestled obediently beside Madam Wang, his big eyes seemingly speaking volumes, silently asking Xiao Jin why they had become so distant since they last met.
"Yan-ge'er, come here." Perhaps it would have been better to put on a cold expression, but Xiao Jin couldn't help herself in the end. She beckoned Chu Muyan to come to her side.
Chu Muyan must have been instructed something at home. Although he wanted to go to Xiao Jin's side, he hesitated and didn't dare to move. It wasn't until Madam Wang gently pushed him and nodded at him that Chu Muyan rushed over almost like a whirlwind.
"The rabbit has grown up!" Chu Muyan's fair face looked pitiful, as if he was about to cry but dared not. He held back for a long time before finally blurting out these words.