Chapter 1011: Chapter 1003: Invitation (2)
Originally, I thought the First Madam’s anger would eventually subside, but unexpectedly, she never returned to her maiden home again in her lifetime.
The First Madam stepped down from the carriage as several maids and women unloaded several trunks from it. Xiqiu approached her, calling out, "Sister-in-law!"
"Aunt." Zhi also ran up with a smile, taking her hand, "You’ve finally returned, Zhi missed you."
The First Madam’s cold and silent expression softened a bit. She nodded to Xiqiu and, smiling, held Zhi’s hand, saying, "Aunt brought some unique molds for cakes from home. Tonight Aunt will personally make some for you to eat, okay?"
"Okay!" Zhi hopped along as he followed the First Madam into the mansion. As the First Madam walked beside Xiqiu, they walked side by side. Her faint words comforted Xiqiu, "They’re things commonly used at mother’s place, along with some of mother’s belongings from when she was alive. I’ve brought them all back!" She said while a touch of bittersweet smile appeared on her lips.
Xiqiu responded softly, "Keeping them by your side is also good, as a reminiscence." After saying that, she looked at the First Madam, "Old Madam led a charitable life, and passed away peacefully. Please take care and be at ease!"
The First Madam nodded slightly, and the two silently returned to the Grand Dowager’s room.
By late February, the weather gradually warmed up. Kun and Tong Xihua continued to come to the mansion daily for lessons. However, Mr. Hua stayed in the mansion longer than before, and Zhi spent most of his time either attending classes with Mr. Ji in the outer courtyard or practicing martial arts with Master Hua.
In March, Noble Lady Ying conceived. There hadn’t been such joyous news in the palace for a long time, and the Emperor seemed very pleased, promoting Noble Lady Ying several ranks to noble concubine, and granting many people rewards.
From the letters Le Xiu sent, Xiqiu inferred that the Emperor’s affections for Noble Lady Ying in the past six months were nearly indistinguishable from those he held for Le Xiu. It appeared she had cultivated several beauties, secretly strengthening her favor, and the Emperor increasingly took notice of Min’s development.
Min grew more composed, excelling academically while his political acumen became more apparent as he aged and gained experience, which greatly satisfied the Emperor.
Xiqiu temporarily felt at ease but then recalled the matter of Ruan Jingliu—three months had passed without any news, and she wondered how things were going in Tongzhou.
Ruan Jingliu looked at the maids and women before her, her face blatantly indifferent and aloof, "Tell him I won’t go back." After saying that, she picked up a book, no longer looking at the people in front, but lowering her head to read.
The woman was from the seventh chamber of the Ruan Mansion. Ruan Jingliu’s mother had long passed away; only her brother and sister-in-law remained in the mansion. They were asking her back only because her brother had paved connections in the Capital to secure a proper fourth-rank Imperial Censor so that the family couldn’t afford having a sister like her making appearances outside, fearing that others would find out and bring ignominy.
She no longer belonged to the Ruan Family; how the Ruan Family fared was none of her concern!
"Miss." The woman pleaded, "Master truly has no other intentions. Could you just come back with me for a while? After exchanging a few words, if you’re displeased, I assure you I’ll bring you right back." The woman knelt in front of Ruan Jingliu, "Miss, I’ve served in the mansion my whole life and have waited on you too. If not for my sake, then at least consider the mansion’s reputation; please leave me some dignity." The Master said that if they couldn’t persuade Miss to return, they’d all pack up and head to the village.
Spending a lifetime in the mansion, only to end up like this in their old age—who on earth would be willing?
Ruan Jingliu furrowed her brows, laying down her book as she swept a glance at the kneeling women with a sidelong view, tossed the book aside, and stood up, walking straight away!
"Miss!?" The woman, seeing her heading out, immediately crawled forward a few steps, imploring, "Miss!"
Ruan Jingliu turned silently, casting a blank look over them, "Since we’re going back, right?" Having said that, she exited the room.
The women exchanged glances and immediately cheered, promptly rising to dust off their knees and followed her out.
Ruan Jingliu stepped out, finding Qin Yuanfeng leaning against the doorframe with arms crossed, blocking the way, "A new pharmacy opened, quite large, want to come check it out?"
Ruan Jingliu glared at him, "I’m not Buddha; why would I check it out?" She said, stepping over and bypassing him, heading outside. Qin Yuanfeng, however, caught her sleeve, "Then accompany me for a stroll in the streets!"
Ruan Jingliu stopped, looking at the hand holding her sleeve, Qin Yuanfeng sheepishly released it, adding, "I’m not as familiar with Tongzhou as you are. Aren’t you going to be a good host?"
"Another day." With the simple phrase, Ruan Jingliu had already descended the stairs, and Qin Yuanfeng furrowed his brows, chasing after her down the steps, "Then I’ll accompany you back." Saying that, he followed closely behind.
The woman following behind laughed, saying, "Young Master, our Master only asked Miss to return, so if you’d like to visit, could you come another day, please?"
Qin Yuanfeng said nothing, his playful smile dropped, glancing coldly at the women with chilling eyes that startled them, internally gasping. This young man, though seemingly young and amiable, had unexpectedly piercing eyes.
No one dared interrupt, Qin Yuanfeng turned back, the smile reappearing as though unchanging through time. Smiling, he said, "The Ruan Mansion is a renowned aristocratic household in Tongzhou; today you should also take me to see it." A demeanor like one ignorant of worldly experiences.
Ruan Jingliu was speechless with his provocation, "Suit yourself." Then she boarded the carriage, pulling the curtain closed.
Qin Yuanfeng tossed a silver ingot to the inn’s servant, who immediately led out his horse. Comfortable and familiar, he followed Ruan Jingliu back to the mansion.
The women wanted to stop him but weren’t sure of his relationship with Ruan Jingliu, fearing offending her if she reversed her decision, and besides, this young man was somewhat intimidating. Thus, silently they followed the carriage back to the Ruan Mansion in Tongzhou.
The Ruan Mansion spanned half an acre, not spacious but luxuriously decorated, so much so that even some esteemed families in the Capital couldn’t compare.
The carriage passed through the second gate, and Ruan Jingliu alighted. Along the way, servants and women greeted her with lowered heads, and she walked briskly along the path as if unaware, with Qin Yuanfeng following two steps behind.
Upon entering the inner courtyard, in the distance, a tall, slender woman dressed in a trailing crimson gown stood before the courtyard, surrounded by four or five maids. Seeing Ruan Jingliu enter, she smiled warmly, "Sister, you’re finally back." She stepped forward, intending to embrace Ruan Jingliu.
Ruan Jingliu sidestepped, coolly asking, "Where is he?"
The woman behind Ruan Jingliu curtsied, calling, "First Young Madam!"
First Young Madam Ruan paused, impatiently waving them away. Once the maids retreated, her expression shifted to a smile, "He’s inside waiting for you." Then noticing Qin Yuanfeng, she paused, asking, "Who is this gentleman?"
