The Survival Rules of a Shu Nu: 80 New Things on the Blind Dating Road

  On the second day, I went to Songhe Hall as promised. I originally wanted to ask about the Chen family's affairs, but when I saw the old lady, she didn't want to answer directly and kept changing the subject. I knew that something had gone wrong again, so I didn't ask much more. After paying my respects, I returned to Xieyizhai.

  The fragrance of agarwood followed closely behind, seeing that Qing's footsteps were somewhat heavy, they looked at each other in dismay, and their mood also sank with the fragrance.

  Returning to the Writing Intention Residence, as soon as I entered the courtyard, I saw several bobbed-haired individuals holding brooms and chasing each other around in jest, stirring up a lot of dust that flew towards me. As if I couldn't stand seeing dust, I hastily retreated a few steps and furrowed my brow.

  Chen Xiang stepped forward a few steps and shouted, "What's the time now? Still fooling around. Are you itching for a beating to remember?"

  The little rascals saw their master's face and also saw the fragrant incense on his face, so they didn't dare to be presumptuous, and quickly took up a broom and swept it hastily.

  Xianglang saw them sweeping the floor very carelessly, and in a rage, shouted: "Yunxiu, you've been with Miss for half a year now, don't you know the rules here? Is this how you sweep the floor? And what time is it now, the courtyard hasn't even been tidied up yet, are you intentionally looking for punishment?"

  Yunxiu shrunk her neck, and saw the gentle and calm expression of Qing, she couldn't help but retort: "I'm telling you, Sister Chen Xiang, the young lady hasn't even spoken, what are you getting angry about? You're making a big deal out of nothing."

  Her eyes widened in surprise, "You..."

  Linglong stepped forward, shouting: "It seems that you think our girls are soft-hearted and took advantage of it to get away with it. You even dared not listen to Sister Xiangxiang's words! Sister Xiangxiang, since this servant girl is disobedient and doesn't follow the rules, what should be done according to the rules of our Writing Intentions Residence?"

  Xiang slightly regained his composure and shouted loudly: "Incompetence, procrastination, and laziness are against the rules of Yizhi Residence. One offense will result in a deduction of one month's salary. Two offenses will result in ten slaps on the buttocks. Three offenses will result in being sent out of the residence! Yunxiu, how many times have you been lazy and deceitful now?"

  Linglong added: "Still disobedient and defiant towards Da Yatou."

  "Right, the crime is added one more degree. It seems that even our Writing Intention House can't accommodate a big Buddha like you, I'd better go and ask Madame Tai to deal with you."

  Yunxiu's expression changed, she was from the Li family. Because of consideration for the Li family's face, although she was only a rough servant in the Writing Intentions House, no one dared to give her a clear look. But if it were true that she was reported to the Li family for not doing things properly, the Li family would, for the sake of their reputation, not let her off without a severe punishment. Therefore, Yunxiu quickly changed her expression and apologized sincerely to Ruhua.

  Her expression was still bland, unable to tell if she liked it or not, but the words that came out of her mouth were sharp as a knife. "I know this place is a humble abode, and you girls have been following me with great difficulty. If anyone has any dissatisfaction, they can come and talk to me directly, and I will let them go to pursue their own interests." After a pause, Ruqing stared at Yunxiu again, "You've been here for half a year now, but you haven't even swept the floor properly once, and yet you've broken many things. I really don't dare use you anymore." Disregarding Yunxiu's stunned expression, she walked straight into the house.

  Outside, the sound of scolding and reprimanding voices came in, accompanied by the sobbing and wailing of Yunxiu's sleeves. Her emotions were extremely stifled, and she lay on her side on the couch, leaning against the backrest, so that no one could see her face at this moment.

  Linglong came in from the back, holding a pale green official kiln ceramic cup in her hand, and gently placed it on the small table, softly saying: "Miss, don't be angry, take care of your body." Seeing Ruqing not responding, she added: "If you really can't forgive me, let's fight. I won't hit back."

  As if feeling a bit embarrassed, he still refused to turn around. Linglong scratched her head and said: "Let that girl rest for a while, I'll go catch that Yunxiu and give him a good beating."

  "Never mind, let Xiangxiang send her back and it's settled."

  Linglong actually didn't really want to go and beat Yunxiu, but turned back and said: "Why must you send her to the old lady's place? Directly giving her to the first lady would also make her eat until she can't finish and leave. Although Yunxiu was sent by Li Shi, currently the one in charge is He Shi. Dealing with a small servant girl like this isn't a big deal. Sending her to Li Shi's place would instead offend Li Shi.

  "As it was faintly said: 'You go tell Shen Xiang, don't bother sending people over for the time being. Wait until Father goes to Wu Lan Institute and then send people over.'"

  Her bright eyes lit up, and she finally understood the clever plan her own daughter had come up with. Delighted, she let out a happy "ah" and cheerfully accepted the task before heading out.

  It wasn't two days later that Shen Xiang finally found the right moment, and together with He Yuqin and Shi Shu, they sent Yunxiu to Li's Wulan Courtyard. Not long after, Shen Xiang returned and told Ruoqing, "Miss, the old madam was furious, without waiting for Old Master's orders, she had someone bring Yunxiu back and beat her with a board, and then sold her to a procurer."

  An utterly unsurprising ending, but I didn't expect Li to be so ruthless, actually selling her out again.

  "Whose child is this?" she asked tenderly.

  Chen Xiang fell silent for a moment, then spoke in a low voice: "It's the one from outside the alley, whose surname is Yang and nickname is Three-eyed Old Lady." Because she had a boil on her forehead, which later left a scar, she was nicknamed Three-eyed Old Lady.

  As the emotions subsided, "It's just that she wanted to intimidate the other girls, but unexpectedly, Madame Tai turned out to be so ruthless." That three-eyed old woman was not a good person, and once the girl fell into her hands, those with good looks were all sold at high prices to brothels, or trained and sold to merchants as concubines for old men, and their fate was miserable.

  Xiang also felt a pang of sadness, but seeing Yu's guilty expression, she comforted her: "Miss, don't blame yourself. Who told her not to serve you well? Relying on being sent by the old lady, she didn't put you in her eyes, and even led other maids to follow her example, extremely unruly. She has this ending, it's also her own fault."

  Following the likes of Qing, over the years, Chen Xiang has come to know his master's temperament. Although he is usually very good to them, once they commit a fundamental error, he will not show mercy. The punishment for Yunxiu was indeed severe, but who made her so arrogant and rude? Although sympathetic to her fate, Chen Xiang would rather not have his own daughter blame herself.

  If the truth is that there's some self-blame, then Yunxiu can be hateful, but it doesn't have to be treated so cruelly. After thinking for a while, I finally came up with a way to make amends, and just said faintly: "Why hasn't Taohong appeared?"

  The fragrance is faint, but Linglong quickly said: "Recently, the old master has just been promoted, and his momentum is strong. The many maids in the mansion love to run there for no reason. Moreover, this morning, the young lady asked Taohong to send a pair of new shoes to Yisongyuan, and now she still hasn't returned, I guess the old master must be really busy."

  As soon as she glanced at Chen Xiang, Chen Xiang lowered her head and said, "I couldn't control the little girl under me, it's my dereliction of duty. I'll go to Master now and call that dead donkey back, let Miss deal with her." As she turned around, Ru Qing stopped her, "Forget it, since Tao Hong likes Big Brother, would you please tell Eldest Madam to keep this little girl?"

  "Chen Xiang widened his eyes, 'How can that be, wouldn't Madam get angry with you?'"

  "Just do as I say."

  Half a time later, Chen Xiang finally returned, and as soon as he entered the door, his face was filled with undisguised joy. "The madam didn't say anything, just indicating that she knew, and would definitely take good care of Tao Hong." She emphasized the word 'care' extremely heavily.

  Yu Qing smiled and said, "Thanks for your hard work. This is a freshly baked lotus cake from the kitchen, have it while it's hot."

  ……

  On the second day, early in the morning, Taohong knelt down in front of Ruhua, with a nose full of snot and tears, saying: "Miss, the madam has taken a liking to me and wants me to go serve her. Miss, I don't want to leave you!"

  Xiang Yuqin's eyebrows inverted in anger, and she coldly laughed: "Is the great madam lacking people? You don't want others, but you insist on her going over? Ha! Little sister has quite the skills."

  Blushing and lowering her head, she said in a low voice: "I don't know why the madam just happened to take a liking to me."

  Chen Xiang coldly smiled, "Do you know why Madam has kept you here?"

  Tao Hong raised her head, and although she pretended to be dazed on her face, she couldn't hide the joy. "...this, I don't know either, young lady...I didn't intentionally want to betray you, it's just that..."

  As if on cue, he raised his hand to stop her excuses: "My elder sister is a shrewd person, and the people around her are all carefully selected. Since she has taken a liking to you, it proves that you are a capable person. Your boxes have been packed properly, Yaqin, you and Shishu take her to bring the luggage away."

  Yuqin led the way, saying disdainfully: "Taohong sister, let's go. Your trunk was taken care of by the young lady last night."

  Tao Hong stared blankly at Ru Qing, but Ru Qing didn't look back at her. Instead, she slowly drank the freshly ground soy milk that had just been made in the kitchen. After finishing most of it, she finally said, "Go ahead, with your skills, I'm sure you'll do better than this at Eldest Sister's place."

  She had followed Ruoqing for many years, but still didn't quite understand her. The calmer Ruoqing was, the more uneasy she felt in her heart. But at this point, even if she regretted it, there was no use. Moreover, leaving Ruoqing to rely on the Cangsong Institute was what she had always dreamed of. Now that a pie had fallen from the sky, how could she not pick it up?

  After Taohong left, Chen Xiang said indignantly: "Miss, you are too kind-hearted, actually letting this hoof be so arrogant."

  As soon as she finished drinking the remaining soy milk, she wiped her lips with a handkerchief and slowly said: "Let it be, keeping such a talent who is loyal to Cao but has his heart in Han by my side would not benefit me either. Since she loves to curry favor so much, I'll just let her have her way, lest she complains later." She knew that since her marriage had been called off time and again, perhaps everyone was guessing that even if she found a husband in the future, things wouldn't go well for her. Rather than following her and suffering, it's better to make plans early on.

  Chen Xiang's delicate and elegant jade zither had long expressed its desire to follow her, never to leave her side. Lan Yin and Shi Shu, although they hadn't explicitly stated anything, were still diligent in their work. Perhaps they had already developed some small thoughts, but at least they were still loyal. Regardless of whether she became a noble or a commoner in the future, these two would always treat her with kindness and respect. As for the remaining Lu Liu...

  As if recalling the past, "What about Green Willow?" This girl and Peach Red had always been close. Now that Peach Red has climbed to a higher branch, I suppose this girl won't be able to stay either.

  Chen Xiang fell silent for a moment, and his heart skipped a beat as he dared not look directly into her loving eyes. This big lass was indeed a failure.

  Yuqin hastily said, "Miss, yesterday the second aunt and uncle returned, but you were taking a nap at that time. Xiangxiang told us not to disturb you. The second aunt wasn't able to enter your room either, she was led by Xiangxiang to the side hall opposite, where she was received by Lvyu."

  "What, Second Sister is back? What did she come back for?" Ever since the last time they had a fight and Fang Jinglan scolded her, Xi Shi wouldn't normally return home during ordinary festivals.

  Yuqin looked at Chenxiang with a glance, wanting to speak but stopping herself. Chenxiang glared at her and said: "It's not like it's some earth-shattering big deal or anything, but the eldest son of the main house in the Gūtàiniáng family has been born, so both the second Gūniáng and the Yùjùnwáng Fēi went to the Zhào family to offer congratulations. On their way back, they made a special detour to come visit you."

  After finally figuring out who the eldest grandson of her aunt's family was, she couldn't help but ask: "You deliberately took a detour to come see me?" Aunt Fang Jingxuan married into the Zhao family's second house, and the eldest son of the Zhao family's main house had a legitimate grandson. As the princess of Yu Prefecture was the daughter of the Zhao family, her brother had a legitimate grandson, so she should have gone to celebrate. However, from the Zhao family to the Yu Prefecture Wangfu is a long way, and she actually took a detour back to the Fang family to see herself off. With Ruyi's temperament, when did she change?

  Xiang said with disdain, "Second Auntie wouldn't be so kind-hearted. It's just that I heard from someone who heard it from someone else that the concubine of the Jiang family's young master also gave birth to a child, and it's white and chubby, really adorable. And Madame Jiang of Yongning is taking her to attend the Zhao family's celebration feast."

  It's been a while since I've been out of it, recently I haven't left the house or even taken a step outside. It's like I've almost cut ties with the outside world. And then I heard that Jiang Yuran has taken a concubine? And she's even given birth to a illegitimate child? That's really impressive! "He married into the Kai'an County and still dared to take a concubine, the young master of the Jiang family is indeed formidable."

  Chen Xiang didn't think so, "That Kai'an County is also a place with bad luck. When she gave birth to her child, she almost lost her life and fell ill, so she can't have any more children. That's why the Jiang family's matriarch promoted her niece from the maternal side to be with the young master of the Jiang family, and within just one year, she gave birth to a illegitimate son. The matriarch is now delighted, taking the illegitimate son everywhere to show off. Miss, you were bullied by this mother-son pair before, and Second Aunt intentionally brought this news to you, which was definitely not with good intentions." Although Chen Xiang didn't know what her purpose was at first, she knew it wasn't good, so she refused to let her enter the house to see her own niece.

  "Second sister originally wanted to see my joke." Jiang Yuran deliberately ruined her reputation, promising to give her the title of legitimate wife, but Mrs. Jiang looked down on her background and only treated her as a concubine. Now, after going through ups and downs, she is still alone in her husband's family, with no place to settle, neither high nor low, and still struggling to make ends meet, while others are showing off their illegitimate sons everywhere, even to Fang Jingxuan, the purpose of which is obvious.

  Suddenly, as if only feeling heartbroken and cold, the female lead has somehow ended up in this embarrassing situation. However, having survived for over a decade in ancient times, she had already been assimilated into the secular etiquette to the point of being almost indistinguishable, making it unrealistic for her to rise up and resist; apart from passively accepting reality, there was no other way out.

  Chen Xiang felt a pang of sadness and desolation, his heart also sank with a hint of gloom. He then cursed Jiang Yunran's mother and son, as well as the mother and son of the Xiang family, for over a hundred times, gritting his teeth in anger.

  Later, it was indeed heard everywhere that the son of Yongning Bo had another illegitimate child. The wife of Yongning Bo was so happy that she set up thirty tables at home, and many invited guests went to celebrate. Even the Yu Guo Wang Fu and Zhao Jia Da Fang Er Fang all went. She couldn't help but scold Ruxin and also scolded Auntie Tai Nai. They were all close relatives of Rusong, yet they also followed the crowd...

  Finally, she cursed Jiang's mother and son. This pair of ill-fated mother and son will eventually have their retribution...

  After several days, Bao Daling's Linglong heard another shocking news, but this time she didn't dare to share it with Ruxin immediately. Instead, she secretly pulled over Chen Xiang and said, "The cousin of the Zhao family also gave birth, and the mother of the Zhao family is sending out red eggs and invitations everywhere. What's even more hateful is that the shameless old woman is still spreading rumors everywhere, saying that it's a good thing they didn't marry our family's daughter, otherwise, she wouldn't have been able to hold her grandson so quickly. Isn't this infuriating?"

  Chen Xiang's face turned iron-green with rage, and he shouted: "That shameless...!"

  Linglong clenched her fists and shouted "Despicable" three times, then scolded the ancestors of the Xiang family for eighteen generations from inside out. She glared at Chenxiang with wide eyes, "Heavens are really blind! Our girl is so good, yet she has to suffer such hardships... This thieving heaven... The affairs of the Xiang family will eventually reach our girl's ears, should we tell her now?"

  Chen Xiang thought for a moment and said, "First there was Yunxiu who rubbed her nose on her face, then Taohong who trampled on her dignity, and now the Jiang family is also getting involved. It's already hard enough for the young lady, we can't add fuel to the fire."

  Linglong nodded, "Alright then, we won't say a single word."

  Chen Xiang nodded heavily, his mood heavy as he entered the house. As he stepped inside, he took a deep breath and suppressed the gloominess in his heart, replacing it with a calm smile. However, upon entering the room, he saw Ru Qing sitting at the desk, her back straight and her wrist moving as she wrote something. He couldn't help but walk over to take a look, only to see Ru Qing's serious face, meticulously writing "The boundary is created by the heart; matters are in human hands".

  Chen Xiang recited it several times, still not understanding its meaning. After reading it carefully several more times, he slightly understood it, but didn't dare to make a wild guess, so he asked, "Miss, what does this sentence mean?"

  As long as you don't raise your head, "When you're in a good mood, everything is fine. When you're not in a good mood, nothing is fine. So, to make myself feel better, I must be happy."

  "....Well, it's up to us then?"

  As if he had stopped his brush, he said: "All things are destined."

  "Huh?"

  "Let me put it this way, the Jiang family has a new heir, the Fang family also has a legitimate son, but I'm still struggling to make ends meet. However, I won't just sit here and complain about my fate."

  "Oh, maiden's insight. Maiden indeed has a broad view." Xiang's heart slightly relaxed, suddenly froze and shouted, "Maiden, you know everything?"

  As if looking at the bright moon season flowers outside the window, she smiled slightly and said, "You've been hiding in the corner biting your ears for half a day, I don't know what you're thinking."

  Xiang Chen froze, then lowered her head again, muttering incoherently. "Miss, I didn't intentionally try to deceive you."

  "As for me, I'm not blaming you. It's just that I feel like you and Linglong have been thinking of me with all your heart, if I were to make myself miserable because of these unrelated people, it would be a waste of the efforts you both put in."

  When she heard the news of Tong Qingwen giving birth to a child, if she said it didn't affect her taste, that would be a lie. But she could still control herself and bury that resentment deep in her heart. She wasn't as fragile as outsiders imagined. As a transmigrated woman, having ended up in this situation was already embarrassing enough. If she couldn't even withstand this blow, then it would truly be a waste of the modern soul given to her by heaven.

  ……

  After several days, the wife of Qingchang Houfu, who was also He Shi's third sister, gave birth to her second son. When the news reached Fang's family, Old Lady Fang was delighted. Coincidentally, it was also the day when Fang Jinglan and his father were resting at home. Everyone sat together in Songhe Hall for a meal, and Fang Jinglan proposed that when Qingchang Houfu held a full moon banquet, they would let Zhi Li couple go together, and take the opportunity to deliver the gift.

  The old lady also had this intention and once again exhorted her to listen to her sister-in-law's words and not act rashly.

  It's just a chance to let her show off in front of a group of noble women, and by the way, advertise that the Fang family still has a daughter waiting for marriage, who is worth looking at, hurry up and place an order...

  ……

  "Miss, miss, how do you read these few words?" Amidst the hustle and bustle of Hongguo Temple, Linglong forcefully pushed through the crowds of incense-burning visitors, elegantly making her way to Ruoqing's side, excitedly handing over a piece of paper.

  Just as she was holding the small fan with a painting of peach blossoms, Xiang's eyes met hers, and her heart skipped a beat. She stretched her neck and secretly glanced at the note.

  "What's this?"

  Linglong wiped the sweat from her face, hehe smiled, "I asked for a marriage divination sign in front of the old moon god, but there are many characters on it that I don't recognize. Miss, can you help me read it?"

  As if she was laughing and crying at the same time, he stared at her and said, "How old are you, to have started thinking about love?"

  Linglong scratched her head, "Not young anymore, not young anymore, this year is already fifteen, ah, girl, you read quickly, what's written above?"

  With a smile that seemed to have no patience, she unfolded the letter and read it out loud: "The flowers bloom on the sunny platform, the carriage drives into the treasure hall, the emperor's throne is heard in the morning, the horse walks and listens to the thunder." Hmm, why does this text seem so familiar?

  She pondered over the words in her mind, but couldn't understand their meaning. However, upon hearing the four characters "jin bao" and "chao di", her eyes suddenly lit up with joy, and she exclaimed, "Ah, 'jin bao' and 'chao di', wow, this must be a good fortune-telling slip!"

  Linglong nodded vigorously, her cheeks flushing with excitement. "Yes, yes, the monk also said it was a superior sign. Miss, you will definitely marry into a good family in the future, so don't worry now, don't worry."

  "What does this have to do with me again?"

  Linglong burst out laughing, "Miss, I'm asking for a sign on your behalf, haha, what a great sign......" To express her excitement, she also laughed loudly three times with her head thrown back.

  As if she had expected it, Tie Yan shook her head, "This isn't reliable at all... That year, when I was in Qizhou City, I also went to ask for divination several times and drew a similar lot. This can't be taken as true." Previously, when she was in Qizhou City, she had been particularly superstitious about this, but after drawing lots several times and responding to her current situation, alas, it was miserable!

  Linglong shook her head, and with a playful smile, she conjured up another slip of paper. "I knew you'd say that, so I asked for another one, see? Two slips now, surely one of them will be right."

  Like the Khan, but couldn't resist the enthusiasm of Linglong, had to take over, unfold and read aloud, "For years, no one has sat here, today new flowers bloom on tender shoots, a thousand miles away, yet destined to meet, in a foreign land, we intersect. For years, no one has sat here... this sentence is quite fitting..."

  She raised her head and saw Linglong's small face with a mischievous expression enlarged before her eyes, Linglong bared her "Spanish"-style small tiger teeth, and smiled: "Miss, both are excellent matches."

  As she was speechless again, she was moved by the two girls' loyalty to her, but what could drawing the top sign represent?

  But now she is really being suppressed to the point of internal injury, having these two upper signs in hand is also a kind of comfort.

  In my previous life, before exams, I would search online for horoscopes or zodiac signs to learn about my luck. Later, after starting work, I spent three years as a low-ranking office clerk and was also infatuated with fortune-telling and divination. I'm not sure if it's psychological, but most of the time, I felt like they were quite accurate.

  But this time... the old lady, Li, and He have recently increased their participation in high-end social events, not because they really love socializing, but actually all for her marriage, but most of the time, the news brought back is depressing... And these two letters are a kind of comfort to her.

  ……

  Time flies, and before I knew it, the scorching hot August has arrived. On these sweltering days, going out really makes one feel like a roasted duck. In previous years, if possible, I would resolutely not go out during this time. Now, in order to sell myself off early, I have no choice but to brave the blazing sun and show my face at the Qingchang Marquis's residence.

  The Qingchang Marquis Manor started from the Taizu Emperor, and because of following the Taizu Emperor in his southern and northern expeditions, they established the merit of opening up territory. After the Taizu Emperor ascended to the throne, he was conferred as a second-class hereditary marquis. Among the six national dukes and 53 marquises who were conferred titles at the same time that year, nearly a hundred years have passed, and the Qingchang Marquis still stands tall in the imperial court. Apart from the Yang family's strict management of their household, they also attach great importance to nurturing and educating their children and grandchildren. Now, passing down to this generation of Yang Qi'an, due to the dispute over the imperial heir, he has placed his treasure on the current emperor, and it is unknown whether it is good luck or exceptional vision. Today, Qingchang Marquis Yang Qi'an has been listed as one of the emperor's trusted advisors, currently serving as the Left Army Commander of the Five Armies Command Center, with power that reaches the heavens. His younger brother Yang Qi'tai serves as the commander-in-chief of the Twelve Battalions in the capital, holding a second-grade official rank, and is also a person with great power in his hands. The Yang family's influence is such that even for a small full moon banquet, the people who come to offer congratulations are like fish crossing the river.

  It is said that all the nobles from various royal palaces in Beijing, including those from the Prince's Palace, Duke's Palace and Princess' Palace, have come to celebrate.

  Fang Jinglan let Zhi Lifu couple bring out Ruqing, their purpose is self-evident.

  Because Mrs. Yang gave birth to a legitimate second son, this time it was not as grand and noisy as the eldest son, but 400 tables of banquet were enough to make people look at her.

  He Shi and the wife of Qingchang Hou were biological sisters, and Zhi Li and Qingchang Hou Ye were sworn brothers. Although Qingchang Hou was from a military background and Zhi Li was from a literary background, they got along well and had a close relationship. As a result, the Fang family could be considered relatives of the Yang family. Therefore, when He Shi and Ruqing got out of the carriage, there were already servants waiting for them at the Huafang Gate.

  He led Ruoqing to the backyard, directly entering the main hall. At this time, the room was filled with laughter and chatter, and all the noblewomen were seated together. The relationship between He and Yang's wife was also well-known to the noblewomen present, so they didn't dare to be slow in greeting them, and they all called out to her.

  He's social etiquette was quite good, and as he followed her around, he also benefited greatly. He paid his respects to the many ladies of the Yang family, and when he saw Ru Mei by Old Lady Yang's side, he called out, "Third Sister."

  Rú Měi was dressed in a bright red and gold embroidered cheongsam with a hundred butterflies pattern, matching the color of her golden hundred butterfly embroidered red skirt. Her pearl accessories shone brightly, exuding luxury and grandeur. After exchanging greetings with He Shi, she smiled and greeted Rú Qíng, "Fourth sister, you're here too! Long time no see, I've missed you to death."

  As if she was holding onto Ru Mei's hand, looking her up and down, then smiled and said, "Of course, I've been missing my sister too." The two sisters were affectionate for a while, and He Shi stood by with a smile, waiting for the two sisters to finish catching up. Only then did she step forward and say, "I knew you two sisters have a close relationship, but this isn't the time for that now. Fourth Sister, come on, quickly bring out the gift you prepared for your little nephew."

  Old Lady Yang, sitting at the top, smiled and glanced at the two sisters, saying: "Second daughter-in-law, I know you miss your hometown sister, but there are so many guests here waiting to meet your sister. Let her go quickly."

  Like a beautiful neck shrinking, then relaxing like a sentimental hand, softly saying: "Little sister go, we'll chat again in a while."

  As if nodding in agreement, she teased the newborn baby and handed over two small red sachets embroidered by herself. Mrs. Yang accepted them with a smile, looking at Ruqing and the sachets, pinching them gently, saying: "They still smell so fragrant, what did you put inside, little sister?"

  "Wearing white lily, seven-mile fragrance, patchouli, small fennel, peppermint, white iris, lemongrass, mountain mint, realgar, peppermint leaves, mugwort leaves, white angelica, perilla, and cloves can prevent mosquito bites."

  Mrs. Yang's eyes lit up, "I didn't expect there were so many famous brands in here. My sister really has a good eye."

  "It's just a waste of effort, after all, it's not worth much money." In fact, if she were to give expensive gifts, she wouldn't be able to afford them either. It's better to put in some thought and make something herself, the gift may be light but the sentiment is heavy.

  Mrs. Yang smiled and said: "Sister can have this heart, it is really rare. The gift is in the heart and not in the expensive, sister's gift, I really like it."

  "As the salesgirl said, 'If you like it, I can make a few more for you. For young master to wear alternately.' Then she also mentioned that these sachets are generally replaced once every 10 days, which can have a certain mosquito-repelling effect."

  Mrs. Yang was delighted and said to He Shi, "Sister, you are really blessed to have such a clever and lovely younger sister." If the young girl in her family could be as sensible as Qing even by half, she would have smiled secretly.

  Old Lady Yang subconsciously glanced at her daughter standing beside her, and this Miss Yang curled up the corner of her mouth, hummed softly, and muttered in a low voice: "It's just a bastard."

  Ru Mei was standing not far from Miss Yang San, and upon hearing this, she became furious, thinking to herself: "I'm the only one who can be dissatisfied with my own sister, what right do you have as an outsider?"

  But having eaten her fill of the young daughter-in-law's bitter suffering, and having had enough of her mother-in-law's favoritism, Mei was dissatisfied but didn't dare show it, only twisting her handkerchief into a tight knot.

  Mrs. Yang glared at her daughter, then glanced at Rumei with a mixture of surprise and admiration in her eyes, but didn't say anything else. Instead, she smiled warmly and turned to the elderly woman sitting next to her, who was wearing a bright yellow and red peony-patterned silk dress, and sighed: "This young lady from the Fang family is really wonderful."

  The old woman glanced at Ruoxi, who was talking to the He family's daughter, and said lightly: "Yes, she's a lovely girl." Then she looked at Miss Yang again and smiled softly: "Miss Yang from your esteemed household is also approaching adulthood, has there been any suitable matches?"

  Mrs. Yang sighed, looked at her daughter with a smile in her eyes, "This girl is born to be noble, not ordinary people can marry her, it's a headache for me. Fortunately, this girl is liked by the empress dowager, and the empress dowager has also explicitly stated that she will arrange a marriage for Ning'er when the time comes."

  The old woman chuckled, "Is that so? Then congratulations are in order. To be able to have the Empress Dowager personally arrange a marriage, looking at the entire capital city, there really aren't many who can do it. Your esteemed household truly has good fortune."

  Everyone present was congratulating with envy and jealousy, Yang Sangu Niang, also known as Yang Qining, proudly raised her chin, glanced at her two sisters-in-law, and finally fixed her gaze on Rumei, whose handkerchief was twisted even tighter...

  The ladies of the He family also congratulated them on their faces, but as for the emotions, they could be seen from Mrs. He's face that she was not pleased and worried about her third daughter. She lowered her head. Yang's wife had been bullied by her younger sister-in-law in her husband's family, and her younger sister-in-law was also deeply favored by the Empress Dowager. The person chosen by the Empress Dowager for marriage would not be bad, and it was still relatively beneficial for the Yang family that the younger sister-in-law married well. But for Mrs. Yang and Rumei, it wasn't very good...

  He looked at his sister with a sympathetic glance, then turned to talk to his elder sister, Mrs. Yu, "Your sister married my second uncle, and my third aunt married the younger brother of your family's third sister. Ah, this generation is really complicated."

  Mrs. Yu smiled and said, "Indeed, nowadays, everything is all messed up."

  Then the two sisters burst out laughing, and finally, Mrs. Yu said with a straight face: "Not long ago, my niece wrote to me saying that she was also pregnant, I reckon it's another one with a handle on it, haha, she's also a lucky one."

  On the side, Ru Qing heard this and became worried again.

  Madam Yu pushed Mrs. He again, "You and your brother-in-law have been married for many years, but you only have one son, Wen Ge Er. This won't do, you must try harder."

  He sighed and gave her a white eye, "Sending Subei is not my relative. How can I say that it was born?"

  Mrs. Yu exclaimed, "Ah!" and then said, "However, I heard that your husband's house has two more concubines? Is it true?"

  He's face was calm and collected, "It was sent by Ke's family, your brother-in-law's superior. Your brother-in-law couldn't very well refuse it in person, so he just had to accept it into the house."

  Mrs. Yu bit her lip and lowered her voice: "This old man Ke is really hateful... Has that brother-in-law expressed his attitude?"

  He's face was cold, but a hint of a smile appeared. "Your brother-in-law is still quite determined. Unfortunately, with such a beautiful woman always fluttering around under his eyelids, it's likely he'll fall for her sooner or later."

  Madam Yu frowned, "Your brother-in-law was chosen by your parents after careful consideration, how could he be so useless? Don't worry, sister, just reason with him and explain the situation, I'm sure he'll understand your good intentions."

  On the side, Ru Qing smiled bitterly. How could this pair of sisters treat her like air? They openly discussed the affairs of her brother's room in front of her, weren't they afraid that she would report to Zhi Li?

  However, Yu's words were quite standard, and it was actually the Fang family who shamelessly begged for He's hand in marriage back then. Yet, Mrs. Yu made it sound like they had carefully selected a son-in-law with good manners, which, although flattering, was pleasant to hear.

  Admiring eyes turned towards Yu Shi, this He family's sister is indeed a wonderful person.

  Receiving such a loving gaze, Mrs. Yu chuckled and pulled her over, saying: "Good little sister, you really are biased, when Third Sister had a child you sent her a fragrant pouch, why didn't I get one?"

  When getting married, "wait for elder sister's family to hold a wedding, younger sisters must be sent in pairs."

  Madam Yu burst out laughing and poked her forehead, "You're a sly one, knowing I won't have any more children, yet you still come to poke at my sore spot, deserving of a beating."

  Ru Jing hugged her sore forehead and exclaimed, "How can that be? Big sister is still so young, having ten or eight more wouldn't be a problem. Ah, forget it, big sister shouldn't have any more children. If she does, my hands will be ruined from holding them all." As she spoke, she spread out her slender fingers and lamented, "Just the other day, Ru Zhen's older sister gave birth to a little nephew, and now second aunt is pregnant too... I've got even more work to do. If big sister has another one, I really won't be able to keep up."

  Madam Yu and He's wife covered their mouths and laughed loudly, He's wife laughing: "Serves you right, who told you to have a pair of skilled hands? How can you be reconciled with yourself if you don't use your strength to press the wine?"

  As if nothing was wrong, Ruoxi pretended to be troubled and laughed again. He Ruoshi didn't forget her task either, pulling Ruomei along as company, and also brought Ruoxi to pay respects to the other noblewomen without a word.

  Thanks to the He sisters' gift, today's visit went smoothly without any difficulties. I met two county princesses, four imperial concubines, five or six duchesses and other relatives from side branches, as well as madams from various marquis and earl households. Throughout, I maintained a smile that was 70% elegant and 30% shy, earning uniform praise:

  "This child is really born with a lively spirit..."

  "This child's facial features are really good..."

  "This child was born so clean..."

  ……

  There were also those who sincerely praised him, pulling Ruo Xin in front of them to carefully examine and ask questions. At this time, He Shi used her strong memory to search for any unmarried sons in these women's families, felt that it was reliable, and then vigorously promoted Ruo Xin.

  For example, when she met the wife of Yongqing Bo's mansion, the wife complained that Qingyi had forgotten her. He Shi said: "My sister Ping usually loves to do some needlework, I guess she has exhausted her eyes, so she couldn't recognize the lady."

  Then the lady kindly pulled Ruqing Dao and said, "Women's needlework is important, but we must also take care of our bodies. I have some lively goldfish, and one day I will send someone to deliver a tank to you. Often watching the small goldfish swimming in the water is good for your eyes."

  She blushed and nodded in agreement.

  She met the wife of a certain general, and the lady asked her age. She replied cleverly, and the lady said: "It turns out that you are about the same age as my daughter. Unfortunately, your temperament is much better than hers. Miss, if you have time, please visit me often and teach my daughter some feminine virtues."

  "Madam Liao Zan said: 'As for me, I am of humble origin and inferior quality, I dare not be presumptuous.'"

  The general's wife smiled and said that she must go to her house, a distant relative from her hometown had brought some watermelons from Haining, which were big and sweet. Finally, she said, "I heard that the Fang family is also from Haining, haha, it turns out that we are half-fellow villagers."

  He Shi remembered that the general's wife had two sons of her own, so she thought there was a chance and readily agreed on behalf of Ru Qing. Then she took Ru Qing to pay respects to other madams.

  Although Fang Jinglan was demoted, his two brothers were very promising, and the Fang family also had several powerful relatives by marriage, including the Zhong family of Pingyang Houfu, the He family of Qinggui Pai, the Yang family of Re Men Houjue, and the Yuanguang Wangfu. Each of them was prominent and had their own strengths. Although Ruo Xiang was only a concubine's child, she was listed under the name of Fang's first wife, Li Shi. From this, it can be inferred that Ruo Xiang was also deeply loved by her brothers and sisters-in-law. If one were to marry her, they would be able to connect with these powerful families, not to mention being taken care of; at the very least, their path in officialdom would be smoother.

  Now looking at He's family being so attentive to this girl, some sharp-eyed people have already made calculations, and are especially close to Ruoxi.

  Hou Chang Hou Fu was a second-class noble, and the women sitting in the front row were mostly of higher or equal rank and had strong backing.

  Compared to the high-ranking officials of the imperial court, the countess was still at the back. The twenty or so countesses made a brief introduction as they walked by, and when introducing Countess Yongning Yun, everyone in attendance knew about Jiang's past with Ruxin and looked over in surprise.

  Yun's face stiffened, but he still maintained a polite smile.

  He smiled as if nothing was wrong and said, "This is Mrs. Jiang's sister, so there's no need for introductions."

  Rumei was inspired and pulled Rumei to introduce other madams...

  Yun's face turned bright red with embarrassment, the snickering of the other wives making her feel annoyed in her heart, but she also pretended to be calm and continued to coax the little baby in her arms.

  After a while, Princess Jing arrived, and Mrs. Yang and the other women present hastened to greet her. Princess Jing wore a single dress of brocade with a pattern of white chrysanthemums on a crimson background, and on her hair was pinned a golden hairpin adorned with rubies, which added to her already radiant appearance, revealing an air of elegance and nobility.

  Exchanged a few pleasantries with Old Lady Yang, played with the baby for a bit, then took a bright orange jade pendant from the maid's hand and handed it to Lady Yang, "A small gift to mark our meeting, not worth much."

  Mrs. Yang hastily took it with both hands, "Thank you, Your Highness." Then Princess Jing and Old Mrs. Yang sat together, and Old Mrs. Yang smiled and called her daughter to come forward and kowtow to the princess.

  Yang Qining's face turned red, she took small steps forward, bowed respectfully, and Jing Tai Wangfei smiled with her hands clasped together, sizing her up from head to toe. She said to Yang Lao Furen with a smile: "It's only been a few days since we last met, but the young lady of your esteemed household has become even more elegant."

  Old Lady Yang chuckled and said, "Empress Dowager Liao Zan, this little girl is quite mischievous."

  Yang Qining glared at her mother and pouted: "Mother always likes to hold me back."

  After a burst of laughter, Princess Jing Tai took another hairpin with gold and silver threads inlaid with precious coral plum blossoms from the maid's hand and personally put it on Yang Qining, saying warmly: "Some days ago when you were coming of age, I was not in the capital, but I missed it. Now make up for it, you won't blame me, will you?"

  Yang Qining blushed and replied in a soft voice, "Your Highness's kindness is too much for me to handle, I'm already grateful beyond words, how could I dare to blame Your Ladyship?"

  Jing Tai Fei said warmly: "I heard that the Empress Dowager is going to personally arrange a marriage for you, do you have any young man in mind?"

  Yang Qining became more and more shy, twisting and turning, refusing to speak. Old Lady Yang saw the situation and hastily said: "The Empress Dowager has always doted on her, she must have already made up her mind, and certainly won't wrong Ning'er."

  The Empress Dowager nodded with a smile, and at this time, the maid had already brought over the tea tray. Yang Qining personally took it over, carefully placing it on the purple sandalwood waist tea table beside the Empress Dowager, saying: "Your Imperial Majesty, please have some tea."

  Everyone took a look at this scene, and it was clear that the three daughters of the Yang family had already made up their minds. They all lowered their heads and whispered to each other in private. Mei saw the situation and her face looked very bad, but apart from twisting her handkerchief, she had no other way.