The First Volume: The Hou Gate of Jinghua Chapter 37: Accompanying (Part One)

  The Zhu family liked their granddaughter to be famous outside, so on holidays and festivals when relatives came to visit, sometimes they would leave a young lady at the Hou Mansion for a short stay. However, most of these families were aristocratic. This time, Su Wan'er stayed behind, and where she was placed became an issue. Logically speaking, it should have been arranged for her to squeeze in with the other young ladies, making it lively and fun, and the days would pass quickly. But Su Wan'er wasn't a close relative who often came home, so no one knew her well, and no one wanted to put someone like her by their side. In the end, Madam Zhu casually said that she would be placed in the west wing of her own upstairs room.

  Everyone was shocked by this arrangement, Chen Lan was somewhat unexpected, but all the way back to her own Jinxiu Pavilion, she understood a bit. Nowadays, the Hou Mansion is not only one mind, but it's actually doing its own thing, and the old lady's move, no matter what purpose, is ultimately pouring another scoop of oil on the already burning fire. As long as she made up her mind not to intervene, there was no need to panic.

  Since she was injured last year, the originally simple and unadorned house has gradually added many things. There are decorations on the shelves, vases on the corner tables, curtains hanging above the bed, and cosmetics on the dresser... If someone who had been to her room before came again now, they would definitely find that it has changed a lot. As soon as she stepped into the doorway, she saw that there was an additional stone pot landscape on the case table in the main hall, and she couldn't help but frown, then asked: "Who sent this pot?"

  "It was when I came back that Liu's wife had a woman follow and bring it in." Yuner lifted the curtain from the eastern room and came out, smiling, "Liu's wife said that one of the tenants who sent rent late by ten days, to apologize and make amends, specially found some small things to send over. Miss is now in charge of the house, so after sending it to the old lady, she also paid respects with this pot. This stone basin landscape is said to be a rare stone from Yunnan, and has a festive name called 'Double Happiness Arrives at the Door', look at the pattern, isn't it like a double happiness character?"

  Chen Lan listened to this and thought for a moment before asking: "How many pots in total?"

  "There are only a few pots, and the total number is just this. " Yun'er stretched out two fingers to gesture, and then smiled and explained, "This thing is very precious, I heard that this time Wei Guogong brought twenty pots into the capital, and gave them to the various cabinet members and six department heads, as well as several military commanders, and they were gone in an instant. After all, strange rocks are hard to come by."

  "This is such a valuable thing, it's not good to leave it with me. Hongluo, you call the previous wife and have her send the thing to Lianxiang Institute." Chen Lan saw that Yun'er was greatly surprised, but he didn't explain much either. He only instructed again, "Tell her about what just happened in detail, then say that since there's something going on at home now, with such a good thing, please also have Old Lady take it together."

  Hong Xuan led the divine meeting, nodded and left. Chen Lan didn't wait for the old woman outside to come in, went straight into the east wing room, sat down on the kang, and saw Yun'er follow in with a confused expression. Before she could speak, Chen Lan shook her head and explained: "You're not unaware of the ways of those who manage the household, when they see you temporarily gaining power, they swarm around you like bees, but when they see you lose face, they trample on you mercilessly. We seem to be doing well now, but don't forget, our status was given by Old Lady, and can be taken back at any time, so don't get arrogant over a little thing."

  The words were a bit heavy, and Yun'er's face turned red and white, but she finally nodded. Seeing that Yun'er was still listening to her own words, Chen Lan let out a sigh of relief and warned her a few more times. Yun'er responded to everything, and only then did she bend her knees and say: "When I went home today, my parents and sister were overjoyed with the things they received, and they told me to take good care of them and not to lose face in front of Miss. They used to be poor, but now they have been transferred to easier jobs, which is also thanks to Miss's kindness! They didn't have anything good to send, only my sister's handmade lace and embroidered handkerchiefs. I also sent things to Qin Fang and Su Mu Hu Jia, just a bit more than usual, and they were extremely grateful... Ah, right, when I came back, I found out that Old Lady had kept that Su Yuanyuan!"

  As soon as the words came out, she saw Chen Lan looking at her with a smile that was not quite a smile. She suddenly stuck out her tongue: "I know, from now on I'll definitely call her Miss Su or Eldest Miss, so that others won't say that the young lady's maid is impolite."

  "It's enough that you know."

  Although she initially thought that Yun'er was too cunning and liked to show off in front of Chen Yan, after spending so much time together, Chen Lan gradually felt that this girl was only sharp-tongued but had a good heart, and was also devoted to herself, so she no longer harbored the suspicions she had before. At this moment, she pulled Yun'er to choose clothes and accessories for the Lantern Festival and Mei appreciation, discussing it for a long time before finally deciding on the color and style.

  Apricot-red small sleeve powder flower ribbon short jacket, the rose purple chrysalis satin face silver mouse lining crane cloak that Zhu Shi rewarded, silver white embroidered folding paper flowers skirt, plus a pair of insect grass hairpins, small bead gold carnation, pressing skirt five-color butterfly palace girdle and emerald ring, a pair of white jade bangles, monochromatic clothes and accessories are all set. After all, even if she wants to be low-key, she still has to get Zhu Shi's approval, which is just right, showing off her beauty without being too flashy.

  Because Su Wan'er had arrived, Chen Lan and several sisters were having lunch in Lianxiangyuan, the matter in Shuijing Hall had stopped early, and now that everything was ready, she suddenly remembered that Xiangfang was left to deal with things in Shuijing Hall, but hadn't seen Zheng Mama's shadow all morning, didn't know where she went to visit or do something. Just as she was thinking about these things, the curtain moved, and it was Xiangfang who came in hastily.

  "Miss, according to what you said, the old families of Chu Si's house have already sent their children home. The few maids were originally going to come in and kowtow to the old lady and the miss, but Zhu Ma was blocking at the second gate, saying that they had no duties, and also said a lot of unpleasant words... I explained a few sentences on the side, and she scolded me severely."

  "So you just came back like this?"

  Chen Lan furrowed her brow, and suddenly thought of Zhu Ma's pretentious behavior when she came to visit the patient. Seeing Xingfang's embarrassed face, she lowered her head again, and couldn't help but sigh inwardly, thinking that it was still a difficult task to get this honest and simple-minded girl to show some spirit. At this time, Yun'er on the side couldn't hold back anymore, rolled up her sleeves and coldly sneered: "It's Zhu Ma again! Can't you just stand up for yourself and argue with Xingfang sister? I'll go! I want to see how she dares to be arrogant now!"

  "Halt!"

  Chen Lan saw that Yun'er was about to rush out, and immediately called her back. He stood up and said: "Those old family affairs were reported to the old lady by me, and I personally asked for instructions. Although Auntie Zhu is your mother's sister, if you go alone, even if you are in the right, it will be useless. If she doesn't agree, what can you do?"

  Yuner opened her mouth, but ultimately retreated with a sullen expression. She was considered the eldest, actually just second-rate, if it were someone like Lü Yuxian from the Orchid Fragrance Courtyard, she might have been able to reason with Zhu's mother, but she always lacked a bit of confidence. So, she could only glare at Xingfang with annoyance, mutter a sentence under her breath, and then fall silent.

  "Stop, Yun'er," Chen Lan ordered, "Hong Luo has gone to Old Lady's place to deliver the potted landscape. You stay in the house. Qin Fang, come with me to the second gate. Usually you handle things so neatly, but on this matter you lost your composure! Even if we can't win, it's not good to slink back looking dispirited and let others see us!"

  Qin Fang had been tolerant for a long time, and at this moment, she was somewhat surprised to hear these words, but still responded with a sound, and then served Chen Lan to put on a jade-colored cloak and went out of the house.

  All the way out, she saw her own young lady's face was stern, and she felt that the young lady had changed a lot since her injury. Although she still didn't like to show off, but she no longer endured everything silently as before. Such a young lady, although somewhat unfamiliar, made people feel that she was indeed a reliable support. Therefore, when she saw Mrs. Zhu's arrogant appearance from afar, she unconsciously straightened her waist.

  PS: Alas, there are so few people celebrating Yuanxiao Festival...