Today is a grand celebration at the Zhang Mansion, and everyone is busy. After the gatekeeper escorted her to the Huahua Gate, he excused himself and left. Qin Miao led Yulu and Xiumei to San Niang's courtyard with familiarity.
Today, San Niang woke up early to apply makeup and take a bath, from head to toe, inside and out, she tidied herself up. At this moment, she was wearing a pink thin shirt, with a fine silver belt that lifted her chest high, making her already beautiful figure even more charming. On her forehead, a delicate pale peach blossom was painted, blooming vaguely, such a San Niang would make even Qin Miao unable to take his eyes off her.
"What's wrong, what did you see?" The third aunt tilted her head and adjusted her hairpin, with a flirtatious glance. Seeing Qin Miao and the others appear at the door, she opened her mouth to tease them.
Qin Miao stepped forward, seeing the good scene, and gazed at San Niang's specially-made clothes from their own shop. She couldn't help but feel proud. "Madam San is truly... beyond words today."
"Haha... I think today was quite a good day too." San Niang's mood was excellent, and she couldn't help but feel elated. However, she suddenly thought of something else and felt somewhat displeased.
"Today..." She looked Qin Miao up and down, couldn't help but laugh: "You're quite clever, not revealing your true nature, a dark horse."
Qin Miaoxin was clear-headed in her mind, knowing why the three aunts were displeased and why they smiled.
"Third Madame is a gentle soul. Talking to her always saves a lot of effort." Qin Miaoshun politely took the hairpin from the maid's hand and, facing the mirror, found a good spot to adorn Third Madame. "Today I still hope to rely on Third Madame to avoid some unnecessary trouble. If Madame is willing to lend a hand, Qin Miao will be eternally grateful."
Now that it's come to this, the third wife's worries in her heart have also been settled. She was originally favored, and it was precisely because of this favor that she had today's situation in the mansion. But little did she know that the first wife wanted to bring a young girl into the mansion, and the old master had also taken a liking to the one in front of him with lustful intentions. That young girl, she had already taken a look at her earlier, although she was tender, but overall lacked some spirit, and could only be considered above average looks. Therefore, she was extremely confident that she would be able to surpass her.
But with Qin Xiaoniang, it was different. Not only was she naturally beautiful, but her temperament was also outstanding, fresh and elegant, yet with a hint of heroic spirit that easily stirred up men's desire to conquer.
So, the one she really dreaded was this Qin Xiaoniang in front of her. Now it's good that Qin Xiaoniang has no intention of entering the mansion and is afraid to avoid her. This is exactly what she wished for, saving herself from a worry.
Third Aunt smiled and patted Qin Miao's hand: "Don't worry, I'll help you with your matter."
Qin Miao smiled and thanked her, then watched as Third Aunt sashayed away to the banquet. She herself waited quietly in the wing room of the courtyard, waiting for the end of the feast.
Today is Master's birthday, and the arrangements are quite grand. All the big shots in Jiangdu City have been invited.
The tables were opened for over ten rounds, men and women took their seats separately, with the men's relatives all seated together. During the banquet, there were occasional songs, dances, plays, and recitations to add to the excitement, making it a lively scene.
Director Zhang was born into a poor family and studied hard, he became a fourth-rank official before the age of 30. He is indeed a promising young man with a bright future ahead. Today at the banquet, there were many guests, and he couldn't help but drink a few more cups. His face turned red, adding to his already handsome and elegant appearance.
After three rounds of wine, many guests have shown signs of intoxication. Some are being taken care of by their female companions and continue to chat in their seats, while others use this as an excuse to avoid drinking a few more cups.
Everyone else was getting into the swing of things, and Director Zhang was secretly very pleased. But in a moment of carelessness, he raised his cup unsteadily, spilling wine all over his robes.
"Madam, you stay here for now. I'll go change my clothes." Mr. Zhang said to Mrs. Zhang beside him.
Mrs. Zhang was still thinking about arranging for the new servant to attend to her husband's bed that night when she saw that he had stained his robe. Thinking this was an opportunity, she ordered the maid beside her to follow and serve him.
"It's alright, I'll just go to the study and change into something else. No need to bother. There are many people today, let the servants take care of them." Mr. Zhang pressed down on his wife, not letting her get up. After finishing speaking, he hastily walked towards the study.
Mrs. Zhang was taken aback and felt that this opportunity had been wasted. However, it would be fine to send someone over personally later.
Inside the courtyard, San Yiniang's yard was filled with Qin Miao and others gathered around the table eating, drinking and laughing. This San Yiniang was also a warm and hospitable person on ordinary days. Now that she had gotten rid of her biggest worry, she naturally wouldn't mind treating Qin Miao with courtesy. She even specially ordered the kitchen to prepare several small dishes and send them to the wing room.
They were chatting happily when a maidservant came in from outside the room, saying that Third Madame's spring jacket had accidentally been caught on a hook, and asking Qin Miao to quickly go take a look.
"Alright, you just wait. I'll be right back." Qin Miao said as he put down the bamboo fan in his hand.
The maid looked young, but couldn't hide the anxiety on her face. "Third Aunt is very unhappy about the clothes, so please hurry up and follow me, Qin Xiaoniang."
It was said that Qin Miao didn't dare to delay any longer, but she had her own thoughts. Before leaving the door, she turned back and called out to Xiu Niang and Yu Lu to follow her. In case something unexpected happened, at least there would be someone to help her out.
The maid saw that all three of them were leaving and said without thinking, "Madam only allowed Qin Xiaoniang to go. I hope the two sisters will stay here for a while."
"No need. My daughter Hong is no match for the embroidery master. If the hooking is too serious, it's better to let our store's embroidery master do it personally."
The little girl's expression seemed to suggest that there was something eerie about this. This made Qin Miao even more determined to take the two of them with him on his journey. After all, many hands make light work!
The maid led the three of them around the winding path, passing by the Weeping Flower Gate and arriving at a fake mountain pass. Suddenly, Qin Miao felt a darkness in front of her eyes, her legs softened, and she fainted.
When Qin Miao woke up, she found herself in a small house. The house was fully furnished with tables and chairs.
She vigilantly looked around and found that apart from the door, there was only a small window high up on top, with no other way out.
It's all over; I've been caught by those despicable people again!
She had been prepared before coming, so she was not in a hurry at this moment. She struggled to get up and wanted to leave the door as soon as possible. As long as she left the door, she would shout loudly, even if she lost her dignity, it was better than being taken advantage of by others.
As soon as she struggled to sit up, she felt a heavy and sour numbness all over her body. What's going on! Can't be so unlucky, was poisoned by someone... Qin Miao thought of crying loudly, really encountered a plague god. In her heart, she scolded that lewd eighteen-generation ancestor again.
No matter what, I have to get out of here quickly. If that scoundrel comes, I'll be in big trouble. Qin Miao gritted her teeth and forced herself to sit up, her forehead already covered in fine sweat, as she got off the couch. She saw a teapot on the table next to her hand, which was still cool to the touch. She quickly picked it up and poured the tea into her mouth, then splashed the rest onto her face and head. After drinking this pot of tea, she felt much more alert, and her legs were stronger than before.
Without saying another word, he put down the teapot and moved towards the outside. The door was just a step away, hope was right in front of him.
Splash!
At this moment, the door was kicked open! A purple brocade robe strode in with a self-proclaimed elegant step, directly blocking Qin Miao's path.
Zhang Niubi!!! Can't escape......