Chapter 32, Chapter 32: Coachman Xiao Pei continues to guide you...

"Yan Yan, did you have a dream last night?"

For the next few days, the first thing Shen Lingyue said to Yan Yi every day was this sentence.

But Yan Yi always shook her head.

She's been able to fall asleep only thanks to Pei Jingyi's bedtime massage lately, and her sleep quality is pretty good, but she just doesn't dream.

Shen Lingyue rested her chin on her hand, looking troubled. "This is so strange, everything was going so smoothly before..."

The two walked hand in hand to Tanghua Garden. As usual, Yan Yi went to learn housekeeping from Meng Wanyin, while Shen Lingyue soaked in the "Tanu Courtyard" and enjoyed petting the cats.

Petting cats during the day and walking dogs at night—this married life is so comfortable!

Aside from Yan Yi's unpredictable and sometimes unreliable cheat ability, which is a bit of a headache.

"Could it be that we haven't received enough information?"

Shen Lingyue had a sudden inspiration. "That's right, you haven't met Yao Niang yet. Why don't I take you to find her and ask her, for example, what other characteristics Lan Ya'er has, to give you some clues?"

Yan Yi was also eager to help and readily agreed, "I'll do whatever you say."

Considering that Yao Niang was usually quite "busy", Shen Lingyue specially sent Shuangxu to Bitao Lane to arrange a meeting time with her.

Yao Niang replied that they should go there the day after tomorrow morning.

Shen Lingyue came to Tanghua Garden a day early to ask Meng Wanyin for leave, saying that she would be going out with Yan Yi the next day.

Meng Wanyin readily let them go, saying, "Go ahead, you young people can't stay at home, it's a good opportunity to go out and relax."

Moreover, Yan Yi learned how to be a housekeeper very quickly and grasped the skills immediately, so she didn't need to worry about her much. Taking a day off was perfectly reasonable.

When it was time to leave the next day, Pei Jinghuai clung to him and refused to let him go.

"You and your sister-in-law are going out? Where are you going? What are you doing? I'll go with you."

Shen Lingyue glanced at him sideways, "Aren't you going to see your Brother Gu and Brother Hu today?"

Pei Jinghuai scratched his head. "Yesterday, Brother Gu said that there is a reclusive old doctor living at the foot of the mountain outside the city who has a lot of experience in treating leg ailments. He and his wife are going out of the city today to seek medical treatment."

Shen Lingyue nodded and asked him again, "You've been going to the Duke of Ling's mansion a lot lately. How are Brother Gu and Sister Zheng getting along?"

She originally thought that Gu Lin would separate from Zheng Chunyun after he finished dealing with the Gu family's affairs. After all, the marriage was arranged without his knowledge, which was almost like a forced sale.

Or perhaps Zheng Chunyun herself wanted to leave the Duke of Ling's mansion, this place of heartbreak?

But so many days have passed, and there has been no news of any divorce from the Duke of Ling's mansion.

Shen Lingyue and Yan Yiyi analyzed: Gu Lin and Zheng Chunyun are both very good people. Although they got married by mistake, it may be a beautiful story of marriage before love.

Just like her and Yan Yi, they never imagined that their life after marriage would be so wonderful!

Pei Jinghuai thought about it carefully for a while and nodded: "I think the two of them are quite nice. When I chat with Brother Gu, Brother Hu, and I, Sister-in-law will bring us snacks and tea from time to time, and she will also remind Brother Gu to take his medicine, to have acupuncture, or to have a massage..."

Whenever he said goodbye, Zheng Chunyun would push Gu Lin's wheelchair and see him off to the front gate. She would only go back after watching him walk away. She was very hospitable!

Pei Jinghuai proudly raised his head and then hugged Shen Lingyue in his arms and shook her twice.

"But no matter how good they are, they can't compare to the two of us!"

Shen Lingyue was caught off guard by his sneak attack. Before she could even react with surprise, she burst out laughing and turned around to punch him twice.

"Fool, they're not being hospitable at all; they just can't wait to get rid of you."

She grabbed Pei Jinghuai by the collar and admonished him, "Newlyweds should be nurturing their relationship, what's the point of you going there every day to be such an annoying wooden stake? Listen to me, you're not allowed to go tomorrow either."

This big light bulb is shining without realizing it, and it's still sitting there looking pretty.

Pei Jinghuai stared at her resentfully: "Isn't it because you always chase me out of the house, just so you can be with your sister-in-law every day... I don't care, I'm going to follow you today, wherever you go, I'll go."

When Shen Lingyue met his wet, puppy-dog eyes, she looked just like a stray animal abandoned by its owner. She subconsciously reflected on whether she had really neglected him recently.

But she didn't rest every night! She didn't let him sleep on the floor...

Shen Lingyue ruthlessly pushed the dog's head away, "Good boy, we have important business to attend to today."

"Then I'll be your driver."

Pei Jinghuai pleaded and begged, and seeing that they were about to miss the departure time, Shen Lingyue had no choice but to agree. "Remember, you are the coachman today. You are only allowed to drive and not to ask any questions."

"Alright. Second Young Madam, please!" The coachman, Xiao Pei, immediately sprang into action, quickly lifting the curtain for Shen Lingyue.

When Shen Lingyue met up with Yan Yi at the entrance of the Marquis's residence, she pointed at Pei Jinghuai with a helpless yet disgusted expression: "He insists on following me, and I can't get rid of him no matter what I do."

Seeing that although she was complaining, Yan Yi couldn't hide the pink bubbles in her eyes and brows, so she smiled and tapped her, "Versailles, huh?"

Pei Jinghuai had already replaced the coachman from the Marquis's residence, skillfully sat on the carriage shaft, and waved to the two of them: "Sister-in-law, Madam, get in the carriage quickly, I'll run errands for you today."

Yan Yi smiled slightly, nodded to him, and got into the car first.

Shen Lingyue followed closely behind, and as she passed Pei Jinghuai, she coughed lightly, "Watch where you're going, or we'll both fall into a ditch."

"What's so difficult about driving? Don't underestimate me." Pei Jinghuai closed the carriage door, flicked the reins, and the carriage started moving.

The two sat in the carriage and were surprised to find it very smooth. Shen Lingyue leaned against Yan Yi and exclaimed, "Pei Jinghuai is actually quite good at driving!"

"If he didn't know how, he wouldn't dare risk your safety," Yan Yi teased.

Shen Lingyue covered her face and chuckled, then nudged Yan Yi, saying, "If Pei Jingyi knew how to drive, he would definitely be willing to go out with you."

Yan Yi imagined Pei Jingyi looking upright and dignified, like a refined gentleman driving a carriage, and quickly shook her head, finding it too incongruous.

But judging from his skillful horseback riding, he might actually be able to drive a carriage.

The thought of horseback riding inevitably brings to mind the firm back muscles and flat stomach I felt when I sat behind him that day...

"Yan Yan, why are you blushing?"

Shen Lingyue looked puzzled, opened the car window a little, and said to herself, "It's really stuffy in the car. Sigh, summer is almost here, how can we live without air conditioning..."

Yan Yi snapped out of her reverie and quickly banished the random thoughts from her mind, saying seriously, "There is no greenhouse effect or global warming at this time, so I think even when the dog days of summer arrive, it shouldn't be too unbearable."

Shen Lingyue trusted her words unconditionally, "Yes, that would be perfect!"

Come to think of it, she remembered that when she was a child, the only thing in the orphanage was an old-fashioned fan that could oscillate. She could play and run around outside with her friends even in the hottest months of July and August, and she didn't find the summer so unbearable.

It seems like it's only been in the last couple of years; the high temperatures are breaking records every year, and I've even heard of people dying from the heat after just a short time outside...

However, she still decided to sleep separately from Pei Jinghuai once summer arrived! That guy was like a little furnace, only suitable for warming the bed in winter; in summer, she absolutely had to stay far away from him…

Achoo!

Pei Jinghuai, who was focused on getting to the train, suddenly sneezed, rubbed his nose, and glanced at the closed carriage door behind him.

...Would the two of them be secretly talking badly about him inside?

We finally arrived at Peach Blossom Lane.

Pei Jinghuai stopped the carriage and opened the door to let the two of them down.

Next door was the abandoned house that had been burned down, which was also where he and "Ni Xiaodie" first met.

He couldn't help but raise an eyebrow at Chen Lingyue, "Are you planning to revisit this place? Are you climbing the tree again today?"

It would have been better if she hadn't mentioned it, because the mere mention of it reminded Shen Lingyue of how he had menacingly frightened her under the tree, and she clenched her fists and gestured at him from a distance.

Pei Jinghuai smiled even more broadly.

It's so much fun teasing her.

As he watched Shen Lingyue walk toward the gate next to the abandoned house, he belatedly realized, "Isn't this... the heir of the Marquis of Pingxi, my brother-in-law's mistress? You've come to see her today?"

Before Yan Yi could explain, Pei Jinghuai had already rolled up his sleeves and started stretching. "I told you you'd take me with you today—when are we going to make our move?"

Yan Yi quickly reached out to stop him, "...Second brother, you've misunderstood. We're not here to cause trouble today."

As they were talking, Shen Lingyue knocked on the door. Yao Niang, who had been waiting for a long time, opened the door immediately and greeted them with a smile, "You've come! Please come in... Oh, and who is this?"

As soon as Yao Niang looked up, she saw Pei Jinghuai standing by the carriage. His outstanding figure and appearance made her subconsciously give him a flirtatious wink, which was captivating.

"Ahem!" Shen Lingyue emphasized irritably, "That's my husband."

Yao Niang snapped out of her daze and quickly touched her hair awkwardly. "Sorry, sorry, I just got used to it."

She quickly glanced at Pei Jinghuai again, then gave Chen Lingyue a thumbs up, saying, "Third Miss is so lucky."

This young man is clearly much better than her brother-in-law!

Shen Lingyue was both amused and exasperated. If she hadn't heard about Yao Niang's background, she would have really been angry with her.

She turned to Pei Jinghuai and said, "Wait for us outside for a while."

Pei Jinghuai nodded, then glared warily at Yao Niang, reminding her, "I'm not going anywhere. If anything happens, just shout for me and I'll rush in immediately."

This woman is so alluring, and she even looks at him with those eyes... Pei Jinghuai glared back hard.

What are you looking at? He wouldn't even glance at the beautiful women outside!

Shen Lingyue waved to him before entering the room to reassure him.

Once inside the room, Yao Niang couldn't wait to ask, "Did Sister Chen tell you about my sister? Would you be willing to help me find out where she is?"

Shen Lingyue nodded and then introduced Yan Yi to her, "This is my sister-in-law, my best friend. We will all help you find a solution."

Overwhelmed with emotion, Yao Niang bowed deeply to the two of them. After straightening up, she choked back tears and said, "If I had known that the young ladies in the capital were all so kind-hearted, I shouldn't have placed my hopes on those scoundrels..."

They're all just lusting after her body; they're utterly useless when it comes to getting down to business!

Yan Yi looked at Yao Niang's regretful and annoyed expression, pursed her lips, and remained silent.

Actually, she had thought of this question when Xiaoyueliang told her about Yaoniang's experience that day.

Although most of the lovers Yao Niang met were powerful and influential, or wealthy merchants with people all over the country, they probably couldn't do much to inquire about the situation of the women in the inner quarters.

Since Yao Niang is exceptionally talented in perfumery, she could use the money she has saved over the years to open a spice shop, catering to high-end clients and gradually penetrating the circle of noblewomen in the capital. Then, she could entrust the search for Lan Ya'er to her female clients, which would certainly be more efficient than searching for a needle in a haystack like this.

However, this approach also has drawbacks and risks: after all, she came from a brothel, and women from high-class families, presuming on their status, would not treat her as an equal. Even if she could keep it a secret at first, there was a risk that it would be exposed sooner or later.

At that time, those ladies who feel deceived and insulted will probably not only not help her find someone, but will also use more drastic measures to deal with her, and may even drive her out of the capital, leaving her with nowhere to go.

However, this cannot be blamed on Yao Niang. Having been abducted into a brothel for so many years, she had been exposed to the methods of dealing with men, which had become ingrained in her mindset. That's why she subconsciously used this method of selling her body to get those men to help her find her sister...

In the end, it was those heartless kidnappers and brothel madams who ruined her.

Yan Yi was thinking about many things, while Shen Lingyue had already asked about Lan Ya'er's situation.

"Besides the red mole between her eyebrows, what other features does she have? Or do you have a portrait of her?"

Yes, yes.

Yao Niang took out a yellowed portrait from the drawer of her dressing case, carefully unfolded it, and said nervously, "This was painted by a guest for Lan Ya'er's tenth birthday. He was a scholar and his painting skills were excellent. When the painting was finished, everyone said it looked very lifelike."

Shen Lingyue and Yan Yi leaned over to look. The painting depicted two sisters cuddling together. Comparing Yao Niang's portrait with her own, they did indeed share an eight or nine-tenths resemblance.

And the orchid bud in the painting is indeed as Yao Niang said, although she is still young, she has already grown into a beautiful and charming girl.

She whispered to Yan Yi, "But Lan Ya'er is already eighteen this year. Children grow up very quickly. I wonder if she will look different from the portrait?"

Yan Yi lowered her eyes and pondered, "Such a pretty little girl, unless she suddenly gains weight during puberty and her figure goes out of shape, should still be a beautiful young woman with outstanding appearance."

"The madam said that the person who bought Lan Ya'er was a big shot from the capital, and he must have spent a lot of money. It's impossible that he would really make her a little maid... The most likely scenario is that she became a concubine in the mansion of some high-ranking official."

Yao Niang gave a sad smile: "If that's really the case, then so be it. I have no other desires in this life. I only hope to hear news of her, to see her from afar, to know that she is well-fed and clothed and living a good life. Then I can face my parents with my face even if I die."

Shen Lingyue spat twice, "Don't talk such discouraging things, what's with all this talk about life and death? You're still so young, you have a long way to go."

She encouraged Yao Niang, "What's so good about being a concubine in a wealthy family? Lan Ya'er is so beautiful, she's bound to be a thorn in the mistress's side, and who knows how she'll be tormented."

Yao Niang's face turned pale, and tears streamed down her face. "My poor sister..."

Yan Yi quickly gave Shen Lingyue a wink: How can you comfort someone like that?

She picked up the conversation, "Don't think the worst. Lan Ya'er was only thirteen when she was sold, still a child. Even if that person had lustful thoughts about her, it wouldn't have come to this..."

Yao Niang spoke softly, "You don't understand. I started entertaining customers when I was thirteen."

"...You beast!" Shen Lingyue held back her anger and managed not to utter any more offensive words.

Didn't the founding emperor stipulate that women could only marry at the age of eighteen? These brothels are practically lawless places!

Both of them felt a pang of sadness, for Yao Niang, for Lan Ya'er, and for all the innocent girls who had been abducted and forced into prostitution.

In the end, Yao Niang was the first to calm down. She sniffed and forced a smile.

"Alright, alright, I'm already incredibly grateful that you two helped me find out Lan Ya'er's whereabouts. You're right, as long as she's alive, there's always hope of seeing her again, isn't there?"

It was this thought that kept her going and helped her get through the more than a thousand days and nights of separation from her sister.

Shen Lingyue nodded emphatically, "Yes, Lan Ya'er must still be alive, somewhere. She must also miss you and hope to reunite with you soon!"

The two accompanied Yao Niang as she recalled many of Lan Ya'er's daily preferences and details, looking at the portrait again and again until the outline was firmly memorized, before preparing to leave.

Before leaving, Yao Niang went to the next room and came out with two exquisite little wooden boxes in her hands.

"I heard that you two have only been married for a short time and are enjoying a blissful marriage, yet you still have to go out and run errands for me. I have no way to repay such a great kindness. This is a little spice I made to wish you a happy marriage and unwavering love."

Shen Lingyue was almost at the door when she suddenly remembered something and turned back.

"By the way, have you ever heard of the Nine Heavens Goddess of Fate?"

Yao Niang's reaction was exactly the same as Shen Yuanjia's—completely bewildered. "What is that?"

Yan Yi covered her forehead upon hearing this.

Shen Lingyue said mysteriously, "You should have heard about the major events that have recently happened to the Gu family of the Duke of Ling's mansion, right? And the newly appointed Duchess of Ling, Miss Zheng, you know?"

Yao Niang nodded, "Of course, it's all over the capital."

When Gu Yuan first brought Qin Zhengzheng back to the capital and insisted on marrying her despite everyone's objections, Yao Niang was quite envious for a while, thinking that she was really lucky, going from a little orphan girl on the border to a phoenix rising to the top.

But now she envies the Zheng family's daughter, who was jilted by Gu Yuan and then became his adopted daughter, and is now the Duchess of Lingguo.

The Duchess of the State in her early twenties—many noblewomen would have to wait until their hair turned white to catch up with her.

As for Qin Zhengzheng, whom she once envied? I heard that she and her husband were kicked out of their home while heavily pregnant.

"I heard that Sister Zheng prayed to the Goddess of Fate of the Nine Heavens before she was able to enjoy this auspicious day."

Shen Lingyue spoke with great conviction, "Otherwise, how could the Duke of Lingguo have survived after being seriously wounded on the battlefield and jumping off a cliff, and even managed to return to the capital to inherit the title? It's all thanks to Sister Zheng's sincerity and the protection of the Goddess Xuan Nu!"

Yao Niang suddenly understood, and her eyes slowly brightened. "If I also sincerely worship the Goddess Xuan Nu, will I be able to find Lan Ya'er?"

She anxiously asked Shen Lingyue, "Where is the Taoist temple of the Goddess Xuan Nu? Where should we go to invite her to the altar?"

Shen Lingyue coughed twice and stammered, "The Goddess Xuan Nu... doesn't have a fixed place of worship. She doesn't care about those formalities. She mainly believes that sincerity is the key to success."

Yao Niang felt a little strange, but she didn't have time to think about it too much. She nodded repeatedly in agreement, "I will set up a room tomorrow so that I can offer incense and prayers to the Goddess Xuan Nu every day!"

*

Pei Jinghuai waited anxiously outside the door, wanting to rush in several times, but he held back.

As soon as Shen Lingyue pushed open the door and came out, he rushed to her and asked anxiously, "Are you alright?"

Shen Lingyue chuckled and said, "We just exchanged a few words, what could possibly happen?"

Judging from Pei Jinghuai's nervous expression, it was as if the two of them had entered a spider's web cave.

Pei Jinghuai said "Oh," and then looked at the small wooden box in her hand. "What's this?"

"Oh dear, don't ask girls' secrets."

Shen Lingyue gave a few perfunctory replies and got into the car with Yan Yi.

Pei Jinghuai asked from outside, "Where do you want to go next?"

Just as Shen Lingyue was about to say she was going home, Yan Yi pressed her hand down.

She opened the car door a crack and politely asked Pei Jinghuai, "If we want to visit Princess Tong'an's residence, what is the procedure? Do we need to send an invitation in advance?"

Shen Lingyue's eyes widened slightly. Why go to Princess Tong'an's residence?

Pei Jinghuai was also a little surprised, but he quickly recovered and waved his hand, saying, "No need for that trouble. My brother and I used to visit the princess's residence often. I can just take you there."

He turned the carriage around and drove familiarly towards the Princess Tong'an's residence.

Yan Yi sat back in the carriage, and Shen Lingyue immediately asked, "Do you want to go to Princess Tong'an to inquire about Lan Ya'er's whereabouts?"

She just didn't react for a moment.

Yan Yi nodded, "The main thing is that I just thought of a possibility—you know, what place gathers all the beauties in the world, and it's not a place that an ordinary man can easily find out about?"

Shen Lingyue's eyes lit up: "Of course it's... the old emperor's harem!"

She asked Yan Yi, "Do you suspect that Lan Ya'er was bought and sent to the palace?"

He couldn't help but curl his lip, "I'm really speechless. The old emperor already has such a great beauty as Consort Gao, yet he's still not satisfied?"

"At this point, it's just speculation. Without any precognitive dreams to warn us, we can only proceed by elimination one by one."

Yan Yi chuckled and advised her not to get excited, "We'll ask Princess Tong'an later if there's an eighteen-year-old concubine in the harem with a red birthmark between her eyebrows."

They soon arrived at Princess Tong'an's residence, and Pei Jinghuai went straight up and knocked on the door.

"Young Master Pei? It's been a long time since you've been here." The gatekeeper immediately recognized him and was very enthusiastic.

"Sigh, haven't we been busy with wedding preparations all this time?"

Pei Jinghuai went straight to the point, "I came with my wife and sister-in-law to visit the princess. Is she home?"

"Yes, yes, please come in. I'll have someone go to the back to inform them right away."

Led by a maid, the group went to the garden and saw Princess Tong'an and her husband Wei Shao drinking tea and enjoying the scenery in the pavilion from afar.

"Greetings, Your Highness, and greetings, Marquis Wei."

Xiao Zhuoying put down his teacup and gestured for the three of them to drop the formalities and sit down to talk.

The imperial son-in-law, Wei Shao, dressed in white, looked rather thin. He gave Pei Jinghuai a gentle smile and said, "What's with all this talk about being a marquis? This is our own home. Just call me brother-in-law."

Pei Jinghuai didn't stand on ceremony and sat down next to Wei Shao casually. "How's your health lately, brother-in-law? Are you still drinking the tiger bone wine I sent you last time?"

Wei Shao nodded, "It's alright, summer is always better than winter."

Despite his seemingly fragile appearance, Wei Shao was a fierce general who had fought on the battlefield in his youth. However, he suffered severe internal injuries during his last southern expedition and gradually withdrew from the court to focus on recuperating at home.

His marquisate was not bestowed upon him because he married a princess, but rather because of his genuine military achievements.

Princess Tong'an was also observing the newlyweds from the Changning Marquis's household with great interest.

Previously, it was said that these two were like oil and water, but now it seems that they are quite close.

They were just as audacious.

She raised an eyebrow. "You two wanted to see me?"

Before Yan Yi could even form a word, Shen Lingyue blurted out, "Princess, do you know if His Majesty has an exceptionally beautiful concubine in his harem who is eighteen years old this year and has a red birthmark between her eyebrows?"

Yan Yi: ...

That's too simplistic and crude.

Princess Tong'an was also bewildered by Shen Lingyue's unconventional approach. She stood there for a while before shaking her head and asking, "I've never seen such a person before. Where did you hear about them?"

Shen Lingyue slumped her shoulders, revealing a disappointed expression.

It seems that Lan Ya'er is no longer in the palace.

She and Yan Yi exchanged a glance; it was like searching for a needle in a haystack...

Princess Tong'an noticed the exchange between the two and her interest piqued. "Are you looking for someone?"

This time, Yan Yi held Shen Lingyue down and carefully said, "I was asked to help a friend find out where her sister is."

Princess Tong'an stroked her chin. "They've even come to the palace to look for people... What kind of friends? Are they that important?"

Shen Lingyue was momentarily stumped by the question, unsure whether she should reveal Yao Niang's identity, and looked to Yan Yi for help.

As Yan Yi was racking her brains and organizing her thoughts, a female official quickly walked in, bent down, and whispered a few words in Princess Tong'an's ear.

Princess Tong'an frowned deeply after hearing this. "The Yunshao Girls' School is haunted? Impossible! Someone must be causing trouble!"

-----------------------

Author's Note: If Yuezai were to write an autobiography, it would be like: "After Transmigrating into a Book, My Best Friend and I Pretended to Be Goddesses in Ancient Times."

/

Here I am~ Taking a short break today, back to paying off debts tomorrow [heart emoji]

Yesterday I saw someone in the comments guessing that Consort Gao was Lan Ya'er [laughing and crying emoji]. That's really not true. First of all, the age doesn't match. Consort Gao had been in the harem for over ten years, and she didn't have a mole between her eyebrows.

This is a long-term task [doge emoji]. I'm going to cut a new melon tomorrow!