Chapter 373 Liu Nanshi's Visit

Shen Wantang finally couldn't resist the temptation and followed Gu Qianning to the Duke of Zhenguo's mansion, where she took two calligraphy copybooks by Gu Qianhan.

On her way back to the Prince Ning's residence, she opened the calligraphy book and carefully examined it.

Indeed, as Gu Qianning said, Gu Qianhan's calligraphy reflects his personality, with sharp strokes and a powerful presence.

Moreover, he probably never intended to circulate these two calligraphy books, so he wrote them freely and unrestrainedly, without hiding his arrogance. His handwriting was sharp and his poems were full of vigor.

Shen Wantang enjoys practicing calligraphy, but she knows her own handwriting has a flaw—it's delicate but lacks strength.

If she could learn even a fraction of Gu Qianhan's imposing manner, her handwriting would surely improve significantly.

After returning to the Prince Ning's residence, she had a light dinner and then opened her calligraphy practice book to begin practicing calligraphy.

Unfortunately, she practiced for half an hour but still couldn't get the hang of it.

She even doubted the quality of her brush: "Why can't I ever get the feeling right? Qinxin, go to the storeroom tomorrow and see if there are any wolf hair brushes. My rabbit hair brush probably won't do."

Qin Xin knew nothing about words or pens, but she nodded repeatedly: "This servant will go to the storeroom to check right away. This pen is no small matter!"

Shen Wantang smiled: "There's no rush. It's too late today. Let's go to the warehouse tomorrow!"

The next day.

Shen Wantang went to pay her respects to Princess Ning and had breakfast with her. Then a maid came in to report: "Princess, Princess Consort, the eldest daughter of the Liu family has arrived."

Shen Wantang was somewhat surprised. Liu Nanshi? What was she doing here?

Princess Ning was also surprised: "We have no dealings with the Liu family. What is Miss Liu doing at the Prince's residence?"

"Miss Liu said that she came here specifically to wish you and the Prince a Happy New Year. In addition, she hasn't seen the Princess for a long time and misses her, so she came to catch up with her."

Princess Ning was still uneasy. Liu Nanshi and Xiao Qingxi hadn't had a very good relationship before, but since they had come, and said they were there to pay New Year's respects, it wouldn't make sense to refuse them entry.

She nodded: "Please come in. I'll also send someone to inform the princess that if she wants to see Liu Nanshi, she can come to my courtyard. If she doesn't want to see her, I'll just turn her away for her. She can just stay in her courtyard and rest peacefully during her pregnancy."

"yes."

The maid responded and left.

A moment later, Liu Nanshi entered.

Today she wore a maroon phoenix tail dress, which was elegant and gorgeous with a festive New Year's feel. Even the hairpins in her hair were inlaid with rubies.

Princess Ning nodded secretly when she saw her attire; this was her favorite New Year's outfit for young women.

Liu Nanshi could naturally tell that Princess Ning was satisfied with her attire. She smiled slightly, knowing that the information she had sent people to inquire about the matter overnight was correct—Princess Ning liked festive colors and disliked white the most.

"Nan Shi sends New Year's greetings to the Princess, wishing her a blessed spring, a peaceful summer, a tranquil autumn, and a joyful winter. May the New Year bring you good fortune and longevity!"

Liu Nanshi's voice was gentle and her face was smiling. She performed the curtsy to Princess Ning with elegance and grace, showing the demeanor of a daughter of a high-ranking official.

Princess Ning's expression softened: "Very well, Nan Shi is so kind. I also wish you happiness and good fortune year after year."

After exchanging a few polite words, Princess Ning pointed to Shen Wantang and said, "She is the heir apparent of our Prince's Mansion. She just entered the family last year, but she already has the demeanor of a mistress. She manages the entire mansion very well and has won my heart. You are about the same age, so you can chat and have tea together in the future."

Liu Nanshi smiled gently: "Your Highness, you may not know this, but I happened to run into the Crown Princess when I went to Fazhen Temple to listen to the sutras yesterday!"

"Oh, really?"

Although Princess Ning asked a question, she didn't show much surprise on her face.

After all, Fazhen Temple is extremely popular, and the abbot gives sermons from the first to the fifth day of each lunar month and also distributes porridge to everyone. Countless people go there to join in the fun, so it's not unusual to meet anyone at Fazhen Temple.

"Yes, I originally wanted to ask the Crown Princess about the Princess's recent situation, but I saw that the Crown Princess seemed to have a very good relationship with A Ning. The two of them were chatting and laughing, so I didn't want to disturb them and gave up! The Crown Princess and A Ning are like sisters, which makes Nan Shi very envious."

Shen Wantang took a sip of tea and glanced at Liu Nanshi indifferently.

She said that those who are overly solicitous are either up to no good or have ulterior motives. Sure enough, Liu Nanshi came with ill intentions. Before she could even say two words, she started to sow discord between her and her mother-in-law.

Princess Ning didn't react much, only saying, "Tang'er and that girl from the Gu family have a good relationship. Before the New Year, that girl had a cough, and Tang'er cured her. Madam Gu even brought a generous gift to thank Tang'er!"

When she spoke of Shen Wantang, there was a hint of pride in her voice, and her satisfaction with this daughter-in-law was evident.

She was about to praise Shen Wantang a few more times when Liu Nanshi interrupted her: "Speaking of gifts, I brought one today too! Granny Sang, quickly bring up the New Year's gifts I prepared!"

Granny Sang responded and went out to call a maid in.

Several boxes were brought in and placed on the table one by one.

"These are tonics for the Prince and Princess, these are pearls and jewelry for the Princess, oh, and these writing implements are for the Heir Apparent."

She was thorough in every aspect, but she overlooked Shen Wantang.

Princess Ning then sensed something was amiss. She glanced at Shen Wantang and saw her sitting there calmly and composedly, which pleased her.

The daughter-in-law she personally chose is truly exceptional; she remains calm and composed, displaying the demeanor of a prince's consort!

As Liu Nanshi was introducing the gifts she had brought, the curtain at the door was lifted, and Xiao Qingxi walked in.

"Qingxi!"

Liu Nanshi's tone was full of surprise and affection: "Oh my, I'm so glad to see you again! It's been two years since we last met. I never expected that you would look so elegant and refined! They say that the wind and sand in the Northwest can ruin your face, but your face looks even whiter and more delicate than before. It's so smooth and delicate!"

Xiao Qingxi couldn't help but curl her lips into a smile after being praised like this by the number one talented woman. Her tone was full of pride: "My skin has always been good. Did you just find out today? As for you, what brings you to our Prince's mansion all of a sudden, with so many things? You don't need something from me, do you?"

Liu Nanshi stepped forward and took her hand: "Look at what you're saying. Can't I come to see you if I don't have to ask you for help? You went to the Northwest with Huo Yunzhou and were gone for two years. Now that you're finally back, of course I have to come and catch up with you, so that the princess won't forget about me, her old friend, now that she has a sister-in-law who dotes on you."

Xiao Qingxi looked at Shen Wantang and sneered: "I don't recognize any sister-in-law. Some people are just daughters of concubines, of lowly birth, greedy and ungrateful, and they are not worthy of my brother at all! In my heart, my sister-in-law must have a background and talent like yours, Nan Shi."