Qin Mansion.
Su Yulan, who was tidying her hair in front of the mirror, pinched Qin Minglang's waist in displeasure.
"What are you thinking about? You're not paying attention. It's Grandma's birthday tonight, so you'd better do your best."
Qin Minglang snapped out of his daze, leaned closer, and attentively tucked a stray strand of hair behind her ear.
"Lan'er, it's Grandmother's birthday, your grandfather should be there, right?"
Su Yulan tilted her head to look at him.
"What? Are you worried you won't see my grandfather?"
Qin Minglang pulled up a chair and sat down.
"After all, this is my first visit. Shouldn't I prepare a generous gift for my grandfather to show my respect?"
Seeing his dedication, Su Yulan immediately smiled.
“Grandfather and grandmother’s relationship is indeed not very good. Grandfather usually lives alone in Fuxin Hall, and grandmother takes care of all the affairs in the household, so he is rarely bothered. In previous years, Grandfather would occasionally attend the birthday banquet. I’m not sure if he will go this year. Even if he doesn’t go, I can take you to Fuxin Hall to see him. With your abilities, what are you afraid of?”
Qin Minglang felt uneasy and could only manage an awkward laugh.
He recalled the mysterious man he had encountered in the culvert that day.
They helped him break the old tree's curse and restored his virility.
The other party seemed to know everything about him.
"Once you have the map of the Sui Dynasty imperial tombs, I will give you everything you want, including power!"
These were the words that person left behind before disappearing.
He couldn't understand why someone who could appear and disappear without a trace in the underground canal would need him to steal things.
And why would the old prince hide a map of the Sui Dynasty imperial tombs?
What are you thinking about now?
Su Yulan pinched his ear in displeasure.
Qin Minglang hurriedly turned his head and begged for mercy, "Lan'er, tell me the location of each courtyard in the Prince's Mansion. If the men and women are separated, I'm afraid I might act rashly and embarrass you."
"You're quite thoughtful."
Su Yulan glared at him, then let go of his hand and let him get the Xuan paper and brush, explaining as she painted.
Just as they were finishing their conversation, Qin Run walked in, looking excited.
"Father, Mother, your child is ready."
Su Yulan turned around, looked him up and down at his clothes and the golden crown on his head, and couldn't help but glare at Qin Minglang again.
"You're quite willing to spend money."
"Run'er's outfit is very elegant and exquisite."
Qin Minglang felt increasingly guilty.
He only had a little over five thousand taels left, which he originally intended to spend entirely on birthday gifts. However, he was blocked by the smuggler who had lent him money and demanded interest. He threatened to take over the Qin family's house if he didn't pay.
After paying the interest, they were barely making ends meet when buying birthday gifts, so they didn't have any money left to buy Qin Run any clothes. They just bought a set of ready-made clothes to make do. But when they went to his courtyard, they found that he had several sets of ready-made clothes in his wardrobe that he hadn't worn yet, all of them made of the best materials.
In the box in front of the bronze mirror, there were several exquisitely crafted headdresses.
Only after asking did he learn that these things were all bought for him by Jiang Qingwan before.
Comparing the two, Qin Run felt that Jiang Qingwan was more virtuous and capable of making money than Su Yulan.
If he hadn't driven the man away, he wouldn't have had to live such a miserable and difficult life.
Qin Run didn't dare to say that the clothes and the gold crown were bought by Jiang Qingwan, and nervously bowed again.
"Run'er doesn't want to embarrass her mother."
Although Su Yulan felt a little sorry for the money, she immediately smiled again when she thought of Qin Run's good grades in this exam.
"You'll stay by my side today, so the Su family can all get to know you."
Qin Run was overjoyed.
"Run'er, go wait outside the courtyard."
Su Yulan nodded, tidied herself up in front of the bronze mirror, and then stood up.
"It's getting late, let's go."
Qin Minglang quickly took her hand.
Su Yulan suddenly remembered something and lowered her voice to warn.
"Today at the Su family, you must not mention your father's affairs. If the eldest branch of the family provokes you, ignore it. Wait until you see your grandfather before speaking. Place all the blame on Jiang Qingwan for seducing the Ninth Prince and framing loyal officials. Do you understand?"
Qin Minglang's heart stirred.
"Lan'er, can the old prince really stand up to Mo Yunhan?"
Su Yulan paused, her eyes filled with an arrogant pride.
"You underestimate your grandfather's prestige in the army."
...
As night falls, the usually solemn and dignified Chang'an District becomes bustling with activity.
One carriage after another entered along the long street, lined up neatly on the roadside, creating a truly impressive scene.
None of the guests who disembarked were dressed in court attire; they were all in casual clothes. The ladies were dignified, the ladies were charming, and the young masters and sons of various families who came to deliver gifts were dashing and debonair, unwilling to be outdone.
Marquis Weiyuan was old and had long since stopped attending to state affairs, so the only person present at this occasion was his son, the young marquis Guo Hao.
The steward of the Su family took the visiting card and bowed respectfully.
"Is the old Marquis still in good health?"
Although Guo Hao was usually eccentric, he restrained himself at this moment.
"Not bad, here's a gift."
The servant behind him stepped forward with his eyes lowered and handed over a large red brocade box.
The steward accepted the gift with both hands and called out loudly, "A gift from the Marquis of Weiyuan's residence..."
With his shout, Guo Hao opened his folding fan and strode inside.
Upon entering the mansion, he immediately slowed his pace by half a step and turned his head to whisper.
"Madam Song from the Ninth Prince's Mansion will also be coming to give gifts. Why don't you go with her?"
Jiang Qingwan, whose face was smeared with black and freckles applied, moved her lips slightly.
His throat was deliberately constricted, and his voice had a hint of youthful roughness.
"This is my own business; what does it have to do with the Prince's Mansion?"
Guo Hao showed no concern whatsoever about being implicated.
Her eyes crinkled with laughter.
"It seems that in your heart, I am better than the Ninth Prince. Would you like to move into my residence tonight?"
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