Chapter 63: Subtle Malice
The group took a horse-drawn carriage to the most prosperous area of Bianjing. The streets were crowded with people, and the shouts and laughter were deafening. When a few people got off the carriage, all they could see were dim lights and sky lanterns flying in the air.
At first glance, it looks like stars, gorgeous and beautiful.
The fire-breathing acrobatics were reflected in her delicate pupils, sparkling brightly.
A smile appeared on her cheeks, but when she thought of He Anting who was still busy with official business at home, she felt pity and regret for this beautiful day.
She wore a lilac-colored wide-sleeved jacket with a crabapple pattern and an eggplant-colored folded skirt. Her skin was as white as snow, and even at night, it was like a blooming orchid, full of intoxicating fragrance.
Those eyes were as bright as spring water, and seemed to contain infinite smiles. Her eyebrows and eyes were picturesque and her beauty was stunning.
Ye Yunzheng turned his head to take a look, then put it back.
Yun Qiao followed Jin Yao and whispered, "Young Madam, do you think the Third Miss is deliberately leaving us behind?"
Jinyao hesitated a beat: "Really? Aren't we following?"
Yun Qiao was a little anxious: "It's not that Luo, it's isolation."
Jin Yao took a serious look and thought it was okay. She was not very familiar with the two sisters to begin with, so it would be awkward to get close to them. They were not ordinary sisters-in-law, so keeping a distance was the best way to maintain appearances.
Yun Qiao knew that her master didn't care about this, but she was still vigilant to prevent the third lady from causing trouble.
But soon, Jin Yao also realized that what Yun Qiao said did not seem to be groundless.
When guessing lantern riddles, the three members of the He family gathered in front of a crowded stall. The owner said that if anyone guessed five lantern riddles correctly, they would receive a rabbit lantern.
Jinyao looked at the lanterns, which were so cute and beautiful that she was eager to try them.
Perhaps it was her deep contemplation that made people laugh, He Qingwan suddenly laughed, and her laugh was very familiar: "Sister-in-law, you have never been to school, so you probably can't guess it. Why don't you give us this opportunity?"
Jin Yao gave her a strange look, with subtle malice in her eyes.
"Riddles are a quick-answer system, so why should I give in? If you're confident you can get it, I won't give in even if you get ten more. But Sister Qingwan is well-read, Boss. Riddles can't be easy. If people can guess them easily, there won't be any room for Sister Qingwan to show her skills."
Jinyao smiled cunningly and started to make fun of the shop owner.
Others naturally said, "Yes, yes, but don't try to please him just because he has an extraordinary status."
The boss bowed repeatedly and said, "Don't worry, this riddle is definitely unprecedented and will never be surpassed."
Everyone cheered and applauded.
Jin Yao glanced at He Qingwan's embarrassed face, snorted, and felt a little proud.
As for why she was very well-behaved when she saw me before, but now she suddenly dared to do so, it was probably because of her status as a concubine.
In the end, no one could guess the riddle and it was taken away by another woman. The riddle really stumped a lot of people, even the He sisters who were proud of their poetry and literature could not guess it.
The boss was very pleased with himself, but Jinyao felt a little regretful. This was like hurting the enemy by a thousand and hurting herself by eight hundred. She was doomed to fail in getting the lantern.
"It's from the young lady." Yun Qiao bought two strings of candied haws and handed them to Jin Yao. The sour and sweet hawthorns were coated with sugar. Jin Yao took a bite and her cheeks were filled with it.
She was eating candied haws while thinking, it is said that a mother is strong, the subtle malice revealed by He Qingwan just now may not grow into a towering tree in the future. She is no longer that simple little girl who thinks nothing and only knows how to eat and drink every day.
If He Qingwan entered the palace and used her identity to do something, such as framing or slandering her, she could still tolerate it for her, but what about Ping An?
Even at home, apart from her, He Anting and the county lord who liked Ping An, He Qingwan ignored Ping An.
Even find him annoying.
The sweet and sour taste exploded between her lips and teeth, and her heart beat like a drum.
What if He Qingwan can’t enter the palace?
Is it okay now?
But now that I have the title, I am just waiting to enter the palace. Isn’t it too late?
He Anting stepped into the bustling city that was as noisy as bees, his brows furrowed tightly, searching everywhere for Jin Yao's figure.
He finally caught sight of his mother's back and walked straight towards her: "Yao..."
Afterwards, he did not find any trace of Jin Yao among the few people, and his face immediately became angry.
"Where's Yaoyao?"
The county lady didn't take it seriously: "I'm just following behind, what's the big deal?"
“No one is seen.”
The county lady finally reacted, turned around and looked around, and her expression became serious. He Qingwan hurriedly said, "He was here just now, how did he get lost again?"
Again? He Anting caught her words and glanced at her.
He Anting turned around and asked the security guards to go look for him, and finally found the person next to a snack shop.
"Husband, you're here." Jin Yao seemed not to notice He Anting's angry expression, and trotted over to hug him.
"Try it, this candied haws is especially delicious."
He Anting dodged her feeding and said, "Where have you been? Why are you traveling alone? Do you know it's so easy for me to find you?"
Jin Yao was confused: "They were walking too fast, I wanted to stop and buy some snacks, and then we got separated."
He Anting's expression softened a little after hearing this. Then, with a cold expression, he half-grabbed her waist and walked towards the carriage forcefully: "We've been strolling around for a long time, it's time to go back home."
Jin Yao was a little unhappy: "Why are you so boring? Other husbands accompany their wives to release Kongming lanterns, but you are so different. Not only do you not show any trace, but you also rush me to leave as soon as you arrive."
He Anting stopped in his tracks upon hearing this. He remembered that when he came over, Ye Yunzheng and the others were indeed holding a lamp in their hands.
"I'm sorry, I was negligent."
Seeing that his apology was quite sincere, Jin Yao reluctantly forgave him: "Then you accompany me to light the lanterns."
"good."
Jinyao took his hand and walked through the crowd, wanting to go to the stall to buy a lantern.
He Anting let her hold his hand and quietly looked at her face with a hint of joy.
The large lamp expanded, its dancing flames casting shadows on the two people's faces. Jin Yao clasped her hands together beside them and said, "I hope my mother lives a long life, and I hope I will never be separated from my husband."
She let go of her hand, and the Kongming lantern swayed up into the sky and merged into countless stars.
"Yaoyao, do you want to be with me forever?" He Anting's eyes were burning.
"Didn't you hear everything?" Jin Yao's cheeks flushed. She suddenly asked, "You said that Third Sister's entry into the palace is a foregone conclusion. Is there any possibility of changing it?"
She knew that He Anting didn't want her sister to enter the palace, so she didn't hide it and told him what happened tonight: "This is a small matter, I don't care. Maybe I'm just being hypocritical..."
As He Anting listened, his expression gradually darkened.
"Yaoyao is right." He Anting sighed before she finished speaking.
"Then...what should I do?"
He Anting smiled and said, "You are the eldest sister-in-law, so naturally you should come up with a solution."
Jin Yao was dumbfounded: "Me? How could I?"
"The Queen is an old acquaintance of yours, how could Yaoyao be helpless?" He Anting reminded her, and Jinyao suddenly understood.
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