Chapter 52: Red Flowers Against Green Leaves
Jiang Lan took two steps into the shade of the tree, and Zheng Qianer followed her and analyzed with her who was most likely to be selected.
The ones with the greatest chances are naturally Cui Jingshu and Gu Xuaner. They both come from prominent families, and no one present can compare to them. Another piece of gossip was mentioned, saying that the emperor had wanted to grant a marriage between Jin'an Hou and Cui Jingshu, but it seemed that because Cui Jingshu didn't want to get married, the marriage was shelved.
Hearing this gossip, Jiang Lan's heart skipped a beat. She calmed down and said calmly, "Marriage between a man and a woman must be mutually agreeable."
Seeing that she looked normal, Zheng Qian'er couldn't see any clues, so she quietly asked, "So, is the story between you and the Marquis true?"
Jiang Lan asked back, "What's going on between me and the Marquis?" The subtext seemed to be saying: If you have the guts, tell me about it.
Zheng Qianer laughed dryly and said, "I'm just asking casually."
At this time, the maid who was watching at the door hurried over and whispered something to Zheng Qianer, saying that the carriage from the general's mansion had arrived.
Zheng Qian'er immediately said goodbye to Jiang Lan and walked away with two maids. She was afraid that Cui Jingshu would come in and see her talking to Jiang Lan, and would come after her afterwards.
"Why is Miss Zheng leaving in such a hurry?" Gui'er asked in surprise.
Jiang Lan looked towards the door and saw Princess Pingyang coming in accompanied by a group of maids.
Princess Pingyang was followed by Cui Jingshu and a young man. The latter was so tall that he was a head taller than the maids surrounding him, and his head could be seen at a glance.
Jiang Lan looked closely and saw that it was Cui Yan.
He was tied up and brought back from the academy by his father Cui Hai. Since then, he has been recuperating at home. Before his injuries were healed, he began to study hard and never even left the house, as if he was determined to pass the imperial examination.
He did go out today and became the cold and arrogant young man he was when he first met Jiang Lan.
Seeing the tall eldest son of the general's mansion, the girls all looked at him curiously, and most of them didn't recognize him at all.
Because he went to the military camp for training at the age of thirteen, and later went to Dongling Academy to study. He seldom returned home. Even his sister Cui Jingshu rarely saw him, let alone other people. Therefore, most people present did not know his identity at first, and most of them wondered in their hearts whether he was the eldest son of Cui?
It was Zheng Qian'er who recognized the man first, and then told the girl next to her who he was, and the girl next to her told the girl next to her... and so on, the news spread from one to ten, and everyone knew that he was Mr. Cui.
After Princess Pingyang sat down, the ladies gathered around her. Mrs. Zhang and Mrs. Zheng also went over to greet her and flatter her.
Young ladies from various families also gathered around Cui Jingshu, looking at her outfit with envy. It was so gorgeous and dazzling that people couldn't take their eyes off it. They all praised how beautiful her clothes and jewelry were.
Cui Jingshu also enjoyed the feeling of being the center of attention. When she caught a glimpse of Jiang Lan standing under the tree, her face instantly darkened. She looked at her outfit from head to toe, smiled contemptuously, and laughed at her for being dressed so shabbily.
After meeting Cui Jingshu's contemptuous gaze, Jiang Lan prepared to leave with Qing'er and Gui'er. Cui Jingshu winked at her personal maid Qiu Tong, who went over to stop Jiang Lan and said, "Second Miss Jiang, my young lady wants to see you."
What is coming will come, and there is no way to avoid it. You can just be laughed at a few times and pretend you didn't hear it. When Jiang Lan brought Qing'er and Gui'er to follow Qiu Tong, Jiang Yan kept staring at her figure, frowning slightly, with a look of displeasure on his face, as if he was still brooding over what happened last time.
The last time he was tied up and in such a miserable state, not only was he seen by her, but also by Qi Wuhan, his mortal enemy. It was a great humiliation.
"Isn't your father a minister? How come he doesn't even have a decent piece of jewelry?" Cui Jingshu glanced at the green dress Jiang Lan was wearing, which was the same as the maids', and her mocking expression became even more intense. "You can't even afford a decent piece of clothing?"
"What can't you afford?" A sudden voice caught everyone's attention. Qi Wuhan walked over gracefully, waving a bone fan. He was dressed in a purple robe and black boots, looking extremely handsome. He was more formal and solemn than usual. When his beautiful and charming peach blossom eyes swept over him, several girls blushed and lowered their heads shyly. He casually said the last sentence, "Let this marquis hear it too."
When those peach blossom eyes looked at Jiang Lan, a look of surprise flashed in their eyes. As they got closer, they looked even more beautiful.
It is said that green leaves set off red flowers, but in this gorgeous color, it is the red flowers that set off the green leaves, making the light green even more fresh and refined, and pleasing to the eye.
Jiang Lan's skin color was originally fair, but now it has become rosy. Wearing this light green dress, she looks as beautiful as a flower.
The more Qi Wuhan looked at her, the more he liked her. The more he liked her, the less he wanted anyone else to see her. He really wanted to take her home and lock her up, so that only he could see her... He restrained his deep eyes for a moment and continued casually, "I heard that Miss Cui Er recently asked the zither master at Xueyue Pavilion for advice on her zither skills. I wonder if she has made any progress?"
Cui Jingshu's face instantly darkened, and no one else dared to discuss the matter in front of her, even though they all knew that playing the piano was just an excuse.
"Say it again!" Seeing Qi Wuhan coming over, Cui Yan also came over, with an expression as if he was going to settle the score with him. When he heard these words, he immediately became hostile and stared at Qi Wuhan with cold eyes, as if he would rush over to pounce on him and wrestle with him in the next moment.
Jiang Lan was also a little worried that the two would fight. After all, this was a banquet hosted by the Queen Mother. If a fight really broke out, they would definitely be punished.
"Master Cui, is your hearing not working well?" Cui Yan clenched his fists. The atmosphere was on the verge of breaking out, but Qi Wuhan still looked leisurely and calm. When he was about to say the second sentence, Jiang Lan coughed lightly.
When Qi Wuhan looked at her, she signaled to him with her eyes that "it's better to mind your own business". He gave her a look that said "I miss you too", and then said to Cui Yan, "I'm in a good mood today, so I won't bother with you." After that, he walked away gracefully, fanning himself. When he turned around, he winked at Jiang Lan, just like a male vixen throwing a seductive glance, which made her blush, and then he walked in another direction.
Cui Yan wanted to catch up with him and settle the score, but Princess Pingyang sent someone to call him and Cui Jingshu back.
After the two came back, Cui Jingshu complained that Qi Wuhan had spread rumors about her in front of so many people, making her lose face. Princess Pingyang gave her a look, and Cui Jingshu lowered her head and said nothing.
"He is a knife in the hands of the emperor. You should all stay away from him in the future and don't let the blood on the knife stain your hands."
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