058 Tulip
Yuan Yue is a restless person. After staying at home quietly for two days, she couldn't resist inviting Wei Songlan to go out for fun.
Wei Songlan was already engaged and no longer wanted to show her face in public. Thinking that Li Yang had been dealing with many things lately, the two decided to go to the Yuan residence to have a proper talk with her. Before leaving, Madam Wei packed some gifts for them to take with them, so what should have been a light trip for the two of them turned into a half-cartload of various gift boxes packed by Madam Wei.
Yuan Yue felt somewhat helpless, but seeing Madam Wei's enthusiastic preparations, she couldn't say anything.
When they reached the street, listening to the bustling sounds of vendors outside the car, Yuan Yue peeked out from behind the curtain, then suddenly slapped her forehead as if she had just remembered: "Oh dear, I forgot to buy gifts for Xiao Li'er and Xiao Taozi. Cousin, let's go for a walk, I'll buy those two little ones some fun things to take home."
Wei Songlan naturally saw through her little scheme. Considering there were many people around and their servants with them, she figured walking down the street wouldn't cause any trouble, so she said, "Alright."
Yuan Yue took her arm and smiled ingratiatingly, "Hehe, cousin is so nice."
Wei Songlan said helplessly, "You can't just finish talking like this when we get back, or your aunt will definitely scold you."
"Say whatever she wants, I am who I am. If she wants me to become a well-bred lady like my cousin, she might as well kill me and have another daughter."
Seeing that she was becoming increasingly outspoken, Wei Songlan said, "You'd better not say anything more, or someone might overhear you."
After getting off the bus, surrounded by people, Yuan Yue shut up and excitedly pulled Wei Songlan to look at the vendors' stalls on both sides of the road.
Today was market day, and the streets were bustling with people. Yuan Yue had brought enough money with her, and she bought everything she liked or that was suitable for her family. Seeing her buying like this, Wei Songlan took her hand and advised, "Why don't you just buy the whole street?"
Yuan Yue weighed the brocade bag in her hand: "If I had enough money, I would buy not just one street, but two streets."
"Alright, it's time to go back. If it gets any later, we won't make it to your family's lunch," Wei Songlan said.
Yuan Yue tied the brocade bag to the belt around her waist: "Alright, then next time my cousin has to come out with me, and we can have a great time shopping."
"I'm not going to buy it with you. I'm afraid I'll spend all my money."
“I understand, cousin is saving up for her dowry.” Yuan Yue put her arm around Wei Songlan’s shoulder and said with a smile, “I heard that your future husband is very handsome. Have you met him?”
Wei Songlan's cheeks flushed slightly, and her tone was both reproachful and coquettish: "Oh dear, this is still far from certain, don't talk nonsense."
"No, you've already had the engagement ceremony," Yuan Yue said.
Wei Songlan's tone was somewhat forlorn: "That was arranged by our parents, an engagement ceremony. He didn't come. I think he was probably unwilling."
"How could that be!" Yuan Yue said, somewhat indignantly. "Cousin, you're so outstanding, so beautiful, and have such a wonderful temperament. Why would he be unwilling? If anyone is unwilling, it's us who are unwilling!"
She was a little excited, and her voice was a bit loud, which startled Wei Songlan, who quickly covered her mouth and said, "Keep your voice down."
Yuan Yue was a little worried for her: "Cousin, this is a major life event for you, you have to think it through. If he doesn't have you in his heart, you'll have a hard time for the rest of your life if you marry him."
She paused for a moment, then decided to speak her mind: "You know my second brother was detained at the Dali Temple a while ago, right? It was my cousin-in-law who led the arrest. But it turned out he was innocent, and he was released the next day. He does things so casually; I don't know how he got that good reputation."
Wei Songlan was stunned for a moment. She had just returned to the capital and did not know about this matter.
The maidservant from the Wei family, who was following behind the two, saw Wei Songlan's questioning gaze fall on her and nodded: "What Miss said is true. Master went to the Song family in person, but he didn't even get to see Young Master Song."
“Right,” Yuan Yue chimed in, “If he’s so unreasonable when it comes to matters of state, what kind of person is he? Cousin, you should have Uncle and Aunt investigate him carefully. Don’t just listen to what others say.”
Wei Songlan nodded: "I understand. Don't mention this to anyone else."
"Oh." Seeing Wei Songlan's somewhat dejected mood, Yuan Yue realized she had made a mistake and quickly added, "Cousin, I was just saying, there might be some misunderstanding... Oh dear!"
Before she could finish speaking, half of her body was bumped by a passerby.
It was a little beggar who looked about five or six years old. Seeing that he had caused a great disaster, he was so frightened that he immediately knelt down in front of Yuan Yue, crying with snot running down his face: "I'm sorry, Miss. I was blind and didn't see you. Please forgive me, Miss."
Yuan Yue: "..." Does she really look that fierce? Could she scare someone to tears with just one glance?
The little beggar's commotion attracted the attention of those around her. They looked at Yuan Yue with condemnation, as if she had committed some heinous crime.
Yuan Yue's face immediately flushed red when she was stared at. She stiffly reached out to help the little beggar up.
Unexpectedly, as soon as she reached out her hand, before she even touched him, the little beggar trembled all over and curled up on his knees, crying, "Waaah, Miss, please forgive me! I'll never do it again!"
The people gathered around began to whisper among themselves: "Yes, miss, he looks so pitiful, please spare him."
"Such young children, all living on the streets."
"Look at him, he's all bones, he probably hasn't eaten for days, how much strength can he have?"
"Miss, please forgive her for her rudeness and let her go."
"Tsk, how pathetic."
Yuan Yue was utterly speechless; those words felt like countless silver needles sewing her mouth shut. Helplessly, she waved to the kneeling beggar, "Go on, go on."
The crowd spontaneously parted to make way for him. He stood up cautiously, hesitated for a moment, and then darted out like a rabbit.
"Everyone, disperse," Yuan Yue said to the surroundings. "What are you still looking at? I've already released him."
The onlookers gradually dispersed, and Yuan Yue turned around, revealing Wei Songlan who had been hiding behind her: "Cousin, are you alright?"
Wei Songlan shook her head: "What about you?" Just now, she wanted to stand up for Yuan Yue, but Yuan Yue blocked her way when she was about to leave. She knew that Yuan Yue did it for her own good and didn't want her to show her face in public, but being protected by her cousin still made Wei Songlan feel a little ashamed.
"I'm fine, cousin, don't worry about it. Let's go back." Yuan Yue said nonchalantly.
Just as she was about to board the carriage, Yuan Yue noticed that the brocade pouch tied to her waist was missing. She carefully recalled what had just happened, and the only possible opportunity for someone to take the pouch was when she was bumped into by the little beggar.
She immediately realized that she had been tricked by the little beggar.
"You brat, you better not let me catch you." Yuan Yue muttered under her breath, then said to Wei Songlan, "Cousin, you wait here, I'll be right back."
After she finished speaking, she ran straight in the direction the little beggar had left.
Seeing her run far away, Wei Songlan had no choice but to get off the carriage and chase after her with her maid and servants.
Yuan Yue was quick and soon spotted the little beggar. She quietly caught up with him, grabbed his arm, and said, "Well, you've got me! Give me back my brocade pouch!"
Upon seeing her, the little beggar immediately struggled, crying out, "Let me go! I don't know what you're talking about! Help! Help! This young lady is restless and wants to forcibly take me, a little beggar, to be her child groom! Everyone, come and see!"
Yuan Yue knew she was thick-skinned, but his words still made her face flush red. Now she didn't know whether to let go or continue holding on.
She snapped, "Shut up!"
"I won't stay, I won't stay!" The little beggar snapped out of his daze, stuck out his tongue at her, and continued to shout loudly to the surroundings, "Come and see! A young lady from a wealthy family is so lonely in her boudoir that she dares to harass a beggar like me in the street! Everyone come and see!"
Romantic affairs are always eye-catching, no matter the time. Right now, many people are looking their way.
Upon seeing this, Yuan Yue immediately released his hand.
With his freedom restored, the little beggar smiled smugly at her. Just as he was about to turn and leave, someone grabbed his arms and threw him violently to the ground.
"Shameless brat, how dare you spout such nonsense in the street."
The newcomer wore a long white brocade robe with a round collar, and a light-colored brocade belt around his waist, simply adorned with a round jade pendant. He wore no other decorations. However, judging from his posture, demeanor, and the simple yet authoritative manner of his speech, it was clear that he was of noble and wealthy status.
He stared intently at the little beggar and said calmly, "Give her back her things."
The little beggar writhed twice on the ground in pain, but upon hearing his voice, he didn't hesitate and immediately took out Yuan Yue's brocade pouch and handed it to her.
Yuan Yue took it, and then saw his gaze turn to her: "Miss, could you please check if anything is missing?"
Yuan Yue immediately opened the brocade bag and counted the items, then shook her head: "Nothing is missing, thank you, young master."
“It’s nothing,” he said, then glared fiercely at the little beggar, “If I see you again, I’ll never forgive you. Now get lost!”
The little beggar dared not linger any longer, got up, and ran away immediately.
Seeing him turn to leave, Yuan Yue mustered her courage to speak, just as a servant-like man approached him. The man asked, "Have you found out? Where is my brother now?"
The servant tiptoed and whispered something in his ear for a moment.
The young man nodded: "Let's go, my brother will be leaving soon."
The two walked away quickly, and Yuan Yue took a couple of steps to catch up. However, they were tall and in a hurry, and after all the trouble she had gone through, she was quickly left behind. Watching them disappear, Yuan Yue felt somewhat disappointed.
"Yue'er," Wei Songlan finally caught up with her entourage from behind, "Yue'er, what's wrong? Did you find that little beggar?"
Yuan Yue handed her the brocade pouch and said, "That brat was too cunning; he actually tried to slander my reputation. Luckily, a passing young master saved me and even helped me get my brocade pouch back."
Seeing a blush on her cheeks, Wei Songlan glanced back at the departing figures of the two people and said worriedly, "Yue'er."
Yuan Yue said excitedly, "Cousin, you didn't see it. That young man was so tall. With just a flick of his arm, he subdued the little beggar and made him fall to the ground. He was so impressive. It's a pity he left in such a hurry that I didn't even have time to ask his name."
Wei Songlan pulled her back, saying, "If fate allows, we will meet again."
Yuan Yue disagreed: "Fate is something you have to fight for yourself. No, I have to ask around and see if anyone knows him."
Seeing that she was really going to ask, Wei Songlan stopped her: "Don't ask, I know him."
"Really? Who is he?"
Wei Songlan said, "It is the Eighth Prince."
"Wow!" Yuan Yue looked in the direction they left with disbelief and said with some doubt, "Isn't everyone saying that the Eighth Prince is eight feet tall, with a sharp, ruthless and cruel nature? He doesn't seem like that to me. At most, he's a bit tall, a bit strong, a bit dark-skinned, and a bit fierce. He's not as bad as those people say."
"Alright, alright, let's go quickly." Wei Songlan didn't want her to say any more, so she pulled her into the carriage and returned to the Yuan residence.
Inside the Yuan residence, Li Yang was not present. Yuan Yue had intended to tell Li Yang about her extraordinary adventures that day, but after hearing Yuan Chongjing's words, she slumped dejectedly into a chair: "Second brother, where did second sister-in-law go? When is she coming back? My cousin and I came all this way to see her, how can she not be home?"
Yuan Chongjing chuckled: "You just said you came to see me specifically to accompany Songlan."
“Is it the same whether I look at you or her? You two are husband and wife, why are you arguing about this?” Yuan Yue said.
Wei Songlan laughed at her twisted logic: "Since my second cousin-in-law isn't here, Yue'er, come with me to see my aunt."
"Hmm, okay."
Yuan Chongjing watched them leave the room and said to Bei Hai, "Go check the door; Yangyang should be back by now."
Bei Hai responded, thinking to himself that they were even calling each other "Yangyang" now, which meant their relationship had progressed rapidly. He was pleased that they were on good terms, as this would allow Yuan Chongjing to focus more on court affairs.
Li Yang went to Song Xi's private residence early in the morning. Ever since Song Xi secretly let her and Xiao Taozi leave the palace, Li Yang had been worried that if the Empress Dowager and the Emperor found out, they might blame him in private. Taking advantage of the time she had today, she decided to come and check on things after explaining things to Yuan Chongjing.
It was Xiao Han who opened the door. His face was pale and haggard, and he lacked his usual vitality: "Madam is here. Master is here. Please come in."
Li Yang followed him inside, and only after he locked the door did she ask, "Xiao Han, what happened? Why do you look so listless?"
Xiao Han shook her head: "It's nothing, I haven't been resting well lately. Master was just talking about Madam, he's in the room, Madam, please go in."
Li Yang looked at him in confusion. He was so dejected that his shoulders were drooping. How could he say he was alright? After entering the house and seeing Song Xi there, Li Yang asked worriedly, "Xiao Han, what's wrong? You look so listless."
Song Xi put down his book and glanced outside, just in time to see Xiao Han's dejected figure. He said, "It's nothing. I talked to him about Qiu Qiu and Yang Chenshi this morning, and I guess it's because of that. I'll let him figure it out himself."
After Qiuqiu and Yang Chenshi were ordered by the Empress Dowager to be beaten to death, Song Xi secretly arranged for their burial. Xiao Han was older than Qiuqiu and had taken care of him for several years, so there was naturally some affection between them.
Song Xi didn't want her to think about these things anymore: "Did you come here today for something?"
Once he left the palace, he changed out of his 'Sixth Princess' attire. Now, inside the house, he was simply wearing ordinary home clothes, his face clean and without makeup, radiating a fresh and natural aura.
Li Yang said, "I came to tell you that yesterday Xiao Taozi and I went to see His Highness Prince Yu in private. You told me before that His Highness has a female doctor with very high medical skills. Is that person named Yu Jin? When we went there yesterday, she kept asking me about you."
Song Xi sighed and resignedly said, "Yes. Yu Jin is my senior sister, I suppose. She's my master, the previous generation's legendary healer, and also the only disciple my biological father ever took in. Later, I faced difficulties in the palace, and as you know, it wasn't easy to hide my identity as a man. So the Empress Dowager discussed with him the possibility of me traveling and studying medicine under my biological father. When Yu Jin found out, she thought I had stolen my master's affection and was always trying to outdo me."
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