However, when they followed Zhao Jia into the decorated garden, they were all captivated by the flowers before them.
Suppressing the excitement in her heart, Wanyan said to Zhaojia, "I heard that your life is quite extraordinary these days. Seeing you today, I can see that your lifestyle is indeed quite different. I see that the decorations in this courtyard have all been replaced. I just noticed the two stone lions at the gate. They are so lifelike and exquisite. They must have been carved by a famous artist!"
Zhaojiashi
No sooner had she finished speaking than two or three maids came over carrying tea and fruit trays, stepping aside to offer them to her. Wanyan glanced at them casually and whispered, "Thirteenth Sister-in-law, the maids here are all wearing the latest styles this year!"
"Indeed, the Thirteenth Prince's residence is truly a sight to behold!" the Third Prince's wife remarked sourly. She was prone to jealousy, always seeing others doing well, so no one took her words seriously.
Thirteenth Princess Consort greeted everyone with a smile, exchanged a few pleasantries, and praised the sisters for their novel clothes, good complexion, and good health. Then she invited everyone to take a closer look.
The pavilions are dotted with vibrant green bamboo and oddly shaped stones, while clusters of flowers bloom at the foot of the rocky hill, with roses alone in several colors. Further in, orchids, tulips, irises, marigolds, and countless other unnamed flowers that are rarely seen in ordinary times appear commonplace in the Thirteenth Princess's courtyard.
As they walked, Zhao Jia enthusiastically introduced the tulips: "These are tulips from the Western Regions. They have a lingering fragrance and beautiful colors. I liked them so much that I had someone specially bring back a few. I didn't expect that they would bloom even more beautifully in the soil of the Qing Dynasty than those from the Western Regions..."
"A garden full of spring colors is a perfect description of your courtyard, sister. The flowers are blooming beautifully, and you are just as lovely as the flowers!" Ninth Princess Consort rarely spoke up.
The Third Princess also chuckled sourly, "I've never seen so many of these flowers before. Aren't they all rare varieties? Right, Fourteenth Sister-in-law?" After saying that, she casually asked Wanyan, who looked displeased, beside her.
Although Wanyan looked sullen, she couldn't show it. She had originally come to watch the spectacle, but she hadn't expected that the Thirteenth Prince's residence was indeed not what it used to be. Many of the flowers in the courtyard were not even found in the Fourteenth Prince's residence. Her mood instantly plummeted, and she said in a low voice, "These are not just some flowers and plants. Even if they are pretty, it's only for a short time. They will eventually fall. What a pity!"
Lady Zhaojia paused awkwardly for a moment, then laughed and said, "Fourteenth Sister-in-law appreciates flowers with a deeper understanding of their essence. We only see their outward beauty, unlike you, Sister, who seems to judge people as flowers do. It's the same with people. No matter how good someone is, it's only temporary; there will always be someone better in the future!"
Wanyan glared at Zhaojia and then turned to look elsewhere.
The Third Princess Consort watched Wanyan's retreating figure and said, "Thirteenth Sister-in-law, the flowers in your courtyard are beautiful. But some people can't stand seeing others do well, can they? Ninth Sister-in-law?"
Ninth Princess smiled but remained silent, while Lady Zhaojia said, "If you like them so much, sister, why don't I take these pots back with you?"
The Third Princess Consort quickly covered her face with her handkerchief and laughed, "Oh dear, how can we do that?"
“What’s wrong with that? Third Sister-in-law likes them, it’s just a few potted plants. Ninth Sister-in-law, you should take a few back with you too,” Zhao Jia said quickly.
The Third and Ninth Prince's wives hesitated a few times, but seeing that Lady Zhaojia insisted, they smiled and nodded to accept it.
Seeing that Lady Wanyan kept wearing a long face, the Third Princess Consort simply ignored her and pulled her cousin, the Ninth Princess Consort, to continue admiring the flowers.
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