Three days passed quickly in Lanqin's anticipation.
Today was the day of departure, and as usual, Fourth Master got up at dawn. Lanqin sometimes wondered how he managed to be so energetic. He would torment her half the night, and then get up early the next morning, every single day. He was the most powerful master in the mansion, and no one forced him to get up, yet he could do it. His willpower truly impressed Lanqin. This kind of spirit reminded her of when she was preparing for her postgraduate and doctoral entrance exams, when many people would get up before dawn to rush to the library to reserve seats.
"So, is it that Fourth Master is also thinking about taking the postgraduate entrance exam and doctoral entrance exam, and he goes to study every morning?" Because today was the day she was leaving the manor, Lanqin didn't sleep for long in the morning. She got up, tidied herself up, and then lay on the couch watching the maids busy with things in the room, while she started to have random thoughts.
"Master, is there anything special you'd like to take with you?" Huanbi asked Lanqin. This time, Lanqin had chosen Huanbi to go to the estate with Nianxue and Xicha, leaving only Ziran behind. Compared to Ziran, Huanbi was lively and direct, efficient and capable in both her actions and words, while Lanqin naturally preferred Huanbi due to Ziran's mild temperament and subtle self-awareness.
"Bring the playing cards. It's getting hot, so bring several light undergarments and a qipao. Don't bring any heavy or complicated headdresses. Wear jade or pearl earrings and bracelets, nothing else," Lanqin instructed.
These tasks were originally intended for Nianxue and Xicha, but Nianxue was suddenly summoned by Madam Li, who said she had some instructions for her to take good care of Lanqin outside. Xicha went to prepare breakfast. Ziran mostly cleaned the study, tidying up various calligraphy, paintings, and books. The Fourth Prince often sent over some calligraphy and paintings, but Lanqin didn't understand them. She mostly just pretended to look at the books. Although she was a PhD in the 21st century, she was really not used to reading those ancient books without punctuation, and they contained a lot of classical Chinese words and traditional characters, which made them even more difficult for her to read.
Moreover, she didn't want to rely on grueling studies and grueling work like before after she transmigrated. She wanted to enjoy life, so those good books and paintings, sorry, I don't love them anymore!
They were busy getting ready until almost lunchtime when Zhao Quan finally came running over to announce that we could leave.
After instructing Granny Wang and Zhang Baoquan to "lock the gates and courtyard tightly and avoid causing trouble," Lanqin and her three servants, carrying several bundles, followed Zhao Quan along the east side of the Fourth Prince's residence and arrived at the main gate. This was only the second time Lanqin had visited her husband's house since her day trip to the Third Prince's residence.
The eunuch guarding the gate was a fat man. His round head and small eyes immediately rushed to greet Lanqin and the others, led by Su Peisheng's apprentice. He knew that this was the second time he'd been allowed to go out with his master, so this master must be favored. These gatekeepers, unlike Su Peisheng and his ilk who could get exposure from the various masters and often received rewards, were stationed at the gate year-round. Their side income was naturally much less. However, they were the first to know who came and went in the mansion and when their masters went out and returned—the "information vanguard." Therefore, everyone in the mansion, including the masters in various places, wanted to win over the gatekeepers. Smooth-talking servants like Wang were the most perceptive; he didn't just fawn over anyone, but also considered whether the master had a future. He had served a favored concubine like Lanqin before—the very same Consort Li who was currently under house arrest. Seeing what was happening in the manor over the past two months, Wang Pangzi, a servant who wasn't really anyone's confidant, started to get his mind started to work.
"Greetings to Princess Niu!" Fatty Wang quickly gave a curt bow.
"Eunuch Wang, please get up." Lanqin said with a smile.
"Princess Niu, come sit at the gatehouse for a while, the master hasn't arrived yet," Fatty Wang said solicitously.
Zhao Quan looked at him with a smile, thinking to himself: You do have some sense!
"No, I'll just wander around here at the gatehouse. I've been sitting inside for too long, so I want to get some exercise!" Lanqin gestured for Nianxue to hand a purse to Fatty Wang and Zhao Quan, while she herself, accompanied by Xicha and Huanbi, strolled along the porch of the gate.
At this moment, Madam Yin, along with Ye Ying, Shao Yao, and Granny Liu, also came from the west side of the road.
When Fatty Wang saw this, he stepped forward, bowed, and said the same thing as Lanqin.
When Madam Yin saw Lanqin admiring herself by the railing on the inside of the porch, she said to Fatty Wang, "I'd better go and talk to Princess Niu!" After saying that, she let Ye Ying help her walk towards Lanqin.
Nianxue waited in the gatehouse with two large bundles in her hands. When Shaoyao and Granny Liu entered, they saw several servants fawning over her. These eunuchs, though physically disabled from castration, still harbored feelings for young girls. Otherwise, it was common for eunuchs and palace maids to engage in sexual relationships in the Qing palace! Nianxue had a wasp waist and long legs, and her face was among the best for a maid. Furthermore, since Eunuch Wang had just received a purse from Nianxue, these servants naturally treated her like an honored guest.
"Granny Liu, did the master give our princess the jade pillow?" Peony glanced at Nianxue and deliberately raised her voice, "Ever since our princess became pregnant, she hasn't been eating or sleeping well. The master took pity on her and specially gave her this jade pillow, saying it can calm her nerves. Summer is almost here, so it's the perfect pillow for her."
“Here you go, of course you can’t forget this,” Granny Liu said immediately.
Upon hearing this, the young eunuchs exchanged glances and quickly offered seats to Shaoyao and Granny Liu. Nianxue didn't seem to care, merely smiling slightly at Granny Liu before ignoring her.
Outside the house, Madam Yin and Lanqin were admiring a magnolia tree. When Lanqin saw that Madam Yin had come over to talk to her, she couldn't ignore her and casually asked, "Sister Yin, have you been eating well lately? I heard that when you're pregnant, your appetite can change."
Madam Yin smiled slightly and said, "My master noticed that I didn't have a good appetite, so he specially arranged for Doctor Bai to prepare medicinal meals. After eating them for a few days, my appetite has improved a lot."
...A bead of sweat rolled down Lanqin's forehead. She thought to herself: I was just asking casually, there's no need to be like this!
"Princess, the master is here!" Huanbi saw the Fourth Prince leading the First Prince and the Third Prince, along with several nannies and eunuchs serving them, out of the front gate.
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