"Miss, you've been staring at the portrait of the Fourth Prince for an hour!" the maid Cuiling said, covering her mouth with a smile. Her young mistress had been looking at a portrait ever since she left her hometown for the imperial concubine selection in the capital—a portrait of a man currently hanging in her boudoir. The man in the painting wore a dark blue robe, the fabric embroidered with a four-clawed golden dragon in delicate gold thread, while the cuffs and collar were decorated with auspicious cloud patterns. A dark black belt embroidered with auspicious cloud and qilin beast patterns adorned his waist, exuding an air of absolute nobility. One hand was placed in front of him, the other behind his back, and a slightly menacing air settled between his brows—truly the Fourth Prince of the court.
"You dare laugh at your young lady? I'll tear your mouth apart!" The woman sitting behind the table turned around and glanced at the little maid named Cui Ling. She stretched out her fair and slender hands, as white as jade and as delicate as scallions, and pinched the little maid's cheek.
The woman had a face as smooth as swan's cream, lips like cherries, eyebrows like distant mountains, and a gaze as clear as autumn water. She possessed an indescribable gentleness and delicacy, truly a woman of unparalleled beauty. She wore a peach-colored dress, her hair styled in a reverse bun, adorned with a gold hairpin with a begonia blossom design. A gold-inlaid flower adorned her forehead, and ruby earrings swayed radiantly. Her demeanor was exceptionally bright and charming.
“Miss, I dare not. I dare not. You have already been betrothed to the Fourth Prince, and I heard that news has arrived that they will come to fetch you the day after tomorrow,” Cui Ling quickly said.
Nian Shilan raised her arched eyebrows, revealing a hint of joy, and said, "Really? What did Uncle say?"
When Cui Ling saw that Nian Shilan immediately showed joy upon hearing that the Fourth Prince had sent someone to fetch the bride, she smiled and said, "The lord naturally accepted the decree, said some auspicious words, and gave a red envelope."
A hint of pride flashed in Nian Shilan's eyes as she smiled and said, "Of course, my brother is the Governor-General of Gansu and Shaanxi in Sichuan, and even my grandfather said that he is the most talented son in the Nian family. However, the man I am going to marry today is also the most noble and capable man in the world."
Cui Ling quickly said, "Miss, I'm going to go with you to the Fourth Prince's residence. I heard that the princess is only allowed to bring two personal maids."
Nian Shilan didn't take it to heart and said proudly, "My brother and the Fourth Prince are very close friends. He has already written a letter, specifically telling me to bring a few more personal maids into the mansion, and all the dowry should also be moved in."
Cui Ling also said happily, "Of course, our young lady is no ordinary princess. She is the younger sister of Governor Nian. The Fourth Prince will definitely treat her differently."
Nian Shilan chuckled a few times and said, "It's not just you, Birou, Zining, and Baizhi are all coming in with me. You are all maids I'm used to serving. Once you're inside, I don't know where you'll be separated from your servants. I'm not used to it."
Cui Ling quickly helped Nian Shilan to sit down on the couch by the bed and said ingratiatingly, "Of course, our young lady has been served by a whole room of maids since she was a child. It is truly thanks to the young lady's good fortune that I was able to go with her to the Fourth Prince's mansion."
Nian Shilan looked out the window and saw her uncle's wife, Zhao, being led by a maid towards Lancui Tower, where she lived.
"Aunt is here. Cuiling, go and brew the tea that Madam likes." Cuiling immediately and obediently agreed and went to brew the tea.
Zhao Shi, supported by her maid, climbed the stairs step by step, where she saw Bi Rou smiling and greeting her: "Greetings, Madam! Miss saw you and sent me downstairs to greet you."
Madam Zhao nodded and smiled, "Shilan has been considerate and sensible since she was little. It is truly her good fortune to be able to enter the prince's harem. As her aunt, I naturally have to come and give her some advice before her marriage."
As soon as Zhao went upstairs, she saw a figure in a peach-colored dress come out to greet her. Before she arrived, the figure said, "Auntie, I just received some Lushan Yunwu tea from my brother. It would be perfect to enjoy it with you."
Zhao held Nian Shilan's hand and said with a kind smile, "What a filial child. Your uncle and I really miss you after you've stayed here for three months. In a couple of days, the Fourth Prince's mansion will send someone to pick you up."
Upon hearing this, Nian Shilan realized it was indeed the news. She quickly suppressed her joy and put on a shy, girlish expression, saying, "Shilan will miss her aunt and her sisters."
Upon hearing this, Madam Zhao immediately said, "Alas, your sister is truly unlucky. She was eliminated right after the first round. Shilan, on the other hand, is incomparably beautiful and was immediately assigned to the Fourth Prince's residence."
The older sister Zhao mentioned was her own daughter, Nian Shifeng, who was one year older than Nian Shilan and was rejected because of her average appearance.
“Sister Feng is of dignified character, and with Uncle having served as an official in the capital for many years, it would be good for her to marry a son from a prominent family of equal standing. Unlike Shilan, who would have to become a concubine.” Nian Shilan said with a hint of grievance.
Upon hearing this, Madam Zhao pulled her down to sit on the main couch in the main room and said, "Your aunt came here today precisely to discuss this with you. Although your uncle is an official in the capital, he is nowhere near as good as your father, much less as good as your nephew Gengyao. Therefore, after discussing it with your uncle, we still want to ask Shilan to put in a good word for your sister Feng's marriage. Once you enter the Fourth Prince's mansion, with your looks and your brother, you will surely win the Fourth Prince's favor. At that time, your sister Feng's marriage will be much easier to arrange."
Zhao shouldn't have said these words to Nian Shilan, since she was trying to benefit from his influence. However, she figured since she was going to benefit anyway, why not put it nicely? The entire Nian family was now relying on Nian Gengyao, and now that Nian Shilan had been betrothed to the Fourth Prince, she naturally became the most outstanding among all the women of the Nian family.
Sure enough, Nian Shilan looked smug. Even her aunt came to say she wanted to benefit from her. How could she not be proud and happy?
"Don't worry, Auntie, Sister Feng will definitely marry a good husband," Nian Shilan said confidently, as if she were about to be surrounded by a thousand golden rays, and all those under her protection would be blessed.
"Shilan, your dowry will be sent by your uncle in a carriage. Once you're inside, you won't be able to get out easily, so you'll have to rely on yourself for everything. However, if anything happens, you can still ask a maid to come and let us know." Seeing that she had said everything she wanted to say, Madam Zhao naturally felt it was time to show her some concern.
"Thank you for your concern, Aunt. But Shilan will be fine inside, so Uncle and Aunt don't need to worry." Nian Shilan said with a faint smile. She was confident that with her beauty and wit, she could definitely win the favor of the Fourth Prince.
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