When Shi Lan arrived at the main courtyard where her mother lived, Shi Xi had already arrived. Seeing the dark circles under Shi Lan's eyes and her rosy complexion but faintly pale, she frowned and said, "Did you stay up late again last night?"
Shi Lan's heart tightened, fearing that she would see through her, so she quickly tugged at her sleeve and pleaded with a grin, "Good sister, please keep your voice down, or Mother will scold me again if she hears us."
While talking to Liu Mama, Shi's mother heard her words and turned around with a smile, saying, "It's too late to be quiet now. You're usually as mischievous as a monkey and never afraid of my scolding. Why are you so timid today?" As she spoke, she carefully examined Shi Lan, her brows furrowing, and her eyes swept sharply towards Cui Zhi and the sweet fruit and apricots behind her. "Lan'er is young and doesn't know any better, but don't you all know any better? This is the time when the girl is growing. If you keep her up like this, won't she get sick?"
Cuizhi and the others quickly knelt down. Shi Lan, feeling guilty, saw that her mother was unwilling to give up, so she quickly stepped forward, took her mother's warm hand, and said coquettishly, "Mother, please stop scolding them. Cuizhi kept persuading me to come yesterday, but I was just being playful and refused to go to sleep."
Shi's mother was a little soft-hearted after being shaken by her. She wanted to forgive her but was worried that Shi Lan would repeat the same mistake. After hesitating for a moment, she hardened her heart and said, "If you do it again, I will have Cui Zhi's family take her back, just like your wet nurse."
Shi Lan was startled, her eyes wide open, and she dared not utter a sound.
The original owner had previously gotten into trouble due to her mischievousness, which frightened her so much that she fell seriously ill. In her anger and shock, Shi's mother originally intended to severely punish the wet nurse, but after Shi Lan recovered, Shi's mother thought of accumulating good fortune for her daughter, so she gave her some silver and sent her home. When Shi Lan entered this body, the wet nurse had already been home for a long time. The original owner did not seem to have a deep affection for the wet nurse. In addition, she was busy with many things when she first arrived here, and Shi Lan was only focused on sorting things out, so she did not pay attention to the wet nurse. Now, hearing that Shi's mother was going to send Cui Zhi away in the same way, Shi Lan thought of the time they had spent together and couldn't help but feel a little reluctant.
Seeing the timid look on her face, Shi Mu knew she was afraid, so she ordered Cuizhi and the others to get up.
Liu Mama quietly withdrew and instructed the maids to move chairs and stools. Once the mother and her two daughters were seated, the maids quickly and efficiently placed snacks, porridge, and seasonal side dishes on the table.
After a short while, having finished breakfast and tea, Shi's mother, along with her two daughters, went to another flower hall as usual. There were already many stewardesses and wives waiting there. Shi's mother sat upright in the main seat, while Shi Xi sat elegantly in a chair slightly behind. Shi Lan, having lost too much blood, felt weak and short of breath after walking just a few steps, and her forehead was already slightly sweaty when she sat down.
Seeing that Shi Lan's complexion was sallow and her body was somewhat hunched, Cui Zhi became anxious. Tian Guo, who had been hiding behind Cui Zhi, quietly handed her a paper package. Shi Lan opened it and saw that it seemed to be candied fruit, but the shape did not look like it.
Shi Lan picked up a small piece and put it in her mouth. It was sweet, soft, and chewy. After swallowing it, a warm feeling flowed through her body, slowly replenishing her energy and filling her mind.
What is this? Shi Lan turned her head in surprise to look at the sweet fruit.
Sweet Fruit grinned, then lowered her head and shrank back behind Cui Zhi.
The people began to report their matters one by one. Every time someone finished reporting, Madam Shi would turn around and whisper a few words to Shi Xi beside her, analyzing the intricacies of the matter before making a decision in a gentle tone. Shi Lan blinked, looking around, and understood perfectly. Madam Shi was preparing for Shi Xi's future marriage.
Shi Xi will marry into the Marquis's family in the future. Ning Zhan is the heir and will inherit the Marquis's family sooner or later. As the heir's wife, Shi Xi will naturally have to manage these complicated matters.
Thinking of Ning Zhan, Shi Lan secretly curled her lips. How could that hypocritical, shameless, and despicable guy be worthy of such a beautiful, gentle, and elegant Shi Xi? It seems she has to find a way to ruin this marriage and find a good husband for her sister.
The key issue now is that she's confined to the inner quarters and can't see any men outside the home, so how is she supposed to help her sister choose a husband?
Shi Lan looked at Shi Xi with her eyes darting around, her mind racing.
At this time, Shi Xi was just beginning to learn about housekeeping and was not very familiar with these things. Her mother always wanted her to make the decisions, which made her excited but also forced her to concentrate on dealing with them. For a moment, she completely ignored Shi Lan's bright and shining eyes.
After about half an hour, the people in the hall gradually dispersed. After taking a sip of tea to relieve the dryness in her throat, Shi's mother continued to teach Shi Xi with great enthusiasm.
Shi Lan had reached her limit after sitting for so long. Taking advantage of the fact that no one was in the room, she subtly grabbed Cui Zhi, slowly stood up, and raised her eyebrows, saying, "Mother, this place is so boring. I'm getting sleepy from talking about it."
Shi's mother knew that her daughter was someone who could never sit still for a moment. She originally wanted to use these events to broaden Shi Lan's horizons and help her settle down, but seeing the dark circles under her eyes, she softened and nodded, saying, "Go ahead and have a good afternoon nap."
Shi Lan smiled and nodded, then stiffened her back as she left the flower hall.
Walking slowly along the tree-lined stone path, Shi Lan could clearly feel that her wound was starting to feel damp.
“Miss,” Cui Zhi, with her keen sense of smell, caught a whiff of blood and anxiously supported Shi Lan.
Shi Lan pursed her lips and leaned most of her body into Cui Zhi's arms, almost being half-supported and half-carried back to Lanxiang Courtyard.
As soon as she entered, Cuizhi dismissed the maids waiting in the room. Tianye went straight up and laid Shilan down on the soft, thick mattress. Tianguo hurriedly went to get the medicine powder. When she returned, Cuizhi had stripped off her outer garment, leaving only her inner garment. A bright crimson stain was visible on the snow-white fabric.
Sweetie pulled open her inner garment and carefully sprinkled the medicinal powder onto the affected area, slowly stopping the spread of the still-oozing bright red.
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