Just as Liu Mama returned from the side courtyard, she heard from the maid that Lanxiang Courtyard had invited her.
Liu's mother had watched Shi Lan grow up since she was a child. When she heard that Shi Lan had invited her, she smiled, said goodbye to Shi's mother, and then went to Lanxiang Courtyard.
Sweet Apricot had been waiting at the door. When she saw her coming, she let her in and then cleverly closed the door behind her.
The exquisitely carved door made a muffled 'bang' sound. Liu's mother subconsciously turned around and looked back. When she turned her head again, she saw Shi Lan sitting upright in the main seat, her small face tightly taut. Cui Zhi and Tian Guo stood beside her, equally solemn.
Liu's mother felt a jolt in her heart. She smiled and took two steps forward, wanting to say a few appropriate words, but she found that Shi Lan, who used to be all smiles and childlike, had a cold and stern face, and a pair of dark eyes with a clear and bright glint. Liu's mother subconsciously tightened her throat, and the words that were on the tip of her tongue automatically sank back.
Shi Lan stared intently at her until she looked anxious and lowered her head, before slowly saying, "Aunt Liu, can you tell me where you went just now?"
Liu Mama's hand trembled, and her usually nimble legs went a little weak. "No, I didn't go anywhere. I just arranged for the maids and servants to do some chores."
Shi Lan smiled, her chubby fingers tapping the armrest. "Aunt Liu, I've respected you since I was little, and I still do. Those brutal methods of torture are too cruel; I don't want to use them on you."
Liu's mother trembled, her shoulders shaking.
Shi Lan's eyes flickered slightly as she continued, "You should know that the reason I'm asking this is because I already know where you went. Shi Yi is cold-hearted by nature, ruthless and decisive in her actions, never leaving any room for maneuver in her dealings with people or matters. You've helped her for so long, you should know her well. But do you know what your ultimate fate will be?"
Madam Liu's lips trembled, and she could no longer bear it, so she knelt down and kowtowed repeatedly: "Third Miss, please save this old servant! This old servant has no choice. My good-for-nothing son was lured into a gambling den, lost money, and then robbed someone, resulting in his death. This matter has been over for a long time, and no one should know about it. I don't know how Second Miss found out. This old servant only has one son. If the authorities find out, I will be sued and imprisoned. This old servant was blinded by greed and passed on the message to her, which made one mistake after another. This old servant wanted to stop, but she threatened to tell Madam. This old servant... this old servant then went to buy things for her and brought them into the mansion."
After listening to her words, Shi Lan slowly said, "You forgot to mention something else. Half a month ago, you also helped her buy medicinal herbs."
Madam Liu paused for a moment, then said, "Those medicinal herbs were not bought by this old servant; this old servant only brought them in for her."
Shi Lan nodded, not surprised. It would be strange if no one helped Shi Yi manage such a large operation outside.
"So this time, besides asking you to bring things, what else does she want you to do?"
After a long pause, Liu Mama said, "The Second Miss told me to lead Prince Ning to the small attic on the east side of the study after lunch tomorrow. She also said that once this matter is done, my son's matter will be wiped clean and never mentioned again."
Shi Lan nodded. "Indeed, the best outcome for you will be being kicked out of the house by your mother. She won't need you anymore, so she won't mention it again."
Liu Mama's expression changed, as if she had just realized this. She hurriedly kowtowed and said, "Third Miss, please save this old servant. Please save me for the sake of the fact that I have taken care of you since I was a child."
Shi Lan looked at the purplish-blue bruise on her forehead, sighed, and said, "Never mind, I'll send someone to inform you tonight what to do. Take good care of Mother and don't let anything slip."
Upon hearing Shi Lan's words, Liu's mother showed a mixture of joy and shame. She kowtowed silently before carefully retreating.
The bamboo curtain swayed slightly, and Shi Lan, resting her elbow on the armrest, sighed softly.
It is said that parents' hearts are full of love and pity. Liu Mama's situation is somewhat understandable, but she cannot escape her guilt. After this matter is settled, she probably cannot stay in the mansion.
Seeing the slight worry on her face, Sweet Fruit said, "Miss, if you can't get rid of her, then I'll prepare some medicine for her. I guarantee she'll pass away peacefully in her sleep, without any pain."
Shi Lan was taken aback, seemingly not expecting that such a sweet-hearted girl as Tian Guo would come up with such an idea.
Seeing that her expression was off, Tianguo quickly realized that she had misunderstood and said, "Don't worry, Miss. I've only prepared this kind of medicine a few times and I would never harm anyone easily."
Shi Lan nodded, feeling a bit awkward no matter how she listened, but now was not the time to worry about that; Shi Yi's next plan was what she should be concerned about.
"Sweetie, do you know any playboys in this city? Preferably the kind with a bunch of wives and concubines."
Sweet Fruit tilted her head and thought for a moment, then said, "I'm not quite sure about that. Sweet Leaf probably knows more about it than I do."
Shi Lan waved her hand and said, "Tianye should still be in the side courtyard. Go ask her and pick the most absurd one. I'll go to Mother's to get the invitation, and we'll invite him to the banquet tomorrow."
Sweetie rolled her eyes, gave a crisp reply, and left.
Shi Lan turned to Cui Zhi and asked, "Is this okay?"
Cuizhi looked her up and down and said, "Alright, Miss looks much better today. Madam will be delighted to see you like this."
Shi Lan pursed her lips, stood up and said, "Let's go have lunch with Mother."
Cuizhi smiled and agreed, then lifted the curtain and followed Shilan to the main courtyard.
In the main courtyard, Madam Shi was instructing the maids to place the blooming hibiscus and chrysanthemums in the various halls and along the corridors and pavilions. Shi Lan walked in and saw Shi Xi with a tense face, busying herself with the arrangements as instructed by Madam Shi.
When Shi's mother saw Shi Lan, she beckoned her over and took a handkerchief to wipe the fine beads of sweat from her forehead.
"What are you doing here at this hour when the sun is at its strongest?"
Shi Lan raised her little face and nestled obediently in her mother's arms. After her mother finished wiping her, she said, "I miss my mother. I want to have lunch with her."
Mother Shi smiled and said, "We just met yesterday, and you're already thinking about it at noon? I think you're craving my sesame seed cakes, that's why you came all this way."
Shi Lan smiled and said, "I miss my mother, and I also miss Lianggao (a type of cold rice cake)."
Stone Mother gave a knowing look and chuckled.
Shi Xi turned to look at her, silently uttering, "Sycophant."
Shi Lan glared at her, a smug look on her face.
Shi Xi wrinkled her little nose, her face full of "I'm not going to argue with you," and turned to continue directing the maids to work.
After a flurry of activity, as the sun reached its zenith, Mother Shi instructed people to prepare a meal. Shi Lan ate until her belly was round and then returned to Lanxiang Courtyard with Cuizhi.
Upon entering the house, before even sitting down, Shi Lan anxiously asked, "Did you get it?"
Cui Zhi nodded and pulled out a large red invitation card with gold lettering and incense from her sleeve.
Shi Lan happily accepted the invitation, opened it, and said, "It's a pity about this invitation." (To be continued.)
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