Shi Lan and Pan Jinyue had just returned to the Bisha Pavilion when Bao Qing followed them in.
After exchanging greetings with the two ladies, Baoqing relayed the results of Han Shi's discussion with the old woman. Upon hearing about the two places they would be moving to, Shi Lan didn't react much, but Pan Jinyue raised her eyebrows and said, "Qingxi Pavilion is near the water, and it's extremely cold in winter. There are so many empty courtyards in the Marquis's mansion, why give me this one in particular?"
Baoqing was not annoyed by her harsh questioning. She explained in a low voice, "The old lady can't be without you for a day. Qingxi Pavilion is the closest to Shou'an Hall. The eldest madam also considered all aspects before deciding on that place for you."
Pan Jinyue was so angry that her chest heaved rapidly, and she couldn't speak for a long time.
Shi Lan smiled at Bao Qing, then turned to look at Lü Yu packing her things.
For some reason, Pan Jinyue suddenly turned her gaze to Shi Lan and called out to Bao Qing, who was about to leave, "Wait a moment."
Bao Qing stopped and turned to look at Pan Jinyue.
Pan Jinyue looked at Shi Lan with a smile and said, "Fourth sister, Xixiang Courtyard is smaller than Qingxi Pavilion, and the scenery is much worse. How about we switch places?"
A surge of anger rose in Shi Lan's heart. She herself had said that the other side was near water and cold in winter. How stupid of her to have switched places with her.
Shi Lan's fingers were loosely clenched, and she really wanted to slap her across the face, but after thinking about it, Shi Lan laughed again.
"Why did you tell me this, Third Sister? The courtyard was decided by Aunt and Grandmother. If you want to change it, you should talk to the right people first," Shi Lan said with a smile, her eyes filled with a mocking confidence that she wouldn't dare to change it.
Pan Jinyue was already simmering with anger, and Shi Lan's gaze was like pouring oil on that fire. Pan Jinyue immediately exploded and rushed out through the exquisitely carved door. Yuan Mama and Zhu Yun, the maids who were serving her, were worried that something might happen to her, so they hurriedly followed her out.
Baoqing frowned and glanced at Shilan, as if she was dissatisfied with Shilan for bringing the fire to the First Madam.
Shi Lan snorted coldly, raising a glance at her, "What are you still doing here, waiting for me to serve you tea?"
Shi Lan's phoenix eyes were slanted, with a hint of cold light at the corners, and she exuded a faint aura of power.
Baoqing felt a chill run down her spine from her gaze and quickly retreated.
Green Jade gathered the unopened bundles together and turned to Shi Lan, saying, "My wife has just returned. Why get involved in this mess and cause such a dispute?"
Shi Lan gave a cold laugh, picked up the teacup, and took a small sip.
Pan Jinyue provoked her several times, and if she didn't retaliate, she would really think she was a pushover.
Before half a cup of tea had been brewed, the curtain was lifted, and Bao Ping, the head maid of the old lady, walked in. When she saw Shi Lan sitting steadily at the table, she looked troubled and hesitated for a moment before saying, "The old lady said that Qingxi Pavilion has a pleasant environment and is suitable for cultivating one's character. Fourth Miss is following her master to cultivate, so she must prefer it there."
Shi Lan glanced at her expressionlessly, then nodded and said, "I understand."
Bao Ping seemed surprised that Shi Lan would agree so readily. She was stunned for a moment before she came to her senses, quickly bowed, and left.
Green Jade leaned closer and whispered, "In our household, Third Miss is the most respected person in front of the Old Madam. No one can surpass her. You should give way to her and not compete with her, lest you suffer a loss."
Shi Lan picked up the teapot without comment, filled the teacup, and then slowly and methodically began to drink.
This outcome didn't mean to Shi Lan that changing courtyards was actually of little importance to her. The original owner had lived in the cold north for many years and was used to the freezing weather. She did this only to give the First Madam a warning, to let her know how important this outsider was in the Old Madam's heart. In addition, she also wanted to see what Lady Wang and that Imperial Concubine would do.
Seeing that Shi Lan did not reply, Lü Yu knew that Shi Lan had not listened to her advice, so she had no choice but to step aside and continue to fuss with her luggage.
The curtain was lifted again, and Pan Jinyue returned arrogantly. Her swollen eyelids glanced sideways at Shi Lan, and she told Yuan Mama and the others following behind to hurry up and pack their things, as she was moving to Xixiang Courtyard.
Shi Lan was annoyed by these people loitering around her, so she simply took Lü Yu and walked out.
They ran into Liu Mama, who had come to help with her maids and servants.
Liu Mama already knew that there was a new young lady in the mansion when Han Shi gave the order. Although she had never seen her, she knew that this was the fourth young lady of the mansion when she saw the servant Lüyu following behind her. Therefore, she quickly stepped forward to pay her respects.
Shi Lan had already met her before and knew that she was highly regarded by Madam Han in matters concerning the inner quarters, so she returned the greeting with a smile.
Liu Mama glanced over and, because of the First Madam's favor, specifically asked Shi Lan, "Fourth Miss, have you packed your things properly?"
Shi Lan nodded and said, "There's nothing much, just a few old clothes. Lvyu has already packed them up."
Madam Liu turned her head and looked around at the servants following behind her. She pointed to an old woman, two half-grown maids, and four young maids who hadn't yet grown their hair long, and said, "All of you, serve her carefully. The lady is still young. If anyone thinks they are senior and tries to take advantage of the situation, they should think about their parents. If I catch them, don't blame me for tearing away all the face that three or four generations of my family have saved up."
Those who were called out respectfully stepped forward to bow, and the old woman, accompanied by two maids, followed Green Jade back to the Green Gauze Cabinet to retrieve her belongings.
The rest followed behind Shi Lan, standing respectfully.
Liu Mama then called the rest of the people to the Bisha Pavilion, telling them to come back and report to her after they finished moving Pan Jinyue's belongings, as she had other tasks to assign them.
The group went to the Bisha Pavilion, and Liu Mama accompanied Shi Lan toward Qingxi Pavilion. As they walked, she said, "Fourth Miss, don't worry about the cold there. The First Madam has given separate instructions. I have already ordered someone to buy silver frost charcoal, which will be delivered later. In addition, I have sent over brocade curtains, brocade quilts, and soft mattresses. If Fourth Miss is not satisfied, just tell Lüyu the colors you like, and I will immediately order the embroiderers to finish making them overnight. Furthermore, the First Madam has also sent someone to find two sets of autumn clothes that you haven't worn yet. If you don't mind, you can make do with them for now. The manor will make your autumn and winter clothes in a couple of days."
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