Embroidering the wedding dress!
She met a woman selling sachets on the street. She picked out a pair of mandarin ducks playing in the water, one of which she wore on her waist and the other she gave to Yang Shen. The two were a handsome couple and very eye-catching on the street.
Before they knew it, the two arrived at the pastry shop. Through the window that had been specially opened, people were busy packing orders inside, and there were two errand runners in front of them.
Wen Ruo subconsciously went to join the queue, only to find that Yang Shen had already disappeared. She stood at the door for a moment, and then had two large bags of pastries in her hands. "I didn't know what you liked, so I bought a little of everything."
"Yang Shen, I didn't expect you, a blockhead, to be so good at pleasing women. And who is this?" A familiar figure blocked the doorway. The voice was warm and familiar, and the sarcasm and mockery in the words were clear.
"Second Young Master, this is Miss Wen Ruo." To avoid making a mistake, Yang Shen simply introduced her; she didn't seem to have agreed yet.
The test is about to begin. Seeing that Yang Shen was hesitant to speak, Wen Ruo stepped forward and stood beside him, giving a slight curtsy. "Greetings, Second Young Master. I feel an instant connection with you. If we were to get married in the future, I would like to invite you to my wedding."
"So your name is Wen Ruo." Qi Guanlan didn't dare to recognize her at first, but as soon as he heard her voice, he confirmed that she was Xiao Qiangzi. The corners of her eyes were slightly pulled upward with black, which made her look more radiant. The light peach-colored lipstick paired with the peach-red long dress made her so beautiful that it was hard to look away.
Are they getting married?
The familiar yet resentful voice made Wen Ruo's body stiffen. By the time she realized what was happening, she was already hiding behind Yang Shen, but she couldn't ignore him. How come she had never noticed how persistent he was before?
Seeing this, Yang Shen stepped forward and asked, "Young Master Qi, do you know Miss Wen?"
"Who are you? Who is Young Master Qi? How would you know him? And I snuck out today, so just pretend you didn't see me," Yang Cong said with a disdainful sneer.
"Look down on me like a dog," Wen Ruo thought, rolling her eyes as she hid behind him. She then caught a whiff of incense from her number one lackey as he ran away, an obvious attempt to curry favor. "I came to find you. The manor said you went out to look at potential partners?"
He's on par with her, he should take a good look at himself. He's far less calm and composed than Yang Shen, Wen Ru thought to herself. As she turned around, she bumped into Xiao Shun, who was not far away.
He smirked, his face flushed with suppressed urges, his mouth slightly open. Qi Guanlan, in a bad mood, spoke even more bluntly: "What do you want from me?"
"Not yet..." Yang Cong suddenly fell silent, his face stern as he glared at Yang Shen, who turned around and calmly said, "What else do you want to eat? How about we go somewhere else?"
Carrying the snacks, Wen Ruo bid farewell to the two young masters and arrived at the newly opened restaurant called Taoyuanji.
Upon entering, one can see a landscape painting of Peach Blossom Spring on a screen. There are also framed calligraphy scrolls on the wall. Wen Ruo looked around curiously and could find one or two characters for "peach" on each scroll.
The newly opened shop is mostly frequented by scholars. After their meals, they can visit the calligraphy room to look at or write calligraphy, always finding enjoyment and leaving satisfied.
Wen Ruo had just found a seat by the window when she saw Zhao Heng gracefully ascend the stairs. She quickly turned to the window, pretending to admire the scenery, just in case.
"The sweet and sour carp is here! Your dishes are all ready, sir."
Wen Ruo slowly picked out the fish bones, glancing up every now and then. Yang Shen didn't like to talk while eating, and his movements were very refined, making him a pleasant sight to behold.
A corner of clothing caught her eye, and she paused for a moment before hearing an arrogant voice behind her. How could someone order food with such a spoiled attitude?
The Yang family is too difficult to deal with. Just imagine, one master covets her man, and another master is jealous of her man. If they really get married, wouldn't it be a living hell?
The two put down their chopsticks, and the waiter, being very perceptive, brought them a cup of free tea. Wen Ruo warmed her hands and then heard him suddenly speak. It turned out he was delivering a message, saying that there was an urgent matter at the Yang residence and they should return immediately.
When it was time to part ways, Yang Shen took out a box from his sleeve, placed it beside him, and said with expectation in his voice, "I await your good news, young lady."
Yang Shen didn't even glance at the two young masters behind him, who were living a life of debauchery, and left directly.
Wen Ruo opened the box and saw the hairpin she had chosen on her way here. Yang Shen, despite his young age, was indeed entrusted with an important task; he was cold on the outside but warm on the inside, and meticulous and thoughtful. She put down the box, touched her head, and put it on; she had agreed.
“This hairpin suits you.” Little Shun suddenly sat down opposite her, glancing to the other side every now and then. He was relieved when he saw that the young master hadn’t seen him. His tone was a mix of annoyance and confusion: “Why are you usually like that?”
"My makeup skills aren't great, someone else did my makeup. Does it look good?" Wen Ruo put her hands on her chin, looking smug. Is there any woman in the world who can't do makeup? Xiao Shun looked at her with an indescribable expression.
"It looks good. You should practice cooking more. Don't just run around aimlessly. What if you scare your husband after you get married? Although I can't imagine what could scare Yang Shen's deadpan face."
"Little Shun, you're being cheeky," Wen Ruo said, becoming much more at ease after Yang Shen left. She strode over to his side, glancing at the nearby table, wondering about the quality of the wine. With seven or eight wine jugs, it must be quite good. She lowered her voice, "Young Master, you didn't find anything you like today?"
The servant covered his mouth and said carefully and softly, "He didn't go at all. Young Master has done plenty of things that are two-faced. Now the princess is going to scold me for not keeping an eye on Young Master. Do you think Young Master will listen to me just because I say so? If I could do it, I wouldn't need to clean the stone lions every day. He would be like my own father."
Wen Ruo smiled and offered a cup of tea. "I haven't had any yet, you can try some." Xiao Shunzi took the teacup, moistened his mouth, and said thankfully, "It's a good thing you're always there to talk to me, otherwise I would be suffocating."
"Young Master, where are you going?" He really doesn't let anyone feel at ease for a moment. Xiao Shunzi hadn't even finished his tea when Qi Guanlan stood up unsteadily. The two put their arms around each other's shoulders, not letting anyone get close.
Xiao Shun gave her a look, put down his teacup, and hurriedly followed. Wen Ru looked like she hadn't rested enough, but Xiao Shun kept urging her, so she reluctantly stood up and followed behind the two of them.
She knew all the major and minor roads in the capital by heart. She could guess where the young master was going the moment he lifted a foot. Wasn't this the road to the Red Robe Pavilion? Why was he going there again?
"Young Master, where are you going!" Wen Ruofei ran over quickly, trying to call out to him, but was stopped by Xiao Shun. He shook his head and said, "Young Master is drunk. Stay away from him. He's in a bad mood and will cause trouble for everyone."
Wen Ruo looked at him in surprise, seemingly worried, and said, "Won't he blame you when he wakes up? Young Master values his reputation very much."
Xiao Shunzi patted her shoulder, deeply moved, "Only you care about me." Then he said mysteriously and smugly, "Young Master doesn't remember," and that she would behave herself for several days after waking up.
"I don't remember," Wen Ruo said, her heels landing lightly on the ground. She felt relieved and walked slowly with her hands clasped together. She had never seen Qi Guanlan act crazy when he was drunk.
In front of the Red Robe Pavilion, Qi Guanlan stood imposingly at the entrance, holding a twig he had picked up from the ground. His eyes darkened and became fierce as he stared at the plaque above. Fortunately, Xiao Shunzi was guarding the place, so no one dared to approach him; everyone who came avoided him.
"Call Xi You out! Why did you refuse our Young Master Qi?" Yang Cong stood crookedly at the door, shouting loudly. People passing by kept turning their heads to look back. Qi Guanlan angrily said, "Who said this young master was rejected?"
"Xi You, come out and fight me one-on-one!"
Wen Ruo was speechless. What kind of decent young man would fight a young lady one-on-one?
“Yes, a one-on-one duel, a duel in bed.” Yang Cong chuckled, then quickly tugged at his sleeve and shouted, “Come on, Miss Xiyou is waiting for you.”
The madam was in dire straits; there was no one named Xi You in the brothel. But there was no reason to turn away customers. If not Xi You, there was still You Shi. Her eyes darted around quickly as she hurriedly called for someone to come out.
With her almond-shaped face and peach-like cheeks, her eyes sparkled with captivating charm, making Yang Cong stare wide-eyed. Her slender waist and graceful steps swayed like a willow in the breeze. She approached Qi Guanlan with a smile and called out sweetly, "Young Master Qi."
When Miss You Shi appeared, Yang Cong quieted down. Wen Ruo thought things would calm down, but then a fat man with big ears suddenly passed by. Miss You Shi was pulled into Yang Cong's arms. Qi Guanlan shook his head, and for some unknown reason, he kicked him as soon as he caught him.
Half an hour later, it was as if a gust of wind swept through the upstairs, scattering leaves everywhere, leaving a pile of people lying at the doorway, and screams echoing incessantly.
"Xiaoqiang, what should we do?" Brother Xiaoshun's face turned pale. He pulled her upstairs and only when he got closer did he realize that Yang Cong was half asleep and half awake, lying on top of You Shi, with a half-smile on his lips.
Wen Ruo frowned as she looked at him. Yang Cong had woken up? His eyes had cleared for a moment just now.
But there was no time to think it through; if the fighting continued, the crowd would rise up in resistance. She hurriedly shouted:
"Young Master, Miss Xiyou is glaring at you."
Hearing "glare," Qi Guanlan was stunned for a moment. The person on the ground saw that he had missed and was knocked over. He scrambled to the side, wincing in pain. "Liar!" he cried. He turned and glared at Wen Ruo. "You lied to me too."
A pair of reproachful and aggrieved eyes looked over, and she couldn't even cry out her innocence. Wen Ruo and Qi Guanlan looked at each other for a moment and then looked away. It would be a lie to say that she wasn't guilty. It seemed that all the trouble the young master had caused recently was related to her. Heaven knows that she had also made a mistake unintentionally.
She hadn't been watching him closely enough, and Qi Guanlan was already staggering upstairs to the room she had hastily borrowed earlier. How could this be? Wen Ruo glanced around and saw him step onto the last step. Yang Cong, always eager for drama, urged him to hurry up.
How long is this going to go on? She suddenly became anxious. Since he didn't remember anyway, she gritted her teeth and called out to him, "Young Master, it's my fault. I remembered wrong. Miss Xiyou is at Zhao Heng's residence."
Wen Ruo blinked, then turned around and her expression changed, her eyes flashing with ferocity. "Do you want to cause the young master to die? Do you want the princess to smash up your shop?" The madam nodded hurriedly, "Look at my brain, Miss Xi You was borrowed by Young Master Zhao's carriage and hasn't returned yet."
Qi Guanlan's mind went blank for a moment. He quickly turned around, his face dark, ready to fight Zhao Heng to the death. Yang Cong reached out to pull him back, but couldn't even catch up with a corner of his clothes. His face darkened.
The journey was quite lively, starting with a brothel, then Zhao Heng's Prince Ye's mansion, and finally being taken away by the princess herself, including Wen Ruo, because Young Master Qi wouldn't let go.
The princess's carriage was large and comfortable, but Wen Ruo was restless. She stared down at her sleeves, while Qi Guanlan lay opposite her, clutching the hem of her clothes tightly. Princess Rongjing seemed to find the scene an eyesore and was resting with her eyes closed.
The carriage went straight into the mansion. Wen Ru knelt in Qi Guanlan's courtyard, her knees almost red. The quiet and secluded courtyard was beyond her expectations, and it was also larger than she had imagined. She stared at the exquisite and beautiful glass lotus lanterns on the corridor, her lips gradually turning pale. After all that fuss, her lipstick had long since worn off.
Young Master Qi caused a scene and is now unconscious. Brother Xiao Shun is in an even worse state; he's being whipped for his poor behavior. At least I'm just kneeling. Wen Ruo is finding joy in her misery.
Princess Rongjing stepped across the threshold and stood under the eaves, glancing down at her. Her beautiful face couldn't hide the murderous intent. Wen Ruo almost buried her head in her chest, her heart pounding wildly. She had witnessed firsthand how appearance reflects the heart; similar faces could have vastly different temperaments.
His voice was even colder and sterner: "Who is your mother? And when did you start following Lan'er around?"
Wen Ruo knelt and bowed, speaking cautiously and clearly: "Greetings, Your Highness. I am a friend of Brother Xiao Shun. I only helped Young Master Qi today because I happened to see him drunk."
The princess clearly didn't believe it. "A chance encounter?"
Isn't the point to help? It seems the princess is very strict about the women around the young master. Wen Ruo lowered her head. "Yes, it was arranged by a matchmaker. Today, I met Young Master Yang Shen at the teahouse. When we parted, I happened to run into Brother Xiao Shun. He was too busy to handle everything by himself, so I followed him for a while."
The mention of matchmaking put Princess Rongjing at ease, and she gave her a more favorable look. "You said that Miss Xiyou is in the Zhao residence? Do you know Xiyou?"
"I don't know Miss Xiyou. I've only heard rumors about her and thought I'd give it a try. But this is a matter of life and death. I don't want Young Master Qi to accidentally cause an irreparable situation."
Only then did Princess Rongjing exclaim in praise, "The Red Robe Pavilion did a good job on this matter."
Wen Ruo, holding the reward money, was escorted out of the princess's residence, trembling. She dared not look back for a moment until she stood beside the stone lion, when her heartbeat slowed down a bit. Qi Guanlan would probably never mention the name Xi You again.
She felt relieved and hummed a little tune as she went home.
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