Seeing an object reminds me of someone
"Speaking of which, Cao Xi still occasionally mentions you back in the academy."
"You have some really good skills; even Cao Xi has been bewitched by you."
Wen Ruo looked regretful, feeling sorry for Cao Xi, "She waited and waited, but you never showed up."
Sun Xuerong suppressed a smile, but a sneer still crept up from her heart to her brow bone. "Those who walk different paths cannot make plans together."
"Why waste words with her? Everyone is chasing after her, she can be a noble lady. Cao Xi is second only to her. If she obediently stays far away from me, I won't care."
With a sideways movement, all Wen Ruo could see was Qi Guanlan's palm covered in a thin layer of calluses.
She stared blankly at the unusually clear marriage line for a moment.
At this moment, the door creaked open slowly, and Yun Qing came out, her expression unchanged, not mentioning the argument that had just taken place. "Miss Sun, please leave. The princess does not receive guests."
"Xue Rong will take his leave now."
The demeanor of a well-bred lady seemed to be ingrained in her bones. Sun Xuerong slightly bent her knees, her voice and smile perfectly timed, carrying a barely perceptible hint of disappointment.
She turned around gracefully, her steps unhurried. A look of concern appeared on the maid's face. She thoughtfully lifted the curtain of the sedan chair and reached out to catch her.
The moment her right hand went empty, her forced composure was exposed.
Wen Ruo stared in the direction she disappeared, his hand was taken, and he gently shook it. "So I was very restrained at Dali Temple."
Sunlight shone on his face, the wind smoothed away his furrowed brows, and his casually hanging hair rippled with golden light, giving him a relaxed and carefree air.
"Good restraint!"
Wen Ruo smiled. If she hadn't seen what was in the scriptures, she would have believed it.
"The princess is waiting."
Qi Guanlan went to see Princess Rongjing, and Wen Ruo walked beside Yun Qing. Although the road was rugged, it was not unfamiliar.
"I can wait in the hall."
Qi Guanlan's bedroom—even though the two were discussing marriage, it seemed illogical.
"The young lady has something to ask me, and I have something to give her."
Wen Ruo shut her mouth; she had a good eye.
What happened when he came home drunk?
Yun Qing glanced at her lightly, "I originally thought you didn't have much affection for him."
Wen Ruo's face showed a hint of embarrassment.
“We all know about what happened to him at the Dali Temple, so when he got drunk and hugged the princess and cried his heart out, looking back over the years, I feel really sorry for him.”
"They even advised the princess to transfer you out of the capital."
Wen Ruo nodded, "It is indeed a good idea that doesn't care whether people live or die."
Yun Qing scrutinized her for a moment, then suddenly smiled. "If the young master didn't like you, that would be good. With a son and a daughter, this old servant wouldn't have to force a smile and pretend to be friendly with Miss Sun."
Wen Ruo smiled and said, "I'm not very capable. I'm tired of being a pampered daughter and want to be an official to taste the power."
Yun Qing nodded, "You did a good job. I heard everything from Xiao Shun about protecting him."
"I was short-sighted. The princess was silent for a long time before saying that we should indeed act decisively. I thought she agreed with me, but who knew she would kick the young master out."
"I was so shocked at the time. The young master spent three years at Yan'an Temple, and the princess went to great lengths to help him. How could he be willing to accept that?"
"But she said she's figured it out."
"You did nothing wrong. It was wrong of you to make your already precarious life even more difficult because of the young master."
Wen Ruo forced a smile, but her nose suddenly felt a little sore and astringent. Perhaps there was some sincerity in what she had said that day.
If you really dislike her, why not transfer her out of the capital?
She had considered that the princess was actually forcing her to make way for Qi Guanlan first.
So she felt a little uneasy, and if there was any movement outside the door, she would wonder if someone from the princess's residence had come.
With so many tragic images flashing through my mind, will they soon come true?
Lying in bed at night, she would occasionally think about gambling with the little money she had, wondering if it was the right or wrong thing to do.
When Shiliu's mother and Achu returned, she couldn't bring herself to harden her heart; it was too cruel for her mother to choose between the two men she loved.
If it were her, she couldn't do it.
It was only after Sun Hao's outburst that he finally made up his mind, but today Qi Guanlan said that he couldn't breathe here.
Yun Qing's voice was right in front of her. Wen Ruo quickly turned her gaze away and glanced into the inner room. "What's that?"
I could smell it as soon as I came in.
“Every few days, the princess will have us smoke it. He’s used it since he was a child. You can take some.”
"Perhaps the princess syndrome has been maintained for too long. Once she relaxes, she can't hold on any longer. You need to keep an eye on them. Both of them are the same, stubborn."
What kind of heart palpitation incense is this!
But the Bu Yuan Dan is indeed made from highly nourishing medicinal materials. Perhaps she is not skilled enough, or perhaps the Bu Yuan Dan developed by Mr. Yi has other effects?
"Thank you for your trouble. I wonder where I can buy this incense? I'll get him some."
Yun Qing loosened her grip even more and laughed, "This is specially made in the palace; outsiders can't make it."
"Young Master Gu's household has few people, so his food, clothing, and daily necessities are simpler. These are his usual items."
"This box is really unique."
"He made the mark himself. The palace would prepare two copies of any good things, without favoritism. He made it specifically to avoid confusion."
The table was getting more and more cluttered, and Wen Ruo felt like her ears were about to explode.
What are you doing?!
Upon seeing this, a hint of panic flashed in Qi Guanlan's eyes. He hurriedly blocked the table, saying, "Let's go, we won't take these."
“Young Master? Are you sure?” Wen Ruo stretched her leg to the right, and he immediately followed. “I’m sure.”
She circled around to the left again, and Qi Guanlan, with his longer legs, arrived before her feet even touched the ground.
With a feint, Wen Ruo swiftly retracted her left foot. As soon as Qi Guanlan regained her footing, she was at the table. "This incense is just right for your heart palpitations; it's even better than the one from the Gu family."
Qi Guanlan coughed and said, "Then take this one."
He immediately put the lie back into his sleeve, his expression somewhat unnatural. He was caught off guard by the sudden exposure of his lie, and his voice betrayed a guilty conscience.
Wen Ruo shook her head with a regretful expression, "I've learned something new. Imperial products from the palace, how many years would it take for a judge to use them?"
"Suddenly I realized that I was being ungrateful. The royal family and the Prince of Anping were hopelessly in love with me, so why should I run away!"
Qi Guanlan opened his mouth, but didn't know what to say.
Yun Qing turned her head and smiled secretly.
"What else do you need? I'll take it all with me. We can't let our pampered young master Qi suffer while he's with me."
Qi Guanlan stayed close behind her, picking and choosing with his hands, and said reproachfully, "Being sarcastic is very hurtful."
"Yes, young master."
Wen Ruo took a few items, then turned around and saw Yun Qing looking hesitant, so she spoke up for her, "Have you two made up?"
Qi Guanlan suddenly felt awkward. He touched the tip of his nose and mumbled, "Half and half."
"What do you mean?"
“She wanted me to be independent, not to live off her, and not to embarrass her when I went out.”
Wen Ruo pursed her lips, her shoulders trembling slightly as she tried her best to suppress a laugh. Qi Guanlan raised an eyebrow. "Haven't I been doing quite well all these years? Hasn't she gotten used to it yet?"
So you didn't agree?
"Wrong, just wait for her to come and propose marriage."
His face was beaming with joy, and his expression was relaxed and cheerful, which put Wen Ruo at ease. She then laughed out loud, "I wonder if my mother will be able to wait for the betrothal gifts to arrive next year at this time."
Don't underestimate me!
"nature."
On New Year's Eve, Qi Guanlan had a green-glazed oven delivered. He thought the princess would come along, but unexpectedly, the round table was filled with people for the first time.
The finest lamb leg sizzled and dripped oil as soon as it was placed on the grill. The fish fillets, shaped like peonies, were incredibly springy, and the thin pancakes were coated with osmanthus honey. The table was laden with cooked meat and vegetables—this young master really knows how to eat!
"Chi Xu, look at your benefactor's face. Don't pick it up anymore, eat it yourself!"
The mountain of food on her plate was about to collapse.
Chi Xu smiled shyly, "I was wrong!"
Qi Guanlan handed over a plate full of meat, "She's so fast, I can't even grab it from her, eat up!"
"Mother-in-law, this is for you!"
Pomegranate Girl smiled from ear to ear, took out two wine cups, filled them one by one, and placed them aside.
Wen Ruo then added some food to the two empty bowls, saying, "Where have Mr. Yi and my master gone? They won't be back for the New Year."
Qi Guanlan: "He's probably drinking and gambling somewhere."
Have you ever met Tao Yan?
Why does he sound so familiar? Tao Yan might have been hanging around him before.
Thinking of this, Wen Ruo couldn't help but look at him. Qi Guanlan's expression remained unchanged, and without turning his head, he picked up the best piece of roasted meat and put it in her bowl. "I guessed it."
He paused for a moment, then suddenly smiled and said, "Speaking of which, I still have that incense ball. I came to find you that day."
Wen Ruo's expression immediately changed. She secretly pinched him, and with a slight smile, she said, "Thank you for keeping it for me."
Qi Guanlan hissed, a mischievous glint in his eyes, "Of course."
"Young master, eat quickly. It's your first time here, you can't go hungry!"
"I……"
"Perfect, not too hot!"
Before Qi Guanlan could finish speaking, Wen Ruo picked up a piece of food and put it in his mouth. "Is it good? You don't mind, do you?"
Qi Guanlan immediately shook his head and chewed slowly. Once he got the energy, he would tease the smoked ball with his empty mouth. As soon as he did, the person feeding him would come uninvited.
Just as Chi Xu was about to speak, his benefactor cut him off, "You don't mind, do you?"
Chi Xu shook his head, then suddenly lowered his eyes and smiled.
Wen Ruo's arms ached from eating so much.
The two went out to digest their food. Wen Ruo took a walk around and found that not much had changed. It was just that the new stalls had become old stalls, and some shop owners were much more generous.
After wandering around, I noticed a couple at the clay figurine stall I'd visited before; the colors of their floral decorations looked somewhat familiar.
"It's not you again, is it?"
Qi Guanlan paused for a moment, then raised his head arrogantly, "It's none of your business!"
The shop owner suddenly stood up, took off the little clay figure, and said, "I'll make you two new ones."
Wen Ruo waved her hand in refusal, "This is enough!"
Instantly, a few more wrinkles appeared at the corners of the shop owner's eyes. He squinted and smiled, "They're different. The one you have is called 'Remembering Someone Through an Object,' while the one I just made is called 'Achieving Success'!"
"They really know how to do business," Qi Guanlan said, his eyes lighting up.
In a short while, a fresh clay figure appeared in my hand, with bright eyes that turned up at the corners and not a single wrinkle between its brows, looking very cheerful.
"You two are such a perfect match!"
Wen Ruo subconsciously said thank you, but Qi Guanlan suddenly attacked, punching him. Wen Ruo's newly drawn eyebrows immediately furrowed. Was he trying to cause trouble again?
"You came to see me?"
Wen Ruo secretly breathed a sigh of relief. She had been on edge all along. But when she looked closely, she exclaimed, "Shouldn't you be upstairs?"
Qi Mingshuo slightly raised his head, his unfamiliar face and arrogant demeanor bearing a resemblance to Qi Guanlan from just moments before.
Someone else is doing it for him, no wonder he's so determined to learn the art of disguise.
"As expected of Senior Sister!"
"You can even recognize that!"
Qi Guanlan's expression changed slightly. He turned his head and looked at the two of them, his expression becoming complicated. "What do you mean?"
Wen Ruo pursed her red lips slightly, the sweet taste of roses rising on her tongue. Perhaps she had eaten too much sugar today, and her brain was almost turning into mush. She didn't know how to make up a story for a moment.
Or perhaps it's New Year's Eve, and I don't really want to lie to people.
In short, she blinked innocently and said, "I don't know."
Qi Mingshuo, trying to salvage the situation, said, "It's self-proclaimed. I've always considered myself Tao Yan's disciple, so naturally she's the senior sister."
Wen Ruo: "I see."
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