Chapter 6 Suppression
Since Xie Qingran returned, Wang Shi could sense the distance between them. She originally thought it was because they hadn't seen each other for many years.
But now, when Wang looked at Xie Qingran again, she felt that she could not see any affection for her in the child's eyes, only endless coldness. But clearly, this was not her intention.
Xie Qingran's eyes were open and honest as Wang Shi looked her over. She was neither aggressive nor submissive, but simply calm and indifferent.
She knew long ago that whether she was happy or crazy, it didn't matter to the Xie family, so she didn't care either.
"The Begonia Flower Banquet in the palace is about to begin. You should dress well and not disgrace the Xie family."
In this silent standoff, Wang finally gave in and spoke up, revealing the true purpose of her visit.
Why didn't you do this earlier?
Why bother acting?
Xie Qingran stood up, opened her wardrobe, and said meaningfully, "I wonder if these clothes are enough to properly tidy myself up?"
When she was on the estate, she was mistreated by the old nanny who never gave her any nice clothes, saying that a woman's beauty lies in simplicity and that dressing too flamboyantly was like something out of a brothel.
After she returned from the estate, everyone was considerate of Xie Hanyue's feelings, surrounding her and coaxing her. They didn't even make a new dress for Xie Qingran, and no one really cared whether Xie Qingran had been doing well at the estate all these years.
When Wang's gaze fell upon Xie Qingran's wardrobe, she felt as if an invisible slap had landed squarely on her face, turning her beloved family into a laughingstock.
"Someone come and take the young lady's measurements for a dress!"
Wang vented all her anger on the servants.
"What are you all good for? You don't even know how to serve the young lady properly after she came back!"
"You don't even have a single outfit to wear outside! Sooner or later, I'll sell you all off!"
Madam Wang put on a show of authority as the matriarch of the household, hoping to make Xie Qingran understand that it wasn't that the family was intentionally mistreating her, but rather that the servants had been negligent.
However, in Xie Qingran's eyes, this whole performance was nothing more than a perfunctory attempt to gloss over the truth.
Meeting Xie Qingran's contemptuous and sarcastic gaze, Wang felt even more that her actions were like those of a clown.
A sense of humiliation welled up within me.
Having lived a life of luxury for so many years, Wang had never felt this way before, and now she was feeling particularly distressed.
Why are you looking at me like that?
"Don't tell me you're still not satisfied with these?"
Wang gritted her teeth, her so-called kindness barely holding on.
She now completely understands that this daughter is not on her side at all, and even though she is her own daughter, she is not close to her at all!
"Mother is overthinking it. I'm just thanking you."
Before the words were even finished, countless precious fabrics were brought in. Even though the room was somewhat dark, these fabrics still shone brightly and were dazzling.
Xie Qingran looked at the fabrics and found it utterly ridiculous. In her previous life, she had never seen so many fine things. Now, with just a few words, they had brought them all over.
It seems that the foundation of a person's survival is their own value. Only when her value is great enough will people see her and hear her voice.
Xie Qingran stepped forward, selected a pale yellow fabric, and said calmly, "This will do."
"elder sister!"
"mother?"
Xie Hanyue entered at just the right moment.
She walked over with a smile on her face, and tugged at Wang's arm affectionately.
"Mother, I've been looking everywhere for you, what are you doing here?"
"Are you choosing fabric for your sister's clothes?"
Xie Hanyue's eyes were full of spring, and her voice was melodious; she truly was a carefree oriole.
She stepped forward, gently touching the fabrics, then pointed to the pale yellow fabric: "Isn't this a priceless Shu brocade? Mother, I want it. I've liked this fabric for so long, but Wanbaoge has always said they don't have any in stock."
Xie Qingran didn't say anything, just crossed her arms and watched Xie Hanyue act indifferently.
She knew very well that Xie Hanyue hadn't suddenly barged in; she had arrived long ago and had been observing. The reason she chose to rush in at this moment was to snatch her things in front of everyone and embarrass her.
Madam Wang hesitated for a moment, then took Xie Hanyue's hand and said, "Hello, Yue'er. Your sister just came back and she likes this fabric. Just let her have it. Later, I'll find you something even better, okay?"
Xie Hanyue didn't cry or act up. She just stared longingly at the pale yellow fabric, and finally reluctantly looked away.
"Okay, then I'll give it to my sister."
"I...I'll choose something else."
She lowered her head, tears welling up in her eyes, looking extremely aggrieved, her voice becoming muffled.
This time, Madam Wang couldn't take it anymore. She took the fabric and shoved it at Xie Hanyue, saying to Xie Qingran, "Since it's what my sister likes, why are you fighting with her for it?"
"When did I rob you?"
Xie Qingran stood to the side, her arms crossed, her eyes cold and disdainful.
“Mother, I haven’t said a single word since my sister came in.”
Upon hearing this, the maids and servants around them all realized what was going on.
The main reason is that Xie Qingran is aloof, unlike Xie Hanyue who is talkative, cheerful, and affectionate. Therefore, people seem to naturally favor Xie Hanyue and subconsciously think that Xie Qingran is the aggressive one.
But now, Xie Qingran is silent, and Xie Hanyue is acting as if she has suffered a great injustice all by herself.
Even Wang was taken aback for a moment.
She suddenly realized that she had only seen Xie Hanyue's grievances but had not noticed that Xie Qingran had not uttered a single word from beginning to end.
His face flushed red and then turned pale, a truly fascinating sight. He clearly knew he was in the wrong, yet he showed no remorse whatsoever, only continuing to use his elder's authority to suppress her.
"What's wrong with you, child? Your sister is about to cry, how can you just stand here and do nothing?"
"It's just a piece of cloth. Our Xie family can afford it. You're just a country bumpkin who's never seen the world. You're so narrow-minded!"
After saying this, Wang realized her mistake belatedly and regretted it.
Did she say something a bit too harsh?
"Since your sister likes it, just take it. It's just a piece of cloth, why are you shedding tears over it?"
"If you didn't know better, you'd think I was stingy as the older sister."
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