Chapter 7 Unexpected Encounter
After the First Madam finished speaking, she noticed the Old Madam looking at her thoughtfully, a hint of suspicion in her eyes. Knowing the Old Madam didn't believe her, she inwardly groaned. If the Old Madam and the First Master knew that the girl was Manhua, they would surely be furious. Just a few days ago, the First Master had already lost faith in the Ruan family business…
Suddenly, a voice came from outside: "The master has returned."
Before he could finish speaking, Ruan Hong, dressed in a red official robe, rushed in, his forehead dripping with sweat. He asked with concern, "Mother, what happened? Why did you call me back so urgently?"
The old woman hesitated for a moment, then waved to the eldest daughter-in-law and said, "Eldest daughter-in-law, you go back first. I want to say a few words to Hong'er."
The First Madam nodded, then nervously withdrew, but instead of returning to her own courtyard, she went to the Second Miss's Shaohua Courtyard.
The second daughter was lying on the side of the bed, eating melon seeds, with melon rinds scattered all over the floor.
The First Madam frowned, nudged her shoulder, and said, "Eating melon seeds again? Look at yourself, do you look like a lady from a respectable family?"
The second daughter jumped off the bed, dusted off her clothes, and scattered melon seed shells like rain. She said, "Mother, can't I even relax a little in my own room?"
"Do you know we're going to the Princess's residence the day after tomorrow?"
The second daughter picked up the iced tea on the table, took a sip, and said lazily, "I know."
The First Madam snatched the teacup from her hand and said angrily, "What kind of behavior is this? I'm talking to you."
The second daughter asked in surprise, "Mother, what's wrong? Is it because of Aunt?"
Mentioning the second wife, the first wife said bitterly, "Don't talk about him. That fat pig, don't think I don't know what she's been up to. Let her keep jumping around. She can't even give birth to a son. How long can she keep jumping around? Does she think the old lady will help her? She's dreaming. I am the eldest son and eldest daughter-in-law, and my son is the eldest grandson. What right does she have to compete with me?"
The second daughter nodded repeatedly, saying, "That's right, that's right."
The First Madam calmed down a bit, but seeing the Second Miss's shameless behavior, she angrily said, "Listen carefully to me."
The second girl opened her eyes wide, pretending to listen attentively, and said, "I'm listening, I'm listening."
"I suspect the eldest princess's invitation is for her son Xiaobai's marriage. The third daughter is already engaged, and those two aren't a good match for the Duke of Dingguo's family. She probably just wants to get a closer look at you; inviting them is just a smokescreen. You mustn't make any more mistakes. Speaking of which, the Duke of Dingguo's family is far more illustrious than the Marquis of Yanping's. The Marquis of Yanping only gained imperial status because Consort Xie gave birth to the eldest prince. The Duke of Dingguo's family, on the other hand, has long been imperial relatives. Leaving aside the Duke of Dingguo's past fighting on the frontier, just consider that Gu Xiaobai's grandmother is the Grand Princess Huiwen, and her mother is the Empress Dowager's younger sister. Few in the capital can rival that. Furthermore, the Gu family only has one grandson, who will inherit the title..." The eldest madam became increasingly pleased with herself, looking at the second daughter, "Silly girl, it seems you've actually turned misfortune into blessing."
The second daughter said reluctantly, "I heard that Gu Xiaobai is very arrogant and has a bad reputation."
"With his background, it's natural for him to be arrogant. Xie Mingyue wouldn't have the right to be arrogant even if she wanted to. Besides, who can know if these rumors are true or false? There were even rumors that Fifth Sister was mentally challenged, but look at her, she's so shrewd she's almost demonic. Gu Xiaobai and your eldest brother study at the Imperial Academy together. I heard that the professor often praises his literary talent, as well as his exceptional horsemanship and archery skills. What's most remarkable is that the Duke of Dingguo's family has extremely strict discipline and doesn't keep prostitutes or concubines. Gu Xiaobai's father only had one wife and one concubine..."
The second daughter blushed slightly and interrupted her shyly, "Mother, why are we talking about these things?"
The First Madam then remembered that the Second Miss was still a young lady in her boudoir. She smiled and said, "Alright, alright, we can talk about these things when you get married. Anyway, just dress up beautifully the day after tomorrow." She paused for a moment, then frowned and said, "By the way, we must be wary of those two naughty girls, especially the Fifth Miss, she's cunning and wicked."
The second daughter nodded heavily, her eyes filled with hatred, and said, "Mother, don't worry, I won't let her get away with this."
"Well, don't go too far. Now that the old lady values her, she has even taken her to the ancestral hall to offer incense to the old master."
"Mother, I know, I was careless before."
The First Madam tidied her hair with satisfaction before leaving Shaohua Courtyard.
As they stepped outside, they saw the sly and mischievous Fifth Sister leading Xiuzhi over, talking in hushed tones. Xiuzhi was holding a lot of silk threads in her hands.
The First Madam coughed lightly.
Ruan Bi looked up and quickly stepped forward to greet her: "Mother."
The First Madam gave a curt "hmm," walked past her, and headed towards her own courtyard.
Ruan Bi stared at her aloof and elegant back, cursing inwardly, "She's sick."
"Girl, please continue."
"Just help Fourth Sister divide the lines as I told you, and I'll take a break," Ruan Bi said, continuing to walk forward.
Xiuzhi nodded: "I'll remember. But, girl, you can't be lazy anymore. You haven't learned how to sew shoe soles yet."
Ruan Bi held up her ten fingers and said, "Look, they're covered in needle marks. Let me rest for a couple of days."
"Alright, alright, if the young lady says she wants to rest, who dares to stop her?"
Chatting and laughing, they arrived near Liaoyuan Garden.
A person suddenly emerged from behind the bamboo grove at the fork in the road, exclaiming with delight, "What an incredible coincidence! Fifth Sister, I was just looking for you!"
It was Xiuping, all smiles. Ruan Bi stopped in surprise and asked, "Did you need something?"
"I have a small favor to ask of you, Fifth Miss." Xiuping took Ruanbi's hand. "The master sent someone over looking for a book... that's right, 'Xingping Guangji'. The third master isn't in the courtyard, and I can't read. Could you help me find him in the courtyard, Fifth Miss?"
Ruan Bi had no reason to refuse such a small favor, and said to Xiuzhi, "Take the silk thread to Fourth Miss and tell her that I will be back in a little while."
"Yes." Xiuzhi took the silk thread and walked northwest, while Ruanbi and Xiuping took a side road and walked northeast.
The Third Master's courtyard was located in the northeast of the Ruan residence, called Xiangmu Xiaoju. It wasn't large, with only about ten rooms in total. It was very close to the back gate, making it convenient to come and go. It was said that the Old Master spent most of his later years living here and rarely went to the main house, which explained the Old Madam's resentment.
Fragrant Wood Residence is a traditional courtyard house with a main building, an east wing, and a knife-shaped stool. Only the western wall is covered in vines, which at first glance resemble a green waterfall, a delightful sight. Below the wall, a small, square pond has been dug, filled with water lilies, separated by a low, gently sloping artificial hill. Water is piped through bamboo pipes to create the illusion of flowing water. The gentle flow of the water, the tranquil water lilies, and the plump goldfish swaying their tails beneath the lotus leaves create a picturesque scene.
Two young maids squatted by the water, one picking away the floating dead leaves, the other feeding the goldfish, talking softly about where Little Red was and how Blackie wasn't eating well today. Their voices were light and crisp, further emphasizing the tranquility of the courtyard, far removed from the hustle and bustle of the world.
Ruan Bi couldn't help but feel envious and covetous that Ruan Chi had taken over such a nice courtyard.
The study was in the east wing. Xiuping pushed open the door and invited Ruan Bi in, saying, "Miss, please go in and look for it. I'll make you a cup of tea."
Ruan Bi nodded and walked in, her eyes immediately lighting up. Several rows of bookshelves were neatly arranged with countless books. She had always loved books, but in this era, her biggest problem was finding nothing to read. The original owner's few books—the *Classic of Poetry*, the *Classic of Filial Piety*, the *Admonitions for Women*, and the *Rules for Women*—had been worn out from being read so many.
A quick glance revealed that the books on the shelf were arranged in four categories: classics, history, and collections. Ruan Bi had never heard of "Xingping Guangji" before, and guessed that it was probably a collection of miscellaneous anecdotes and stories like "Taiping Guangji." She looked in the "Masters" section and found it in the "Miscellaneous" category.
She took the book out, but Xiuping hadn't returned with the tea yet, so she took the opportunity to look around the study again.
Several bamboo dragonflies hung on the south-facing pink wall, and a yellowed piece of paper was pasted on it with the words "Father" written on it. The ink was old, and the handwriting was crooked and messy, as if written by a beginner. Ruan Bi was stunned for a moment, then realized that this must be Ruan Chi's masterpiece when he was a child. It was clear how much the old man doted on him, and it was no wonder that he hated the original owner of the body so much for "killing his father and poisoning his mother."
Looking towards the west-facing window, there stood a black sandalwood desk, its surface gleaming with a cold, metallic sheen. Neatly arranged on the desk were a celadon-glazed brush washer and inkstone, next to which lay a stack of Xuan paper, also perfectly aligned as if cut with a knife. Looking around the study, the first impression was one of tidiness and cleanliness, as if it weren't frequently used. However, the chair cushions were half new, the other half worn and frayed, indicating that Ruan Chi often read here.
I wonder if Ruan Chi tidied up the study himself, or if the servants did it?
Ruan Bi guessed that he probably tidied it himself. The desk was the place closest to one's heart, and she particularly hated it when the maids touched it, not even Xiuzhi. She would rather leave it messy than not tidy it up herself. Ruan Chi was probably the same. The furnishings and atmosphere of this study were very much like him: cold, very orderly, and with a rigid sense of order in his heart.
Looking at the book on the desk, it wasn't a military treatise or a classic, but rather the "Zhou Xingping Criminal Law Compendium" (abbreviated as "Zhou Xingping Tong"). Xingping was one of the reign titles of Emperor Taizong of Zhou, and the Xingping Army was established during this period. The "Zhou Xingping Criminal Law Compendium" was also a legal classic compiled during this time.
Ruan Chi's interest in the laws of the Great Zhou Dynasty surprised Ruan Bi. She casually flipped through the pages, then heard footsteps behind her. She quickly let go of the pages and turned around: "Xiuping, looking for the book..." She stopped abruptly, stunned.
Standing at the door were not Xiuping, but three people: Ruan Chi, Prince Jin, and Youde. Their expressions varied, and Prince Jin was slightly surprised. Ruan Chi's gaze was cold and inscrutable. Youde looked at her curiously for a moment, then laughed and said, "So it's you, little Taoist nun."
Ruan Bifei's mind raced. Ruan Chi's lack of surprise meant he already knew she was in the study.
The King of Jin was surprised, clearly unaware that he was there.
The phrase "having virtue" is somewhat ambiguous.
The conclusion is that Ruan Chi deliberately asked Xiu Ping to lead him to the study to meet Prince Jin. As for how he knew that he knew Prince Jin, with so many attendants at the City God Temple who all knew him, it's hard to guarantee that no one would mention it.
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