Chapter Ninety-Nine: Changes in the Plan
The parrot must have been exhausted from being tossed around by Gu Xiaobai all night. After saying a few words, it curled up, rested its head on its back, and closed its eyes to sleep. Gu Jingyi wasn't in a good mood, and Ruan Bi was sick, so after chatting for a few minutes, they headed home.
Not long after she left, Manyun arrived. She looked much thinner, her eyes were bloodshot and clearly visible, and her whole face was filled with fatigue. One could imagine that during this time, the old lady had been ill, and she had to take care of her constantly, as well as manage the affairs of the old lady's courtyard. Not only was it mentally and physically exhausting, but she must have also been sleep-deprived.
She said the old lady was worried about the fifth young lady and insisted that she come and check on her before she would be at ease.
Ruan Bi guessed that the old lady was probably worried that Princess Huiwen would be angry, so she called Manyun over to find out the news. She pointed to the parrot and said, "Jingyi gave it to me just now, saying it was to help me relieve my boredom."
Manyun glanced back and said with a smile, "This room is indeed too quiet, Miss. With this talking, feathered creature around, it can be quite amusing." She patted Ruan Bi's hand and said, "Since you're ill, I won't disturb you any longer. When I came, the old lady instructed me to get well soon and go to thank the Princess."
Ruan Bi remained silent for a moment, then lowered her eyes and nodded.
Clearly, the old lady realized she had offended the Empress Dowager and feared that Ruan Bi's marriage to Gu Xiaobai would also fall through. She specifically sent Manyun to remind her to curry favor with Princess Huiwen. It's truly pathetic; just because of the Empress Dowager's anger, this arrogant and domineering old lady was terrified.
Seeing that she understood, Manyun said no more, then said a few more sweet words before getting up and leaving.
As soon as she left, Ruan Bi also got out of bed and threw off the covers. Xiuzhi quickly brought her a light jacket to put on. "Aren't you going to sleep, Miss?"
"I'm not going to sleep anymore, I want to go for a walk in the garden." How can I possibly sleep? They're all coming to my door. The tree may wish to be still, but the wind will not cease. Since I can't hide under the covers forever, I might as well face it sooner rather than later.
"The weather's bad today, gloomy and windy. You've just recovered, so you shouldn't go," Xiuzhi said, helping her button up her clothes. Seeing that she seemed distracted and didn't listen, Xiuzhi quickly took a thick cloak from the trunk and draped it over her shoulders, carefully buttoning the hood before lifting the curtain to let her out.
Outside, Hanxing and Juzi were chatting together. When they saw Ruanbi come out, their eyes lit up and they said happily, "Oh my, Miss is up."
As they reached the gate, Granny Tang rushed out from the gatehouse, her triangular eyes narrowing into slits with a broad smile. She clasped her hands together and murmured, "Amitabha, Bodhisattva, thank goodness, the girl is finally better. This old woman has been so worried lately. Last night before bed, I even prayed to Guanyin Bodhisattva that whatever illness or misfortune might befall her, please take it upon yourself, but don't let it torment such a delicate person like the girl..."
Upon reaching the back garden, the old women who had done odd jobs also emerged from behind the flowers, trees, and rockeries, curtsied, and patted their chests, saying, "Thank God, Fifth Miss is finally better..."
Reaching the pond, finally undisturbed, Ruan Bi said self-deprecatingly, "I never knew I was so popular."
Xiuzhi covered her mouth and laughed, saying, "People's hearts change so quickly, of course the young lady wouldn't know."
Ruan Bi smiled and sat down on a stone bench by the pond, gazing at the shimmering surface of the lake. There was no wind at the moment, the water was calm and still, like a mirror, lying quietly flat, as if time itself had stood still. As she looked, a sense of peace gradually rose within Ruan Bi. Since she couldn't die, since she was destined to live in this world, there was no need to struggle anymore; let it be.
The next two days were chaotic and disorderly at the Ruan residence.
Manhua was drugged and gave birth to a fully formed baby boy. The First Madam was still not satisfied, fearing she would harm the eldest young master if left in the mansion, and ordered her sent back to her parents in Yangzhou that very night. The coachman who took her to the dock returned and said that the cotton wadding in the carriage was soaked with blood. When Ruan Jiaxuan learned she had been sent away, he flew into a rage, argued with the First Madam, and smashed all the antique vases in the room. The Master was furious, ordered his servants to tie him up and beat him severely, and fearing he would run to Yangzhou to find Manhua, he locked him in the ancestral hall to repent.
After a couple of days, the old lady's condition improved slightly, and she stopped coughing. However, she remained listless, her complexion was sallow, she had lost weight, and her spirits had weakened. She often complained of dizziness and palpitations after only a few sentences. Ruan Bi spent most of her time in her room each day, talking to her and reading scriptures to her.
One midday, the Lady of Dongping Marquis came to visit the old lady. Before they had exchanged more than three words, her eyes fell on Ruan Bi. Ruan Bi knew she had something to say privately, so she took her leave. Just as she reached the door, she heard her say, "Today I went to see the Eldest Princess. I heard that the Empress Dowager has also fallen ill recently, apparently because the Prince of Jin inexplicably went to Xingping City..."
Hearing those two familiar words, Ruan Bi's heart skipped a beat. She quickened her pace, walking a long way before slowing down, vaguely thinking, "So he went to Xingping City. No wonder I haven't heard a thing." Then she chuckled. What use was news of him? He had already been betrothed.
He's in the past now; I should let go and move on. He's not in my future. Thinking this, I felt both heavy and light inside.
As she walked quickly to the entrance of Liaoyuan in a daze, Xiuzhi gave her a push and called out softly, "Miss."
Ruan Bi woke up with a start and looked up to see Xiu Ping coming out of the moon gate.
Xiuping saw her too and came up to her with a big smile, saying, "Oh, Fifth Miss, I heard you're feeling better? I've been busy with Third Master's wedding lately and haven't had time to come see you. I'm so sorry." Her words were full of frivolity, and her eyes were blatantly gloating.
"It's just a minor illness, Sister Xiuping, why bother making a fuss?"
Xiuping smiled slyly, feigning an knowing look, and said in a low voice, "It's no small illness, girl. Don't force yourself. Others may not know, but I do. It's really pitiful. This man speaks sweet words, but deep down he's fickle and has wasted the girl's sincere heart."
Xiuzhi raised her eyebrows in anger and said coldly, "Sister Xiuping, I think you should be careful. The Third Madam will be entering the family next month."
Xiuping immediately frowned, snorted, and swayed away.
Xiuzhi spat at her retreating figure and said, "I never realized she was like this before. Honey-tongued and treacherous, a despicable wretch. She said she didn't have time to visit the young lady, but isn't she running to the Fourth Young Lady's room every day? Does she think everyone else is blind?" She paused, then added, "It's strange, why is she suddenly running to the Fourth Young Lady's room every day?"
No sooner had the words left her lips than a clear voice called out, "Fifth Sister!"
Then they saw the Fourth Sister emerge alone from the moon gate, looking nervous and moving hastily. She quickly walked to Ruan Bi's side, took her hand, and said, "Fifth Sister, would you like to walk with me?" Although her tone was normal, there was a hint of nervousness she couldn't hide. Without waiting for Ruan Bi's reply, she pulled her towards the covered walkway.
Ruan Bi could only give Xiu Zhi a wink, signaling her to return to the east wing first. Then, she accompanied the Fourth Miss as they slowly walked along the covered walkway. At first, neither of them spoke. They walked until they reached the rest pavilion in the middle, where the Fourth Miss stopped and stared blankly in one direction. Ruan Bi was initially puzzled, but then she suddenly remembered that once, during the morning greetings, because it was raining, Xu Chuanyang had sat here waiting for the Fourth Miss.
"Fifth Sister, I don't want to hide it from you, but Third Uncle just sent Xiuping to tell me... that the Emperor is going on an incognito visit today and might go to... Fragrant Wood Pavilion. Third Uncle told me... to be nearby by Shenshi (3-5 PM)." Fourth Sister said hesitantly.
Ruan Bi wasn't surprised and said without hesitation, "Congratulations, sister."
The fourth sister turned to look at her, her eyes filled with complex emotions—excitement, fear, tension, confusion, hesitation, and unease—all intertwined. After a long while, she murmured again, "Sister, actually I... am very scared."
Ruan Bi paused for a moment, then suddenly realized that Ruan Bi was indeed a naive young girl. She was afraid that if the emperor didn't take a liking to her, she would be worthless. At least she still had hope now; otherwise, she would have no hope left and would be at the mercy of the First Madam. She said softly, "Sister, don't be afraid. Only you truly deserve the title of 'national beauty'."
The fourth sister's eyes lit up, but she didn't say a word and held Ruan Bi's hand tightly.
Ruan Bi glanced at the sky, estimating that it was almost Shenshi (3-5 PM), and patted her hand, saying, "Sister, let's go, I'll help you pick out an outfit."
The Fourth Sister nodded.
The two walked hand in hand to the main house of Liaoyuan Garden. Ruan Bi chose a brightly colored loungewear for her and picked out several gold and ruby-encrusted hair ornaments to adorn her hair. The fourth young lady looked at herself in the mirror and asked softly, "Sister, isn't this a bit too simple?"
“Sister, you’re just strolling around your own backyard. Do you really need to wear clothes meant for guests? That would be too deliberate and would be rather impolite, and it could easily make others feel uncomfortable.”
The fourth sister was not stupid; she understood immediately and nodded repeatedly, saying, "What my sister says is right."
Ruan Bi could tell from her tense voice how nervous she was, so she quickly took her hand and said, "Sister, you must forget what Xiuping just said. Just stroll around the garden as usual."
The fourth sister nodded emphatically, looking at Ruan Bi with envy and saying, "My sister is clearly younger than me, but she is much more tactful and diplomatic in her dealings with people."
"Sister, think about it. Aren't all people made of flesh and blood? Don't we all have two eyes and one nose? Don't we all come into this world naked and leave naked? Originally, there was no one who was superior or inferior; the only difference was status and position. Therefore, in your behavior, you should adhere to the duties of a subject, but in your thoughts, you can treat him as nothing more than a fart."
The fourth sister chuckled and tapped Ruan Bi's forehead, saying, "You, you can be both vulgar and mischievous at times."
Seeing that she had relaxed, Ruan Bi said with a smile, "Sister, go ahead, I'll wait for your good news."
Fourth Sister nodded emphatically and led Qiulan out.
Watching her gracefully walk out of the moon gate, Ruan Bi let out a long sigh. Since the official had brought up the Fourth Miss himself, given her beauty, the matter seemed certain. Unable to tell whether she was happy or wistful, she stared blankly at the phoenix facing the sun on the wall for a long time.
The fourth sister didn't return until dark, her face ashen, her expression dejected, even the flower ornament in her hair had lost its color. Ruan Bi was stunned, and hurriedly went to greet her, taking her hand and asking, "Sister, what's wrong?"
Her hands were cold, and her voice was cold too: "Sister, I'm afraid it's not going to work."
Ruan Bi asked, puzzled, "Why isn't it working?"
"He...did not come."
Ruan Bi was taken aback again. Since the Third Master had given such instructions to the Fourth Miss, it must have been the Emperor's will. So why hadn't he come?
"Sister, I have a headache." The fourth sister said, pressing her temples. "I think I was hurt by the wind in the pond. My head hurts terribly. I'm going to lie down for a while."
Ruan Bi nodded, and after she entered the bedroom, she also came out of the embroidery room.
Just as Ruan Bi reached the door of the east wing, Yun Ying hurriedly entered. She had come a few times since Ruan Bi fell ill, but Xiu Zhi had always turned her away. Ruan Bi didn't want to see her, so she quickly lifted the curtain and went inside, only to hear Yun Ying shout, "Fifth Miss!" Her voice was shrill and mournful.
Ruan Bi's heart skipped a beat at the call, and she involuntarily stopped in her tracks.
Yunying rushed over, pulled her aside, and said in a trembling voice, "Miss, the Prince has been assassinated."
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