The two "plastic sisters" chatted for a while. Yun Qingran was going to the street to buy groceries, and Yun Xiyue was going home. The two parted ways in the alley.
Yun Qingran came to the street and a little beggar ran towards her and bumped into her.
"I'm sorry, sister, I didn't mean to," the little beggar said pitifully, shrinking back.
Yun Qingran stretched out her hand to the little beggar and said with a smile, "Since you've already called me 'sister,' then return my money pouch."
Upon hearing this, the little beggar paused for a moment, then fearfully pursed his lips and pulled out a money pouch from behind him, handing it to Yun Qingran.
Yun Qingran took the money bag and looked the little beggar over. She noticed that although the little beggar was dirty, his eyes were as black as grapes, darting around, and he seemed very clever and quick-witted.
"Here." Yun Qingran tossed the money bag she had taken back back into the little beggar's arms.
"Sister, you?" The little beggar looked at her with wide, innocent eyes, confused.
“I’ve taken a liking to you. Be my underling. It’ll be five taels of silver a month, with room and board included. Consider the money in your purse as your wages for this month,” Yun Qingran said directly.
"Okay." The little beggar was shocked at first, then happily agreed.
He expected a beating or verbal abuse, or even being reported to the authorities, but to his surprise, this woman not only didn't make things difficult for him, but also wanted to take him in as her subordinate. Five taels of silver a month, plus room and board—it was like a windfall for him.
"What's your name?" Yun Qingran asked him.
"My name is Gou Dan. In the summer, there was a flood in the south. My parents, brothers, sisters and all my younger sisters died. I fled to the capital alone and became a beggar." Gou Dan lowered his head as he spoke, and a few tears rolled down to the ground in front of his toes, kicking up a few wisps of dust.
"Don't be sad," Yun Qingran said softly, trying to comfort him. Such a tragedy couldn't be consoled by a few words of comfort from outsiders; saying too much would only aggravate his pain.
"It's alright. For them, death is a relief." Gou Dan raised his head, his eyes still red, but a bright smile had already bloomed on his face, which was heartbreaking to see.
"Dog Egg, from now on you're mine, and I'll protect you," Yun Qingran patted his shoulder and promised.
"Thank you, sister. As your little brother, I will protect you too." Gou Dan flicked the money pouch in his hand.
The two looked at each other and smiled!
"Dog Egg, there's something I need you to do now," Yun Qingran said seriously.
"What are your orders, sister?" Gou Dan stood up straight, awaiting instructions.
Yun Qingran told Gou Dan about her identity, and then recounted in detail what happened with Yun Xiyue at the Grand Casino that day.
"I want you to spread the word that Yun Xiyue took me to the gambling den. I want it to be common knowledge, the talk of the town." Yun Qingran's azure pupils contracted slightly, her eyes like swords about to be drawn, filled with a dangerous aura.
"Don't worry, sister, I've got it covered." Gou Dan patted his chest with a smile. Spreading gossip was one of their specialties as little beggars.
"Okay, then I'll leave it to you." Yun Qingran nodded.
Yun Qingran found a house for Gou Dan and settled him in. Then she went back to the street to buy groceries and went home to cook.
The weather has been cold lately. Yunxiao rode back on an old horse and was so cold that his whole body was stiff and his nose and ears were red.
"Father, quickly warm your hands." Seeing Yunxiao's expression, Yun Qingran quickly handed him a hot water bottle.
"Oh dear, there's no need to buy these fancy things, it's such a waste of money." Yunxiao held the hot water bottle with her stiff hands, her tone a happy but reproachful one.
"It doesn't cost much." Yun Qingran felt a little sad. A dignified marquis like him felt that using a hot water bottle was too expensive. His life was really too shabby.
"Young Miss, the people from Grand Casino are here again!" Bicao rushed in, panicking.
Upon hearing this, Yunxiao's hand trembled, and the hot water bottle in his hand fell to the ground. He quickly looked up at Yun Qingran and asked hesitantly, "Ranran, did you go to the gambling den again?"
"I went, but it's not what you think. Father, come out with me and you'll see." Yun Qingran picked up the hot water bottle and put it in Yunxiao's hand, then pulled him out to see.
As they arrived at the gate, they ran into Yun Song returning home. Yun Song was wearing a silver fox fur cloak, riding a tall horse, looking spirited and confident, a stark contrast to Yun Xiao, who was dressed in shabby clothes and riding an old horse home.
Yun Qingran clenched her fist secretly. She was determined to work hard and become rich so that her father could live a good life.
"Big Brother." When Yun Song saw Yun Xiao come out, he slowly dismounted and cupped his hands in greeting to Yun Xiao.
Outside, he always treated Yunxiao with respect.
"Second brother," Yunxiao replied, suppressing her nausea.
"Greetings, Second Uncle." Yun Qingran stepped forward and respectfully gave Yun Song a junior's greeting.
Yun Song looked slightly surprised. Her niece, who was usually so unruly and ill-mannered, was unusually well-behaved today. Although she found it strange, she nodded in response.
"Miss Yun." After the two families finished greeting each other, Steward Qiu spoke to Yun Qingran.
"Hey, isn't this the people from Grand Casino?" Yunxiao looked at the insignia on Manager Qiu and the others' clothes, then smiled at Yun Qingran, "Ranran, you went gambling again?"
Before Yun Qingran could reply, he began to lecture her in the manner of an elder, "Ranran, it's not that your second uncle is criticizing you, but it's already unacceptable for a girl not to learn music, chess, calligraphy, painting, needlework, or cooking. I never thought you would go to the gambling den to gamble. Look at your cousin, she is proficient in music, chess, calligraphy, painting, needlework, and cooking. She is dignified, obedient, virtuous, and gentle. Everyone in the capital knows her."
At first glance, it sounds like an elder giving advice to a younger person, but upon closer listening, it's actually a dig at Yun Qingran to elevate Yun Xiyue.
Yunxiao's expression immediately changed, and just as she was about to retort, a mocking voice came, "Second Uncle, it seems you don't understand your daughter well enough."
Everyone looked in the direction of the sound and saw Yun Qingbi, dressed in a light scarlet official robe, walking gracefully in the biting cold wind.
His already striking features, with rosy lips and white teeth, were further enhanced by the light crimson official robes, giving him an air of ascetic allure.
Yun Qingran exclaimed in her heart, "Whose handsome brother is this? Oh, it's mine! Brother, I'm rooting for you!"
Looking at Yun Qingbi, Yun Song's expression darkened. He had to admit that his nephew was exceptionally handsome.
Besides his good looks, he was also among the most talented of his generation. He passed the imperial examination at the age of sixteen and became a fifth-rank official in the capital at the age of twenty-one.
As for his character, when he was a teenager, I had sent people to lure him to casinos and brothels many times, but he never wavered and always kept himself pure.
Thinking about that unfilial son at home, it's truly infuriating to compare oneself to others.
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