The next day, when Geng Youran paid her respects to the Fujin as usual, she saw Song Gege, Song Rusi, whom she hadn't seen for a long time.
Geng Youran and Niohuru Wanru exchanged a glance. They had thought that one day the Fourth Prince would release Song Shi, but they did not expect it to happen so soon.
Everyone sat down properly, and then the Princess Consort spoke:
"Since being confined to her quarters, Sister Song has devoted herself to Buddhism, burning incense and praying for her deceased child. Your Highness believes that no one is perfect and everyone makes mistakes. Now that Sister Song's confinement has been lifted, I hope that she will not make further mistakes in the future."
"This servant will follow the teachings of the Prince and his wife."
Geng Youran clenched her fists. Here, she could never avenge her child.
Niohuru Wanru gave Xinyi a look, and Xinyi secretly patted Geng Youran's shoulder, signaling her to control herself and not show her emotions.
After paying her respects, Ulanara kept Geng Youran behind.
“Sister, I’m sure you know why I’m keeping you here today.”
Geng Youran, expressionless and meek, said:
“I know that the Fujin is probably worried that you might do something rash because of Song Gege’s matter.”
Ulanara nodded:
"Yes, it's good that you understand. This matter was initiated by Consort Li. After all, Sister Song has been with Prince for many years, and she has also contributed to the Prince's birth. It is only natural for Prince to be considerate of her."
What else could Geng Youran say but nod to indicate that she understood?
Seeing Geng Youran nod, Ulanara was relieved. But to make amends, she still bestowed many gifts upon Geng Youran.
When Geng Youran returned to the courtyard, she saw the dazzling array of jewelry on the table and felt a pang of bitterness in her heart.
My first bloodline in this world is gone, and all those people can do to compensate me is with these things.
"Xinyi, take any you like, and give the rest to Xiao Anzi. Let him figure out how to give them to my mother."
Xinyi didn't choose any; instead, she packed them all up.
"Princess, you should keep it for now. We'll have many more places to use money later."
Geng Youran lay on the table, closed her eyes, and waved her hand, indicating that Xinyi could do whatever she wanted with her, but she didn't want to see anything right now.
So Xinyi divided these things in half, putting one half in Geng Youran's jewelry box and asking Xiao Anzi to find a way to deliver the other half to Madam Geng.
At present, Madam Geng has just given birth to a son not long ago, and she is in need of money. Geng Youran felt that she should help if she could.
Even though Geng Youran disliked Song Shi, she still had to see her from time to time.
Niohuru Wanru was worried that Geng Youran might do something foolish, so she would come to see her from time to time, and occasionally bring her own embroidery.
"Little sister, your cooking skills are getting better and better."
"Sister, what are you saying? Nothing beats what you make."
Speaking of this, Geng Youran remembered it.
"Xinyi, find the box that Prince Prince brought over a few days ago."
Then he mysteriously said to Niohuru Wanru:
“A few days ago, the Prince brought over a box. I thought it was some rare jewels, but it turned out to be some Western trinkets. They're just for playing with. Pick a few and consider it a thank you gift for comforting your sister these past few days.”
Wanru smiled shyly:
"Sister, why are you being so polite with me? Those things were compensation from the Prince to you; how could I dare to accept them?"
Geng Youran waved his hand and said:
"You don't need to be so polite with me, just accept it."
Geng Youran has always had this temperament; she likes to share anything rare or interesting with others, as the saying goes, "It's better to share happiness than to enjoy it alone."
Since the establishment of four foreign trade ports in the 24th year of the Kangxi Emperor's reign, various goods have entered China through maritime trade.
Examples include Western clocks inlaid with gemstones, wine, and uniquely shaped glassware.
Niohuru Wanru picked up a beautifully crafted Western clock.
"Sister, this must be a Western clock."
"Yes, this is something I specifically asked Prince to keep. Because it's rather small, I plan to have it made into a bracelet. Here, I have two; I'll send you one when they're finished."
Geng Youran smiled:
“Wanru, since I met you, I’ve been able to avoid a lot of things. I’ve stayed in this courtyard all day, thinking about food, looking at the sky, and listening to the birds. Now that I have you, I have some company. Although the Prince doesn’t come to our courtyard very often these days, we still have to go on with our lives.”
"elder sister……"
Niohuru Wanru came today intending to comfort Geng Youran, but unexpectedly, she was the one who was comforted by Geng Youran.
Since Song Gege was released from confinement, Yinzhen has been going there more often.
Consort Li was naturally favored because she had two sons.
For the Fujin (principal wife), it was mostly routine work.
After that came several newcomers to the household.
As a result, the women saw Yinzhen less often.
"Alright, don't overthink it. A few days ago, the Prince sent over a small bottle of Western wine. I'll make some to go with it. Have a taste."
"Okay. If it's delicious, you'll have to make some extra for me to take home."
Geng Youran tapped Wanru's forehead.
"You clever little girl, it's not like I ever let you leave empty-handed."
Seeing that Geng Youran had gone to the small kitchen, Niohuru Wanru's maid came over and whispered:
"Gege, didn't you come here today to talk to Geng Gege? Why haven't you said it yet?"
Niohuru Wanru shook her head, deciding it was best not to say anything.
She came here today to inquire about the business of the shops outside, and whether she could invest in them.
Since entering the Prince's mansion, she hasn't received much favor from the emperor. What good is beauty if she still can't hold onto a man's heart?
At first, she had some savings from her mother to tide her over. But now, she was about to run out of money.
But seeing Geng Youran, who doted on her like a younger sister, Niohuru Wanru couldn't say a word.
She is indeed calculating, but it depends on who it is and who she is targeting.
After thinking it over, Niohuru Wanru decided to let the matter drop.
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