With Li Jingshu released from confinement, everyone thought the Prince's mansion was about to become "lively" again. Some even waited to watch the "show" from the shadows, hoping to take their place.
However, everything was beyond their expectations. Apart from paying respects to the Fujin, Li Jingshu usually spent her days worshipping Buddha and copying scriptures in her own courtyard, where she kept various flowers and plants.
For her, everything is getting better again.
Geng Youran and Niu Hulu Wanru continued to dote on the child, while Nian Yunrong focused on nourishing her body.
As for the newcomer Wu Jing'an, for some reason, she suddenly caught Yinzhen's eye these past few days, and the Fourth Prince Yinzhen has been staying in her courtyard for several days in a row.
"Sister, have you heard? The Prince has been staying at that new Consort Wu's place for the past few days."
While feeding Hongli complementary food, Geng Youran chuckled playfully:
"What, are you jealous?"
Wanru blushed slightly:
“My sister always teases me, but I would never be jealous like that. I just feel that our Prince has never been interested in women, and he has hardly favored any new ladies this year. The sudden appearance of this Consort Wu makes me feel that something is not right.”
Geng Youran handed the bowl to Huang Li, then took out a handkerchief to wipe Hongli's mouth. She then asked the wet nurse and Xiao Anzi to take Hongli to play in the yard.
Hongzhou was still asleep, so Wanru asked the wet nurse to watch over him and also asked Qianxue to brew a pot of tea.
"Don't worry, if Wu Jing'an really has some tricks up her sleeve, we won't even need to lift a finger."
Geng Youran was so certain because of the list that Li Jingshu had given her.
Sure enough, within a few days, information about Wu Jing'an reached Nian Yunrong's side.
"Consort, that Consort Wu comes from a wealthy family; she's a merchant. I heard that she was abducted but was rescued by the local magistrate, who then adopted her as his goddaughter. Later, when the Prince went down to investigate a case, this magistrate, wanting to curry favor with the Prince, sent Consort Wu to the Prince's bedchamber. Who knew the Prince wouldn't appreciate it at all, but out of kindness, he brought Consort Wu back."
"If you have no interest in him, why would you suddenly be favored?"
The old woman chuckled, seemingly looking down on Wu Jing'an.
"According to our people, this Wu Jing'an goes to the back garden every day. She was seen dancing in the back garden and thus gained favor with the emperor."
Upon hearing this, Nian Yunrong's eyes were filled with disdain.
They felt that someone from a humble family was sent out, and even their methods of seducing the prince were so despicable.
"Granny, find the bracelet that Mother sent a few days ago. Come to think of it, that Consort Wu should pay her respects to the Fujin tomorrow. Consider that bracelet a gift for her."
"yes."
Nian Yunrong's eyes were full of calculation.
However, this Wu Gege doesn't seem to be as simple as Nian Yunrong thought.
"Princess, Eunuch Gao just sent someone to say that the Prince is coming tonight."
"Then remember to have the maids boil water beforehand. I'm going to take a bath later. Oh, and don't forget that bottle."
"yes."
When Wu Jing'an heard that Yinzhen was coming over again tonight, she was overjoyed and even forgot about asking Lütao to change her address.
That evening, Yinzhen finished his official duties early. He then tested Hongshi's studies in his study, spoke with his wife in her courtyard, visited Hongli and Hongzhou separately, and finally went to Wu Jing'an's courtyard.
"Your Highness, may you be blessed."
"Get up."
When Yinzhen entered the room, he found it not only warm but also had a faint fragrance.
"What kind of incense are you burning?"
As Wu Jing'an handed over the tea, she replied:
"I do not like spices, so I asked the steward for some fragrant flowers and herbs to place in the room."
Yinzhen looked Wu Jing'an up and down. Her hairpins were simple, her light blue qipao was embroidered with flowers he didn't recognize, and she wore only simple pearl earrings. Her makeup was also very light.
He lowered his head and took a sip of tea, but his eyes were filled with coldness and sternness.
He had been coming over for several days in a row, and he felt that Wu Jing'an resembled someone. Today, he realized that this person was none other than Geng Youran.
Not only are their outfits and makeup similar, but their habits are almost identical.
If there's any difference, Wu Jing'an is a bit more charming than Geng Youran.
He felt that this person's background was not simple.
Setting down his teacup, Yinzhen extended his hand to Wu Jing'an, who shyly placed her right hand on his lap and then sat down on his legs.
"I heard you've been going to the back garden a lot these past few days. Are you lonely?"
Wu Jing'an smiled shyly:
"Thank you for your kindness, Your Highness. I am new here and do not dare to disturb the other ladies, so I go for a walk in the back garden every day to relax."
"It's alright. You'll see them when you go to pay your respects to the Fujin tomorrow. They are all kind and easy to get along with."
Wu Jing'an nodded, then rested her head on Yinzhen's shoulder.
She didn't see the ruthlessness hidden deep in Yinzhen's eyes.
The next day, Wu Jing'an arrived at Ulanara's courtyard early and, following the rules that her nanny had taught her beforehand, paid her respects to the Fujin (primary wife), the secondary Fujin, and several princesses who had children.
According to the rules, everyone else present was to give Wu Jing'an a gift.
The Fujin bestowed a headdress upon him, Consort Li bestowed several bolts of brightly colored silk, and Consort Nian presented him with the jade bracelet that had been prepared in advance.
“Sister Nian’s bracelet looks very exquisite, unlike ordinary jade bracelets.”
"You flatter me, Madam. The patterns on this jade bracelet are drawn with gold thread, which makes it a little more unique than others."
Both Geng Youran and Niohuru Wanru gave hairpins as gifts, but they were slightly different in style.
Wu Jing'an accepted the gifts from everyone and also gave her own in return. She gave the Fujin a fine inkstone, Li Jingshu a fine sandalwood, Nian Yunrong a ginseng root, Geng Youran several rare and unique books, and Niohuru Wanru a jade bracelet.
"Your gift is a bit too much, sister."
"Sister, what are you saying? They're just some mundane things. I'm glad you like them."
After chatting for a while, the group dispersed.
Niohuru Wanru, however, felt that there was something inexplicably off about Wu Jing'an.
When she stood behind Wu Jing'an and Geng Youran, she finally understood where this sense of incongruity came from.
Geng Youran and Wu Jing'an look so alike!
Although the two women looked completely different, their clothing and attire were remarkably similar. She recalled how Wu Jing'an greeted everyone today, and suddenly remembered how Geng Youran greeted the First Lady and the Second Lady; their movements were exactly the same.
No, Wu Jing'an is definitely not as simple as she seems.
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