The weather was alright today, and the rice drying in the yard changed color after about an hour.
Qianxue turned the rice over and over several times, and when she felt it was almost dried, she put all the rice into a jar. Then she fetched a basin of water, went into the house, and called Geng Youran to get up.
"Oh, Princess, you're awake."
Geng Youran had something on her mind, so she didn't sleep deeply. She only dozed off for a short while before leaning against the bedside to read.
"Princess, wash your face and wake yourself up."
"Um."
Geng Youran closed the book, went to the washbasin, soaked a towel in cold water, wrung it out until it was half-dry, and applied it to her face. The cold water made her whole body tremble a few times.
"Is the rice dried?"
"Your Highness, it's dried well. I've already put it in the jar."
Geng Youran nodded, and then said:
"Put on my makeup, and then we'll take the rice to Wanru's place to see her."
As Qianxue took the towel from Geng Youran, she said cautiously:
"Princess, are you no longer angry with Princess Niohuru?"
Geng Youran smiled with relief:
"I was angry simply because she hid things from me. But based on my understanding of her over the years, I believe she must have her reasons. Thinking about this, my anger naturally subsided."
In fact, Geng Youran sometimes seems like a very emotional person. She appears polite and distant to everyone, but in reality, she cares more about those she truly cares about than anyone else.
Seeing that her makeup was almost done, Geng Youran stood up, straightened her clothes, and then turned around and smiled:
"Go, take the jar, let's go find Wanru."
"yes."
Geng Youran took a few deep breaths, trying to adjust her expression to be as natural as possible in front of the mirror, and then led Qianxue to Niohuru Wanru's courtyard.
Hongli happened to be there as well.
Although Hongli was only a few months older than Hongzhou, their personalities were completely different. Hongzhou was impulsive and always did whatever came to mind. Hongli, on the other hand, would think for a while before acting.
Although the two children are still young, it is already obvious that Hongli is more mature.
"Oh, young Hongli is here too!"
When Geng Youran entered the room, she saw Hongli sitting on the couch quietly playing with building blocks, while Wanru was giving him guidance from time to time.
"Why didn't you let me know you were coming? I could have had the tea brewed in advance."
Geng Youran walked up to Hongli, touched his cheek, then straightened up and said with a smile:
"It was a spur-of-the-moment decision, so I didn't have anyone tell you beforehand."
Wanru saw Qianxue behind Geng Youran carrying a jar and said with a smile:
"What good stuff has my sister gotten this time?"
Qianxue stepped forward and placed the jar on the table. Geng Youran opened the jar, reached in, and scooped out a small amount of rice.
"This is 'Qingjing Rice,' made by soaking japonica rice together with the juice of the leaves of the Vaccinium bracteatum tree, then steaming it and drying it in the sun. According to 'Shanjia Qinggong,' this 'Qingjing Rice' can strengthen the spleen and improve appetite, and pregnant women can enhance their physical condition by eating some of it appropriately."
Wanru took the green rice from Geng Youran's hand and examined it curiously; it was the first time she had ever seen green rice. "Sister, how do we eat this rice? Do we steam it?"
Geng Youran put the 'Qingjing Rice' back into the jar, told Huangli to keep it safe, and then said:
"No need. This 'Qingjing Rice' has already been steamed. Just boil it in boiling water each time you want to eat it."
Wanru was deeply moved. Although the two met in the Yong Prince's Mansion, they had spent so many years together, and Geng Youran treated her even better than her own sister.
Thinking about what she was about to do, she suddenly hesitated about whether to tell Geng Youran her thoughts.
But thinking about the consequences he would face if things were exposed, he decided not to drag Geng Youran into this mess.
"Sister, I also have a gift for you."
Niohuru Wanru had Huangli bring her a pre-prepared box from her dressing table, which she then handed to Geng Youran:
"Sister, open it and see if you like it."
Geng Youran opened the box and saw that it contained a jade pendant. Or rather, half of a jade pendant.
"Wanru, what's this?"
Niohuru Wanru explained:
“This was sent by my mother’s family when Hongli was born, saying it was for Hongli. A few days ago, I had someone cut this jade pendant in half and wrapped it with gold. One half was given to Hongli, and this one is for Hongzhou.”
Geng Youran roughly guessed Wanru's intention; she had truly made up her mind.
If things don't go well, he will hand Hongli over to him.
However, Geng Youran couldn't say anything, and just pretended to like it very much and was pleasantly surprised as she accepted the jade pendant.
When Geng Youran returned to her courtyard, she sat blankly on the couch, thinking about what she could do to help Wanru.
While he was lost in thought, he was talking to himself, which Qianxue overheard.
Qianxue said:
"Princess, I think it would be best if you did nothing for now."
Geng Youran was somewhat puzzled. There was nothing she could do; she was truly lacking in this area.
Qianxue patiently explained:
“Princess, since Princess Niohuru is determined to entrust Hongli to you, it means she has thought this through and may have already begun doing so without her even realizing it. If we rashly do something she doesn’t know about, we might accidentally disrupt her plans. Wouldn’t that put Princess Niohuru in an even more dangerous situation?”
Qianxue is actually right.
My dear reader, there's more to this chapter! Please click the next page to continue reading—even more exciting content awaits!
Continue read on readnovelmtl.com
