Chapter 33 [33] Still, still trying? [Second update]...
【33】/First release
Yun Ran's black eyes blinked twice.
The next moment, she suddenly pushed the man in front of her away and covered her lips with her backhand.
Sima Jing's eyes suddenly darkened.
He guessed she would be surprised, but he didn't expect her reaction to be so big.
Sure enough, when she was sober, she couldn't accept him.
Yun Ran saw the calmness in the man's brows, and came back to her senses from the brief shock just now. She slowly lowered the hand that was covering her lips.
"I...I didn't...I didn't mean to push you away so hard. It's just that I'm still sick, you can't do that..."
She bit her lip and said in a voice as thin as a mosquito: "The disease will be cured."
Sima Jing's eyes flickered slightly.
Looking at her gradually flushed fair face, he mused, "You pushed me away because you were afraid of the disease, not because you were... resisting?"
"It was mainly because it was so sudden, I wasn't prepared. As for resisting..."
Yun Ran recalled the moment of contact and frowned, "It's a little strange, but... it's okay."
Seeing that she looked calm and not pretending, Sima Jing felt the tightness in his chest disappear as if a breeze blew past.
She did not resist him.
Even when awake, I don't resist.
His throat heaved, and when he spoke again, his voice still a little hoarse: "Wait until you recover, and we'll try again."
Yun Ran was stunned.
Still want to try?
Suppressing the inexplicable clamor in her heart, she stammered, "Okay, okay."
If that's what he asked for.
The bed curtains suddenly became quiet, and the sweet fragrance of the woman's boudoir mixed with the faint aroma of medicine silently filled the air.
Sima Jing looked at the young lady with rosy cheeks and drooping eyelashes beside the couch. The uncontrollable irritability he felt last time came over him again, and the air seemed to become stuffy.
"You better take a good rest and stop letting your mind wander."
He clenched his long fingers into fists in his wide sleeves, said this, and stood up to leave.
Looking at the figure that quickly disappeared behind the black lacquered sunflower-patterned lattice fan, Yun Ran was stunned for a moment, and then he couldn't help but raise his hand to touch his face——
So hot.
I have already taken medicine, why is the high fever getting worse?
And that "touch" just now, is that considered a kiss?
The fingertips traced along the burning cheek to the lips, and there seemed to be a soft, cool touch on them...
For some reason, she had a sense of déjà vu.
It wasn't like it was the first time with him.
strangeness.
Yun Ran shook his head and attributed this to an illusion caused by high fever.
Forget it, now that things have come to this, let’s go to sleep first!
She let the embroidered curtains fall slowly, wrapped herself tightly in the quilt, and soon fell into a deep sleep under the effect of the medicine.
Outside the house, the wind was howling.
The cold north wind blew across my body, taking away some of the dryness.
Sima Jing let out a deep breath, and his handsome face returned to its usual coldness.
"Take good care of the princess and check on her every moment."
Upon hearing this order, the maids at the door bowed their heads hurriedly and said, "Yes."
Sima Jing walked down the stairs and his eyes were suddenly attracted by the two fat snowmen standing next to each other in the courtyard.
It can be seen that these two snowmen have been made for some time. Although their appearance is no longer white, their shapes are still well maintained and have not melted.
"The one wearing the red silk was made by the servants, and the one wearing the blue silk was made by the princess herself."
Chang Chun followed behind him and said tactfully, "Good things come in pairs. Your Highness is worried that the snowman will be lonely."
Sima Jing said nothing, just staring at the two chubby snowmen.
Are you afraid of being lonely?
After a long time, he withdrew his gaze and left without looking back.
***
After all, he was young and had a good foundation, so the next morning, Yun Ran felt refreshed and full of energy.
She originally wanted to go to the Jiangxia County Prince's Mansion to attend the snow viewing banquet -
This was decided long ago.
But Aunt Lan Gui insisted on keeping her for two more days on the grounds that she had just recovered and needed to rest.
Yun Ran had no choice but to miss the banquets at the Jiangxia County Prince's Mansion and the Suguo Duke's Mansion. Fortunately, he did not miss the Qingxue Elegant Banquet at the Lu Taifu Mansion.
On the morning of the elegant banquet, Yun Ran sat in front of the dressing mirror early with a very serious attitude.
Firstly, this was her first time attending a banquet hosted by a noble family in Chang'an as Princess Jing.
Secondly, her mother and sisters-in-law will also attend the banquet, so she will be able to see her family again.
"Today, wear that new apricot-yellow satin jacket, the one embroidered with the double happiness gourd pattern."
Yun Ran looked at herself in the mirror and then picked something out of her makeup box. "As for a headpiece, I'll wear the tortoise-shell hairpin with cloud patterns and beads that the Empress Dowager gave me two days ago."
"You don't need to apply powder too thickly; just apply a thin, even layer. If you apply it too thick, I'm afraid it will fall off when I talk loudly."
"yes."
Qing Ling responded to all of her requests, combing her cloud-like black hair with a toothbrush, and said with a smile, "My lady has now become quite knowledgeable about her makeup and appearance."
Yun Ran said: "The more you see, the more you will understand."
But she was just talking about it on paper. If she was asked to do her hair and put on makeup herself, she would be at a loss.
It was already 9:00 PM, and Yun Ran had finished packing.
Before leaving, she subconsciously glanced in the direction of Shenliu Hall.
I don’t know what Sima Jing has been doing these days.
Ever since that day when he said that his first request had been fulfilled and she no longer had to go to Shenliu Hall, the two had not seen each other again.
But if I want to fulfill the second request, it will be convenient only after she recovers from her illness...
"My wife?"
Qingling took her arm and asked softly, "Do you want to invite the prince to join you?"
Yun Ran's eyes moved and he shook his head: "No, the last time he was willing to go out, it was because the Queen Mother and others were in the palace. This time when he goes to the Lu Mansion, most of the people have nothing to do with him, and he's probably even more lazy to deal with them."
"That's true."
Qing Ling nodded: "It's getting late, my lady, please get in the car. If we get to the Lu Mansion earlier, maybe we can see the lady and the two young ladies earlier."
As expected, upon hearing this, Yun Ran immediately withdrew her gaze, lifted her skirt and walked out: "Let's go!"
The Lu family of Fanyang is one of the five great families of this dynasty.
Taifu Lu Wenyuan is the grandfather of Yun Ran's second sister-in-law Lu Lingzhen, and is also the teacher of Emperor Wenxuan. Now he continues to teach the little prince. He is in the emperor's heart and is highly respected.
The "Clear Snow Banquet" held by the Lu Mansion every winter invites high-ranking officials and talented people from outside, as well as ladies from famous families to enjoy the snow, write poetry, listen to music and drink tea. It is also an interesting event in Chang'an City in winter.
At noon, the luxurious carriage with a green canopy and pearl tassels from Prince Jing's mansion stopped steadily at the main gate of the Lu Mansion.
Before Yun Ran got off the carriage, the news of Princess Jing's arrival spread quickly throughout the inner and outer courtyards.
Although the male guests in the outer courtyard were a little surprised, it was the princess who came, not King Jing himself. After being surprised, they did not discuss it much.
The female guests in the inner courtyard were all surprised, with anticipation, curiosity, fear and worry.
They gathered in groups of two or three, chattering and chattering.
"A few days ago, I went to a banquet at the Duke of Su's mansion. I heard she was ill. Why is she here today?"
"He's probably recovered from his illness. Besides, the Lu family is hosting a banquet today, and Lu's Eighth Lady is the sister-in-law of Princess Jing. Since they're related, we have to come and show our support."
"Speaking of this Princess Jing, I've only heard of her name and have never seen her. I don't know what she looks like."
"My sister-in-law was there at the Mid-Autumn Palace Banquet that day. She mentioned it when she came back, saying that she was an extremely beautiful woman."
"Really? Then I'll have to take a closer look later."
It is said that beautiful women have always had a short life. It is rare to find a beauty like Princess Jing who can resist the "wife-killing curse".
Zheng was originally chatting with her mother-in-law, Mrs. Lu, in the flower hall. When she heard that her youngest daughter had arrived, she immediately became happy: "Ranran is here."
She looked down at her eldest daughter-in-law, Li Wanrong, who was sitting below her: "Wanniang, go take a look outside."
Without Zheng's instructions, Li Wanrong stood up straight and replied with a smile, "I'm just about to go."
Although she is the eldest sister-in-law, her younger sister-in-law is the princess. In terms of status, not only her, but most of the women in the courtyard have to stand up to greet her.
"Here she comes, here she comes, Princess Jing is here!"
Following the breathless report from the maid outside the hanging flower gate, the women in the backyard stood up one after another, stretching their necks to look outside.
When that goose yellow figure, as bright and beautiful as a young willow in spring, appeared in everyone's sight, everyone's eyes were filled with surprise.
Li Wanrong stepped forward with a smile and greeted her, "Sister, you're here."
Yun Ran saw her sister-in-law in a moon-white long coat, and her eyebrows curved: "Sister-in-law."
Li Wanrong took her hand naturally and said, "Let's go. Mother and the eldest lady of the Lu family are both in the hall."
As the two of them entered the room, the elegantly dressed women immediately stepped aside and bowed, "Welcome, Princess Jing. Long live the Princess."
Yun Ran was shocked when he first saw this scene.
Li Wanrong held her arm firmly and said with a calm smile, "This is the courtesy you deserve."
Yun Ran then suppressed the discomfort in her eyes and tried her best to adapt to the honor and authority that came with the identity of "Princess Jing".
She recalled the manners and demeanor of the palace maids when they saluted the Empress Dowager and the Queen, and followed their example, adopting a dignified and steady posture.
He walked straight into the inner hall and saw Madam Lu and his mother, Madam Zheng. He then raised his hand slightly and said in a loud voice, "No need to be so polite, everyone. Please stand up."
"Thank you, Princess Jing."
All the female members of the family stood up and looked towards the seat of honor again.
The rumored "blessed and long-lived" Princess Jing was wearing a goose-yellow satin jacket and skirt, with her black hair piled high and adorned with a golden hairpin. She had a small face, skin as white as pearls and jade, and a rosy complexion like peach blossoms. She was truly an exceptionally beautiful woman.
But she was too young. Even with her hair styled like a woman, her rounded white cheeks still showed a hint of childishness.
Usually, girls from wealthy families would stay at home for one or two years before getting married after they reached the age of 15. If they were particularly cherished by their parents, many of them would stay at home until they were 17 or 18 years old before getting married.
As for the Princess Jing before them, it was said that the Queen Mother was afraid of more troubles later, so she hurriedly urged the Imperial Astronomical Observatory to set an auspicious date, and the marriage was completed within three months.
No wonder there was a rumor earlier that the wife of Marquis Changxin was crying every day at home.
Which mother wouldn't feel bad about marrying her daughter off in such a hurry, and to a notorious evil spirit?
However, the princess was lucky and actually survived.
Look at her now, she looks rosy and energetic, doesn't she look like she is "suppressed" at all?
Yun Ran naturally also felt the gazes coming from all directions.
She had prepared herself mentally before coming here, because her prince was a well-known figure in Chang'an City.
A bad reputation is still a reputation.
With the help of Zheng and Li Wanrong, Yun Ran greeted the ladies and daughters-in-law of the Lu family.
Almost everyone who greets her will specifically compliment her by saying "she looks good and energetic."
Yun Ran only chuckled and said, "I am blessed with boundless happiness, thanks to the blessing of the ancestors."
Everyone present knew her past, and they couldn't help but wonder in their hearts, could it be that she was really blessed by the gods to have such good fortune?
The look he gave the little princess was filled with not only surprise but also respect.
After meeting the elder female guests, Li Wanrong took the initiative and took Yun Ran to meet some young women present.
But among the female guests attending the banquet today, most of them are unmarried young ladies who are about the same age as Yun Ran.
There is always a subtle invisible wall between being married and being unmarried.
The few female relatives that Li Wanrong was close to were all married women.
Yun Ran chatted with them for a while, but didn't get along very well with them. She was about to find an excuse to leave, but she caught a glimpse of two young ladies behind the pillars looking at her curiously.
The two of them looked to be about the same age as Yun Ran, one with a thin face and a slender waist, and the other with a round face and rosy cheeks.
Yun Ran also looked over curiously.
Li Wanrong noticed it, looked in the direction she was looking, and smiled: "Jiu Niang, Yingying, why are you hiding? Come here quickly."
The two young ladies were called, looked at each other, and walked over.
The two of them politely bowed to Yun Ran: "Jiu Niang/Ying Ying greets Princess Jing, long live the princess."
"No need to be so polite."
Yun Ran looked at the two young ladies and sensed a hint of friendship from their bright and sparkling eyes: "Sister-in-law, who are these two?"
Li Wanrong introduced in a gentle voice: "This is Jiu Niang, your second sister-in-law's younger sister."
She pointed at the girl with a slim waist and a green dress, and looked closely at her beautiful eyes and eyebrows. She did look a bit like her second sister-in-law Lu Lingzhen.
"This is Yao Yingying, the darling of Lord Yao, the Minister of the Ministry of Rites."
The young lady named Yingying was wearing a pomegranate red jacket and skirt. She had pretty eyes and eyebrows, and she had a kind of elegance that was rare in a girl in the boudoir.
When Yun Ran heard the name of Lord Yao, the Minister of the Ministry of Rites, he felt that it sounded familiar.
He lowered his eyes and thought for a few breaths, then suddenly said, "Is your father Lord Yao Chuan?"
Yao Yingying was stunned for a moment, then nodded: "My father is Yao Chuan."
Yun Ran's dark eyes turned slightly.
If she remembered correctly, the envoy who brought Sima Jing back from Rongdi was none other than Lord Yaochuan.
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The author has something to say: It's Friday again, everyone has a happy weekend, this chapter will randomly drop a small red envelope~
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