The girl appeared to be fourteen or fifteen years old, with delicate features and a brisk pace. Although she lacked some of the poise of a young woman, she was by no means unlikable. What was even more remarkable was her pair of bright eyes, which reflected the light from afar, like a piece of clean and flawless jade.
Xie Lingqin looked at the newcomer, a rare smile appearing on her usually aloof face, and said softly, "Shang Ning."
An Shangning, the fourth daughter of the Marquis of Anping.
He was born to the Marquis of Anping and a concubine of little status.
Her mother suffered a difficult childbirth, and by all accounts, she should have been destined to be unwelcome. However, after her birth, the long-term ill Lady Anping recovered from her illness, which earned her some favor from Lady Anping, who was already known for her virtue. She was taken in and raised by Lady Anping. In addition, An Shangning was always well-behaved and sensible, so she lived quite well in the Anping Marquis's mansion.
The original owner was also harassed when she came to the Marquis of Anping's residence, and An Shangning helped her. After that, the two became acquainted.
After that, we met a few more times.
Of course, no one else knew about this.
“I knew I’d see you today, so I came out specifically to see you.” An Shangning walked over and took Xie Lingqin’s hand familiarly.
Xie Lingqin didn't push her away. Instead, she smiled faintly and said, "Aren't you afraid of offending someone by calling me so loudly?"
Upon hearing this, An Shangning looked around, then smiled and said, "It's been a long time. Sister Lingqin is quite the teaser."
Xie Lingqin nodded, smiling but saying nothing.
"Come on, there are a lot of people here, I'll take you inside first." An Shangning said, pulling Xie Lingqin along as they walked inside.
Xie Lingqin asked Zihe to tell General Xie before she followed.
From afar, Xie Lingyu, who was chatting and exchanging pleasantries with the young ladies from various households, was initially quite pleased with Xie Lingqin standing there all alone. She was deliberately showing off how popular Xie Lingqin was, but unexpectedly…
She had no idea when she had become so close to the fourth young lady of the Marquis of Anping's mansion.
He even affectionately pulled her inside.
You have to understand that these young ladies, including the princesses, have to follow the rules no matter who they come with; they can't just barge in.
Although the Marquis of Anping's mansion is only a marquis's mansion, which is a grade lower than a prince's mansion, it is a century-old aristocratic family with a profound heritage. In addition, the eldest daughter of the Marquis of Anping's mansion has entered the palace as a concubine, and the eldest son has just been appointed as the Vice Minister of the Ministry of War, a sixth-rank official.
Things will only get better from now on.
Of course, no matter how unwilling or jealous Xie Lingyu was, she could only endure it. She glanced around but did not see the Prince Xian's carriage.
I don't know if they've already gone in or haven't arrived yet.
Although the Prince Xian had been kind to her for many days, he had no intention of making their relationship public, which made her feel uncertain. Therefore, she was determined to seize every opportunity today.
The Crown Prince was ultimately out of reach; the Wise Prince was what she truly longed for.
...
Xie Lingqin was pulled by An Shangning and went directly into the rest hall prepared for the women of the Marquis of Anping's residence.
The courtyard is filled with blooming flowers and evergreen willows, bathed in bright sunshine, just like springtime. Inside the hall, the aroma of tea wafts through the air, and everything is exquisitely arranged, with some trinkets that can evoke a childlike spirit.
I suppose it's to coincide with the tenth birthday of the Ninth Miss.
Speaking of which, that Ninth Miss is quite a...
"Hey, you two over there, come play with me."
Troublemaker!
Xie Ling silently uttered two words, exchanged a glance with An Shangning, and then turned around together to look at the girl who was walking arrogantly towards them not far away—today's birthday star.
An Shangyu was exquisitely beautiful, with rosy lips and white teeth.
"Hey, didn't you hear me, Fourth Sister? And you, whoever you are, hurry up!"
"I didn't expect things to be so unfortunate." An Shangning's eyes darkened slightly, and he looked somewhat bitter.
Xie Lingqin patted her shoulder, walked straight up to her, and said gently, "Miss Shangyu, we are here on the orders of the Lady of Anping Marquis to see if we need anything and lend a hand. If you'd like to join us for some fun..."
"Oh, okay then. You can listen to my mother." An Shangyu pouted unhappily, then glanced at An Shangning with some displeasure. "Fourth sister, you're always so diligent." With that, she waved her little hand and turned to leave.
An Shangning, standing to the side, was slightly taken aback and looked at Xie Lingqin, "Sister Lingqin, you really have a way with things."
Xie Lingqin remained calm, saying, "The only person in this manor who can control her is the Lady of Anping Marquis."
"But what if Mother investigates and finds out we're impersonating her..."
“You don’t need to worry. Not to mention that your ninth sister will definitely go to ask the Lady of Anping’s mansion, even if she does, there are so many people here today, the Lady of Anping’s mansion is too busy to attend to anything else, let alone have the mind to deal with such a small matter.”
"Sister Lingqin, you are so smart." An Shangning looked at Xie Lingqin with great admiration. As she spoke, her eyes darkened again. "I have also heard about your affair with... the Prince Xian."
"Therefore, I must make some changes." Xie Lingqin stated directly that she was no longer the same as before.
Sure enough, An Shangning had no suspicions and pulled her aside to talk, her face blushing shyly, "By the way, I have something to tell you quietly. Mother said she's going to arrange a marriage for me?"
"Which family?" Xie Lingqin was more concerned about whether her husband's family was doing well than about An Shangning's feelings.
“He is the eldest son of the Minister of War. I have met him once. He is humble, gentle, and very polite.” An Shangning’s bright eyes sparkled and her ears turned red as she spoke.
"You're so embarrassed, are you afraid you've only met him once?" Xie Lingqin was in a rare good mood, and her tone was somewhat teasing.
An Shangning was even more embarrassed at this moment, and lowered her voice, "Sister Lingqin, you have a sharp eye. However, let me tell you, this matter was brought up by the Minister of War when he came to the mansion."
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