As for the other daughters of the Song family, they were not as bold as Song Ya Lan. Most of them behaved themselves and would only settle for a few pieces of clothing and jewelry. Even among this high-ranking noble family, even though technically they belonged to the same house, there were obvious differences in status. These differences were deeply ingrained in everyone, and nobody dared to be presumptuous.
At the end of the show, the euphoric shopping spree also came to a perfect close. Everyone left with satisfied smiles on their faces.
"I saw a beautiful aqua blue dress earlier, I thought the third sister was going to buy it, so I didn’t place an order. Who would have thought that the third sister didn’t want it, isn’t the third sister the one who likes aqua blue dresses the most?" Song Ya Lan kept talking to Song Yalin.
Song Ya Lan’s feelings towards Song Yalin were complicated. On one hand, she felt jealous of Song Yalin because she was the legitimate daughter of the second branch of the family and always held a higher status that made her seemed more ladylike. Whenever she stood beside Song Yalin, she felt diminished, reduced to a mere foil. This made Song Ya Lan very envious.
On the other hand, she felt that Song Yalin was of noble status, and other girls from lowly ranks in the Song family weren’t worthy of her. Walking with Song Yalin could elevate her own status.
Like now, because she was close to Song Yalin, ladies and daughters of other noble families who came to watch the show often gave her more attention.
Whether Song Yalin understood her intentions or not, she always replied with a gentle, shallow smile. "The aqua-blue would look better for summer, as it’s too cold now and it isn’t quite appropriate."
"Since the third sister said so, then I won’t want it either." Song Ya Lan smiled coquettishly, holding Song Yalin’s arm, trying to show sisterly intimacy.
However, the other daughters of the Song family could barely conceal their disdain. Even if you wanted it, could you afford it? The third sister only bought four dresses. Did you want to surpass the third sister?
But they only dared to sneer at her in their hearts but did not dare to express it openly. After all, Song Ya Lan was hot-tempered, breaking the truth would only lead to endless quarrels, causing disgrace to themselves.
Xin He appeared to be unaware of the undercurrents between the sisters of the Song family, and simply instructed a servant to pick up the clothes she had ordered.
Madam Song and Xin He got along very well and had a lively conversation. As Madam Song was experienced in childbirth, she knew a lot about it and dispensed advice to Xin He, who was young and pregnant with her first child.
Actually, Ji Xinhe was only a few years older than the daughters of the Song family. Yet since Madam Song found her congenial, she walked upfront and talked to her, relegating those daughters of the Song family to walk behind - as they were the junior ones.
While Song Yalin didn’t protest this arrangement, Song Ya Lan scoffed disdainfully in disgust. "People from every small household are trying to curry favor and eventually manage to oppress us."
She then glanced at Song Yalin: "Third sister, as a legitimate daughter of the Song family, how can you be ranked behind a woman from a small household? I think she doesn’t take you seriously."
The insinuating meaning in her words was too obvious─since she didn’t dare to confront them herself, she was trying to provoke Song Yalin to be her sword instead.
Little did Song Yalin seem to understand. She just smiled, "Since mom is enjoying Lady Mu’s company, it’s natural that they’d talk more."
When Song Yalin didn’t react, Song Ya Lan had no choice but to swallow her words. 𝑓𝘳𝑒𝑒𝓌𝘦𝘣𝘯ℴ𝑣𝘦𝑙.𝘤𝑜𝑚
But the anger inside was evident when she looked up and saw the maid who had picked up the clothes for Xin He earlier. Unable to resist, she took another look, then laughed suddenly, "Lady Mu made a special trip here and only bought these two sets of clothes?"
As soon as Madam Song heard this, she frowned, seemingly ready to scold her. Xin He, however, didn’t mind and only laughed, "I didn’t find what I particularly liked."
Song Ya Lan snorted: "You didn’t find anything you liked, or couldn’t afford them?"
"Ya Lan! You mustn’t be rude." Song Ya Lan’s arm was pulled back by Song Yalin, who spoke apologetically to Xin He: "My youngest sister has been spoiled, is too candid, and often speaks without thinking. Please forgive her, Lady Mu."
The second wife of the Song family looked at her own calm and collected daughter and then at Song Ya Lan from the third branch, and was genuinely relieved that she had a good daughter. Otherwise, she’d have a hard time coping!
Xin He only laughed, and it was apparent that she did not intend to make a fuss about it. She turned and continued to walk.
Madam Song went with her, and her conversation became even more enthusiastic as if she was apologizing for the incident just now.
Xiao Chaihu, who was holding the clothes Xin He just bought, glared fiercely at Song Ya Lan and quickly followed behind Xin He.
Song Ya Lan was startled by his glare. This kid, who was shorter than her, had a blazing look that made her feel a chill.
"Madam Song, are you planning to return to the prefecture city?" Xin He asked in amusement.
All of a sudden, Madam Song was struck by Xin He’s warm and friendly smile. She paused. She couldn’t figure out why, even though the woman in front of her was from a humble household, she had an imposing bearing and seemed untouched by Song Ya Lan’s rudeness. Indeed, she was extraordinary.
Even in this small Lian’an Town, there existed such a remarkable woman. Despite her low social status, it was quite a pity.
Madam Song sighed inwardly and then said, "Yes, it’s a half-hour carriage ride from here back to the prefecture city. If it’s too late, it will be dark."
Xin He nodded: "Since my house is in the town above, I’m not in a hurry. Maybe you should go first, Madam Song."
Madam Song found Xin He very congenial and laughed, "If you have a chance to come to the prefecture city, you should come and visit the Song family."
Xin He laughed and said, "Thank you, but I am currently not in a condition to travel to the prefecture city."
Madam Song nodded and said, "There’s no hurry. There will always be opportunities in the future. When your baby is born, I will personally prepare a generous gift for you."
While they were walking, they reached the outside of the Winding Pavilion. Madam Song’s carriage was already hitched by the family servant and was waiting for them.
Xin He didn’t want to delay Madam Song’s time and gracefully bid farewell: "I appreciate your kindness, Madam Song, but it’s getting late...."
Even before she had finished her sentence, the sound of horse hooves filled the air. Instinctively, Xin He raised her head to look, and saw the two men coming on horseback from the other side of the street. The man leading the way was Marquis Mu Houchu.
Xin He paused, and in the blink of an eye, Marquis Mu Houchu had appeared before her. He pulled the reins and the horse came to a halt. He dismounted smoothly, walked towards her, and frowned slightly, "You’re standing outside in the wind?"
While he was speaking, he reached out and tied her cloak tighter.
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