The next morning, Heyue and Thirteen boarded the carriage, and Li Shun'er drove them all the way to Suzhou.
Zhizhu and Cuiyan sat outside to avoid disturbing the intimate moment between Heyue and her husband, lest they see anything they shouldn't.
However, this was not a pleasant experience for Cui Yan.
At first, she wanted to sit inside under the pretext of serving tea, so that Master Jin and his wife would be more discreet, and she could also make an impression on Master Jin.
The lady is beautiful, but even the most beautiful woman can become tiresome. I am younger than her and not bad looking either, so I don't believe that Master Jin wouldn't be interested in her.
To her surprise, they sat on the outside the whole way, while the two inside were very intimate. Listening to Master Jin speaking gently to his wife, Cui Yan couldn't help but feel envious.
The scene I witnessed yesterday unexpectedly came to mind.
The master held his wife in his arms like a child, his eyes so tender they could melt water. The wife, unlike her usual composed and dignified self, nestled in the master's arms with a coquettish expression.
Even my own parents, who were deeply in love, had never done anything like this.
At the time, Cui Yan felt that the lady was not dignified, being so affectionate with Master Jin in broad daylight, but she couldn't help thinking how good it would be if Master Jin could treat her like that.
At first, she just thought that Master Jin was a nobleman in the capital, handsome, gentle and well-read. She was curious and respectful, but later she gradually became infatuated with him and felt sorry for him.
Given Master Jin's status, he couldn't possibly have only one woman by his side, his wife. However, his wife was a jealous woman, and although there were maids in the room, she wouldn't let Master Jin touch any of them.
She had heard it all: which nobleman in the capital didn't have three wives and four concubines? The concubine monopolized Master Jin's favor and didn't care about him at all.
The more she thought about it, the angrier and more resentful she became, but she still had to pretend to be happy and talk to Zhizhu as if she were her older sister.
Yesterday, she tried every means to find out about Master Jin and his wife's past from Zhizhu. Hailan was older than Zhizhu and didn't like her, so Cui Yan naturally didn't dare to ask Hailan. She could only ask the seemingly kind and innocent Zhizhu.
Who knew that Zhizhu, who seemed easy to get along with, was actually a block-mouthed gourd. He said that one should not speak ill of one's master, and without revealing anything, he changed the subject in the blink of an eye, which made Cui Yan curse him fiercely in her heart.
Everyone is on guard against her; don't think she can't see through it.
But what right do they have to interfere in Master Jin's affairs? They are nothing more than servants.
Hmph! They're afraid of upsetting Madam, and they don't have the ability to win Master Jin's favor, yet they try to block other people's path. They're all selfish.
However, Cui Yan only dared to vent her dissatisfaction in her heart. On the surface, she still called her sister affectionately and tried her best to serve He Yue and the others before Zhi Zhu.
Zhizhu didn't argue with her and let her do as she pleased, enjoying the peace and quiet.
Hailan has a straightforward temper and says what she thinks. She naturally tries to avoid people like Cui Yan. Although Zhizhu doesn't talk much, she is very perceptive.
Since the Fujin (principal wife) had allowed Cui Yan to serve her, she must have her reasons. She didn't need to interfere; she could just let Cui Yan fawn over her.
Anyway, she saw clearly that the master had no interest in this Cui Yan at all, so there was nothing to worry about. Hailan's nervousness was completely unnecessary.
She just needed to keep a close eye on Cui Yan and prevent her from doing anything excessive.
Aside from Cui Yan actively trying to make her presence known, everything went smoothly along the way, and the group was in a pretty good mood.
Arriving in Suzhou in the evening, I found an inn to rest, first sending out my visiting cards, planning to visit my uncle and aunt the next day.
No sooner had I finished washing up than someone knocked on the door.
Zhizhu opened the door and soon returned to report: "Master, Madam, it's someone from Uncle's residence who has come to invite you to stay at our residence."
He Yue was surprised, "So fast?"
"Your hair is still wet, I'm going to see him." Thirteen stood up, patted Heyue's shoulder, gave her some gentle instructions, and went straight out the door.
Heyue was no longer in a hurry. She sat in front of the dressing table and let Zhizhu do her hair.
"Madam, let me help you." Cui Yan stepped forward solicitously, took the dry handkerchief from Zhi Zhu's hand, and helped He Yue dry her hair.
Starting yesterday, Cui Yan changed her address to "Madam," which was at Hailan's request. She said that outside, the Master and Madam are the only two masters, and there's no need to call them "Young Mistress" anymore.
Cui Yan could tell that Hailan was dissatisfied. She was unhappy, but she didn't want to offend Hailan, so she called her "Madam" as they did.
He Yue raised an eyebrow, did not refuse, and let her serve her.
Cui Yan's technique was very skillful. She first gently dried He Yue's hair back and forth, and then simply tied it into a bun at the back, with a lock of hair hanging down from the left side of her chest.
It seems that Cui Yan had studied in elementary school, but because she had never served important people, she was not very skilled at those complicated hairstyles, but she could handle simple hairstyles.
Heyue didn't really like complicated and cumbersome styles either. Since leaving the capital, she often wore simple women's hairstyles, which were much lighter and more comfortable, and not difficult for Cui Yan.
The simple yet elegant hairstyle of the woman exudes gentleness and grace, and He Yue is very pleased with it.
"You're quite skillful with your hands," He Yue said with a warm smile, showering her with compliments.
Cui Yan was very pleased: "Thank you for your praise, Madam. I'm glad you like it."
Thirteen returned quickly. Seeing that Heyue had tidied up, he put his arm around her waist from behind and explained the situation: "Master told the messenger that we have been traveling a long way and it is getting late. We don't want to disturb you, so we will rest here for the night and visit you again tomorrow."
He Yue nodded, agreeing with his approach.
My uncle and aunt certainly didn't expect them to come so quickly, and now that they've arrived, they'll have to tidy up the rooms immediately.
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