Chapter 384 Confusion
After Zhu Hongxiu's test ended, the conversation returned to normal, as if nothing had happened and they just came here to enjoy the lake view.
Since they were enjoying the lake view, they couldn't help but enjoy the night view, so when they got ashore, it was already very late.
The Zhu family's servants took Zhu Hongxiu back to the Zhu Mansion, and Qin Huiyin and Xia Ruwan also went home in a carriage.
On the way home, Xia Ruwan rested her head on her legs and said with a tired face, "It's really tiring to deal with these daughters of officials. I have to think twice before saying or doing anything. If I say something wrong, all my previous efforts will be in vain. Yinyin, do you think I should still use that medicine?"
"Yes, why not? You are wearing a mask, who can take it off? When your face is healed, you can still wear the mask, and it will be your unique look."
"That's true. I clearly have a chance to restore my appearance, so why should I put myself in a difficult position for others? At worst, I won't make it public. Even if I restore my appearance, I won't show it."
"Although we got away with this today, we still can't let our guard down. You said before that Young Master Li had already arranged everything, which means it's unlikely to be exposed at the auction. How did Zhu Hongxiu know about this, who told her, and who did the person who told her want to deal with?" Qin Huiyin said, "Was it someone around you who leaked the news, or was it someone around Young Master Li who leaked the news?"
"Not many people around me know about this. The only ones who know are you, me, Shuhui, and your younger brother. That person told Zhu Hongxiu just to sow discord. There shouldn't be anyone around me who hates me so much. Li Congxiao is in a difficult situation. I don't know how many of Li Jingyan's people are hiding around him. I'm afraid that this matter must have gone wrong on his side." Xia Ruwan said, "It's too late tonight. I'll talk to him tomorrow."
The carriage stopped at the main gate, and the two sisters got off. From the Li Mansion came the sound of singing and dancing, which was so absurd that the two sisters couldn't help but stop and take a look.
"What's going on with the Li family?"
"It is said that Prince Ning is bringing his concubine home to visit relatives." said the servant who came to welcome Qin Huiyin home.
Qin Huiyin and Xia Ruwan looked at each other.
Prince Ning's intention to take Li Jingyan back to the Li residence to visit relatives was fake, but he was really trying to help Li Jingyan. Li Congxiao's situation was even more difficult than they had imagined.
On the other side, Zhu Hongxiu had just entered the side door when the old nanny came over and said to her, "The old lady and the eldest lady want to see you."
Zhu Hongxiu was surprised: "It's so late, haven't grandma and mother rested yet?"
"There is something I need to ask the young lady."
"Mammy, what do grandma and mother want to talk to me about?"
"Don't worry, Miss. It's all a small matter." The nanny avoided the main point and said, "Miss, please go over quickly. The old lady and the eldest lady have been waiting for a long time."
Zhu Hongxiu followed the nanny to the old lady's courtyard. On weekdays, the old lady would have gone to bed early, but she had waited until now, so it seemed that it was not a trivial matter. But judging from the old nanny's expression, she would not cause trouble to her.
Her marriage was almost settled, and it was with the eldest son of the Zhongyong Marquis's mansion. According to the Zhongyong Marquis's mansion, the eldest son would inherit the title, and she would be a marquise in the future, so her position in this family was still very stable. As long as it was not a serious incident, the people in the mansion would definitely treat her with great pampering, so that when she got married, she would think about the good of her parents' family.
"Grandma, mother, you are looking for me." Zhu Hongxiu bowed to the two elders sitting above.
Madam Zhu leaned there, and Madam Zhu took the beauty hammer and gently hit the old lady's legs. When Zhu Hongxiu came in, the two looked at her and smiled with satisfaction at this legitimate daughter.
She has perfect etiquette, first-rate looks, and is promised a good marriage. Such a legitimate daughter can contribute to the family, so naturally she is very good.
"Did you have fun boating on the lake with your sisters today?" asked Madam Zhu.
"To answer mother, those two sisters are very interesting people, so of course I am happy. I heard some gossip from somewhere else before, and I asked about it today. It was a misunderstanding."
"Then you can't find the herb that can cure your brother?"
"Even if I'm at the Li family, I have to ask someone from the Li family. Tomorrow I can only ask the housekeeper to come forward. After all, it's not convenient for me to have contact with men outside the family."
"Mother, the price of that herb has been bid up to three thousand taels. Even if we find it, it is impossible for our family to spend three thousand taels to buy it!" Madam Zhu said to Madam Zhu.
"Take it from my private treasury, not from the public treasury. Not to mention three thousand taels, even five thousand taels or ten thousand taels will do. Jingxuan is still young, can we let him hide at home and not go out? My eldest grandson became like this because he saved me. You don't feel sorry for him, but I do." Old Madam Zhu said excitedly.
"Mother, it was my daughter-in-law who said the wrong thing. Don't be angry."
"I know it's not easy for you to manage the inner house. As a mother, how can you not feel sorry for him? You want to give him everything, but will the second, third and fourth wives agree? Okay, let's not talk about this anymore."
Madam Zhu poured a cup of tea for Madam Zhu, watched her drink it, and calmed down. She then looked at Zhu Hongxiu and said, "I asked you to come here today for another matter. What is this?"
The nanny next to her handed the scroll in her hand to Zhu Hongxiu.
Zhu Hongxiu took it and unfolded it. When she saw the content on it, her eyes were full of confusion: "Where did this come from?"
"Do you know the girl in the painting?" asked Mrs. Zhu.
"I know her. This is Qin Huiyin, the second sister of the Imperial Censor Tang Yichen."
"This Mr. Tang is the top scorer in the last exam, right? Why is his sister's surname Qin?"
"His family situation is a bit complicated. It is said that his mother died early, and his current wife was remarried by his father. At that time, she brought a younger sister, Miss Qin. The Tang family was originally a farming household, and the family was poor. It was this mother and daughter who earned money to support his studies and also earned a family business, so that their family had no worries about food and clothing. In short, this younger sister is also a remarkable woman. If my grandmother and mother send someone out to inquire, they will hear a lot about her."
"With such a beautiful face and coming from a merchant family, I'm afraid she won't be able to keep her composure." Madam Zhu said.
"Mom, why did you mention her?" Zhu Hongxiu was puzzled.
"Do you know where this painting came from?" asked Mrs. Zhu.
"My granddaughter doesn't know."
"This was found in the bamboo building." Old Madam Zhu said, "The bamboo building is your eldest brother's favorite place to stay. Even if there are guests on weekdays, he can only stay on the first floor and cannot go to the second floor. I missed him today and went to find him. The ink on this portrait is not dry yet! I asked him, and he said he was just painting casually. When have you seen him paint a woman? Is this just a casual painting?"
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