ebookland Chapter 384: Confusion
Chapter 384: Confusion
After Zhu Hongxiu's test ended, the conversation returned to normal, as if nothing had happened and they simply 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 wearily, "Dealing with these daughters of officials is really tiring. I have to think twice before saying or doing anything. One wrong word and all my previous efforts will be wasted. Yinyin, do you think I should still use that medicine?"
"Yes, why not? You're wearing a mask, who can take it off? When your face heals, you can still wear the mask, and it will be your unique look."
"That's true. I clearly have the opportunity to restore my appearance, so why should I put myself in a difficult position for others? At worst, I can keep it to myself. Even if I restore my appearance, I won't show it."
"Even though we got away with this today, we still can't let our guard down. You said before that Young Master Li had already taken care of it, 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 target?" Qin Huiyin asked, "Was it someone close to you who leaked the news, or was it someone close to Young Master Li?"
"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. I don't think anyone around me 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 out. From the Li Mansion came the sound of singing and dancing, a sound so absurd that the two sisters could not help but stop and take a look.
"What's going on with the Li family?"
"It is said that Prince Ning brought 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 probably really trying to stand up for Li Jingyan. Li Congxiao's situation was even more difficult than they had imagined.
On the other side, just as Zhu Hongxiu entered the side door, 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's 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 important issue 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. Normally, the old lady would retire early, but the fact that she'd waited this long seemed like a serious matter. Judging from the nanny's expression, she probably wouldn't bother her.
Her marriage was almost settled, with the eldest son of the Zhongyong Marquisate. According to the Zhongyong Marquisate, the eldest son would inherit the title, and she would also be a marquise in the future, so her position in the family was very stable. As long as there was no serious incident, the people in the mansion would surely treat her with great pampering, so that when she got married, she would think about the well-being of her parents.
"Grandma, mother, you are looking for me." Zhu Hongxiu saluted the two elders sitting above.
Old Madam Zhu leaned against the wall, while Madam Zhu Da gently tapped the old lady's legs with a beauty hammer. When Zhu Hongxiu came in, the two of them looked at her and smiled with satisfaction at this legitimate daughter.
She has perfect etiquette, is first-rate in appearance, and has been promised a good marriage. Such a legitimate daughter contributes to the family, so naturally she is a good person.
"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 naturally I'm happy. I heard some gossip from somewhere before, and I asked about it today. It was all a misunderstanding."
"Then you can't find the herb that can cure your brother?"
"Even if I'm at the Li family, I still 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. If you don't feel sorry for him, I do." Old Lady 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 to Zhu Hongxiu.
Zhu Hongxiu took it and unfolded it. When she saw the contents, her eyes were filled with 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 Lord 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's said his mother died young, and his father remarried with his current wife, bringing with her a younger sister, Miss Qin. The Tang family was originally a poor farming family, but it was this mother and daughter who earned money to support his education and also built a fortune, ensuring their family had plenty of food and clothing. In short, this younger sister is quite a remarkable woman. If Grandmother and Mother had just sent someone out to inquire, they would have heard a lot about her."
"With such a beautiful face and coming from a merchant family, I'm afraid she won't be content." 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," said Old Lady Zhu. "That bamboo building is your eldest brother's favorite place to stay. Even if he has guests, he can only stay on the first floor and can't go to the second floor. I missed him today and went to see him. The ink on this portrait hasn't even dried yet! I asked him, and he said he was just painting it casually. When have you ever seen him paint a woman? How could this be just a casual painting?"