Chapter 12

  The New Year is approaching, this is the last New Year Jiang Wanru spent in the Wang Fu. The people in Lianhao courtyard started decorating early, the housekeepers called the young servants to clean up the broken tree trunks in the courtyard that were crushed by snow, and asked a few strong women to move several pots of flowers that had just bloomed, placing them at the entrance of the courtyard to welcome guests.

  The housekeeper shook her head and said, "Madam, please take another look at this. If you think it's okay, I won't change the position again. This matter can't be asked to Third Master, he has never liked the flowers in the courtyard since he was a child." Jiang Wanru looked at the housekeeper speechlessly, and the few pots of strange flowers in front of her were just bigger and more colorful than ordinary flowers, she really couldn't see anything else special about them. Jiang Wanru finally looked at the flowers placed at the entrance of the courtyard and could only say lightly, "Just don't put it too close to the entrance. I think everything else is fine."

  Perhaps it was because she would be leaving the Wang Manor in a few months, or perhaps it was because Fang Zheng's big matter had been settled, or perhaps it was because she had a good direction for her future. Jiang Wanru showed some interest in the trivial matters of the courtyard. She used to be completely indifferent to the customs of the annual festival, but now she would actively ask about these things. A few days before the festival, she and the housekeepers took the maids with them, chatting and laughing as they walked around the courtyard three times, learning from them to stomp her feet heavily at every corner.

  Miss Jiang's behavior was extremely strange. When the two were in the room, she whispered to ask: "Miss, how did you think of learning these customs and rituals with them?" Miss Jiang explained in a low voice: "I see that the people in the yard are very familiar with these customs. In the future, when we leave the palace and have our own home, it's always good to know more. I just didn't expect it to be so much fun, like everyone playing together, and some rituals were performed. In the future, at our own home, we can choose to perform the fun rituals and ignore the ones that are not fun."

  Ji Yan looked at Jiang Wanru, who had a cold and detached expression, and felt extremely fortunate that she was not as emotional as her parents. Perhaps it was because of the two overly emotional people that they gave birth to a daughter who was extremely indifferent to romance. Ji Yan had never worried about Jiang Wanru being infatuated with Lian Hua when he didn't care about her. However, recently, Lian Hua's meticulous care for Jiang Wanru moved Ji Yan deeply, and she couldn't help but worry that Jiang Wanru would be touched by his actions.

  Lian Hao walked to the edge of the table and sat down, Jiang Wanru naturally followed him and sat down as well. After they sat down, Lian Hao remained silent for a long time, so Jiang Wanru lowered her head and examined her own fingers. After a while, Lian Hao raised his head and looked at the gentle Jiang Wanru, hesitating to say: "Wanru, I once promised you something... I..." Before Lian Hao could finish speaking, the door was knocked on from outside, and the housekeeper said: "Third Master, Madam, someone from the Crown Prince's side has come to deliver a message."

  The housekeeper beside the third madam, Jiang Wanju, said: "Third Madam, our master has announced that tomorrow there will be a joyful event in the mansion, and a pair of noble guests will arrive. Please go to the main hall after breakfast." Jiang Wanju raised her eyebrows in surprise. In the past two years, on the eve of the festival, the Wang family would host relatives and friends for a reunion dinner, usually choosing to do so at lunchtime. It had never been done early in the morning before. Jiang Wanju smiled lightly and nodded: "Yes, please thank the madam for reminding me. I will go to the main hall after breakfast."

  The housekeeper left after sending off the guest, and then the housekeeper's wife followed to see her out. Lianhao looked at Jiang Wanru from head to toe several times before standing up without saying a word and walking out of the room. After Lianhao left, the housekeeper's wife hurriedly entered the room, looking at Jiang Wanru's expression by the table, and carefully asked: "Madam, did you offend Master San?" Jiang Wanru shook her head slightly and said: "No." Then she remembered Lianhao's gaze when he looked at her, and smiled faintly: "Tomorrow we will meet the new bride, I suppose it reminded Master San of some unpleasant things."

  Jiang Wanru originally thought that Lian Hao, who had been disappointed, would not return to the room until he fell asleep. But to her surprise, Lian Hao rushed back as soon as she finished dinner, his expression flustered. The housekeeper followed him in and asked, "Third Master, have you eaten elsewhere? Should I have someone bring more food over?" Lian Hao replied, "I haven't eaten elsewhere, tell them to hurry up and bring the meal over." Jiang Wanru and the housekeeper exchanged a glance, and the housekeeper quickly exited the room.

  When Lian Hao had his meal, the housekeeper served him personally, while Jiang Wanru had to sit by the table with him. Jiang Wanru was actually very curious why the maids in the courtyard didn't dare to get close to Lian Hao after Ming Tuo left, and why the housekeeper came to serve him instead. But she knew better than to ask about such things. After Lian Hao finished his meal, the housekeeper withdrew, leaving only Lian Hao and Jiang Wanru in the room. The candle flames flickered, and the room was quiet, with only their breathing sounds audible.

  Cat pounces on Chinese