♂?，，

  Chapter 17

  Ming Xuan and Ming Wu got down from the sedan chair together, and the servant woman who was leading the way hurried forward to support them. After crossing several layers of bluestone steps, they arrived at the main hall.

  The little girl at the gate bowed and opened the thick door curtain, a warm wind with sandalwood scent rushed in, Dieluo led them to the main hall, it seemed that Madame Hou had given instructions beforehand, Dieluo whispered, "Two ladies, the one sitting on the right upper seat is Liangs second old madam, she is the aunt of your elder brother-in-law."

  Dongping Old Lady is the paternal aunt of Zhu Laofurens husband, and the two families often visit each other, they are all familiar with each other.

  However, the second old lady of the Liang family rarely appeared in the famous banquet invitations in Shengjing.

  Lao Jiananbo was a declining aristocratic young master, with only the honorary title of Light Chariot Lieutenant of the Third Rank. Later, he married a princess who was the beloved elder sister of the previous emperor, and thus regained the original title of the Liang family. However, such great favors were all honors bestowed upon the first wifes household, and had little to do with the second wifes household. The second master of the Liang family retired from officialdom after passing the imperial examinations, but his career was not smooth sailing, and he only managed to become a Temple Lieutenant of the Sixth Rank in the Ministry of Rites, with no further advancement. Although the second mistress of the Liang family had merit for raising Jiananbo, she was only a sixth-rank gentlewoman and did not have the qualifications to enter the grand banquet of noble ladies.

  Ming Xuan couldnt help but narrow her eyes. As the daughter of the Duke of Lus family and with the imperial edict of a second-rank marchioness, she didnt need to put on airs in front of her husbands second aunt. However, she still spoke and acted with caution, probably because this old lady from the Liang family held a high position in the heart of the Marquis of Jianan, not only able to influence the marriage between the two families but also affect the authority of the future mistress of the manor.

  She thought for a moment and slowed down her pace, quietly retreating to a position half a body behind Ming Wu.

  After paying respects to the old lady and the two elderly ladies of the Liang family, and exchanging pleasantries for a while, Madame Hou smiled and pointed at Ming Xuan, saying, "This is our Xuan sister, who embroidered the forehead cloth that your Highness asked about some days ago."

  The two old ladies of the Liang family were overjoyed, and quickly pulled Ming Xuan to their side. While carefully examining her, they couldnt help but nod their heads, "Good child, not only are you skilled with your hands, but youre also good-looking. No wonder the princess likes you so much and always talks about you. Im delighted to see you too."

  She smiled and asked, "Tell Auntie, how did Xiang sister think of incorporating painting skills into embroidery?"

  Ming Xuans eyebrows slightly furrowed. Originally, for relatives like the second old lady of the Liang family to show closeness, following her elder sisters lead was not wrong, but in this situation, it was somewhat too familiar for the daughter of the third branch of the Gu family to call her "Aunt".

  It seems like Eldest Aunt had hinted at it earlier...

  She thought for a moment and replied softly, "As for what the two old ladies of the Zheng family said, there was a painting in Ming Xuans room called The Hairpin Beauty by Sheng Tang Boan. On that day, I was thinking of making a hairpin to pay respects to my grandmother and great aunt, and when I saw the painting, I suddenly had an idea. Who would have thought that it would actually come true? Ming Xuans nonsense unexpectedly became reality, and it ended up being laughed at by the two old ladies of the Zheng family."

  These words were spoken in a proper and upright manner, without a single flaw, but the old lady of Dongping secretly praised them.

  She is the elder sister of Madam Zhu, and Ming Xuan should have called her Auntie Grandmother. However, she was also the paternal aunt of Jianan Bo, although in the imperial family, such relationships were not strictly observed. In the previous dynasty, there were instances where aunts and nieces served the emperor together. Just now, Ming Xuan still addressed her as Auntie Grandmother but politely referred to the two elderly ladies of the Liang family as Paternal Auntie Second Elderly Lady, actually indicating that she was not aware of this relationship.

  A remarriage in a hot and hurried manner is unlike an ordinary marriage.

  Here is the translation:

  Jianan Bo, after Ming Rus passing, needs to prepare for a new marriage. The procedures of proposal, asking for the brides name, divination, betrothal gifts, requesting the wedding date, and welcoming the bride must all be completed within 100 days. Time is pressing. Therefore, if Yongning Hou Fu truly intends to make this marriage happen, they shouldnt keep it from Ming Xuan. If she were forced into the bridal sedan chair and something untoward happened in the nuptial chamber, that would be a true calamity.

  As expected, the two old ladies of the Liang family looked at Mingwu after hearing this. She thought to herself, could it be that Madame Hou wants to say something about this Ninth Miss? Speaking of which, Mingwu, the ninth daughter-in-law, is indeed the biological child of the Marquis of Yongning, although she was not born from Madame Hous womb, but compared to Rutu, they are sisters after all.

  Its just that Ive heard this Wu Jie is born out of wedlock, and it shows on her face...

  The two old ladies of the Liang family were still hesitating, and Madame Hou noticed that something was amiss. She immediately smiled and said, "Xuan sister, I think the magpie on this purse is also embroidered with a clever technique. Come, hand it over and let Old Lady Liang take a look."

  Since things had been said this way, Ming Xuan couldnt refuse, so she took off the purse at her waist and handed it over personally.

  The second old lady of the Liang family seemed to be fond of embroidery, and upon hearing this, she withdrew her gaze from Mingwus body and indeed looked at the purse with Mrs. Hou. She gently stroked the pattern on the crimson satin and said with a hint of emotion, "Its been many years since Ive seen such good embroidery skills. Xiang sister is truly a delicate and refined person."

  She loosened the strap of her handbag and rummaged through it inside and out, almost reluctant to put it down.

  The old lady tilted her body and glanced at it, but softly hummed, "Although its about 70-80% similar, its still not exquisite enough. Xuan sister, is this purse a trial work?"

  As soon as the words fell, a silk handkerchief floated down from the untied bundle and landed straight in the arms of Mrs. Liang, who was about to pick it up and open it to take a look. Suddenly, she heard Mingwus tense and shy voice from below, "Oh no, just now when I was changing clothes with my sister in her room, I mistakenly took Seventh Sisters bundle."

  Her small face flushed red, she untied the pouch at her waist and handed it to Empress Dowager Dongping, "In response to Your Majestys words, the one on your hand is what I learned from Seventh Sisters embroidery, its not well done, dont laugh at me, this one is actually embroidered by Seventh Sister."

  At first glance, its easy to mistake one for the other, but upon closer comparison, the difference is obvious. Liang Er and the old princess took Ming Xuans purse and couldnt help but praise her again, but as for Ming Yun, who was blushing bright red, they still offered words of comfort and encouragement, "Ming Xuans embroidery is good, Ming Yuns is not bad either, both are good, both are good!"

  Inside the hall, there was a burst of laughter and chatter, but Madame Hous face had already turned iron-gray. That square silk handkerchief was clearly put into Xiangs purse, how could it have slipped out from Wus purse? Not only did Old Lady Liang see it clearly, but also Old Princess saw it too. Now, how can they still frame Xiang for the love poem in the handkerchief?

  She slightly closed her eyes, forcing herself to calm down, and composed her expression before smiling and taking Mingwus pouch from the hands of Liang familys second old madam. She also wanted to take advantage of the opportunity to pick up that piece of silk handkerchief from the body of the second old madam and put it into the pouch, but unexpectedly, Liang familys second old madam was one step ahead of her and had already grasped the handkerchief in her hand.

  Madam Hous eyes flashed with a cold intent, but things had already come to this pass, and she could no longer make any sudden moves, lest she not only displease the two old ladies of the Liang family, but also offend Old Lady Dongping, which would be of no benefit to her. Thinking thus, she pretended to be completely unaware of the matter and stood silently, her expression gradually becoming calm.

  It doesnt matter whether Cai Lian misplaced the handkerchief or Ming Xuan or Ming Yun was playing tricks, whats important now is to ensure the alliance between the two families. The rest can be investigated later...

  The second old lady of the Liang family smiled and said, "I scattered Wu Jies handkerchief, I should fold it well and put it back."

  She unfolded the silk handkerchief, and her face changed instantly. She stared at Ming Yu for a long time without speaking, only handing the handkerchief to Old Lady Dongping, "Take a look, Your Highness."

  The old princess naturally recognized the handwriting of Jian Anbo, and this white silk was also a royal supply. Due to its lightness, thinness and softness, it was originally used to make close-fitting undergarments. Except for the palace, only a few families in Shengjing City could get such white silk. The writing on the white silk seemed to be the handwriting of Kun Geer.

  She quietly fixed her gaze on Mingwu, admiring her for a long time before asking in a low voice, "Mingwu, tell your aunt, where did this handkerchief come from?"

  This question was not as light and easy as the previous one, it sounded a bit serious. Ming Yus small face turned pale in an instant, she hesitated for a moment before answering, "In response to Aunties words, Ming Yu indeed had silk handkerchiefs in her pouch."

  Only said brought silk handkerchief, never admitted it was this side in front of him.

  The old princess narrowed her eyes, and unexpectedly stopped asking further questions. Instead, she said with a subtle expression, "Princess Ningjing loves plum blossoms the most. There is a Plum Garden in this Jianan Bo Mansion. We sisters rarely meet, and now its just the right time to see the plum blossoms in full bloom. Even if its cold, dont miss it."

  She beckoned to the outside and a servant came in to listen to her orders, "Take the two young ladies from Yongning Hous mansion to Mei Yuan for a look, there is no need to stay, just let them sit in the soft sedan chair and enjoy the view."

  The old woman took her leave and invited Ming Xuan and Ming Wu out of the main hall.

  The old princess again sent someone to invite the Marquis of Jianan over.

  She asked straightforwardly, "I heard that Brother Kun has explicitly mentioned the name of a sister from Yongning Hou Mansion to be his future wife, is it true?"

  Jian Anbos eyebrows furrowed slightly, but he still replied respectfully, "What Shu Mu said is true."

  On the day of Zhus wifes birthday, he had some business to discuss with Yongning Hou and left early for the Hou Mansion. The road was icy and slippery, and the little servant who led the way slipped and fell. He ordered someone to help the little servant up and went on his way to the study with his attendants. Who would have thought that behind the moon-shaped door of the rear mansion, they could hear such an interesting conversation? He became curious and found it amusing, so when Yongning Hou mentioned remarriage, he spoke up and asked for Gu Mingxuan.

  This is indeed true.

  Mrs. Liang handed over the silk handkerchief with a serious expression, and since there was no one else in the house except for her own relatives, she didnt bother to be overly polite, but instead spoke with some gravity, "Kun, if you truly like that young lady, then you shouldnt have acted so recklessly."

  The deeper the love, the stronger the criticism.

  Liáng Jùn showed respect to his aunt, and wouldnt be annoyed by these words. However, when he saw the familiar handwriting on the silk handkerchief, his slightly sunken eyes revealed a sharp glint. He hadnt written those words, and naturally wouldnt do such a reckless thing, but in his heart, he was very clear about who would do this, could do this, and must do this.

  After all, she was his wife and the mother of their two sons. At this time, he couldnt lose face in front of Gu Mingru either. He glanced at the purse on the case and thought it was something that belonged to Mingxuan, so he could only swallow his anger and admit his fault, hanging his head and saying in a low voice, "Auntie is right, I was wrong."

  ＊＊＊＊＊＊＊＊＊＊＊＊＊＊＊＊＊＊＊＊＊＊＊＊＊＊＊＊＊＊

  Recommended: Book title: "The Extraordinary Foodie" Author: Mu Duo. Summary: From a humble and cunning young woman to the owner of the prestigious "Jin Wei Lou"; from a small-time scammer on the streets to a powerful and majestic lady. With her extraordinary abilities, which were brought about by being struck by lightning, how could she not make good use of them? Three sacrificial animals, five tripods, eight precious jade dishes, golden waves and emerald liquids... all at her fingertips, with a pair of skilled hands and divine eyes. Happiness in hand, husband by her side, this is what they call a wonderful life, isnt it?

  Complete works txt download, full text free, e-book, remember 77 reading books