Yanran, you actually have such cunning?
Yanran: I won't tell you that it was Cui Xiaoqiu who gave me the idea, hehe!
She was frustrated by the Prince of Jin, so she went to Cui Xiaoqiu to discuss countermeasures.
And now, she's arrived full of confidence.
While there was indeed a journey to learn from the scriptures, she also participated in it.
For example, she actually wanted to drag Cui Xiaoqiu, and she also had a tiny bit of selfish thoughts.
But to everyone's surprise, Cui Xiaoqiu went even further, cutting herself even more ruthlessly.
"... Although Cui Xiaoqiu represents the Cui Family's stance, he's been away from the Cui Family for too long, and since he's not around, they don't even remember him. If he goes along, then even if something goes wrong on the way, wouldn't the Cui Family have to cover it up?"
We're all in the same boat.
This is tantamount to telling the Cui Family plainly, "Don't try any of those opportunistic tricks; they won't work!"
Tang Zhuyun was somewhat shocked to hear this.
--She had always thought Yanran was a naive and innocent girl, but now it seems she's swift and decisive, more ruthless than anyone else.
It turns out the fool was herself.
"But," Tang Zhuyun said cautiously, "Yanran, aren't you afraid Cui Xiaoqiu will get angry?"
Yanran smiled and said, "Mother, this matter naturally requires mutual affection."
Tang Zhuyun: "What do you mean by 'mutual affection'!"
Yanran scratched her head. "Did I say something wrong? What was it again? Consent? Knowing each other?"
Tang Zhuyun was at her wit's end. "Alright, please study hard from now on. Your mother won't ask for much more, just don't sell yourself and get buried, okay?"
They were even mutually in love!
It's not even as tall as a bean sprout!
Yanran instinctively avoided the idea of studying. "Mother, well, both Cui Xiaoqiu and I are willing. Please grant my request!"
She then went on and on about what she could do to prove that she was reliable.
She even shed a couple of small tears, expressing that she really wanted to do something, even if she couldn't do what her brother did, she could still contribute.
After thinking for a moment, Tang Zhuyun said, "I can't agree to that..."
Yanran's face fell.
"... But I can ask your father again for you."
Yanran was immediately delighted.
"As long as Mother says so, nothing is impossible! Alright, it's decided then. I'll go tell Cui Xiaoqiu, we're going to pack our things!"
Tang Zhuyun: "..."
What could she do?
Yanran has already said so much; if I reject her again, she'll probably be upset.
Tang Zhuyun had no choice but to consult with the Prince of Jin.
"Anyway, with you here, you can take care of her; Yanran is sensible and should also gain some experience. In the manor, there are only a few people around, it's time for her to go out and see the world."
The Prince of Jin remained silent.
Tang Zhuyun pressed on. "Moreover, Yanran also said that she didn't sneak away, but openly said she was going back to the capital to see her maternal grandfather, so no one could say anything about it."
Yanran has so much stuff to take with her.
What Jiaojiao, Little Lovely, and a bunch of strange animals and plants, plus her knives, forks, swords, and halberds... When the time comes, it will be a grand and impressive procession.
Who could have imagined that the Prince of Jin would be hiding among them?
"After you return to Beijing, just leave her with my sister-in-law; she won't cause you any trouble."
The principal wife spoke up, and the mistress also pleaded; what could the Prince of Jin do?
Let's compromise.
But Yanran has to leave, and she needs to pack her things, which will take up another day.
This is good, as the two can talk together again, and the Prince of Prince of Jin's injuries will improve.
Although a consensus was reached, Tang Zhuyun was still extremely worried about Yanran's departure.
That evening, she said to Xiu'er, "Where's Yanran? Call her over for me; there are some things I need to tell her."
Xiu'er responded and went out.
Yanran was neither in her own courtyard, nor at Prince of Jin's place, nor even at Cui Xiaoqiu's.
Xiu'er searched everywhere but couldn't find it, and she started to panic.
How could someone possibly get lost in a prince's residence?
She sent her maids and servants to search everywhere, and finally they found out where Yanran had gone.
It turned out that Yanran had gone to find Xiao Pang.
"Thank you." She poured Xiao Pang a glass of wine she had brought, and then poured a little into her own glass. "I'll have some too."
She knew that her father had gone to see Xiao Pang.
Her father loved her like his own daughter, but he also respected Xiao Pang when it came to his own affairs.
Xiao Pang spoke up for her, which is why her father was finally able to relent.
Xiao Pang's hair was almost completely white. Since he was getting ready for bed, it was loose and hung down beside his ears, giving him a rather elegant look.
He was a handsome man, and at this moment he looked at Yanran with a smile, his eyes full of satisfaction.
Although Yanran didn't acknowledge him or call him "father," she wasn't as ruthless as she had been when she was angry.
She also has feelings for him.
For Xiao Pang, that was enough.
Yanran picked up her wine glass and took a sip, only to be so overwhelmed by the spiciness that she stuck out her tongue.
Xiao Pang pushed the warm water in front of her, Yanran drank it in big gulps.
Seeing the water dripping from the corner of her mouth before she could swallow, Xiao Pang handed her his handkerchief but did not reach out to wipe it for her.
He didn't want Yanran to feel that he was deliberately getting close to her.
There's plenty of time in the future; he still has the rest of his life to mend and repair the relationship.
Even if it can't be fixed, it's really not a big deal.
It's enough that Yanran is doing well.
"I have to leave tomorrow night. Take good care of yourself while you're at the manor," Yanran said.
She was tongue-tied and didn't know what to say.
"Actually, I don't hold any grudges against you anymore... I'm also quite... never mind, let's not talk about it, let's drink."
Yanran got herself drunk with half a glass of wine.
When Xiu'er arrived, she saw Cui Xiaoqiu standing under the eaves, listening intently to the sounds coming from inside the house.
This aloof beauty even ate melons in the exact same way she did.
Tsk tsk.
Upon seeing her, Cui Xiaoqiu showed no embarrassment, simply stepping aside.
Xiu'er understood immediately and pressed her ear against it as well.
Xiu'er suddenly realized that Cui Xiaoqiu.
I always thought he was short, but it seems like he's grown a lot overnight.
It must be that the Cui Family's food was too bland, while the Prince's mansion had plenty of oil and fat!
Yanran mumbled, "Anyway, we're buddies from now on."
Xiu'er: "..."
Treat your own father like a buddy.
"... If I've done anything wrong, don't be angry with me," Yanran said. "Let's make peace and be friends."
Xiu'er: My friend, this basket is really big; it can hold anything.
Mingzhu wants to be friends with Wu Zhenhai, but you want to be friends with your own father.
How come you guys are all so good at this?!
After saying that, Yanran slumped onto the table, unable to open her eyes.
Xiao Pang reached out his hand, paused several times, and finally gently brushed it across the top of her head.
He said, "Okay."
Mo'er, look how well our daughter has grown up.
Please bless her, may her wishes come true, and may she have a smooth and successful life.