Yanran's trip secured another million taels of silver for Biancheng.
She left gracefully Yanran task, concealing her merits and fame.
She wrote a letter to Tang Zhuyun, informing her of the news in advance, and then continued playing with Little Tangyuan.
I've done everything within my power, and I have a clear conscience.
Jiang Ruo brought 30,000 taels of silver, saying it was for Wen Heng, which made it impossible for anyone to refuse.
As for Qu Hua, her approach was even simpler and more direct.
She had all the boxes dug out of the lotus pond and then loaded onto carts to be sent directly to the border town.
By the time Yanran found out, the gifts had already been sent away.
Yanran was deeply shocked.
"Those boxes, who knows what treasures are inside? Isn't it inappropriate for you to do this?"
"There's nothing wrong with it," Qu Hua said nonchalantly. "Anyway, didn't my sister-in-law take the box to the border town? If she manages to crack it later, it'll be a real hassle if she can't find the rest right away. I might as well send it to them."
Isn't it a gift to do someone a favor?
Let's all deliver it together!
Poor Prince of Min, before he could even see the treasures in his own lotus pond, was given away by his two spendthrift brats.
Jiang Ruo and Qu Hua were both particularly interested in Yanran's trip to the palace.
They all pressed Yanran to tell them what she had said to the Emperor that allowed her to extract such a large sum of money.
Yanran feigned profundity, "It's really just about a poem."
What poem?
"You can recite poetry now?"
The three of them are clearly a trio of good-for-nothings.
He's useless at everything, but he can never get enough to eat; he's number one at eating, drinking, and having fun.
"Beans are boiled with beanstalks as fuel, the beans weep in the pot; we are born of the same root, why are you so eager to harm us?" Yanran said in a pretentious manner.
As for how she managed to get the Emperor to agree, that's a secret known only to Heaven, Earth, Nanny Rong; no one else would know.
The other two good-for-nothing playboys looked at each other, both feeling that something was wrong, but they couldn't quite put their finger on it.
That's it?
"That's it?" Yanran said, head held high. "Using minimal force to achieve maximum effect, you should focus on your studies in the future."
The other two rolled their eyes in unison.
Coming from Yanran's mouth, these words really didn't carry much weight.
Others were simply shocked that Yanran, at such a young age, was able to enter the palace to meet the emperor and do everything she could to "save her parents," but some insightful people vaguely guessed what was going on.
For example, Meng Yulan.
Meng Yulan privately told Yanran that she was not allowed to enter the palace alone again.
Yanran was startled, but she remained outwardly calm and said with a smile, "Aunt, what's wrong? I feel like I got some money from my trip to the palace this time, didn't I?"
She pretended to be stupid.
Meng Yulan held her hand and said, "Good child, there are some sordid things I shouldn't tell you. But you're getting older, and you should understand some things."
She mentioned that the emperor's affection for the woman extended to her, and that he might even be looking for a replacement.
"Yanran, don't disbelieve me, and don't be afraid. It's always good to be cautious. Your aunt is describing the worst-case scenario. You're a young lady now; whether it's the Emperor or anyone else in the future, you must be more vigilant, understand?"
Yanran was deeply moved.
Even if others guessed that, they wouldn't say it aloud.
Only true relatives like one's mother and aunt would explain things to one in detail.
"I understand, Aunt. I will not go to see the Emperor alone again, and it's best if I don't go to the palace anymore."
Meng Yulan nodded with satisfaction.
She felt that the Emperor's sudden act of mercy must have been triggered by the Yanran, who looked just like Xiao Wu, which was why he relented.
However, while she was relieved that Biancheng had received the money to tide her over, she had to be cautious and protect Yanran.
"I see you don't have much to do, so why don't I hire a nanny to teach you needlework?"
Yanran immediately jumped back as if she'd been electrocuted. "Auntie, please spare me!"
"I don't expect you to be a great student, but at least you should be able to hold a needle and thread," Meng Yulan said.
What she didn't say was that life is both very short and very long, and no one knows what circumstances they will find themselves in.
Having many skills is never a bad thing; they are essential for making a living. Even if you only dabble in some, it's good to have some knowledge so that you won't be caught off guard when you need them in the future.
Yanran respected Meng Yulan very much, so even though she was unwilling, she still agreed.
Then Yanran began to painstakingly learn needlework.
Meanwhile, in the Northern Yi, Ren Yingying finally learned of the earthquake in the border town.
She ran as fast as she could, panting, to find Qu Nian.
Qu Nian hasn't been in a good mood lately.
He suddenly learned that the Northern Yi had received word and were preparing for war.
If that were all, it wouldn't be a big deal, but Ye'er wrote that the Northern Yi army that was originally in the Xia Kingdom has now begun to retreat, probably intending to attack Qu Nian from both sides and catch him off guard.
The most awkward thing is that they are now surrounded by mountains, and snow-capped mountains at that. Even in summer, the mountaintops are still covered in snow, making it impossible to travel.
They couldn't go up the mountain; they were surrounded by enemies on both sides, and the situation was extremely worrying.
When Ren Yingying arrived, Qu Nian was discussing countermeasures with his men.
Upon hearing that Ren Yingying had arrived, Qu Nian left everyone behind and came out of the camp.
"Qu Nian," Ren Yingying said, her face flushed and covered in sweat, "I heard people saying that there was an earthquake in the border town."
"There's been an earthquake."
"What about Tangbao? What about Hua Cha and the others? Is everyone alright?"
Qu Nian originally wanted to keep her in suspense, but seeing the undisguised anxiety and concern in her watery eyes, he couldn't bear to.
"It's nothing," he said irritably, "Not a single one is missing."
Ren Yingying breathed a sigh of relief and patted her chest, saying, "I knew nothing would happen."
"You know that already, why are you asking!"
Ren Yingying snapped back to reality, put her hands on her hips, and snapped, "I'm just telling you because I was afraid you wouldn't know!"
This person is so unfair; they made her wait to hear about such a big thing from someone else.
Qu Nian: "... Go back first, I'll come find you tonight."
Ren Yingying immediately became alert. "What are you doing?"
"What do you think?" Qu Nian retorted.
Ren Yingying: "..."
This is definitely not a good thing.
Just as I was about to retort, I heard Qu Nian say, "Go back first. Things are really messed up here. I'll explain to you tonight."
"Okay, fine."
Ren Yingying waved her hand and left.
How could an earthquake happen out of nowhere?
Fortunately, everyone she cared about was alright, thank goodness.
In the evening, Ren Yingying brewed tea, rested her chin on her hand, and dozed off, waiting for Qu Nian to arrive.
She wanted to learn more about the border town.
Suddenly, Dog Meat stood up and barked at the door Ren Yingying knew then that the dog man had arrived.
Sure enough, the curtain was lifted, Qu Nian's tall figure appeared before them.
"Come over and have some tea." Ren Yingying beckoned to him, as if calling a dog.
Qu Nian felt a pang of sadness upon seeing her action, which triggered unpleasant memories.