Chapter 41: The Tiger Falls from Power (Third Watch)

 

 Chapter 41: The Tiger Falls from Power (Third Watch)

"You're copying Buddhist scriptures for Grandmother?" Yao Xia whispered with a grin, "Why didn't you invite me? Grandmother might get upset with me…"

Yao Ran faintly curled her lips. "How could Grandmother bear to be upset with you? You're her favorite."

 

"No way, Grandmother always says I'm like a mischievous monkey and nowhere near as cultured and graceful as you, constantly reminding me to learn from you."

Yao Xia smiled awkwardly, then excitedly introduced, "Oh right, cousin, this is the young lady from General Chang's household. I met her today, and we hit it off instantly!"

 

The young girl standing nearby almost rolled her eyes.

The last time Yao Xia said something like this was... the last time.

Yao Xia always felt an instant connection with any beautiful woman she met, claiming they were lifelong friends.

Anyone who believed her nonsense was bound to lose.

Like this Miss Wei from the Marquis of Zheng’s family...

Not far away, Wei Miaoqing, who had been Yao Xia’s close companion just days ago, was now fuming as she watched Yao Xia cling to Chang Suining like she was her new best friend.

But Chang Suining's attention was subtly focused on Yao Ran.

Ever since Yao Xia introduced her and revealed that she was from the Chang family, Yao Ran had seemed off.

However, it lasted only a moment before she hid her reaction.

"So, you're from General Chang's household," Yao Ran smiled. "I’ve heard much about you. Now that we’ve met, I see the rumors were true."

Chang Suining returned the smile slightly. "I've also heard of Miss Yao's reputation. Your father, Yao the Judicial Officer, is a scholar, and your maternal family is the Pei clan of Hedong. With such a distinguished background, it’s no wonder you exude such elegance."

Yao Ran subtly tightened her grip on the silk handkerchief in her hand.

Admiration?  

Was Chang Suining truly admiring her?

Suppressing her feelings, Yao Ran responded, "You're too kind, Miss Chang."

At that moment, Yao Xia exclaimed, " Marquise Zheng and my aunt are coming over!"

Her aunt—  

That was Pei Min’s eldest daughter.

Chang Suining glanced at the approaching noblewomen, each dressed in fine clothing and exuding elegance.

Yao Ran also looked briefly, then quickly turned to Yao Xia. "I’ve heard the west garden is full of blooming peonies. Why don’t you take Miss Chang to see them?"

"Good idea!" Yao Xia grinned. "It’s her first time here, so I’ll gladly show her around."

She then turned to Yao Ran. "Cousin, won’t you join us?"

"I..." Yao Ran was about to respond when a woman's voice called out.

"Ran'er, come here."

A woman standing beside the Marquise Zheng gestured to her.

"My mother is calling me. I’ll join you later in the peony garden," Yao Ran said hurriedly before leaving.

Sending her off again and again to the peony garden—  

Was she trying to get rid of her?

Chang Suining watched Yao Ran’s retreating figure, her eyes filled with thought.

"Young lady, aren’t you going to greet the Madam?" Yao Xia's servant asked quietly.

If she didn’t, the Madam might think she lacked respect.

"It’s fine. Aunt only called my cousin. If I go without being called, she might think I’m trying to outshine her in front of Marquise Zheng," Yao Xia whispered, sticking out her tongue. "Besides, Aunt never liked me. I’d rather not annoy her."

Her aunt, being the eldest daughter of the Pei family, had always looked down on Yao Xia and her mother.

Hearing bits of the conversation, Chang Suining glanced at the woman from the Pei family.

Yao Xia was about to suggest they head to the peony garden when a voice called out, "Yao Xia, come here."

Yao Xia turned to see Wei Miaoqing standing not far away, looking visibly annoyed.

Yao Xia quickly let go of Chang Suining’s arm. "Miss Chang, I’ll be back shortly. We can go admire the peonies later."

Watching her trying to please both sides, Chang Suining smiled faintly.

"What, did you not see me standing here?" Wei Miaoqing’s tone was displeased as she eyed the sachet in Yao Xia’s hand.

Yao Xia quickly hid the sachet and, with a round, smiling face, said, "I saw you were busy, so I didn’t want to disturb you. You look even more beautiful today, Sister Wei!"

"I don’t believe you for a second..."

Meanwhile, Yao Ran was greeting Marquise Zheng under her mother Pei’s watchful eye.

Duan Shi smiled and praised, "Pei Shi, you’ve raised such a fine young lady. She’s truly different from ordinary girls, so poised and graceful."

Pei Shi smiled faintly. "When it comes to raising children, Marquise Zheng is the true role model. Your son, Tenth Young Master Wei, is already a pillar of the court at such a young age."

Duan shi sighed. "I have no talent in raising him. He’s always lecturing me, which gives me quite the headache."

The other noblewomen nearby laughed at her words.

Pei Shi listened, though inwardly she felt a faint sense of disdain.

No decorum at all.

If not for the fact that Tenth Young Master Wei was indeed young and promising, and would be a good match for her daughter, Pei Shi wouldn’t have even looked at Duan shi.

As they talked, the group of women strolled leisurely forward.

Yao Ran, walking beside her mother, quickly glanced at Chang Suining, who was still standing in the same spot, and frowned.

At that moment, Duan shi, as if just noticing her, raised her voice slightly and said with a smile, "Oh, is that the young lady from the Chang family?"

Hearing this, Chang Suining quickly composed her expression before turning around.

She had deliberately stayed behind, hoping to be noticed, though she hadn’t expected it to be by Duan Zhenyi.

There was no escaping it now.

Chang Suining had no choice but to step forward and bow in greeting.

Seeing her with her head lowered, Duan shi laughed. "Raise your head, let me have a look at you."

Chang Suining: "..."

Duan Zhenyi was quite bold…

Though the situation felt somewhat inappropriate, it carried a distinct sense of a "tiger falling from power," and Chang Suining could only smile obediently as she raised her head.

It was at this moment that she truly saw Duan Zhenyi up close for the first time.

Of course, it was inevitable.

Duan shi had been only three years her senior, yet now she looked as if she had aged many more years.

Chang Suining had died at the age of twenty-three, having lived only twenty-three years. She had never experienced the passage of time. Now, seeing this once familiar person no longer in her youth, her emotions were complex.

For a moment, she couldn’t tell who had truly lost those stolen years—her or the person before her.

"You truly are a delicate little flower!" Duan shi exclaimed in admiration.

With that compliment, Chang Suining keenly felt a cold and unfriendly gaze fall upon her.

Hidden among the many glances, it was icy and full of scrutiny.

(End of Chapter)

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