CHAPTER 11
Seeing the brother’s unnatural expression, Song Yuanzhi thought of his identity as a secret guard, blinked, tilted her head, and asked, “Why? Is it inconvenient to tell others the name of your secret guard?”
The other party paused, then shook his head. “That’s not the case; you can just call me Ah… Ah-Zhi?”
“Ah-zhi?” Song Yuanzhi’s expression was subtle.
“Well, my name is a bit difficult to pronounce,” the young man said seriously. “I was born after the clouds disappeared and the rain stopped, so I was called Yu Zhi.”
“Then your parents named you quite casually.” Song Yuanzhi took over the conversation with a smile. “But this is also a coincidence; my name also has the word Zhi, and my friends used to call me Ah-Zhi as a joke. Don’t you think this is a coincidence?”
But that was all in the past life. Song Yuanzhi felt a little disappointed. She didn’t know how those silly sisters from the same dormitory were doing now or what the situation of her body was in the modern world.
She can only hope they won’t be too sad.
The young man seemed to notice that Song Yuanzhi was in a low mood. He pursed his lips, tilted his head slightly, and looked at Song Yuanzhi with his upturned phoenix eyes. He said in a gentle voice, “Yuan has Zhi, and Li has Lan. Your name has a very good meaning. You deserve the word noble and clean.”
Song Yuanzhi waved her hands frantically, with embarrassment written all over her body. “That was given by my mom… um, my mother. She didn’t expect to give birth to a noisy girl like me. This name doesn’t fit at all.”
Song Yuanzhi really looks like a slender, delicate, and classical beauty from her name to her appearance, but her personality is completely different from this. She is a warrior with extraordinary martial arts and physical strength. Just thinking about how many people’s faces were shattered when they saw her walking up to the fifth floor with a bucket in each hand. Song Yuanzhi had psychological trauma.
When she heard this big brother praise her name, Song Yuanzhi began to explain reflexively. After explaining, Song Yuanzhi was surprised again: “Didn’t you see with your own eyes how I dealt with Xuanyuan Yu?”
After witnessing such a brutal scene with his own eyes, he was still able to praise her as being gentle and noble. This brother is definitely not an ordinary person!
Song Yuanzhi’s eyes were instantly filled with admiration for this elder brother.
The other party was obviously choked for a moment and then said confidently, “Taking care of a scum in the capital, of course it is considered a noble character!”
There seemed to be nothing wrong with this statement. Song Yuanzhi couldn’t tell what was wrong for a moment. She looked at the boy in a daze, and a strange sense of pleasure arose in her heart. She nodded vigorously and said happily,”You really have good taste!”
After seeing her delicate and fragile white flower-like appearance and her inner beauty of fighting, he was still able to remain calm and praise her sincerely. This big brother is much better than those weaklings in the previous life who would always cause trouble in front of Song Yuanzhi!
Song Yuanzhi immediately felt that this big brother had a bright future and even wanted to give him a promotion and a raise. “You are doing someone else’s job; how will your salary be calculated? Next time I see Madam Qin, I will definitely praise you in front of her so that you can show off in front of her and get a good bonus.”
The boy was having a hard time holding back his laughter, and he bowed to Song Yuanzhi, “Thank you very much, young lady.”
On the other hand, although Song Lilan was coaxed away by Song Yuanzhi with a few words, she was unhappy when she thought about how Song Yuanzhi was able to enter the palace to see the Empress and received so many rewards when she came back. She ran to Liu to complain, “Now that bitch is so proud, as she has been in the limelight and received rewards from His Majesty and the Empress. A motherless bitch has let herself climb over my head.”
“Be careful with your words.” Madam Liu frowned. “Who said she has no mother? Could it be that I am not her mother?”
“Of course not!” Song Lilan hugged Madam Liu’s arm and acted coquettishly, “She didn’t crawl out of my mother’s belly. Mother is the mother of me and my brother. I don’t want to share such a good mother with her!”
Madam Liu couldn’t help laughing; she reached out and touched Song Lilan’s forehead, smiling, and said, “You… why bother to fight for this moment? Life is decades long; what does it matter if she is proud for a month or two? When you meet again in the future, you will be the center of attention, and she will be alone. The rest of her life is already determined; what is there to be angry about? Let her be proud for a while, and then she will marry into the Zhenbei Marquis’s Mansion obediently. By then, Ah-yuan can still borrow the power of the Zhenbei Marquis’s Mansion.”
Song Lilan pouted, unhappy, “Mom~ I am Ah-yuan’s biological sister; why do you still want Ah-yuan to borrow the power of Zhenbei Marquis Mansion? Isn’t Nan’an Marquis Mansion stronger than Zhenbei Marquis Mansion?”
Madam Liu smiled slightly and comforted Song Lilan softly. “Silly child, do you think it’s so easy to lend someone a hand? The Marquis’ Mansion has many rules. When you marry into the Nan’an Marquis’ Mansion in the future, just live your life well. I will naturally not bother you with some laborious and thankless tasks, lest you feel guilty and short of breath in front of your mother-in-law, and let your mother-in-law take advantage of the topic to harass you. She is different. She is also a Marquis’ wife. Can she be so cruel as to not help her family?”
As for whether Song Yuanzhi would incur the hatred of Madam Qin and thus make her life miserable in the Zhenbei Marquis Mansion, that was not within Madam Liu’s consideration. It can even be said that Madam Liu hoped that Song Yuanzhi would be unlucky. She didn’t want her to live a good life, and she didn’t want her to live better than Song Lilan. Being trampled under Song Lilan’s feet all her life and being able to sacrifice for the Song family would be perfect.
Madam Liu didn’t dare to express such sinister thoughts directly in front of her own daughter.
Song Yuanzhi didn’t know what Madam Liu was thinking and was quite happy that Madam Liu hadn’t bothered her in the past few days.
As for matters of waking up early in the morning and going to bed early at night, Song Yuanzhi didn’t like to do these things to save face, nor did she want to get on bad terms with Madam Liu, so she never greeted Madam Liu after coming here.
Roughly speaking, the two haven’t seen each other for half a month.
Madam Liu wanted to brainwash Song Yuanzhi before she got married, but she didn’t want to do anything too extreme. She was a little more generous with her food, clothing, and other expenses. She gave her bird’s nest, ginseng, and other tonics that had never been given to the original owner. The small kitchen sent Song Yuanzhi tonic soup in different ways every day.
The change in the servants’ attitudes was comparable to the face-changing in Sichuan Opera. They used to be sarcastic and roll their eyes at the original owner, but now they were attentive and polite, bowing and smiling when they saw Song Yuanzhi, which made Song Yuanzhi laugh at herself.
Song Lilan waited for Xuanyuan Yu’s invitation all day, and she felt a bit like “wasting away for him.” However, Xuanyuan Yu was a cold and domineering person. He corresponded with Song Lilan just to take revenge on Song Yuanzhi. In this situation, Xuanyuan Yu’s attitude towards Song Lilan was sometimes hot and sometimes cold. When he was happy, he would send her some gifts, and when he was unhappy, he would not give her any news. Song Yuanzhi watched coldly and felt that Xuanyuan Yu’s behavior was no different from teasing a dog.
Song Lilan enjoyed it, and after getting Xuanyuan Yu’s favor, she ran to show off to Song Yuanzhi, “Xuanyuan Shizi sent another pair of bracelets today. Look, these bracelets are emerald green, bright, and translucent. Even Market doesn’t have jade bracelets of such good quality. Really, I’ve told him several times not to bother buying these things, but he just wouldn’t listen!”
This low-level Versailles behavior had no effect on Song Yuanzhi at all. Song Yuanzhi even had the energy to give Song Lilan some advice: “Why don’t you also give a gift back to Xuanyuan Shizi?”
“Good idea!” Song Lilan’s eyes lit up immediately, but she was worried again. “What should I say? I don’t know how to embroider; I can’t even embroider a handkerchief properly.”
Song Yuanzhi looked at the pair of emerald green bracelets on Song Lilan’s wrists and sincerely suggested, “It would be nice to make him a hat. It would be best if you could sew the bracelets on the hat as well.”
It would be a shame not to make a hat with such a beautiful color.
Song Lilan felt that Song Yuanzhi was mocking her on purpose and immediately frowned. “What kind of crooked idea are you coming up with? You just can’t stand the fact that Xuanyuan Shizi is being nice to me, and I’m jealous!”
Song Yuanzhi’s mouth twitched, “No, I sincerely wish you a happy marriage.”
Song Lilan glanced at Song Yuanzhi suspiciously, and then she suddenly thought of something and became happy again. She raised her chin and snorted smugly, “It’s useless for you to be jealous. In this life, you are destined to be inferior to me!”
Song Yuanzhi shrugged, “As long as you are happy.”
Although Song Lilan felt that Song Yuanzhi’s temperament had changed a lot in recent days, she changed her mind and thought that Song Yuanzhi probably knew that she was doomed to be a widow, so she gave up on herself, so she didn’t take it to heart.
What Song Lilan is more concerned about is whether she can also make a name for herself.
This opportunity has come.
Xuanyuan Guifei sent someone to tell her that she wanted to meet Song Lilan.
Madam Liu and Song Lilan were immediately overjoyed. Song Yuanzhi raised her eyebrows and showed an expression of watching a good show. She was looking forward to the showdown between the arrogant and domineering concubine and the reckless and spoiled princess.
Madam Liu was happy, but she felt that Song Yuanzhi was an eyesore, so she sent Song Yuanzhi out for a walk.
Is Song Yuanzhi the kind of person who is honest and obedient? She is not.
Although Song Yuanzhi really wanted to go out for some fresh air, she immediately blushed when she saw Madam Liu’s expression of wanting to send her away. “Thank you for your concern, mother. The things in the market are too precious. I wanted to pick a few for you, but unfortunately…”
Madam Liu’s heart sank, and Song Yan said impatiently, “Why are you so stingy? Don’t you just want to buy some jewelry? If the monthly allowance is not enough, give her some more banknotes.”
Thinking that Song Yuanzhi was also a person who had received rewards from the emperor and empress, Song Yan softened his tone again, “Zhi’er is grown up now, and we need to buy her all the necessary things, so as not to make people laugh at her.”
Madam Liu was about to spit out blood. It was easy for her to say that. The things in Market cost hundreds or even thousands of taels of silver. This bitch just opened her mouth and asked to buy a few things. That would cost several thousand taels of silver. How could she not feel heartbroken?
Song Yuanzhi immediately looked at Song Yan with starry eyes and thanked him sincerely, “Thank you for your consideration, Father.”
It would be so cool to be able to get thousands of taels of silver just by asking for it and make Madam Liu feel the pain.
Madam Liu’s reaction was not slow either. She sighed and gently stroked her eyes with a handkerchief. Tears came as soon as she said it, and she blamed herself, “It’s all my fault. I thought I had bought you a lot of jewelry and clothes, but I forgot that you girls love new things, so it’s normal for you to want to buy more headwear.”
Song Yan nodded repeatedly after hearing this: “That’s right, Lan’er also clamors to make new clothes every day; Zhi’er is only one year older than Lan’er; girls should all have the same thoughts.”
After saying this, Song Yan still thought he understood his two daughters’ thoughts very well and gave Song Yuanzhi a confident smile that said, “I understand very well.”.
Madam Liu was almost choked to death by Song Yan’s words. She wanted to shake his shoulders and yell, “I said these words to highlight this bitch’s greed and ignorance. How did you interpret it as it’s normal for a girl to buy more headwear?”
Madam Liu was very tired because she had a husband who couldn’t understand the voiceover.
Song Yuanzhi, who understood the hidden meaning of her words almost burst out laughing. She had a very hard time holding back her laughter and could not show it. She could only pretend that she did not understand and stretched out her hand very readily, waiting for Madam Liu to take out the banknote.
Madam Liu: ………
It is indeed a bastard born to a bastard!!!
Song Yuanzhi didn’t care how ugly Madam Liu’s face was; she just wanted to make her bleed more.
Madam Liu’s loss of composure only lasted for a moment, and she quickly adjusted her expression and said with a smile, “I was inconsiderate. Take the five hundred taels of silver and go have fun first.”
Song Yuanzhi also wiped her tears with a handkerchief, deeply moved. “Thank you for your consideration, mother. I have a set of gold and jade headgear with blessing patterns that would suit you just fine. I’ll go buy it for you right away.”
Song Yan added, “Your mother has so many headgears; what should you buy for her? Buy a few more for yourself. If you don’t have enough money, tell me.”
Song Yuanzhi couldn’t help but be curious. Song Yan’s official position was not high. According to his salary, he could not afford the family’s current food and clothing expenses. Five hundred taels could buy a small house in a remote area in the capital. Song Yan did not take the five hundred taels seriously at all, which showed that he still had quite a fortune.
It’s a pity that the original owner had a very vague impression of Song Yan in her memory, and she had only met him a few times in total. The original owner was also raised by Madam Liu to be timid and cowardly, and she took the word “forbearance” to the extreme. She had no idea what industries the Song family had.
However, Song Yuanzhi was also puzzled. Considering the close interactions among relatives these days, it was also strange that the original owner had no memory of her maternal grandparents at all.
These thoughts only flashed through her mind as Song Yuanzhi, holding the banknotes and bringing Hongshao with her, happily came to Qingfu Street, the most elegant and expensive street in Beijing.
Unlike other places with bustling noises, Qingfu Street is peaceful and tranquil, with the lingering aroma of tea and sandalwood. Even the shop assistants are elegant in their every move.
Song Yuanzhi didn’t really want to buy jewelry. She wasn’t very interested in those things. In her eyes, jewelry was just some practical and handy weapons that could save her life at a critical moment. She came out to shop, more to see the prosperity of the capital with her own eyes. If you don’t experience the customs and culture of this era after traveling through a novel, you will always feel that you have missed out.
Hongshao followed behind Song Yuanzhi and reminded her in a low voice, “Miss, the embroidery of clothes and handkerchiefs in Tiangongfang is unique in the Rong Dynasty. It is said that the most skilled embroiderers from all over the country are gathered here, and their craftsmanship is so exquisite that it is called Tiangongfang. It is very famous in the Rong Dynasty, and all girls are proud to wear wedding dresses embroidered by embroiderers in Tiangongfang when they get married.”
Song Yuanzhi raised her eyebrows. “Aren’t wedding dresses embroidered by the bride herself?”
“I embroidered part of it myself and asked an embroiderer to embroider the rest. Most people can’t hire an embroiderer from Tiangongfang!” Hongshao explained in a low voice, “Young Miss’s wedding is coming soon, and the master and the mistress won’t worry about your affairs. Young Miss should think more about herself. I heard that the mistress has already ordered a wedding dress for the second young lady from Tiangongfang.”
It turned out that she wanted to inquire about her love rival’s situation. Song Yuanzhi understood and gladly accepted Hongshao’s suggestion, “Then let’s go inside and take a look.”
Hongshao’s eyes lit up, and she followed Song Yuanzhi into Tiangong Workshop.
She has to say that Tiangongfang’s reputation is not just exaggerated.
When Song Yuanzhi entered the room, she couldn’t take her eyes off the handkerchiefs and round fans placed inside. The flowers, fish, and birds on top seemed to come alive, so lively that one could hear the sound of birds and springs and smell the faint fragrance of flowers.
Such exquisite embroidery is truly worthy of the word “exquisite workmanship.”.
Seeing that Song Yuanzhi had an extraordinary demeanor and dressed in a low-key yet luxurious manner, the waiter immediately stepped forward to introduce Song Yuanzhi. “Miss, there are more exquisite clothes and handkerchiefs on the second floor. Why don’t you go there and take a look?”
Song Yuanzhi nodded calmly and pretended to ask the clerk casually, “My mother ordered a wedding dress from you. I wonder how the embroidery is going now.”
It turned out to be a regular customer. The clerk’s attitude became more attentive. She bent over and took Song Yuanzhi to the second floor and asked Song Yuanzhi respectfully, “Excuse me, which family are you from? Did you bring the order for your wedding dress?”
The management is quite strict. Song Yuanzhi raised her eyebrows, shook her head slowly, and said calmly, “The residence of Mr. Song of the Ministry of Revenue. My mother said she wanted to give me a surprise and kept it a secret from me. After I heard the news, I have been thinking about it. The embroidery work of your Tiangongfang is well-known, and I also want to come here early to look with my own eyes.”
A hint of satisfaction flashed across the clerk’s face, and she bowed again, “Please wait a moment, my lady. I will go and ask for you right away.”
Song Yuanzhi nodded lightly and continued to look at the clothes on the second floor. To be honest, every piece of clothing here makes people want to buy it home and appreciate it carefully. No wonder so many people are flocking to Tiangongfang’s clothes.
Song Yuanzhi’s eyes were attracted by a handkerchief. The handkerchief was made of plain silk with a slight luster. It was embroidered with a few lively bamboo leaves. It looked messy but actually orderly. Upon closer inspection, it vaguely resembled the word “Zhi.”.
Song Yuanzhi liked it the moment she saw it. Just as she was about to call the clerk over, she heard a sudden noise from the inner room, and then someone screamed, “Murder!”
The store was immediately thrown into chaos, and everyone ran out screaming. Song Yuanzhi frowned, and out of curiosity she wanted to go in to see what was going on, but she only saw a flaming red wedding dress flash by in the inner room. The clerk who had just served her looked like she wanted to cry but had no tears. “This is the customer’s wedding dress, and it’s only half embroidered!”
Song Yuanzhi was about to speak when a sword suddenly stabbed out from the side, facing her face. Song Yuanzhi reacted quickly, turned her head, and kicked sideways, accurately kicking the opponent’s wrist. Before she could continue fighting, she saw the opponent’s chest suddenly pierced by a long sword, and he slowly fell down, revealing the familiar face behind him.
Song Yuanzhi opened her eyes slightly, and before she could say hello, the other party pulled her sleeve into the inner room, climbed through the window into the next room, and quickly mixed into the panicked crowd and ran out together.
It was not until they entered the elegant room of the teahouse at the end of Qingfu Street that Song Yuanzhi breathed a sigh of relief. She looked curiously at the big brother she had met several times. Just when she was about to ask him what happened, the door of the elegant room was pushed open. Song Yuanzhi subconsciously turned her head and saw Prince Ning hurry in with a hint of worry between his brows. When he saw the rain stop, his expression relaxed and he was overjoyed. “Ah…”
A panic flashed across the young man’s face, but he reacted quickly and saluted with his fists clasped together, “Azhi greets His Majesty!”
T/N :- Hello dear readers, I hope you are enjoying the story so far. Let me know if you like this story.
I will updating on a fixed schedule i.e 6 chapters a week ( mon , wed, fri = 2 chaps each day).
Please look forward to it and don’t forget to comment, as it lets me know what the readers are thinking and also encourages me.
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