Allure of a Country Maiden
Chapter 991 - 989_1

Chapter 991: Chapter 989_1

The day of Jingrui’s wedding was fast approaching, and Xiao’er found herself frequenting the Marquis Shengping Mansion.

From the elaborate decoration of the whole mansion to the design on the wedding candies, Xiao’er, Mrs. Liu, and the cluster of maids meticulously ensured perfection, clearly demonstrating the amount of thought and effort invested.

Mrs. Liu and the maids spent an entire day and night packaging candy wrappers and red packets.

Xiao’er had been running tirelessly between the restaurant, Marquis Shengping Mansion, and Prince Rui’s Mansion every day.

Every evening when she returned home, the soles of her feet were sore. Shangguan Xuanyi massaged her feet for thirty minutes every night, which brought her some relief.

With three days left until Jingrui’s wedding, Xiao’er, having received an invitation from Shangguan Wanru, didn’t visit the Marquis Shengping Mansion that day but met Wanru at the Four Seasons Restaurant instead.

Xiao’er arrived early and decided to handle a few matters at the restaurant.

When Shangguan Wanru arrived, Xiao’er was discussing with the restaurant manager the responsibilities of each staff member on the wedding day. She kept a keen eye out for any oversights.

Upon Yang Mei’s announcement, Xiao’er headed to the private room where they had agreed to meet.

When Xiao’er walked in, Shangguan Wanru was already preparing tea.

After exchanging greetings, Xiao’er commented on Wanru’s improved appearance, "Princess, your aura has considerably improved."

Wanru replied, "I’ve caused you to worry. I’ve come to terms now. I’ve asked you here today to learn to play the flute from you. I noticed that Zhuan’er enjoys flute music, and I don’t want to hire other teachers, so I plan to come over and learn from you whenever I’m free."

Learning the flute? No problem. But don’t mind if I’m not good at it. My piano skills are far better." Even though Xiao’er could play the flute, she wasn’t very skilled at it. To her knowledge, Fu Ranhui and Fifth Princess were comparatively better. However, she was glad that Wanru wanted to learn the flute - it would keep her engaged and distract her from past worries - so she readily agreed.

Since she was planning to stay in the Imperial Capital for the time being, she could utilize her free time to teach Wanru the flute.

Don’t worry about it. I’ll start with the basics. Who knows how long I’ll persist? You know very well that I’m not really interested in these musical instruments." Indeed, Wanru didn’t enjoy playing instruments, especially those that required blowing.

But she wanted to understand the tune when others played the flute. She had already memorized the booklet over the past few days.

"Great, I’ll be busy with my older brother’s wedding for the next few days. Once that’s over, I’ll come over whenever I’m free," Xiao’er agreed readily. She understood that Wanru didn’t really enjoy playing the flute but the great love of a mother could motivate her to do anything for her child, even if it was learning to play the flute.

"In that case, I’ll come by your house to learn, it’s not fair to have the teacher come to the student!" Wanru joked.

Xiao’er noticed the change in her tone and was delighted.

She jokingly replied, "You’re just looking for a chance to freeload at Prince An’s Mansion! You’re getting an awesome deal! You’re going to make me poor with all the teas and snacks. Don’t forget to bring a gift when you come. Otherwise, I won’t take you on as my student!"

"I’d better eat more then. Remember to serve me well!" Wanru joked.

"The student’s demands are getting more than the teacher’s! Have I courted trouble?" Xiao’er complained jokingly.

"You’re only realizing now? It’s too late. I’ve glued myself to you," Wanru laughed in amusement. She then handed Xiao’er a cup of tea she had prepared, "This is the tea ceremony for accepting a disciple. Once you drink it, you can’t backtrack on your decision."

After chatting for a while, Wanru took her leave. She hadn’t brought Zhuan’er along as she was worried he would cry if she was gone for too long.

Xiao’er also had matters to attend to. After parting ways with Wanru, she left for the Marquis Shengping Mansion. Brother Ri should have arrived by now.

Indeed, even before she reached the mansion, Xiao’er heard chattering noise from the big street. From inside the carriage, she curiously lifted the curtain to look outside. She saw Brother Ri riding a large white horse, very much resembling the princes from legends. A long line of carriages was following him, perhaps signaling that he had brought lots of goods. This sight had attracted the crowd’s attention and discussion.

Even though this was the Imperial City and such caravans were common, especially when wealthy families had weddings, passersby still liked to join the spectacle and chat about it enthusiastically.

Whenever Brother Ri came, he would bring goods in several carriages as betrothal gifts. This time he had clearly brought more carriages than the previous time. Xiao’er thought: It was a relief that their wedding was in half a year. If it were delayed by a few more years, Brother Ri would have to give how many betrothal gifts to finally bring his wife home.

Brother Ri also spotted Xiao’er’s carriage. Their eyes met mid-air. As Xiao’er waved to him, Brother Ri hurriedly rode over, saluted, and happily said, "Xiao’er."

Xiao’er nodded smilingly, "Let’s go home first. Coincidentally, I am also heading home."

"Alright!" Upon seeing familiar family, Brother Ri’s face lit up with a cheerful smile.

The guards that had accompanied him were taken aback. Since when did their prince ever smile so brilliantly? He usually maintained a stern face.

"Xiao’er, are Dad and Mom well? How about Yun’er, Xi’er, Jingrui, and the other brothers?"

"Rest assured, everyone is fine," Xiao’er replied.

That started a series of questions and answers:

"Yun’er mentioned in her letter that she has put some weight on recently. Is that true?"

"Hmm, her face is a bit puffier than before. She’ll lose weight again once summer arrives. It happens every year."

"Yun’er said she has grown taller. Is that true?"

"Yes, isn’t it normal for her age?"

"Does Yun’er eat properly? Does she stay up late drawing?"

"Some time ago, Yun’er said..."

....

All throughout, Brother Ri was bombarding her with questions about Yun’er’s well-being. Eventually, Xiao’er couldn’t bear it anymore and mocked, "We are only a short distance away from home. Brother Ri, remember to bring a ruler and scales. Measure and weigh to confirm exactly how much taller Yun’er has become and how much weight she has gained!"

Having been called out, Brother Ri bashfully closed his mouth. Yet, he couldn’t suppress his smile. Around his siblings, Xiao’er, Yun’er, and Jingrui, he felt genuinely relaxed and happy, free from manipulation worries.