Miss Truth
Chapter 111 - 69: Purifying Oneself through Buddhist Rituals_2

Chapter 111: Chapter 69: Purifying Oneself through Buddhist Rituals_2

"Wife..." Xiaoman was somewhat uneasy. Just now, when she went out to serve tea, Wan Lu stopped her, saying there was no need to bring the tea.

"Wan Lu told you not to serve it?" Even though Ran Yan was asking a question, her tone seemed to have already confirmed the answer, and without waiting for Xiaoman’s response, she said, "Later, go and speak with her. I only said there’s no need to bother with Ran Shiba’s mother, how could she neglect the fourteenth and fifteenth sisters as well?"

Xiaoman was sharp-witted; hearing Ran Yan speak this way, she realized that it was a deliberate squeeze on Ran Shiba’s mother. She dared not truly rebuke Wan Lu but meekly lowered her gaze and cautiously said, "Yes."

Ran Qian instantly felt that Ran Yan held considerable disdain for Ran Meiyu, believing the cold reception was due to accompanying Ran Meiyu here.

"The maid doesn’t understand propriety. Fourteenth sister and fifteenth sister, I ask for your forgiveness." Ran Yan signaled Xiaoman, "Don’t just stand there, go."

Ran Meiyu’s beautiful face turned ashen with anger, and she stood up abruptly, saying harshly, "Don’t be so pleased with yourself! Doing such filthy and lowly deeds, I’m not keen on your tea anyway! Since father has already decided to send you to Yingmei Temple to pray and purify yourself, I can’t be bothered to argue with you! Fourteenth sister, let’s go!"

Ran Yan looked at Ran Meiyu with an almost mocking smile. She was accustomed to giving orders haughtily. On a normal day, Ran Qian would not have thought much of it, but after a few words from Ran Yan, she felt aggrieved. Although she knew full well that Ran Yan was not acting with good intentions, at least superficially, things were tolerable. She said, "You go ahead; I have a few words to say to seventeenth sister."

Ran Meiyu was stunned, noticing Ran Qian’s proud stance and firm expression, she stomped her foot in annoyance and swept away.

Ran Meixi always followed Ran Qian closely, so naturally, she did not leave with the others. The three who had come together to cause trouble quickly fell apart, and it was unlikely they would ever return to how things were before, especially since Ran Meiyu would not make herself less attractive for the sake of Ran Qian, nor could Ran Qian outshine Ran Meiyu no matter how much she dolled herself up.

Ran Yan watched as Ran Meiyu disappeared into the courtyard in a streak of red, knowing that now was a good time to cozy up to Ran Qian and Ran Meixi. Although she was not good at initiating conversation, at such a crucial moment, she still knew how to respond. She said, "I’m sure both of you sisters know how Gao’s wife and Ran Meiyu have treated me. I apologize for their slights toward you."

Ran Qian’s mind moved faster than Ran Meiyu’s, and she understood that these were merely Ran Yan’s efforts to curry favor, but it gave her an opportunity to gracefully step back, so she did not act too coldly, and softly said with a slight smile, "It’s okay, we all know what eighteenth sister is like—somewhat spoiled."

"Going up the mountain to pray should happen in these next few days. It’s been two years since I’ve seen both of you sisters, and after this meeting, it will be a long time again. Who knows, by the time I come down from the mountain, both of you might already be married. I have prepared some humble gifts, and I hope that you won’t disdain them." Ran Yan said as she stood up with the help of Xiaoman’s arm, made a small bow to both, and went to her bedroom.

Ran Yunsheng had bought her many ornamental yet valuable items that day, which seemed rather wasteful to gift to people who weren’t so important. However, losing one enemy could open another path; when it was time to part with wealth, one must be willing.

But she couldn’t give away items that were too valuable, as it might make them envious to know Ran Yunsheng was willing to spend so much on her.

Ran Yan selected two pieces of exquisite jewelry of medium-high quality and added two bolts of fabric before returning to the main hall.

"I’ve always been on the estate and only have these items I can present. I hope my sisters won’t mind." Ran Yan instructed Xiaoman to divide the items into two shares and then placed them in front of the two women.

Ran Qian glanced briefly at the items before her, which included a long brocade box and two bolts of fine peony-patterned brocade. The brocade box before Ran Meixi was slightly smaller and was accompanied by two bolts of gauze.

These items were not uncommon in the household, but they were not something one could have just by wanting them, so Ran Qian felt a bit more comfortable and spoke softer, "I really like this bright red peony pattern."

"Fourteenth sister, I’m glad you like it," Ran Yan replied with a light smile.

Ran Meixi swiftly looked up and gave Ran Yan a slight bow, lightly saying, "Thank you, seventeenth sister."

After a brief exchange of pleasantries, the fourteenth and fifteenth sisters took their gifts and left. After waiting for a while, Ran Yan, too, set off for the city with Wan Lu.

Wan Lu hadn’t fully recovered from her injuries, but the rumors about Ran Yan conducting autopsies had stirred up a storm in the city, undoubtedly spread by someone with an ulterior motive. Whether Shao Ming was involved was still uncertain, so for lack of a better option, Wan Lu had to bear the hardship.

Ran Yan had thought long and hard about who else could have a motive to spread rumors, but if Shao Ming was with Gao’s wife, then him telling her this news could very likely have led to the current situation.

"Wan Lu, how did it go with the matter you were investigating?" Ran Yan frowned; while she didn’t care about the autopsy exposure, she would never forgive a traitor.

Wan Lu replied, "I’ve looked into it. Ever since Shao Ming came back that time, he’s been staying on the estate. He’s said to have been sick for six or seven days, constantly vomiting unable to eat, and has lost a lot of weight. He’s been so shaky walking that he hasn’t gone to work for many days, so the chances he sent out messages are slim."

Ran Yan pulled at the corner of her mouth—most people have that reaction the first time they witness a dissection, but it gets better with time. She propped her head up with one hand, her fingertips gently tapping at her temple, then suddenly sat up straight—could it be Xiao Song?

After thinking for a moment, Ran Yan relaxed; although she and Song didn’t always see eye to eye, he didn’t seem to have a reason to act this way towards her. Or perhaps...

The carriage entered the city and made its way toward Cai Xiu Hall near East Market. As they passed Government Office, the pace of the carriage slowed down; the outside noise was deafening, and the intersection was blocked. After just a few steps, the carriage was trapped, unable to move.

Wan Lu lifted a corner of the carriage curtain to peek outside, but she couldn’t discern anything and said, "Wife, I will get out and have a look." (To be continued... If you like this work, we welcome you to come to Qidian (qidian.com) to cast your monthly ticket and recommendation ticket. Your support is my biggest motivation.)