Miss Truth
Chapter 356 - 224 Suddenly feeling the sentiment of longing_2

Chapter 356: Chapter 224 Suddenly feeling the sentiment of longing_2

"Miss Wan Lu truly captivates the attention!" Wan Lu sighed.

Ran Yun settled down on the mat contentedly and said, "Sister Seventeen, our mother has prepared a gift for the Lady of the Zheng family on your behalf. I have seen it, it’s the ’Timely Clearing After Snowfall’ piece. Although it’s a copy by Feng Chengsu, it’s nonetheless a priceless treasure. The old lady has a taste for elegance and greatly adores Wang Xizhi’s script. This piece will certainly please her."

Wang Xizhi’s appellation was Right Army, and Li Shimin held him in high esteem, often secretly ordering his men to search for Wang’s original scripts and frequently practicing his calligraphy. Influenced by him, Wang Xizhi was greatly loved by the people of Tang. His most famous works include ’Preface to the Orchid Pavilion Collection’, ’Discourse on Lian Yi’, and ’Timely Clearing After Snowfall’ among others. Since his rise to fame, many copies of his work had been produced, among which Feng Chengsu’s ’Orchid Pavilion Divine Dragon Version’ was the finest, capturing the brushwork, ink vitality, style, and essence beautifully.

As for his copy of the ’Timely Clearing After Snowfall’, it must also be quite decent, since Feng was a master himself.

"Such a valuable gift..." Ran Yan had only started speaking when Ran Yun interrupted her.

Waving her hand, she said, "Sister Seventeen, don’t worry about it. It’s best for you to present this gift. My father and mother are helping you establish kinship, which will enhance your status in the capital. Naturally, our family will also benefit. It’s a win-win situation."

Ran Yun spoke bluntly, yet it felt refreshingly straightforward, exactly what Ran Yan had hoped for. "What do you plan to give?"

"I will give a jade-carved longevity peach. I am young, have no money, and ostentation should be left to my father," declared Ran Yun matter-of-factly.

Ran Yan was dumbfounded but amused, her nature truly unchangeable. However, she did have a proper sense of propriety. Usually, young maidens vied to offer ingenious and thoughtful gifts, whereas the actual value was secondary. Meanwhile, Ran Yan was representing her mother and had another purpose in giving the gift.

Ran Yun had lunch at Ran Yan’s place before leaving. Around noon, Liu Qingsong sent someone to inform her that a patient with pneumatosis had been found in Yongchong Square and requested her consultation.

Yongchong Square was close to Anshan Square, and the round trip took no more than the time it takes to drink two cups of tea. Ran Yan was conveniently looking for Liu Qingsong to help with her stitches, so she left the house.

The scent of winter plums filled the air, the garden’s snow had completely melted away, leaving only the occasional icicle on the low eaves. Bathed in the noon sun, droplets at the tips of the icicles melted, reflecting the sunlight and casting brilliant, sparkling light.

Ran Meiyu stood on the small pavilion in the West Garden, watching as Ran Yan mounted the carriage from the Inner Gate. Her clenched fists dug nails into her flesh, the pain slightly sobering.

These days, although Xiao Song had not visited in person, he had sent people daily to deliver medicine, delicate food, and interesting trinkets to Ran Yan. Every few days, he even had the Medical Director Zhou come personally to treat her. Xiao Song’s intimidating and superior demeanor belied a meticulous and considerate husband. Ran Meiyu wished she were the one injured. Why did Ran Yan, looking so frail and miserable, receive special treatment from Xiao Song!

Secretly planning, Ran Meiyu decided to divert Xiao Song’s attention to herself during the birthday banquet tomorrow... otherwise, this trip to Chang’an might be in vain.

Ran Meiyu knew that unless Xiao Song wished it, it was not easy for anyone to meet him. This was a rare opportunity!

As dusk fell, Ran Yan also returned to the mansion. The stitches on her neck had been removed, yet she still dared not make any abrupt movements. At her embroidery frame, she cut off the handkerchief she had finished.

Looking at the red plum blossoms embroidered on it, she gave a wry smile.

"Lady, Assistant Minister Xiao has arrived," Wan Lu announced from outside.

Ran Yan paused, "It’s already getting dark, why has he come?"

Wan Lu stepped in from the adjoining room, "I don’t know, but I hear Lord Xiao is in the main hall, chatting with our Lord and Shilang. The lord asks you to come to thank the Assistant Minister for his care these past days."

"Alright," said Ran Yan, who had not yet freshened up and promptly went out.

An attendant came forward to receive her, and with only Wan Lu accompanying her, Ran Yan proceeded to the front hall.

The hall was brightly lit. Even before entering, she could hear Xiao Song’s distinctive voice, his laughter hearty and joyous.

Ran Yan paused at the door, waiting for the maid to announce her arrival, then she entered.

Upon entering, Ran Yan immediately felt an intense gaze on her and couldn’t help but look up to meet Xiao Song’s soft smile. She casually averted her gaze, approached Ran Pingyu to pay respects, then turned to greet Xiao Song, "I have seen Lord Xiao."

"Lady Seventeen, no need for such formality," Xiao Song wanted to maintain his composure, but as if enchanted, his gaze unconsciously drifted to Ran Yan. He had been busy with official duties these days, and whenever he had a moment of rest, the thought of Ran Yan’s injury did not overly concern him. But seeing her now, he suddenly realized he had fallen deeply in love.

Ran Pingyu had already been informed by his wife about the divination. Since initially it was the Taoist priest from Chuanyun who said that Xiao Song would outlive his wife, and now the same Taoist priest had declared that Xiao Song and Lady Yan were a perfect match, there must be no mistake. In his speech, he already hinted at Xiao Song proposing marriage, and naturally, he did not skimp on giving them a moment alone.

Ran Pingyu felt that, first, Xiao Song was fond of Lady Yan; second, as Xiao Song was aging, the Xiao family was gradually growing anxious. Rumors had it that recently the Lady of the Xiao family began accepting marriage proposals from smaller clans, seemingly looking for a match suitable for Xiao Song. With Ran Yan’s appearance and background, there should be no issues.

After Ran Pingyu and Ran Yunsheng withdrew to the next room, Xiao Song moved close to Ran Yan and asked, "Has your wound healed well?"

"Yes," said Ran Yan.

"The other day when leaving the Government Office, I originally wanted to give you something, but got occupied with other things and completely forgot. Today, I have brought it," Xiao Song said with a smile as he stood up, "Come with me." (To be continued. If you enjoy this work, we invite you to vote at qidian.com with your recommendation ticket and monthly ticket. Your support is my greatest motivation.)