"Why would you think so, Xue'er?"
Lan Miao was taken aback.
She knew that although Xue'er seemed transparent, she was actually very sensitive, but she never showed it. Lan Miao was also glad that Xue'er had always been brave enough to share her thoughts and observations with her.
"I just have this feeling. It's as if Grandmother has tamed her temper. She never used to say so many words to me before." Xue'er counted on her fingers seriously.
"Mother, did something happen between you and Grandmother when I was away?"
Xue'er made a incisive speculation.
Lan Miao was amused by her serious tone. She was really a little adult.
"Otherwise, why would Grandmother's attitude change so much before and after I entered the palace?" Seeing Lan Miao not answering, Xue'er blinked her eyes in confusion.
Lan Miao chose her words carefully. "Something did happen, but it's all in the past. Mother is fine now. Xue'er should also behave well in the palace."
"Yeah, I've been doing really well."
The confusion between Xue'er's eyebrows was smoothed out by Lan Miao's words, and she became cheerful again. Looking at her carefree appearance, Lan Miao felt that what she did that day was right.
After the mother and daughter returned to Pinglan Courtyard, Shuangxi heated up the pastries Xue'er had brought back. Xue'er also kept a part and planned to give it to Qingzhi later.
She told Lan Miao what had happened in the school. "Mother, I've become very famous now. Some people even secretly look at me during class."
"..."
Lan Miao almost couldn't hold back her laughter. Was it something to be proud of to be secretly looked at? Xue'er's thought was really cute.
"How about your classmates? Have you made any new friends?"
"Yes. The other two reading companions of Yu Jia are also very nice. Sister Li often gives me snacks, and Sister Chen also teaches me etiquette." Xue'er said proudly, with her big, bright eyes as black and thick as grapes.
Listening to Xue'er's chatter and looking into her innocent eyes, Lan Miao suddenly recalled another pair of deep, black eyes. Immersed in the lingering rain, they could draw people in when the owner was in a daze.
Lan Miao's own pupils were close to amber, looking like flowing golden honey in the sunlight.
They were not alike in this aspect.
At this time, Shuangle came in from outside, leading Qingzhi and her maid. "Madam, Miss Qingzhi is here to see Miss Xue'er. The Marquis also sent some hairpins and jewelry."
Shuangle was holding an open box in her arms, filled with gold and jade jewelry. The little maid who came with Qingzhi said, "This is all the Marquis's little token of appreciation. In a few days, it will be the Empress Dowager's birthday. Although Madam is a widow, it's not appropriate to dress too simply at the birthday banquet."
"Aunt, I can go to school now. Father also cares about me very much. Thank you, Aunt."
Qingzhi looked much more calm. She was still quiet and gentle, but there was no longer the resentment and gloom as before. She winked at Lan Miao, and Lan Miao seemed to understand something.
Was this box of jewelry Wen Hongxin's thank - you gift?
Or had they changed their attitude and wanted to make friends with her?
Lan Miao took it with a smile.
Qingzhi and Xue'er stayed together for a while. The two little girls whispered to each other for a long time, while Lan Miao got busy preparing dinner for Xue'er. Qingzhi stayed and had dinner with Xue'er.
At night, hydrangea lanterns were hung in Pinglan Courtyard. The soft orange light added a touch of home to the secluded and quiet small courtyard. The stars hung in the sky, as if they could be easily reached.
The day passed quickly.
The next day was the day for Xue'er to go to school in the palace again.
Early in the morning, Lan Miao packed Xue'er's luggage properly, preparing a lot of snacks and clothes she had made. The two said their goodbyes all the way. Just as they reached the door, Lan Miao saw from afar Wen Yuanning in his loose green robe and his pageboy standing in front of the carriage, as if giving some instructions.
Could they be waiting for them?
After that night, Lan Miao had not had any conversation with Wen Yuanning and had tried to avoid him as much as possible. Wen Yuanning also seemed to be more sober and no longer bothered her. Their lives no longer intersected.
So what did he want to do this time?
Wen Yuanning turned around, and a gentle smile appeared on his handsome face.
"I'm also going to Wenyatang today. I can go with Xue'er. Come, Xue'er. Uncle will take you to school."
The first half of the sentence seemed to be an explanation to Lan Miao, while in the second half, his eyes were on Xue'er, never staying on Lan Miao for a moment.
Xue'er was completely unaware and smiled happily.
"That's great! Uncle is very talented and famous in Wenyatang. I also want to learn more from Uncle."
Before Lan Miao could decline, hearing what Xue'er said, she sighed softly in her heart. She couldn't hold the child back. Wen Yuanning's talent and character were trustworthy, and he had always been kind to Xue'er.
He was a gentleman, except that he sometimes acted foolishly when it came to her.
"Okay, then go with your uncle. Take Lengshuang with you." Lan Miao smiled and lowered her head, gently stroking Xue'er's chubby face, and watched her get on the carriage reluctantly.
"Goodbye, Mother. I'll miss you. Mother, you must miss me too."
"Um..."
Lan Miao waved goodbye.
Watching the carriage gradually drive away, a string of fine dust rose in the floating sunlight. Her nose felt sour. Every time they parted, it seemed that she was the more vulnerable one.
Lan Miao straightened her back, didn't stay any longer, and turned towards Xiyu Fang with Shuangxi.
Such days would repeat over and over again. She couldn't indulge in sadness.
---
After the Cold Dew, time passed quickly.
Soon it was the day of the Empress Dowager's birthday banquet.
Since ancient times, the Jing Dynasty had attached great importance to filial piety. Emperor Jingxiang was especially respectful to the Empress Dowager. A grand banquet was held in the palace to celebrate the Empress Dowager's birthday, and the Marquis's Mansion was naturally invited. The whole mansion was filled with joy.
On this day, Xue'er was still in class at Wenyatang. For the Empress Dowager's birthday banquet, the Emperor graciously allowed Yu Jia to take a half - day leave and bring her reading companions to celebrate the Empress Dowager's birthday.
The birthday banquet was held in Changchun Garden in the palace.
Before the appointed time, many people had already arrived at Changchun Garden under the guidance of the palace servants. In the autumn sun, the scenery in Changchun Garden was extremely beautiful. Chrysanthemums from all over the country filled the garden. They were of different varieties and colors, but when put together, they matched perfectly.
The clear streams meandered, and the trees were lush.
The small paths extended in all directions, and the pavilions and towers were scattered in an orderly manner. Among the pavilions, there were many young ladies and ladies from noble families sitting sparsely. Court musicians were playing music on one side. The music flowed like water. There were also many maids serving. The fragrance of wine and the coolness of flowers filled the air. It looked like a prosperous and harmonious scene.
Lan Miao followed behind the old lady and Mrs. You step by step.
She didn't bring a maid.
Since the incident at the court officials' banquet five years ago, when high - ranking officials and nobles entered the palace for banquets, the number of their attendants was limited, and they had to be carefully checked. Mrs. You and the old lady had brought their personal maids, so there was no need for Lan Miao to bring one.
As soon as she entered Changchun Garden, she saw Lan Xin and her mother.
The Lan family was here today?