Song Yihuan thought to herself that her elder sister's interrogation had finally come.
The previous day, Song Nanxin had sent Song Yihuan a rather colorful dress and a set of jewelry that looked quite valuable, asking her to wear them when going out today.
At first, Song Yihuan didn't think much of it. In the morning, she did plan to wear the dress and jewelry her elder sister had sent. However, perhaps after that inexplicable setup and the night of debauchery with Ji Lingchuan, she realized that her elder sister actually had another side. Suddenly, she became a bit vigilant.
Before going out, while feeding her younger brother medicine, she "accidentally" knocked over the medicine bowl. The medicine soup soiled both her and Song Yixuan's clothes. So, she had an excuse to change her clothes naturally.
The incident happened suddenly. Fu Ling was busy preparing new clothes for the siblings and forgot to report the situation to Shulan Courtyard for the moment.
After changing into a plain dress, it was natural that she couldn't wear the gorgeous jewelry. So, she simply put on a veil hat to cover her face, making herself less eye - catching.
Sure enough, when she saw Song Nanxin outside the gate of the Prince Ning's Mansion and saw the clothes on Song Nanxin, Song Yihuan immediately realized the intention behind Song Nanxin's gift of the dress.
For the trip to the Avalokitesvara Temple to offer incense and pray, Song Nanxin dressed very simply, but the dress she had sent was quite colorful.
If she had really worn it, the Princess of Prince Ning would surely think that she was restless and trying to show off in front of Ji Lingchuan.
Knowing this was her elder sister's clumsy trick, Song Yihuan said calmly:
"I really planned to wear the dress you sent today. But just before going out, I accidentally knocked over the medicine bowl and soiled my clothes. So, I had to change into another one. This dress doesn't match the jewelry you gave me, so I didn't wear it."
Song Nanxin observed her expression and found it seemed genuine, so she believed this explanation. She said earnestly:
"You're so petty. You'll make others look down on our Marquis Mansion. Remember to wear the clothes and jewelry I give you next time. Got it?"
If it had been before, Song Yihuan would only have thought that her elder sister was very kind to her and even considered her feelings. But now, she would never think so again.
"Got it." Song Yihuan said with a smile, but the smile didn't reach her eyes.
The Avalokitesvara Temple outside the capital was very popular. Due to the large number of pilgrims, the main hall was filled with the strong scent of sandalwood. The golden statue of the Bodhisattva was as tall as a four - story building. He sat on the lotus throne, holding the willow branch and the jade purification bottle, looking down on the world with a pair of compassionate eyes.
In comparison, the people kneeling on the cushions and kowtowing in worship were as tiny as ants.
Perhaps because she had something on her mind, Song Yihuan inexplicably felt that she was being watched by the Bodhisattva. She tilted her head slightly and stared silently at the god for a moment. Finally, she stepped forward, took three incense sticks, lit them, and knelt respectfully on the cushion.
The rhythmic sound of the wooden fish echoed in her ears. Song Yihuan silently made three wishes to the Bodhisattva, then kowtowed three times heavily before inserting the incense sticks into the incense burner.
Song Yixuan watched his sister's actions and imitated her in worshipping the Avalokitesvara. This made the Princess of Prince Ning beside them burst into laughter.
After worshipping the Avalokitesvara and having some vegetarian food in the temple, everyone headed back home after noon.
Song Yihuan still held her younger brother's hand and walked at the end of the group, not competing for anything and trying to reduce her presence as much as possible.
After leaving the temple, Song Yihuan subconsciously looked in a certain direction. Sure enough, she saw again that tall and imposing figure that had scolded her before entering the temple. Hanging on the branch behind him was a familiar veil hat, and the light veil on the brim was fluttering in the wind.
Song Yixuan also noticed it and pointed in that direction, saying, "Fourth sister, your hat!"
Song Yihuan didn't need to think to know who had picked up her hat and hung it there.
Under everyone's gaze, she let go of her younger brother's hand, lowered her head, walked around Ji Lingchuan, tiptoed to take the veil hat from the branch, and put it on again.
When walking down the long stone steps outside the Avalokitesvara Temple, Song Yihuan didn't get distracted this time. She lifted her skirt and held her younger brother's hand, walking very steadily step by step. When her feet finally landed firmly on the ground, she secretly let out a sigh of relief. Looking up, she found that Ji Lingchuan was only two steps away from her.
He had his back to her, his steady and strong arm supporting the Princess of Prince Ning, with a very focused look in his eyes and expression.
He was really patient when facing his relatives.
Song Yihuan withdrew her gaze, held Song Yixuan's hand, and quietly turned around to walk towards the carriage they had come in.
She thought no one would notice her, but she didn't realize that after she turned around, the man was looking at her.
Ji Lingchuan's gaze fell on her brisk steps. Remembering how carefully she had walked down the steps just now, afraid of tripping and falling, a trace of a smile that even he didn't notice flashed across his eyes.
She's quite obedient. He thought to himself.
On the way back to the city, because of the perfume on her body, Song Nanxin didn't dare to be alone with Ji Lingchuan. She found an excuse to get into the Princess of Prince Ning's carriage. Ji Lingchuan had to ride in a carriage alone. But for him, it didn't matter whether Song Nanxin was there or not.
At a command, the carriage procession slowly headed towards the capital.
In the last carriage, Song Yixuan lay in Song Yihuan's arms and asked softly, "Fourth sister, what wishes did you make in front of the Avalokitesvara just now?"
Song Yihuan pinched his not - so - chubby little face and asked with a smile, "Then what wish did Xuan'er make?"
Song Yixuan curved his eyes and clung to Song Yihuan's arm tightly, saying, "Xuan'er asked the Avalokitesvara to bless Fourth sister to marry a good man soon and find a good husband."
Song Yihuan's smile froze on her face. Her heart felt like it was being stung, and a dense pain spread. She blinked her eyes to hide her emotions and deliberately tickled her younger brother:
"You little rascal. Where did you hear such idle talk?"
Song Yixuan laughed and fell into her arms, saying, "Xuan'er saw it! Fourth sister was embroidering a sachet by the lamp at night. Chunxing said that when a girl embroiders a sachet, it means she has a sweetheart. Fourth sister must have found her Mr. Right!"
Song Yihuan was stunned for a moment and frowned: "You really want me to get married? If I get married, I won't be able to take care of you anymore."
Only then did Song Yixuan look panicked: "Can't Xuan'er always stay by Fourth sister's side? If you get married, won't you want Xuan'er anymore?"
Seeing that he was really scared, Song Yihuan stroked his face and comforted him: "Of course not. If sister has a way, she will definitely take you away from the capital, travel around the world, and let you see all the beautiful scenery in the world."
Only then did Song Yixuan smile happily.
When they returned to the Prince Ning's Mansion, Song Yihuan avoided the Princess of Prince Ning and Ji Lingchuan and entered the mansion through the side door. Then she returned to the Tinglan Courtyard where she was temporarily staying.
It was Song Yixuan's first time going on a long trip, and this journey had exhausted him. After taking the medicine, he was taken by Chunxing to rest. Song Yihuan returned to her small room, walked to the cabinet, and took down the small locked wooden box on the top layer.
Opening the lock, Song Yihuan took out a flawless jade pendant and an embroidered sachet from it.