Embroidered Phoenix Chronicle

As Liu Lian was having breakfast, Xiu Luan, carrying a large branch of newly blooming apricot blossoms, sneakily approached Liu Ye'er. "Ye Zi, why haven't you finished eating yet? Cui Cui, get me a bowl of porridge, I want a bite too!"

He lingered to look at her, then at the delicate apricot blossoms. "What are you so busy with? You haven't even had time to eat? Didn't Madam make you do any needlework today?"

"She went out early this morning, she can't take care of herself! Do you know, the Lin family patriarch is gone!" Liu Lian didn't know who the Lin family patriarch was, so she didn't care whether he existed or not.

"Let's go pick flowers in the garden later! Want to come? Come on, come on! Aren't you bored staying indoors all day? Second Sister-in-law's shop just got some sandalwood-colored lip rouge. It won't dry out or crack your lips, it's perfect for spring. She also has jade powder and peach blossom powder. Let's go take a look!"

"Miss, I'm going out alone, is that alright? Aren't you afraid your mother will scold you? I am! Don't cause me any trouble. I won't go out with you unless your mother tells me herself! Or you could talk to your second sister-in-law and ask her to take us out!"

"Alright, alright, it's not like my mother's here, can't you just let me have a break!"

Liu Lian's act of beating the "salted ribbonfish" angered Madam Liu, completely shattering the carefully maintained friendly relationship between them. Under pressure from Master Liu and his mother, she dared not utter a word to Liu Lian, but she tightly controlled Xiu Luan, forbidding her from associating with Liu Ye'er. Xiu Luan's protests were futile; Madam Liu even threatened to replace her personal maid. Helpless, Xiu Luan had no choice but to settle down, obediently staying home to do needlework and prepare her dowry, sneaking over to play for a while when Madam Liu wasn't looking.

Fengxian is now quite far along in her pregnancy, and her pulse is very calm. Cuicui and Yulan often help Liulian prepare meals for her and are gradually becoming more useful. Ruihong has taken over the purchasing work, so Liulian is quite free now and often goes out for strolls. The guest staying at the Liu family's house is handsome. Although he wears only ordinary silk clothes, he exudes an air of pampered elegance. His air of wealth and humility is intertwined, making it somewhat difficult to guess his identity.

Xiu Luan was instantly captivated. She often found excuses to enter the garden and create wonderful encounters; the guests' warm smiles were like the gentle sunshine, bringing joy. The pale pink apricot blossoms resolutely covered every branch, like clouds of rosy mist.

Liu Lian stood with Xiuluan under the tree. In the heart of the bustling city, a man in a light blue brocade robe slowly approached, as beautiful as a dream. Xiuluan gazed at him, mesmerized, forgetting everything. Liu Lian had never felt so out of place, wishing she could sprout wings and fly away or transform into a budding apricot blossom, closing her eyes in vain.

Liu Lian told Feng Xian about this, and Feng Xian sighed, "Silly girl! That man is wealthy, over twenty years old, how can he not have a wife at home? What are you getting worked up about! Do you want to become a concubine? Master Lin has passed away, and the old master has suddenly fallen ill! Madam's heart is set on something! Humph! Don't say anything out of turn! Alas, the Lin family used to be the most prominent family in our city, but now... Remember to keep quiet! Xiao Wu'er will be here soon, what do you think? Give me a straight answer so I can handle things for you! Ye'er, the He family is really good, a stable and reliable family!"

"Sister, my wife mentioned someone, I beat him up, and the next day I agreed to the person the old lady mentioned. Isn't this a slap in my wife's face? Your father-in-law can't live at home all the time, and the old lady is old! If one day your mother-in-law How can I continue to live here after becoming a family member? How many years should I live here? Your mother-in-law shouldn’t vent her anger on you!” Liulian racked his brains, but he didn’t expect that he could be so good at pulling off big flags.

"Silly girl, you're so thoughtful and considerate of others, but don't let her be the head of the household, or you'll work yourself to death!" He poked her finger resentfully. "Think more about yourself; you can't expect something for nothing! Especially in wealthy families, they all smile on the outside, but aren't they all scheming inside? Who's going to care about you? If you meet a kind and understanding man, that's fine! But what can you do if you meet someone like the second son? Even Du Shi has her family backing her up, and she still let Hong Xing'er get pregnant! I know. But you should still go and see him. Old Master He is very fond of you and wants you to meet him. You should at least make an example for everyone. Maybe you two can get along. Your brother-in-law also said that Xiao Wu is a good person!"

"Hmm!" I was speechless; everyone was still determined to force this person on him.