Ties of Love, Ruan Wan

After washing up, Ruan Wan lay in bed, thinking to herself that she couldn't waste any more time like this.

This matter needs to be resolved as soon as possible. We must find an opportunity to go again. If we can't find it this time, we can't stay here. Only after making these plans could Ruan Wan feel at ease enough to go to sleep.

The next day, the first day of the Lunar New Year, when Chunzhu and Xiaocui woke up in the morning, they were happily hanging red lanterns.

They were very happy, but Ruan Wan found it somewhat amusing that they didn't hang lanterns on New Year's Eve, but did so on New Year's Day.

The guards at Ruan Wan's courtyard gate had been removed, which meant that she was no longer restricted. This was even better, as her freedom of movement would make it easier for her to find her mother and the place she needed to go.

On the first day of the Lunar New Year, it is customary to visit the elders in each household to offer New Year's greetings. Granny Wenzhu was worried that the people in Ruan Wan's room might not know these etiquette rules, so she came early in the morning to teach them.

Ruan Wan asked Chunzhu to bring her a newly made plum blossom sachet for winter. Besides the monthly allowance, Nan Yuan received nothing else.

Although Ruan Wan had no place to spend money in this courtyard, rewarding the servants during the New Year was a big expense. They had worked hard all year, so she could only give them sachets that she had embroidered herself.

Aunt Liu and Aunt Hua greeted her with smiles and chatted with her about everyday things. Su Ying and her father were not seen, but they were given sachets and New Year's money by the people instructing them to accept them.

Ruan Wan didn't want to see these people either, which suited her perfectly.

Grandmother returned to the Bamboo Grove Pavilion last night, so naturally I didn't see her. However, at noon she sent Wenzhu to deliver a lot of silks, satins, and jewelry.

Ruan Wan then asked Wen Zhu to give the sachet to her grandmother. Ruan Wan also picked out a jade bracelet of outstanding quality from the gifts her grandmother had given her and gave it to Wen Zhu.

The old woman refused to accept it, saying that she followed the old lady to worship Buddha every day and didn't care about such material things.

Ruan Wan picked up two bolts of silk and asked Wang Mama, Chunzhu, and Qiushuang to make new clothes for them. The maids were overjoyed.

I've been wearing the same old clothes for two years while following Ruan Wan, but liberation is just around the corner.

In the afternoon, my older brother and second sister sent someone to return the gifts. Looking at the pile of exquisite jade pendants and jewelry in front of me, I suddenly felt like Grandma Liu visiting the Grand View Garden, shamelessly asking for this and that while holding a bunch of fruits and vegetables.

I wonder how many people will laugh at me behind my back. Anyway, I won't take it with me when I leave, so I asked Qiu Shuang to put it away.

Everyone was busy during the Spring Festival, and Ruan Wan was much busier than last year. On the afternoon of the first day of the Lunar New Year, a tailor came to the courtyard to take her measurements and make clothes.

Next, the eldest sister returned to her parents' home with gifts on the second day of the Lunar New Year. Su Ying started working early in the morning. Even in the South Garden, the laughter and chatter from the East Garden could be heard. The servants flattered her loudly, and Su Ying listened with delight.

When her eldest sister and brother-in-law delivered gifts to the various households, they met briefly. Unlike Su Ying, her eldest sister's features resembled her father's more, and she was very gentle and polite. Her brother-in-law worked at the Hanlin Academy and held the rank of fifth grade. He looked like a frail scholar. The two seemed to be a harmonious couple, and Ruan Wan couldn't help but feel a bit closer to him.

Ruan Wan was alone in Nanyuan for lunch again. Now that the old lady had gone back, they had nothing to worry about.

Ruan Wan was also happy, just waiting for the snow to melt and spring to come, when the datura flowers would bloom, which would be the time for Ruan Wan to leave.

The New Year's holiday seemed very long. Every day was bustling outside, but Ruan Wan's place remained deserted. Perhaps it was the waiting that made the time seem so long.

The Lantern Festival has finally arrived. Those who need to work should go back to work, those who need to study should go back to study, and life has returned to normal.

The snow has melted away, and although everything is still asleep, the warm sun is warmer than in previous years. Spring should come earlier this year, and the thought makes me happy.

Xiao Cui and Xiao Lian were sweeping inside the house, while Granny Chun Zhu was busy in the small kitchen. Qiu Shuang was embroidering in the long corridor, basking in the sun.

Ruan Wan, meanwhile, was lounging in the sun, enjoying a leisurely life.

Suddenly, Granny Li walked in with a middle-aged woman and another maid carrying a small box.

The old nanny, Li, smiled and said, "This old servant greets the Third Miss."

"What brings you to my South Garden today, Granny?"

Granny Li led the person behind her forward, "Third Miss, this is Meng Siyi from the palace. Her Highness Consort Shu invited her to make new clothes for the young ladies and gentlemen in the courtyard for the Lantern Festival the day after tomorrow."

Ruan Wan turned to look at the woman in front of her and said, "Greetings, Meng Siyi."

Then he turned to look at Granny Li, "Didn't you already make two new outfits a few days ago?"

The old woman smiled and said, "Those are clothes we wear every day; they're being made for the Lantern Festival."

Ruan Wan had a bad feeling; this meant they were going to introduce her to the princes and nobles in the capital to discuss marriage.

Ruan Wan suppressed her worries and looked at Meng Siyi in front of her.

The person in front of me had her hair styled in a flying bun, wore a dark purple rabbit fur vest, an indigo floral jacket underneath, and an earth-colored skirt. She looked very capable, with the demeanor of someone from the palace.

Granny Wang invited Meng Siyi into the house, while Granny Li waited outside. Ruan Wan asked Qiu Shuang to serve her a seat and tea.

Behind the screen, Meng Siyi said, "Please straighten your arm, Miss."

The maid handed over a measuring tape. After taking the measurements according to her request, Meng Siyi asked again, "Miss has fair skin, and peach pink suits her even better. Would a peach-pink embroidered outer garment be suitable?"

"Siyi is a person from the palace; her insight and vision must be extraordinary. Siyi, you can make the decision."

Meng Siyi nodded and smiled.

In these wealthy families, being well-educated and reasonable is considered ordinary, while being overly sensible or lacking in manners is always a topic of conversation.

After seeing off Granny Li and Meng Siyi, Ruan Wan began to think about the Lantern Festival the day after tomorrow.

Invitations had been sent out earlier, and all the unmarried sons and daughters of the official were invited, with Princess Chang Le leading the invitation.

Princess Chang Le is sixteen years old this year. Actually, this time she is choosing a husband for my cousin.

The young ladies in the capital probably wouldn't dare to steal her thunder, and the location was the newly bestowed Chang Le Princess Mansion this year.

Given His Majesty's current favor towards Princess Chang Le, it's estimated that all the princes will be present.

Those young ladies, not wanting to overshadow the princess but also wanting to attract the princes, are probably racking their brains right now.

It seems impossible to refuse this banquet. Putting aside the princess's side, Su Ying is eager to promote her precious daughter, so she needs to find some foils to make her stand out.

The old lady had also given her orders. Ruan Wan wasn't in a hurry; in fact, she was somewhat looking forward to it. Would the live broadcast of the palace intrigue be like something out of a TV drama?

On the morning of the Lantern Festival, several courtyards were bustling with activity, especially the eldest brother and fourth sister of the East Courtyard, who were both invited.

The second sister must have known she was there to be a supporting character, so she dressed as usual, only with slightly more elaborate hair accessories.

Chunzhu, on the other hand, immediately got busy, pulling Ruan Wan out of bed early to help her with her grooming, washing, and dressing. After all that fuss, she dressed Ruan Wan up like a peacock.

Helpless, Ruan Wan had no choice but to send her to the small kitchen to prepare breakfast.

After removing her makeup again, Ruan Wan still looked the same as before, deliberately trying to make her appearance more ordinary.

Humans all have two eyes, a nose, and a mouth; all beauty and ugliness lie in subtle differences.

After finishing her makeup, Ruan Wan let Chunzhu in.

Yesterday, Granny Li brought over the clothes made by the Clothing Bureau. Ruan Wan took a look and found them to be exquisite and beautiful without being ostentatious.

Ruan Wan chose a light blue dress and styled her hair in a suitable bun. Chunzhu seized the opportunity to put on the gold hairpin that her grandmother and elder brothers had given her earlier.

Ruan Wan insisted on wearing the plain magnolia hairpin. It was quite amusing to see her looking at him with such a disappointed expression. It was hard to tell whether she was being sincere or not.

After tidying up, she started to dress herself up, putting on her new clothes and applying red makeup. Qiu Shuang was still the same as before.

Looking at Qiushuang and then at Chunzhu, Ruan Wan sighed inwardly, "Those who are good-looking are ignored, while those who are less attractive are the ones who cause the most trouble."

After breakfast, Granny Wang led Ruan Wan to the main gate. This was the first time Ruan Wan had seen the gate of the Ruan family mansion in two years.

Last time, they were brought in through a side door and tied up.

The carriage was already waiting outside, and the eldest brother and second sister were also waiting at the door.

Ruan Wan stepped forward and bowed, "Wan'er greets Eldest Brother and Second Sister."

For now, we must pretend to be kind and gentle, and not cause any unnecessary trouble before we escape.

The eldest brother, dressed in a white robe embroidered with ink bamboo, with a jade-embroidered silk belt around his waist and a jade belt binding his hair, was usually quite dashing and gentle. He smiled and said, "Third sister, we're family, no need for formalities."

The second sister beside her also smiled gently. She had a gentle personality, her makeup was appropriate, and her rose-red clothes made her look a little shy but not overly so.

Aunt Liu must have been well-versed in this art of courtship, having risen from a maidservant to a concubine; Su Ying was even more so.

Ruan Yuanyan walked over surrounded by maids and servants. Her hair was styled in double buns, adorned with rabbit fur hairpins, and her delicate face was very cute.

The pale yellow dress had just the right curves. It looked ordinary from afar, but upon closer inspection, one could see that the dress was embroidered with plum blossoms in openwork, which was quite exquisite. And the boat shoes with butterflies chasing flowers on the soles of her feet were the finishing touch.

It seems Su Ying put in a lot of effort.

Ruan Yuanyan looked at Ruan Wan and the others' makeup and was even satisfied. She then smiled and pulled her elder brother into the carriage.

Ruan Wan rode in the same carriage as her second sister, Ruan Chenjun.

Ruan Wan and her second sister were there to make up the numbers, while her eldest brother was there to fill in the gaps. Although cousin marriages did exist in ancient times, it was impossible in the royal family.

Inside the carriage, Ruan Chenjun held up the sachet at her waist and smiled, "Thank you for the sachet, Third Sister. The fragrance is wonderful."

"I'm glad you don't mind, sister. You know how I live in Nanyuan; all I can do is make some sachets by hand to express my feelings."

"Sister understands as well; this illegitimate daughter isn't much better. She offended Fourth Sister quite a bit when she was with her before. Madam dotes on her, and she's become somewhat spoiled. I couldn't do anything about it. Please don't blame her, Sister."

As she spoke, Ruan Chenjun looked apologetic.

Ruan Wan took her hand and held it in her palm, her expression exceptionally earnest. "How could that be? Outsiders may envy the life in this big house, but only we know how much suffering we endure. As sisters, we should understand each other to make life easier. Don't you agree, sister?"

Since she wanted to act, Ruan Wan decided to put on an even more immersive performance, seeing who would disgust whom.

"Thankfully, my younger sister is understanding, otherwise I wouldn't know how to handle this situation. By the way, there's something else I'd like to ask you."

"Sister, just say it."

"The sachet my sister gave me is different from the others; its fragrance is faint, yet it lingers for a long time."

"If you like it, sister, after we return to the manor, we can arrange a day for you to come to the South Garden for a gathering, and I will teach you."

"Thank you in advance, sister."

They chatted for a while afterward, otherwise it would have been quite awkward in the carriage. Playing along was unavoidable, especially since she was probably getting married this year and Ruan Wan was leaving soon, so why make herself uncomfortable?

Having someone to chat with along the way helped pass the time quickly, and before we knew it, we arrived at Princess Chang Le's residence.

The servant at the gate saw the Ruan family's carriage and hurriedly stepped forward to greet it.

The entrance was bustling with activity. The vermilion gate was inlaid with gilded door studs, and two majestic stone lions stood at the entrance, making it quite impressive.

Carriages came and went in an endless stream, but the servants of the Princess's residence were orderly. Some led the guests to the back courtyard, while others led the carriages around to the back courtyard for placement.

Ruan Xiuzhu and Ruan Yuanyan walked side by side in front, with Ruan Wan and Ruan Chenjun following behind.

Ruan Yuanyan held Ruan Xiuzhu's arm and chattered incessantly.

Led by servants, the four walked through halls and alleys, passing by ornately decorated buildings and luxurious details, which showed Princess Chang Le's status in the emperor's heart.

As I walked along, I was filled with the fragrance of plum blossoms. The plum blossoms in the pots and flowerbeds were in full bloom, and the fragrance of plum blossoms was refreshing and invigorating.

Passing through a round arched stone gate, we arrived at the banquet hall, which was already crowded with people.

Young men and women filled the courtyard in groups of three or five, their laughter never ceasing.

In the center of the banquet, a group of young men and women surrounded a beautiful and lovely woman dressed in a floral dress with butterfly-shaped sleeves, wearing a phoenix crown and gold foil silk flowers in her hair. She had large eyes.

This must be Princess Chang Le. Although her appearance is not quite as good as Ruan Yuanyan's, her makeup is exquisite.

Seeing the grand scale of the venue, Chunzhu beside him was one thing, as she was always loud and boisterous, but even Qiushuang, who was usually calm and collected, looked surprised.

Servants were not allowed to enter the venue, so Qiu Shuang and Chun Zhu were led by the servants to rest in the outer hall.

Princess Chang Le chatted and greeted people in the crowd, acting like a mistress, while her maid whispered a few words beside her.

Princess Chang Le looked in Ruan Wan's direction, then ignored the people beside her and ran towards them.

Princess Chang Le, with a charming and adorable smile, called out, "Cousin, Second Cousin, Cousin, why are you only arriving now?"

Then he saw Ruan Wan standing to the side and said with a smile, "This must be my third cousin."

After the group paid their respects, Princess Chang Le pulled Ruan Yuanyan back into the crowd.

Ruan Xiuzhu was also pulled away by several young men, and Ruan Chenjun then pulled Ruan Wan to introduce her to the young ladies one by one, presumably as a task assigned by his grandmother.

After completing the task, she chatted with her sisters.

Ruan Wan said she wanted to rest, so she found a seat at the back and sat down to drink tea.

On the small table were delicate pastries and tea snacks, which Ruan Wan savored.

Among the young men and women before me, some plump and some slender, dressed in red and green, only a few stood out.

Since they didn't want their clothing and makeup to be too eye-catching, they racked their brains over the details.

Suddenly, laughter rang out. Following the sound, several young ladies gathered together, all of them possessing outstanding figures and appearances.

Several other young men surrounded a young man in brocade robes. Judging from his attire, he was a prince, and the silver-embroidered dragon signified his status.

Ruan Wan's eyes widened instantly. The person in front of her looked remarkably like Xia Changfeng. "Brother Xia?"

Upon closer inspection, Ruan Wan realized it wasn't quite the same; it only bore a slight resemblance.

After careful consideration, Ruan Wan realized something was amiss. "Wait a minute, Brother Xia's surname is Xia, this is the Great Xia Dynasty, and he bears a resemblance to this prince. If nothing unexpected happens, Brother Xia must also be a prince, or a member of the royal family."

Ruan Wan quickly looked around and, not seeing Brother Xia, felt relieved.