In the main hall of Qingxi Courtyard.
Madam Liu approached Elder Madam Song, who had just sat down to catch her breath, with a gentle smile: "Elder Madam Song, why don't I see Miss Song? My daughter was ill-mannered at the palace banquet, and I haven't found a suitable opportunity to apologize to your daughter. Perhaps another day..."
"Why wait for another day when today is perfect?" Elder Madam Song set down her teacup, her smile even brighter than Madam Liu's.
"Yin Chuan, quickly go invite the third young miss over. Tell her Miss Liu wants to apologize to her!"
"Yes, ma'am."
Seeing her directness, Madam Liu nearly lost her composure.
Beside her, Liu Yiting was no better off, fidgeting with her clothes and wanting to stamp her feet in anger.
To make matters worse, several young ladies she had bullied in the past refused to let her off easy, gathering around to gossip about her.
"Do you think Liu Yiting's outfit today is real or fake? Surely it can't be another knockoff?"
"Wearing knockoffs is one thing, but I'm afraid she'll cry thief again and falsely accuse Miss Song..."
Their voices weren't loud, but just enough for Liu Yiting to hear.
Liu Yiting wanted to tear their mouths apart, her hatred for Song You'an and Qi Huan intensifying.
When the two entered arm in arm, Liu Yiting forced an awkward smile under Madam Liu's warning gaze and reluctantly mumbled, "Miss Song, I'm sorry."
Song You'an, with her clear doe eyes, looked at her innocently: "What did you say? Your voice was too soft, I didn't hear."
"I said, I'm sorry!"
"Oh." Song You'an didn't say she forgave her. At the time, if her cousin hadn't been by her side to stand up for her, she would have been unfairly labeled as vain.
She didn't want to play with Liu Yiting.
Song You'an clung tightly to Qi Huan, politely greeting the other ladies.
Madam Liu seized the opportunity to grab her small hand, sliding a mutton-fat jade bracelet onto her wrist: "Miss Song has grown into such a graceful young lady, the more I look at her, the more I like her."
"As it happens, my Sheng is about the same age as Miss Song..."
Understanding the implied meaning, Elder Madam Song feigned ignorance.
Firstly, at the palace banquet, she had witnessed Liu Yiting's sharp tongue and mean spirit firsthand. Liu Yiting was Madam Liu's own daughter, raised by her personally, which made her question Madam Liu's private character.
In the inner courtyard, besides one's husband, whether the mother-in-law was sensible was crucial. She wouldn't let You'an take such a risk.
Secondly, You'an's black hair depended on hair dye or wigs.
If they concealed this from the groom's family, it would be considered marriage fraud, something the Song family would never do.
If they were honest about it, they feared the other party might not keep it secret, and the news would spread, inevitably pushing You'an into the spotlight.
For these two reasons, she was very cautious about You'an's marriage prospects.
Seeing her lukewarm attitude, Madam Liu could only press on: "My Sheng is not yet betrothed..."
"Oh, the matchmaker Wang in the west of the city is quite good."
"..."
Taking a deep breath, Madam Liu persisted: "You'an and Sheng are both good children. My husband even said he admires Master Song's talent and wants to bring Sheng to visit your household..."
Hearing this, Elder Madam Song inwardly scoffed: Her father-in-law always said her husband was a fool, who knew there were people who admired his talents?
His talent for appreciating fine food, perhaps?
Madam Liu had already gone against her conscience to say this much, and it would seem too rude to keep refusing. So, she politely agreed.
Unexpectedly, on the second day after the full moon celebration, Master Liu eagerly brought Liu Zisheng to visit.
After examining Liu Zisheng's knowledge, Old Master Song stroked his beard with satisfaction.
The young man before him was handsome, talented, clear-eyed, well-mannered, and surpassed his father, Master Liu, in ability.
Taking the opportunity to use the restroom, Old Master Song found Old Lady Song.
"My lady, the Liu family is interested in arranging a marriage with our You'an. Later, send someone to bring You'an here to see Liu Zisheng from behind a screen."
Hearing this, Old Lady Song suddenly found the pastry in her hand tasteless. She frowned, disagreeing:
"Our daughter-in-law told me that Madam Liu and her daughter don't give a good impression. The Liu family may not be a good match."
Old Master Song pondered for a moment before saying:
"Actually, Master Liu's eyes are too lively, he's the type who likes to curry favor and take shortcuts. But his son is truly exceptional, with first-rate knowledge, a proper appearance, dignified manner, and clear eyes..."
"Judging by him alone, he would be a good match for You'an. Why not let You'an take a look and decide for herself?"
Men and women have different perspectives. Old Master Song didn't understand the intricacies of the inner courtyard and focused solely on Liu Zisheng as an individual.
At this moment, Song You'an happened to come by to deliver a handmade headband to Old Lady Song.
Seeing her, Old Master Song's eyes lit up with delight: "Could this be a match made in heaven?"
...Song You'an was brought by him to secretly observe Liu Zisheng.
After learning that her grandfather intended to betroth her to Liu Zisheng, she spent half the afternoon fretting in her room before finally biting her lip and going to Qinghuan Court to find Qi Huan.
"Cousin, I never properly thanked Young Master Yan for saving me before... I'd like to treat him to a meal..."
"Didn't Uncle and Aunt already thank him?"
Faced with this question, Song You'an's cheeks instantly turned red.
Seeing her shy demeanor, Qi Huan immediately understood!
"I'll help you arrange a meeting with him!"
That night.
Second Sister once again walked down the small path to the Duke of An Manor, looking up at the bright moon and sighing.
Today, she was finally no longer busy with the love affairs of His Highness and the County Princess!
But now she had to run errands for Song You'an and Yan Qinghe...
Earning the monthly wages of a secret guard, doing the work of a sweeper, and carrying the worries of a matchmaker.
Her life was too difficult!
When she relayed the time and place to Yan Qinghe, he nodded enthusiastically.
"Tell Huan I'll definitely be there!"
After saying this, he began counting on his fingers, considering which dishes to order tomorrow.
Four Happiness Meatballs! Eight Treasure Wild Duck! Roasted Venison! Golden Crispy Quail! Phoenix Tail Shark's Fin! Kung Pao Wild Rabbit...
He swallowed, dreaming of countless delicacies, when suddenly the wild rabbit on the plate turned into a small bunny, its eyes moist and staring intently at him...
Bunnies are so cute, how could one eat them?
In an instant, the bunny transformed into a familiar young girl...
Bunnies are so cute, how could one not eat them?
...He had a sensual dream.
The next day.
When he saw Song You'an in the private room, he guiltily averted his gaze: "Huan, why are there other people here?"
Other... people?
Song You'an's eyes welled up with tears.
Of course, she was just a stranger he had casually saved on Lantern Festival Night.
She clutched her clothes, looking up with a faint smile: "I'm sorry for the abruptness, I just wanted to thank you in person..."
"No need, no need, it was nothing."
"Anyone would have helped."
Song You'an lowered her head, murmuring softly: "No, they wouldn't."
At that time, only he had helped her.
The young man's warm embrace and bright laugh were more radiant than the full moon that night.
He had a sense of justice, an innocent heart, and his spirited demeanor had left a deep impression on her heart.
Unfortunately, the fallen petals may have intentions, but the flowing water has none.
It was all just her wishful thinking.
