Ren Yaoqi had been accompanying Xiao Jinglin in practicing the qin for several days. Although Xiao Jinglin’s talent in this area was not particularly strong, she was willing to put in effort when she took it seriously, and she focused wholeheartedly on practicing just that one piece, so her progress was rapid.
On this day, as soon as Ren Yaoqi returned from the Yanbei Prince’s Mansion, she noticed that Ren Shijia’s courtyard was much livelier than usual. It turned out that people from White Crane Town had arrived. When she entered the main room, she saw Ren Yaohua and Ren Yaoying sitting with Ren Shijia on the southern kang, chatting, while Ren Yaoyin was also seated nearby.
Seeing Ren Yaoqi return, Ren Shijia smiled and beckoned, saying, “Qi’er, come quickly. Your Third Sister and Ninth Sister are here.”
Ren Yaoqi glanced at Ren Yaoying, then looked toward Ren Yaohua.
Ren Yaoying was the first to rise, promptly bowing to Ren Yaoqi with a gentle and obedient smile. “Fifth Sister, you’re back. Auntie was just talking about you earlier.”
Since Ren Yaoying had reappeared in everyone’s sight, her previously restless temperament had settled considerably. She had become more low-key, and traces of her birth mother, Concubine Fang, were gradually emerging in her demeanor.
Ren Yaoqi smiled warmly, exchanged greetings with each of them, and then said, “Why didn’t Third Sister and Ninth Sister send word ahead of your visit today? If I had known, I wouldn’t have gone out.”
Ren Yaoying pursed her lips into a smile. “We’re sisters, Fifth Sister. There’s no need to be so formal. I heard from Auntie that you and Fourth Sister are quite popular in Yunyang City. You’ll have to look after Third Sister and me more in the future.”
Did this mean they intended to stay in Yunyang City for a long time? Ren Yaoqi smiled but said nothing, thinking she would ask Ren Yaohua about the situation when they were alone.
After exchanging a few more pleasantries, Ren Shijia instructed her head maid to inform the kitchen to prepare a few extra dishes for dinner. Turning to Ren Yaohua and Ren Yaoying, she said, “Since you don’t wish to stay with me, I won’t insist. However, you must have dinner here tonight, or I, as your aunt, will be displeased.”
Ren Yaohua and Ren Yaoying quickly agreed.
Ren Yaoqi asked in surprise, “Third Sister and Ninth Sister aren’t staying with Auntie?”
Ren Yaohua glanced at Ren Yaoqi. “Grandmother asked Ninth Sister and me to accompany Cousin-in-law for a few days, so we’ll be staying at the Ren Family Villa.”
The “Cousin-in-law” Ren Yaohua referred to was Madam Liu, Concubine Fang’s sister-in-law, who was currently staying at the Ren Family Villa.
Ren Yaoyin chimed in with a smile, “Speaking of Cousin-in-law, I happened to run into her when I visited the Yun Family the other day. At the time, she was coming out after meeting Old Madam Yun with several other ladies. Since we were some distance apart, I didn’t have a chance to greet her. By the time I paid my respects to Old Madam Yun and went to say hello, she had already left.”
Ren Shijia said, “I heard that Madam Fang has two close friends who also married into Yanbei. It’s likely that these friends have been taking Madam Fang around these past few days. Since Master Fang is coming to Yanbei to take up an official post, such social engagements are unavoidable.” Ren Shijia had also heard that Madam Liu had been quite active in Yunyang City recently.
Ren Yaoying smiled and said, “Auntie is exactly right. Cousin-in-law mentioned that she will visit your residence tomorrow and would like to ask you to accompany her to meet Third Madam Lin.”Ren Shijia was taken aback for a moment before she realized that Third Madam Lin, her third sister-in-law, was the niece of Yuan Ping, a senior official in the Yanbei Prince's Mansion. Although a senior official was only a fifth-rank position, Yuan Ping had served by the Prince of Yanbei's side for many years and had earned his deep trust, wielding considerable real power. He even had some say in the appointment and removal of minor officials in Yanbei.
These days coincided with a period of upheaval in the official positions within Yanbei, and there were certainly those with clever minds who wanted to use Third Madam Lin as a connection to the senior official of the Yanbei Prince's Mansion.
However, for reasons unknown, Third Madam Lin had been claiming illness recently and refused to see outsiders. Even during her son's full-month celebration, she had only made a brief appearance at the beginning.
When Ren Yaoying mentioned this, even Ren Shijia, who was usually simple-minded, understood Madam Fang's intentions. Although she did not want to owe any favors to her sister-in-law from the main branch at this time—especially since she had already decided to break ties with the main branch for the sake of her son—Madam Fang was the wife of her maternal aunt's son. Even though he was a concubine-born son, it still counted as a familial connection.
Moreover, Madam Fang had been in Yanbei for quite some time before seeking her help, likely having been turned away by Third Madam Lin earlier.
Ren Shijia was kind-hearted and could not find a reason to refuse, so she could only smile and vaguely agree, "If my cousin's wife wishes to come, how could I not welcome her?"
Ren Yaoying smiled faintly beside her and added a few more pleasantries.
Seizing an opportunity, Ren Yaohua suggested visiting Ren Yaoqi's bedroom. Ren Shijia thought that the two sisters likely had some private matters to discuss and, being considerate, allowed them to leave alone.
Ren Shijia's guess was correct—Ren Yaohua indeed had much to say to Ren Yaoqi.
The two walked silently to the side room where Ren Yaoqi was staying. As soon as the door closed, Ren Yaohua said, "Madam Liu sent someone to fetch Ren Yaoying. I was afraid Madam Liu and Concubine Fang were plotting something again, so I begged Grandmother to let me come along. To be honest, I insisted on coming this time, and Madam Liu, after seeing me and hearing what Ren Yaoying said, naturally wasn't very warm toward me."
Ren Yaohua's expression was cold, and the slight curl of her lips held only sarcasm. "But I don't need her warmth anyway. She should remember whose territory she's on now—I am the master of the Ren Family."
Ren Yaoqi knew her sister's temperament well and sighed softly, saying gently, "Sister, would you like to stay here with Aunt? Aunt has a very good temper, and the courtyard is spacious."
Ren Yaohua shook her head. "I came to Yunyang City precisely to keep an eye on Madam Liu and Ren Yaoying, so I naturally have to stay at the villa. With me there, they won't be able to carry out any schemes."
Ren Yaoqi thought for a moment. "Cousin-in-law Fang has been quite active in Yunyang City these days. I think our guess was right—she is indeed here to pave the way for Fang Yacun. Fourth Sister said she saw her at the Yun Family, and I also saw her at the Yanbei Prince's Mansion. Now she wants to come to the Lin Family, so it seems she has visited every prominent family in Yunyang City."
Upon hearing this, Ren Yaohua couldn't help but sneer, then frowned. "No, Fang Yacun cannot come to Yanbei!"
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