Chapter 40 The Tiger Falls on Level Ground

Chapter 40 The Tiger Falls on Level Ground

"Did you copy Buddhist scriptures for Grandmother?" Yao Xia pursed her lips and lowered her voice. "Why didn't you call me? Grandmother will be upset with me..."

Yao Ran slightly curled the corners of her mouth. "How could Grandmother bear to be angry with you? She has always liked you the most."

"How could that be? Grandmother often says I'm like a naughty monkey, not at all as composed and well-mannered as my cousin. She always tells me to learn from my cousin."

Mentioning this, Yao Xia smiled awkwardly, then enthusiastically introduced, "By the way, Cousin, this is Sister Chang from General Chang's residence. Today, I felt an instant connection with Sister Chang; it feels like we've met too late!"

The little girl nearby wanted to roll her eyes again.

She had heard Yao Er say the same thing last time.

Yao Er always felt an instant connection and a deep friendship with any beautiful lady she met, calling them the best in the world.

Anyone who believed her nonsense would lose.

For example, Lady Wei of the Duke Zheng's household...

From a distance, Wei Miaoqing watched as Yao Xia, who had been clinging to her just a few days ago, now seemed to want to hang all over Chang Suining. Her anger was so intense that smoke seemed to rise from her head.

Meanwhile, Chang Suining's attention subtly shifted to Yao Ran in front of her.

Since Yao Xia mentioned her identity and revealed her surname as Chang, Yao Ran seemed a bit off.

But it only lasted an instant before she concealed her unease.

"So this is the lady from General Chang's household..." Yao Ran smiled. "I have heard much about you. Now that I see you, I know the rumors are true."

Chang Suining also returned a slight smile. "I have also heard of your reputation, Lady Yao. Your father, Lord Yao Tingwei, is a scholar, and your maternal family is the He Dong Pei clan. With such a heritage, you exude a scholarly aura, which is truly enviable."

Yao Ran tightened her grip on the silk handkerchief in her hand.

Envy?

Was Chang Suining envious of her?

Yao Ran suppressed her unusual feelings. "Lady Chang flatters me."

At that moment, Yao Xia said, "The Duchess of Duke Zheng and Aunt are coming over!"

Aunt—

That would be Pei Min's eldest daughter.

Chang Suining looked at the group of noble ladies, each dressed and mannered exceptionally.

Yao Ran glanced over and quickly said to Yao Xia, "By the way, I heard there are peonies planted in the west garden. They are very beautiful. Why don't you take Lady Chang to see them?"

"Sure." Yao Xia nodded with a smile. "Sister Chang is here for the first time. Let me show her around today."

Then, she looked at Yao Ran. "Cousin, aren't you coming with us?"

"I..." Before Yao Ran could speak, a woman's voice called out.

"Ran Er, come here."

A lady beside the Duchess of Duke Zheng waved gently.

"My mother is calling me... I'll go ahead and find you later in the peony garden." Yao Ran whispered hurriedly and went forward.

Repeatedly suggesting that Yao Xia take her to the peony garden—was this... trying to get rid of her?

Chang Suining looked at Yao Ran's back with a thoughtful expression.

"Lady, do you want to go talk to the elder lady?" a servant girl asked softly beside Yao Xia.

If the lady did not greet the elder lady, she would surely think the lady was disrespectful.

"Forget it. Aunt only called Cousin. If I go up on my own, she might think I want to steal the spotlight from my sister in front of the Duchess of Duke Zheng." Yao Xia turned away and stuck out her tongue, speaking softly. "Anyway, Aunt doesn't like me, so I won't bother her."

Her aunt was born into the Pei clan and was the legitimate eldest daughter. She inherently looked down on her and her mother's background.

Chang Suining faintly heard some of this and looked at Lady Pei.

Just as Yao Xia was about to suggest going to the peony garden, a voice came: "Yao Er, come here."

Yao Xia looked over and saw Wei Miaoqing standing nearby, her expression showing signs of barely contained anger.

Yao Xia shuddered and let go of Chang Suining's arm. "Sister Chang, I'll go over there first. We can admire the peonies later."

Watching her try to maintain composure, Chang Suining gave a noncommittal smile.

"What, didn't you see me today?" Wei Miaoqing said irritably, staring at the sachet in Yao Xia's hand.

Yao Xia quickly put away the sachet and put on a round, smiling face. "I saw that Sister Wei was busy and didn't dare disturb you... You look even more beautiful than before after these few days!"

"I don't believe you..."

Over there, Yao Ran, under her mother Lady Pei's indication, was bowing to the Duchess of Duke Zheng.

Lady Duan praised with a smile, "Lady Pei has raised a truly remarkable lady. She stands out from ordinary girls, truly dignified and graceful."

Lady Pei smiled faintly. "When it comes to raising children, the Duchess of Duke Zheng is the model. Just like Sir Wei, he is already a pillar of the court at a young age."

Lady Duan sighed. "I have no skill in raising him. Instead, he lectures me constantly, giving me a headache."

The other ladies nearby laughed upon hearing this.

Pei heard these somewhat inappropriate words and felt a faint sense of disdain in her heart.

No manners were no manners.

If it weren't for the fact that Wei, the Undersecretary, was indeed young and promising with a bright future, and if he could be matched with her Ran Er, it would indeed be a good marriage; otherwise, she wouldn't even bother to glance at Duan Zhenyi.

A group of people walked slowly forward while talking.

Yao Ran followed her mother, noticing that Chang Suining was still standing there, and quickly furrowed her brow.

At this moment, Duan seemed to have just noticed Chang Suining and raised her voice slightly, smiling as she said, "Oh, is that Lady Chang?"

Hearing this, Chang Suining adjusted her expression slightly before turning around.

She had deliberately stayed, hoping to be seen, but this clearly did not include Duan Zhenyi.

Nevertheless, this confrontation was inevitable sooner or later, whether she faced it head-on or not.

Chang Suining had no choice but to step forward and bow in greeting.

Seeing her with her head bowed, Duan smiled and said, "Lift your head so I can see you."

Chang Suining: "..."

Duan Zhenyi was being rather bold...

Though it wasn't quite appropriate, this situation felt somewhat like a fallen tiger being bullied by dogs. Chang Suining could only obediently raise her head with a smile.

It was at this moment that she truly saw Duan's current appearance up close.

This was the first time she had seen Duan Zhenyi, who was nearly forty—of course, this was a truism.

Duan was only three years older than her, yet now she looked so much older, suddenly having lived those extra years.

She had died at twenty-three, living only twenty-three years without experiencing the feeling of aging. Seeing an old acquaintance who no longer looked young, her emotions were complex.

For a moment, she couldn't tell who had lost those ten years—herself or the person before her eyes.

"What a beautiful young lady!" Duan exclaimed in admiration.

With this compliment, Chang Suining keenly sensed a not-so-friendly gaze falling upon her face.

That gaze was hidden among many others, carrying a hint of cold scrutiny.