Chapter 103: Liu Xin Arrives At The Mansion
Translator: Dragon Boat Translation Editor: Dragon Boat Translation
Hearing Jiang Ren’s words, Jiang Peihuan didn’t respond verbally, but her eyes showed she was deep in thought.
It seemed that this life and her previous life were quite different. However, she wouldn’t feel any sympathy for Xiao Junhao.
“By the way, Huan Er, I came to ask if you have any spare time.”
“Xin Er is visiting your third aunt today, I have to go to the military camp soon, and Songbai is still at the academy. If you have time, you could go to Elegant Garden and have a meal with your third aunt.”
Once Jiang Ren finished speaking, Jiang Peihuan understood his intentions. After all, a visitor should not be neglected, especially if it’s only Liu Xiu.
“Go ahead, your third aunt is waiting for you.”
After saying these words, Jiang Ren left Plum Garden directly.
Once Jiang Ren had left, Jiang Peihuan changed her clothes and went to Elegant Garden with Yue Er.
“Eldest Miss, Third Madam and Miss Liu are in the small garden. Madam asked me to wait here for you.”
As Jiang Peihuan arrived at the entrance of Elegant Garden, she saw Jing Er waiting there.
Seeing Jiang Peihuan, Jing Er quickly greeted her with a bow.
“Get up.”
Raising her hand towards her, Jiang Peihuan finally spoke with a smile, “Please lead me to my third aunt.”
Then, Jiang Peihuan followed Jing Er towards the small garden. Before they got close, she heard Liu Xiu’s laughter.
Liu Xiu was usually gentle and it was good to see her laugh so freely. Stepping forward, Jiang Peihuan quietly said, “It seems my third aunt is very happy today. Is it because of sister Xin er?”
“Huan Er, you’ve arrived. Come, sit.”
Hearing Jiang Peihuan’s voice, both Liu Xiu and Liu Xin turned their heads towards her. Liu Xin even stepped forward to bow, “Sister Jiang.”
Jiang Peihuan quickly held her hand and said, “Didn’t I tell you, we’re all family, no need for such formalities.”
“Alright, 1’11 remember,” Liu Xin responded with a nod. Once Jiang Peihuan sat down, Liu Xin took a seat next to her.
“Huan Er, thank you for your help last night,” said Liu Xiu.
“Third Aunt, we’re all family, no need to be so polite.”
“It’s just my overthinking,” Liu Xiu replied, then turned to Jing Er, “Could you check if Nanny Liu pastries are ready? Please bring some for our young lady to taste.”
“Yes, I’ll go right away.”
“Nanny Liu started preparing them early in the morning when she heard you were coming.”
“I’ll have to eat a couple more then,” Jiang Peihuan replied, chuckling at Liu Xiu’s words.
But before they could enjoy Nanny Liu pastries, Jiang Ruyun arrived.
Jiang Ruyun rarely visited Elegant Garden. Seeing her sudden appearance, both Liu Xiu and Jiang Peihuan were somewhat surprised.
“Third Aunt, Eldest Sister.”
Jiang Ruyun stepped forward and gave a rare bow to Liu Xiu, which made Liu Xiu hastily ask, “Ruyun, is there something you need from me?”
“Third Aunt, the Cao family invited me to go on an outing. As my elder and younger brothers, as well as Sijin, are not at home, it may be inappropriate for me to go alone. So, I was thinking about asking my elder sister to accompany me.”
“Since Miss Liu is here, why don’t we invite her to join us?”
“This?”
In Qi Kingdom, the society was rather open-minded. Unmarried men and women could hang out together. Plus, Jiang Ruyun and Cao Jun already had a marriage arrangement.
However, as a prestigious family, some care was still necessary, usually having siblings accompany each other.
It was expected that Jiang Peihuan would accompany, but when Jiang Ruyun suggested Liu Xin also join, Liu Xiu seemed hesitant.
Although she had married into the Jiang family, the Liu family was still a merchant after all. Liu Xiu was worried her niece might be looked down upon.
Without thinking, Liu Xiu looked towards Jiang Peihuan. Seeing Liu Xiu’s hesitation, Jiang Peihuan reassured her, “Third Aunt, they’re of the same age. Let Xin Er join them for fun. I will bring her back later.”
“Alright, Xin Er can go with you.”
Hearing Jiang Peihuan’s words, Liu Xiu nodded.
An hour later, Jiang Peihuan, Jiang Ruyun, and Liu Xin left the Jiang Mansion. As they reached the main entrance, they saw Cao Jun on a carriage.
Seeing the ladies, Cao Jun hurriedly paid his respects, “Eldest Miss, Ruyun.”
“Young Master Cao.”
After nodding to Cao Jun, Jiang Peihuan introduced Liu Xin, “This is Miss Liu, my Third Aunt’s niece. She’s visiting us, so I brought her along. I hope you don’t mind, Young Master Cao?”
The Cao family was known for scholarly heritage, while the Liu family was merchants. As Jiang Peihuan spoke, she watched Cao Jun’s face.
If Cao Jun showed any dissatisfaction, she would find a way to cancel the outing. However, upon hearing Liu Xin’s background, there was no change in Cao Jun’s expression. He bowed, “Miss Liu.”
Seeing Cao Jun bow, Liu Xin quickly returned the greeting.
Seeing this scene, Jian Peihuan’s impression of Cao Jun changed slightly.
Soon, everyone was on the carriage.
The carriage was prepared by the Cao family. It was not luxurious, but it was very elegant. Once seated, Jiang Ruyun asked Cao Jun, “Brother Cao, where are we going for the outing?”
“I planned to take you to Little Cloud Mountain outside the city river. It’s lotus seed season. We can pick some in the evening.
Although Little Cloud Mountain was named a mountain, it is not actually a mountain. It is a vast grassland with a steep slope. From afar, it looks like a mountain.
Sitting at the top and looking up at the sky, the scenery is very beautiful. This is why it was named Little Cloud Mountain.
“That’s perfect. 1 can pick some to bring back.”
Inside the carriage, most of the conversation was between Cao Jun and Jiang Ru Yun, with Liu Xin occasionally chiming in. Jiang Peihuan casually picked up a book from the table and started to read quietly.
“Sister Jiang, have some tea.”
Seeing that Jiang Peihuan had been silent, Liu Xin poured her a cup of tea and handed it to her.
“Thank you.”
After softly saying thanks, Jiang Peihuan put down her book. But just as she was about to reach out to take the tea cup, the carriage suddenly stopped. The cup of tea spilled all over Jiang Peihuan.
“I’m sorry, Sister Jiang, are you okay?”
Seeing the tea spilling on Jiang Pei Huan, Liu Xin’s eyes were filled with panic.
“It’s okay, the tea is not hot.”
“It’s all my fault, I…”
“It’s not your fault, I just didn’t hold it steady.”
Seeing Liu Xin looking increasingly upset, Jiang Peihuan interrupted her gently.
If there’s anything to blame, it would be the sudden stop of the carriage. Cao Jun also understood this, and he breathed a sigh of relief when he saw that Jiang Peihuan was not hurt..