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: The Way of Favors Chapter 22\n
: The Way of Favors Chapter 24\n
First, Qi Zhu fell into the water. Then, Liang Tong had bravely confessed his love. There was no more relaxing atmosphere from before, so Fu Chen ordered the boat rower to row back to shore.\n
The awning boat docked. Seeing that Liang Tong wanted to follow them up the shore, Fu Chen tried to drive him away sullenly, âYou should go back first.â He had said those words to his younger sister and actually dared to follow them. How could his younger sister go out to play now?\n
Liang Tong understood his intentions. Even if he was reluctant, he glanced at the mountain and said without confidence, âI can send you guys up the mountain. The road is farâŠâ\n
âThereâs no need. Go as soon as possible. You may be able to enter the city before it gets dark.â Fu Chen didnât need his help to send off his younger sister.\n
His younger brother still didnât allow him. Liang Tong reluctantly looked at his lover, who was hiding behind Fu Rong. He had waited but no one wanted him to stay, so he could only bid farewell.\n
Liang Yingfang was guilty. She was afraid of being beaten up by Fu Rong if she stayed, and she also left with her older brother with a dingy smile. She had also overheard her dumb older brotherâs confession. With her understanding of Older Sister Wan, if she didnât slap him in the face, then it meant that she had also fallen in love.\n
They were very happy. The four siblings of the Fu family returned to the courtyard with dilemmas.\n
Seeing that two people were missing, Qiao Shi asked curiously, âWhere are Yingfang and the others?â\n
Fu Chen was afraid that it would be awkward for Fu Wan and had already prepared an excuse, âThe Liang family suddenly ordered the servants to call them back. They probably have something urgent. But hearing the messenger, it doesnât seem like a big matter, so thereâs no need for mother to worry.â\n
Qiao Shi nodded her head and asked the siblings how the trip was. Learning that Qi Zhu had fallen into the water because of Fu Rongâs careless arms and legs, she immediately scolded Fu Rong harshly, then ordered Qiao Xing to prepare a gift and send it over to the Qi familyâs mansion.\n
Noble families saw much importance in their reputation and would not become unfriendly with each other because of a small matter. Fu Rong predicted that the sister and brother would not tell their seniors the truth. The two families still needed to be friendly to each other on the outside, so she did not inform her mother. Anyway, her parents already held grudges for the Qi family.\n
She obediently closed her door to reflect and only came out when it was dinnertime.\n
The days were long in the summer, and it was best to enjoy the cool in the evening. After dinner, Fu Wan returned to her room, and Fu Rong and Fu Xuan accompanied Qiao Shi to take a walk in the courtyard.\n
âI donât know what your father is thinking.â Qiao Shi looked down the mountain and said softly. Today, they were on a trip. Her husband originally planned to join them, but unfortunately, someone visited and he could not leave.\n
âProbably comforting younger brother.â Fu Rong said with a smile. Her father was the best man in the world, and Fu Rong trusted him more than anyone.\n
Qiao Shi also trusted her husband but mentioned the words to relieve her boredom. Turning a corner, she looked up at the clouds in the sky, and by chance, saw a ray of light illuminating the top of the mountain. She couldnât help but say curiously, âIs that also the monastery? It has a great location, and looks like a lucky place.â\n
Fu Rong looked over, her gaze complicated.\n
That was actually a courtyard of the princeâs manor. The entire mountain belonged to Bamboo Forest Temple. Besides the princeâs manor, no one could occupy a place on the mountain, and could at most only have a guest house.\n
âI donât think itâs the monastery. I just saw smoke come out of there, but the heating room of Bamboo Forest Temple isnât there.â A young maid cleverly said.\n
Fu Rongâs heart skipped a beat. Could someone from the princeâs manor be coming? Even if the masters of the Xu family didnât come, the servants would still need to start the fire. And besides, so what if they come? Right now, she was the beautiful daughter of the Fu family, not Xu Jinâs wife. Even if she meets the princess consort, she didnât need to lower her head too much and be a little begrudged.\n
As for Xu Yan, the two of them had first met in next yearâs Lantern Festival in the previous life, so it wouldnât become earlier, right?\n
Because they had to get up early tomorrow to listen to the prayers, the family rested very early tonight. As usual, Fu Rong practiced her leg moves for thirty minutes. After bathing, she leaned back on the couch to rest. Lan Xiang sat behind her and was wringing her hair. When she was almost finished, she tilted her head to look at Fu Rong. Seeing that her eyes were open, she asked quietly, âMy lady, will you read or practice your writing tonight?â\n
Reading or writing was Fu Rongâs new habit after practicing her leg moves and was for leaving some time to dry her hair.\n
The mountain was quiet, and the shadows of the bamboo whirled outside the window. Fu Rong stood up and put on her coat, then looked at the redwood table by the window, âIâll practice my writing.â\n
Mei Xiang immediately stepped forward to spread the paper and grind the ink.\n
Fu Rongâs motivation to practice her writing was not to be a talented woman. She only wanted her handwriting to be eye-catching so that she could obtain some praises when she wrote in front of people in the future. In the previous life, the princess consort ordered her to copy scriptures in the name of filial piety and always said that her handwriting was ugly as an excuse to order her to rewrite. If she didnât finish writing, she couldnât leave. After only arguing two times, Fu Rong became obedient. She suppressed her anger and practiced diligently and had shut the princess consortâs mouth. Even if she despised her, she was unable to punish her. And thanks to this, Fu Rongâs handwriting became much better, and she saved a lot of time to re-practice her writing.\n
With the brush in her hand, the pitch-black ink fell on the pale yellow rice paper, reflecting the tranquility of the room. \n
Her anger towards the Qi sister and brother in the day and her worry for her older sisterâs future all sank down with every brush stroke.\n
After tracing a section, her hair was completely dry.\n
Fu Rong set down the brush and stretched her waist lazily. After washing her hands, she got into the gauze tent.\n
Perhaps she had thought of him in the day. This day, Fu Rong dreamt of Xu Yan, dreamt of her first encounter with Xu Yan.\n
The lanterns were dazzlings and were all over the street. She was standing under a stall with lantern riddles under the watch of her father and older brother. When she was deep in thought, she suddenly realized that someone was looking at her. She tilted her head to look over and looked into Xu Yanâs startled face in the soft light. Fu Rong had already recognized him, so she did not get angry and only smiled at him, then continued to guess the lantern riddles.\n
Xu Yan went forward to greet her father and older brother, and she obediently called out, âPrinceâ.\n
Later on, she called him husband, called him Yun ShengâŠ\n
Halfway between the dream and reality, Fu Rong opened her eyes.\n
The gauze tent was dark.\n
Fu Rong let out a long sigh of relief.\n
It would be best not to see Xu Yan this lifetime.\n
Fu Rong was afraid that Xu Yan would fall in love with her again. Although she was not infatuated with Xu Yan, Fu Rong did not want to sadden Xu Yan. She decided that she would not marry him again. Then, it would be best if they did not meet. She had her road to walk on, and he should also find a girl who suited him, a virtuous wife that would satisfy his mother and cousin.\n
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âQin Xiang has such nimble hands. My lady looks like Madam Guanyin [1] with this appearance.â Lan Xiang exclaimed as Fu Rong turned around after she had put on her forehead decoration.\n
Fu Rong scolded her, âAm I that old?â\n
She glanced at the mirror again after she said that.\n
The forehead decoration attracted attention. It was a little disrespectful to dress up so lavishly in Bamboo Forest Temple, so Qin Xiang made a drop-shaped forehead decoration similar to Guanyinâs red dot for her. Because it was red, it was still a little bright, but Fu Rong knew how to dress up and wore a plain white dress today. She only had a white jade flower in her hair and did not even wear earrings. When she was sitting there quietly, even Fu Rong almost could not recognize herself.\n
As she was complaining inside, Mei Xiang hurried from outside, âMy lady, are you ready? Madam, Second Lady, and Sixth lady are all outside waiting!â\n
Fu Rong quickly walked out.\n
When she got to the doorway, she deliberately slowed down. She didnât whine to her mother like she usually did, but rather suppressed her laughter and put on a calm expression. Afraid that she could not hide the smile in her eyes, she looked down.\n
Qiao Shi was astonished. Was her daughter really selected by the Heavenly Madam of the Heavenly Palace and was going to fly away?\n
Fu Wan had heard Fu Rong mention this kind of appearance. After being surprised, she grabbed her younger sisterâs hand with a smile, âNong Nong looks good like thisâŠwhy are you smiling. Youâve exposed yourself by smiling. You really canât be obedient for once!â\n
Fu Rong simply couldnât hold it in. When outsiders praised her, she would pretend to be reserved. When her familiar relatives praised her, she always wanted to laugh.\n
Qiao Shi looked at her with a reassured and helpless look, âLetâs go. Today is Master Jing Jianâs lecture. Letâs not be late.â\n
The monks all had their own style of reciting scriptures. This Master Jing Jian had a friendly face, and his explanations of Buddhism were easy to understand. The females of the family all enjoyed listening to him, and quite a few would ask for more details in advance, coming only when they learned that the speaker was Master Jing Jian.\n
The mother and three daughters walked towards the scripture courtyard, accompanied by Fu Chen.\n
When they were halfway there, some people from the Qi family came over from another road.\n
âOld Madam, Madam Qi, it was already late when I learned that Qi Zhu had fallen into the water, so I could not go over to apologize with Nong Nong. I really canât get over this. How is AâZhu, is she uncomfortable anywhere?â Qiao Shi walked forward with quick steps, holding Qi Zhuâs hand and analyzing her. She then turned her head back and scolded Fu Rong, âWhy are you still not coming over and apologizing to AâZhu?â\n
Fu Rong went forward, and looked at Qi Zhu with anxiety and guilt, âAâZhu, donât be angry. I really didnât do it on purpose. Are you alright? I didnât sleep well last night and was afraid that you would get sick.â She had evil intentions towards her older sister, and Fu Rong no longer had any more good feelings about Qi Zhu, so she was pleased to piss her off.\n
Qi Zhu smiled and shook her head, âIâm fine, donât I look alright? Nong Nong, donât blame yourself. Itâs me who didnât stand properly.â\n
But the hand under the sleeve was clenched tightly.\n
Everyone was fooled by Fu Rong. She was the only one who was clear that Fu Rong had crashed into her purposely! So what if Fu Rong saw through her intentions? She had already stopped, why is she still bullying her?\n
Looking at Fu Rongâs face that was as white as jade, Qi Zhu cursed her three times inside, andâŠ\n
âAlright, weâll chat after the event is over. Letâs go in first.â Old Madam Qi was sincere to the Buddha and interrupted the two pairs of mother and daughter with a smile. Her gaze flitted to the three Fu sisters, and she felt a little regretful when she saw Fu Wan. Since the banquet, Qiao Shi had rejected their invitation two times. It appeared that she had no intention for them to get married, but when she saw Fu Rong, she still praised sincerely, âNong Nong looks good, like a little Guanyin!â\n
Fu Rong bit her lip and smiled, âOld Madam is so good at coaxing people. If I am Guanyin, then arenât you the Heavenly Madam?â\n
The little girl had a rare charm. Old Madam Qi wanted to call Fu Rong over to her side to accompany her, but Fu Rong retreated behind her mother without understanding.\n
Old Madam Qi could only forget the thought and left.\n
Fu Rong looked towards Qi Ce habitually.\n
Qi Ce was also looking at her. When their eyes locked, he smiled lightly, and his handsome face was more extraordinary in the morning light.\n
Fu Rong slightly froze. Why was he not angry, and he even glared at her when he was in the water yesterdayâŠ\n
Before she could react, Qi Ce had already walked away.\n
Fu Rong couldnât guess what exactly this person wanted to do and decided to not bother. Anyway, they were getting closer to her older sister and Liang Tongâs good event. With her older sisterâs personality, she wouldnât leave the house so easily in the future, and she didnât need to be afraid of Qi Ce ruining things.\n
âYun Sheng, why are you here?â\n
Just when Fu Rong was about to retract her gaze, Qi Ce strode forward and greeted a young man wearing a brocade robe standing opposite from him. The young man was blocked by Old Madam Qi and Madam Qi, and Fu Rong was a little towards the back, so he could only see a part of the clothing.\n
But Qi Ceâs call was enough to have Fu Rong guess the identity of the young man.\n
After all, they shared the same bed for three years. She was totally unprepared for this encounter, and Fu Rongâs heart suddenly was a little messy.\n
She heard Xu Yan greet the elders in a gentle and clear voice, saying that he was accompanying his mother to listen to the scriptures. She heard Qi Zhu call him âOlder Brother Princeâ [2] in a softer voice than usual. Xu Yan responded casually and turned around to invite the females into the lecture hall first, then invited Qi Ce, Qi Jian, and her older brother to sit in the nearby pavilion.\n
Her mother walked forward with her younger sister.\n
Closing her eyes and opening them again, Fu Rong walked side to side with her older sister without blinking.\n
Why messy?\n
Just pretend that he was a stranger.\n
[1] Guanyinâ Known as âGoddess Guanyinâ or Madam Guanyinâ, Guanyin is the Bodhisattva in Buddhism. She wears a red forehead dot on her forehead.\n
[2] Older Brother Princeâ Directly translated, it should be âPrince Gegeâ. Qi Zhu does not refer to him as a biological brother but uses âgegeâ to signify a boy/man a few years older than her with respect. âGegeâ is normally used by one who is familiar with the person.\n