NOVPUB38: Chapter 30 Qin Family isn’t Short of Money_2
38 -30 Qin Family isn’t Short of Money_2
The Yin residence was built near the Pingjiang River, an area populated with the mansions of the elite, their vermilion gates and grand households flaunting glazed rooftiles and white walls, towering pavilions and elaborate terraces.
The morning light lent the river a glimmering sheen, while emerald grass stretched along the embankment, willow branches swaying gently as a breeze carrying the fresh scent of yesterday’s rain greeted the face.
Ran Yan took a deep breath, lifting her gaze to the residence before her.
A modest wooden plaque hung proudly on the tall gatehouse, its characters “Yin Residence” boldly inscribed with vigorous, forceful strokes of silver and iron, exuding a majestic yet overly stern presence, which didn’t quite match the scholarly reputation of the Yin Family.
With limited ability to appreciate calligraphy, Ran Yan didn’t dwell on this and retracted her gaze.
They weren’t early, as many carriages had already arrived at the entrance of the Yin residence.
Though Qin Musheng’s reputation wasn’t the best, he was well-liked, and the people getting off the carriages greeted him warmly.
Whether they were there for Qin Musheng’s sake or that of his father, the Upper Assistant of the Qin Family, was another matter.
In the midst of pleasantries, many eyes were drawn to Ran Yan, who wore a mask.
A young master in dark green, brocade attire, seemingly acquainted with Qin Musheng, rushed over as soon as he disembarked from his carriage.
He playfully punched Qin Musheng in the chest and laughed, “You rascal, you’ve been off courting that lady again.
I passed by your residence early this morning and heard from your servant that you left at dawn…”
Ran Yan, unfamiliar with these people and uninterested in their affairs, let Wan Lu show the Yin servant their invitation so they could proceed into the estate.
The young man in the splendid green attire saw Qin Musheng’s gaze constantly drifting toward Ran Yan’s retreating figure, craned his neck, and said with a whistle of desire, “Tsk tsk, that figure is indeed attractive.
Which lady’s attention have you captured this time?”
Qin Musheng slapped the young man sharply and said sternly, “Zhang Fei, don’t get any strange ideas.
That’s Ran Shiqi, my future wife.
You mustn’t harbor any improper thoughts!”
Zhang Fei gave Qin Musheng a peculiar look and asked, “There’s been talk across town recently that the seventeenth young lady of the Ran Family is a ravishing beauty.
Is it true that she is indeed stunning?
You actually didn’t go to pick up Qi Liuniang this morning but went to the outskirts to fetch her?”
“No matter how stunning, from now on, she will be mine,” Qin Musheng said cheerfully.
Qi Liuniang, who thought of herself as a Fairy from the heavens and treated him with such condescension, mattered little to him now.
“Let’s go,” he said and stepped inside the residence.
Zhang Fei became even more convinced of Ran Yan’s exceptional beauty.
Usually, if Qin Musheng discovered a beauty, he would certainly call his friends to join him in stalking and admiring her.
Even when it came to seeing Qi Liuniang, they all went together; there was never an intention to “hide a beauty in the golden house” like this.
“Si Lang, when will you introduce your brother to your lady wife?” Zhang Fei asked, catching up with Qin Musheng with a grin.
Qin Musheng’s lips curled up slightly as he glanced sideways at Zhang Fei and responded, “On the day of my grand wedding, you will naturally get to see her.”
Zhang Fei verbally assented again and again but thought to himself that he must see her today, no matter what.
Surely, she couldn’t keep wearing the mask throughout the tea party!
Meanwhile, Ran Yan had entered the estate and was led by a servant to the Lotus Garden.
The garden was semi-enclosed, situated beside a pond, with not many structures, only a graceful Liangfeng Pavilion partially overhanging the water.
Scattered with exotic rocks and artificial hills, sheltered by trees, it was a cool retreat from the summer heat.
“Wife, please rest in Liangfeng Pavilion for a while.
Once the tea party starts, a maid will guide you there,” said the Servant, stopping before continuing down the path.
Inside Liangfeng Pavilion, a crowd had already gathered.
Ran Yan thanked the Servant and led Wan Lu that way.
A vibrant lotus pond surrounded the delicate pavilion, with doors and windows wide open on all sides, concealed by dense bamboo curtains, through which the soft laughter of ladies occasionally filtered.
Wan Lu lifted the curtain, and the moment Ran Yan stepped into the pavilion, all sounds ceased, and only the scent of sandalwood lingered.
In that quiet, Ran Yan could see around sixteen or seventeen people inside—eight gorgeously dressed young ladies and the rest were Maids.
After a brief silence, a girl dressed in pale blue, light gauze, with a cross-collar skirt stood up and asked, “You are…?”
Ran Yan removed her mask and, looking at the young lady, felt a sense of familiarity and unconsciously said, “Miaomiao.”
“Ah Yan!” exclaimed Yin Miaomiao, unable to hide her astonishment on her graceful face.
The others in the room were also visibly surprised, thinking to themselves how the timid, frail invalid had transformed into such a striking figure.
It seemed the rumors around town were not unfounded.
In an instant, they felt a mix of envy and jealousy.
