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墨書 Inktalez
She lowered her voice and continued, "Don't be fooled by the youth of Second Mistress Lian; her actions are more mature than those of most people. With her striking beauty, she must have at least ten schemes in mind. If it comes to wit, even ten eloquent men would not stand a chance against her. If you have to meet someone, it’s better to meet the Second Mistress than the Madam."
I already knew I would be meeting the famous Wang Xifeng today, a sharp and shrewd character, which made me feel a bit nervous. However, Wang Xifeng was indeed the real power behind the Jia Manor, and the true confidential accounts were surely kept in her quarters. Today would be a good opportunity to gather some information and explore the situation.
Zhourui Jiadi led us to meet Wang Xifeng, first arranging for us to wait in the anteroom while she went inside to announce our arrival. Though this anteroom was not as lavish as the outside, it still exuded an air of wealth.
I held onto the curious Ban'er, who was looking around with wide eyes, while I strained to listen to the sounds coming from within. Before long, I heard a few maids passing by in the corridor, chatting idly.
"Today alone, we spent dozens of taels on vegetables; this is just for what’s cooked in the old lady's kitchen," one maid said.
Another chimed in, "You’re new here; it’s no surprise you’re shocked. The Rongguo Mansion is not just any household; they spend at least five or six thousand taels on food every year."
"Not to mention clothing expenses, buying flowers and plants, offerings for the temple, and hiring opera troupes; just wait and see," another maid whispered.
I was taken aback by their words; the expenses of the Jia Manor were indeed staggering, and such amounts of money could not possibly all come from legitimate sources.
While I was pondering this, I noticed two or three women walking past with large lacquered boxes in their hands; they must have been delivering something. My gaze inadvertently fell on one young woman in her twenties, and I was instantly stunned.
She was strikingly beautiful, with features that bore a striking resemblance to my poor Su'er—seven or eight parts alike. A wave of sorrow washed over me; I struggled to suppress my heartache and discreetly wiped away a tear from the corner of my eye.
Just then, Zhourui Jiadi emerged from within. I quickly composed myself and forced a smile.
"Liu Laolao, Second Mistress Lian is asking for you."
Looking up, I saw Zhourui Jiadi standing next to a lovely young girl adorned in fine silk. She wore gold and silver accessories and had a radiant beauty that made me think this must be Ping'er; she looked even more stunning than described in books.
I awkwardly smiled as I took Ban'er’s hand and followed Ping'er into the main hall. As I stepped through the door, I discreetly glanced around.
In front of the southern window stood a large heated bed covered with golden-green satin bedding. Against the eastern wall leaned an intricately embroidered backrest with a decorative pillow beside it—both were exceptionally luxurious.
The room was filled with exquisite decorations, and even a carved spittoon was exceptionally delicate.
As I marveled quietly, a clear voice rang out, "Is this Liu Laolao? Old In-Law, please come in and take a seat."
I steadied myself and cautiously raised my eyes, only to see Wang Xifeng sitting gracefully on the kang. She wore an autumn fox fur coat over a layered pearl necklace, dressed in a peach-red floral jacket, a stone-blue silk gray fur cloak, and a bright red silk skirt lined with silver fox fur. Her face, radiant and alluring, exuded an air of nobility.
She did not look at me but instead held a small copper poker, stirring the ashes in the brazier.
Suddenly, Wang Xifeng glanced my way, her gaze sharp and perceptive.
I felt as if she could see right through me, and I hurriedly lowered my head, feeling a wave of nervousness that made my fingertips tingle.
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