Chapter 53: Chapter 53: Coming in Handy
Qu Fulan followed Mrs. Pei closely, witnessing the popularity of the Pei Family. On her left, a lady wished to visit; on her right, another lady wished to visit. However, Mrs. Pei did not meet just anyone. Besides the Qian Family, it was only the Liu Family that was granted an audience; no one else could meet her.
And even the Liu Family, after saying a few words, left shortly thereafter. After all, their relationship was not close, and they came only upon hearing that Mrs. Pei was here.
Once there were no outsiders, Mrs. Pei began discussing Pei Yuan’s marriage with the second madam.
"She seems suitable. We don’t demand much else, just hope she’ll treat Tuan well in the future." The second lady said.
"After all, coming from a scholarly family, she should understand the basics of dealing with people. It shouldn’t be a case of acting one way in public and another in private."
Pei Family’s eldest son is to be married, and the number of noble girls wishing to marry into the Pei Family is more than few. Among them, one from the prestigious Qian Family was selected by the Pei Family for her scholarly background, likely easier to get along with than the delicate daughters of wealthy families.
The Qian Family, upon encountering such good fortune, would naturally want to maintain a good relationship with the Pei Family, so Miss Qian would certainly treat Tuan well.
Having seen a lot, Mrs. Pei, in theory, should not be wrong in her judgment of people. However, due to her age, she’s not infallible. After all, the human heart is hard to fathom, and no one can see through everyone all the time.
Qu Fulan had no particular feelings about their discussion.
In ancient times, it was often about parents’ orders and matchmaking words; there were even marriages without meeting. So much more for those who could meet; if satisfied, they would marry directly. Whether good or bad, it’s all a matter of luck. Lucky ones choose a good wife, and the family lives in harmony; unlucky ones choose a wife who disrupts the family, and that’s fate.
Not just in ancient times; isn’t it the same nowadays?
There are many cases of flash marriages and divorces.
But none of this has anything to do with her. Whether others marry or divorce is unrelated to her; she doesn’t aim to marry a good man as her life’s goal.
After the opera, the Pei Family did not leave immediately. Having come out with difficulty, they wanted to make the most of it. Finally, the Pei Family chartered a pleasure boat to cruise the lake.
Following along, Qu Fulan got to benefit from this as well. Since arriving in ancient times, this was her first true outing. Unlike the previous visit to the Zheng Mansion, where she constantly feared being schemed against and couldn’t enjoy the scenery, now she could truly relax and appreciate the beauty of this world.
The boat had a lot of food, mostly nuts, peanuts, and pastries. Mrs. Pei, in a good mood, told the maids to eat freely, and Qu Fulan joined in to have a taste.
She also liked snacks, but after one bite of each, she didn’t eat a second. They weren’t her favorite kinds.
She preferred spicy foods that she couldn’t be without. Sweets were something she craved as a child but couldn’t have. As she grew older and could have them, she lost interest.
Even the popular sweet and sour ribs she disliked.
Pei Ji’an, at the other end, was talking to Pei Yuan and An Ruchang but glanced over. Seeing Qu Fulan only take a few bites before stopping, then engage in conversation with a young maid from Mrs. Pei’s courtyard, and hearing them laugh loudly, he quickly looked away.
In fact, someone like Hai Xia, in her third-class maid status, wouldn’t be able to join today. But in the morning, when her stewardess mother reported the departure plans to Mrs. Pei, she naturally left an impression. Knowing the stewardess had a daughter, Mrs. Pei asked and then said to have her join for some fun.
Thus, Hai Xia was able to come, happily chatting with Fulan.
The two were unlike Hua Hao and Yueyuan, who needed to stay by Mrs. Pei’s side constantly. Hai Xia couldn’t serve close to their master, and Fulan wasn’t needed by Heir Pei, making them the most relaxed and leisurely of the group.
Qu Fulan very much needed a friend like Hai Xia, simple-minded and cheerful. She could completely relax with her, as maintaining constant vigilance could be exhausting.
Hai Xia hadn’t changed her habit of loving gossip. Secretly, she began to update Qu Fulan with the latest rumors.
"Today, not only is Pei Mansion’s eldest son meeting a girl, but Heir Xiao is also meeting one."
Qu Fulan was somewhat surprised, "How do you know?"
"Earlier while watching the opera at Sunset Building, I went out to use the facilities and overheard. They were saying Heir Xiao was meeting a girl from the noble Zhou Family."
Zhou Family girl? That’s not likely. Not that cousin.
Qu Fulan wasn’t interested in the matter. To be honest, if possible, she would prefer Heir Xiao got married and had children sooner, so she wouldn’t have to worry.
The original novel’s plot and character setting were all there, making it difficult for her to break away from the script.
While talking, Hai Xia suddenly patted her shoulder excitedly, whispering, "Fulan, look, the Xiao Family’s boat is coming over. I wonder if we can see Heir Xiao!"
Qu Fulan instinctively turned around and, sure enough, saw the Xiao Family’s boat approaching. Seated by the railing was none other than Xiao Shinuan, with another girl beside her, likely the Zhou Family girl.
Not intending to see that family, Qu Fulan made an excuse, saying she had something to do inside and went into the room.
Meanwhile, on the Xiao Family’s side, Mrs. Xiao was indeed busy arranging a match for her son.
Mrs. Xiao thought that once her son married and had children, he wouldn’t continue searching for Li Jirou.
She had tricked her son to the Sunset Building to see the opera. At least he had met the Zhou Family’s daughter once, and Mrs. Xiao was very satisfied.
Knowing his mother’s intentions, Heir Xiao couldn’t even be bothered to look directly at the other party and simply said he had official business to leave for.
Mrs. Xiao was furious, but what could she do with her son? She continued to converse happily with the Zhou Family people, who were also very pleased and keen on making this match.
However, the boat had not only the Xiao Family and Zhou Family but several other noble ladies and young ladies to avoid making it too obvious. Wouldn’t it ruin their reputations if it didn’t work out later?
Meanwhile, Qu Fulan had just returned indoors when she heard footsteps at the door. Turning around, she saw Heir Pei’s tall frame leaning against the door, looking at her with a probing gaze.
Qu Fulan quickly stood up, "Does the heir have any instructions?"
"Seasick?" he asked.
Qu Fulan shook her head, "Just that my handkerchief was dirty, so I came in to change it."
"If you’re fine, then go play a game of chess with Prince An."
Qu Fulan: "...Heir, that’s not appropriate. I’ve just started learning; how could I compete?"
What if they found out she’s a novice and got upset?
Heir Pei chuckled, "Just go. Who wins or loses isn’t certain."
Qu Fulan understood. Prince An probably just learned chess too, and Heir Pei didn’t have the patience to play with a novice, so she was to step in.