Yan Ruxue's steps were a little unsteady, and the smell of wine became stronger as she walked closer. It was evident that she had gone straight to the hot spring upon returning to the manor to wash away the day's intoxication.
Seeing her in such a state, Yan Jiaojiao knew that she had not only drunk alcohol but had also had a lot and enjoyed herself immensely.
In the original host's memories, Yan Ruxue was not someone who would lose herself in such joyous abandon.
Yan Jiaojiao became even more curious about where Yan Ruxue had been.
Yan Ruxue and her maidservant had arrived at the hot spring. Cui Lian helped Yan Ruxue undress and immerse herself in the water.
Yan Jiaojiao did not stand on ceremony and feasted her eyes. She had to admit that Yan Ruxue's figure was still well-maintained and voluptuous.
Unlike her current physique, aside from her fair skin, the original host, due to long-term malnutrition and constant travel, was still flat-chested at fourteen, with only a slight swell.
Yan Jiaojiao involuntarily sank a little deeper into the pool.
Over there, Yan Ruxue was already soaking in the pool, letting out a comfortable sigh. She rested her arms on the edge, her flushed face leaning on them, and a light chuckle escaped her lips.
Cui Lian also seemed very pleased. Seeing Yan Ruxue relaxed, she even took the initiative to ask, "Miss, you seem very happy tonight, don't you?"
Yan Ruxue shot her a playful glare, then couldn't help but smile, "You were clever today, knowing to send someone to follow Young Master Sheng and find out his residence. Go to the accounting office tomorrow and collect your reward."
Young Master Sheng? Sheng Mo Bai...
Yan Jiaojiao had a general guess in her heart. Sure enough, she heard Yan Ruxue say again, "Young Master Sheng is witty and humorous, and also very considerate towards others."
The joy in Yan Ruxue's words was almost overflowing, her eyes shining with the infatuation of a maiden in love.
Cui Lian couldn't help but add, "Yes, and Young Master Sheng's family background is quite prosperous, and his cultivation level is also very high, right? I saw him conjure a sky full of fireworks for Miss with his bare hands just now. That must have required a lot of spiritual power!"
Yan Ruxue chuckled, "That's just a low-level cultivation technique, what do you know, you little maid? But, Young Master Sheng has at least reached the Great Perfection of the Red Level, just like me."
The implication was that Yan Ruxue was very satisfied with Sheng Mo Bai.
Yan Ruxue was lost in the memories of the romantic rendezvous that evening, and Cui Lian simply smiled and served her.
Yan Jiaojiao also pieced together the rough outline of events.
After Yan Jiaojiao had sent Sheng Mo Bai away at noon, Cui Lian had secretly instructed the accompanying servants to follow. On their way back to the manor after dinner, Yan Ruxue had taken a detour to find Sheng Mo Bai.
No wonder Yan Jiaojiao hadn't seen any sign of Yan Ruxue when she arrived at the Yan family.
Yan Ruxue and Sheng Mo Bai spent the entire evening together, drinking and conversing merrily. Sheng Mo Bai had even employed a few romantic tricks, completely winning over Yan Ruxue's heart.
Yan Ruxue, who always prided herself on her aloofness, seemed to be nothing in the face of wealth. After just one meeting, she had disregarded her maidenly reputation and eagerly pursued the man.
If others were to know, they would surely laugh her to scorn. No wonder Yan Ruxue had returned so discreetly.
As Yan Jiaojiao pondered, Yan Ruxue also rose to leave, a smile still gracing her rosy little face.
Only when everything returned to quiet did Yan Jiaojiao get up and leave. She now had a plan.
As expected, the next morning, Yan Ruxue sent Cui Lian to invite Yan Jiaojiao for tea.
Yan Jiaojiao was not yet awake and was slowly getting dressed and washing up, taking a full half-hour. Even Rong'er was getting a little anxious.
On the other hand, the usually arrogant Cui Lian was exceptionally patient today, still waiting by the door with a smile.
Yan Jiaojiao felt it was about time and slowly followed Cui Lian.
Yan Ruxue's courtyard was adjacent to Chen Wenyu's, slightly smaller but equally luxurious and exquisite with its carved railings and painted beams.
As Yan Jiaojiao entered the courtyard, she saw Yan Ruxue sitting in a pavilion.
The pavilion was built on a small stone bridge, with a pond full of lotus flowers below. Green trees and artificial rocks adorned the pond, creating a particularly serene atmosphere.
Yan Ruxue was also elaborately dressed today. Half of her beautiful hair was pinned up, and the other half cascaded down her shoulders. The hairpins in her dark hair glinted brilliantly. She wore a pink gradient gauze dress, which appeared simple yet exuded refinement in its subtle details, making Yan Ruxue appear fair-skinned, beautiful, and exceptionally graceful.
At this moment, Yan Ruxue was playing the guqin, her slender white fingers gliding to produce a melodious and pleasant tune, making her even more delightful to behold.
Yan Jiaojiao ascended the stone bridge and stood there, listening quietly for a long while.
Another young maidservant beside Yan Ruxue was passing by with refreshments. Seeing Yan Jiaojiao listening intently, she couldn't help but say with a hint of mockery, "Do you understand it?"
"Silence," Cui Lian quickly reprimanded. "Miss Jiaojiao, this girl is always tactless. Please don't take offense."
The young maidservant's expression instantly turned resentful. Usually, Cui Lian would also scold Yan Jiaojiao whenever she pleased, so why was she being reprimanded for asking a question?
Fortunately, Yan Jiaojiao waved her hand and did not pursue the matter. The young maidservant then huffily went forward, placed the pastries down, and turned to leave.
Logically, children from noble families should all be proficient in the arts of music, chess, calligraphy, and painting. Like Yan Ruxue, even if not masterful, they should at least be presentable.
However, apart from cultivation techniques, Yan Jiaojiao had never learned music, chess, or painting. Even her literacy was barely passable, a mix of reading and self-teaching. If not for the original host's natural talent, an ordinary person would never have reached the current level.
This clearly showed the extent of the Yan family patriarch's favoritism, which was why even a mere maidservant dared to mock Yan Jiaojiao so casually.
But if the original host couldn't play the guqin, how could the three-thousand-year-old Yan Jiaojiao not be able to? Not only could she play, but she played exceptionally well. Yan Ruxue's current level was, at best, barely acceptable.
As the melody concluded, Yan Ruxue finally looked up at Yan Jiaojiao and smiled, beckoning her, "Jiaojiao, you mentioned before that you wanted to learn the guqin. Today, I specifically brought out the best instrument, wanting to teach you a thing or two."
Yan Jiaojiao approached and sat by the stone table, picking up a pastry the maidservant had just placed with two fingers. "Didn't you always say you didn't have time before?"
Yan Ruxue showed a touch of opportune guilt. "Yes. Just consider it my apology, on behalf of Second Madam and Liu'er, for what happened to you. You were truly wronged the other day. Look, Father will be back in a few days..."
Using teaching the guqin to smooth things over, Yan Ruxue played the family card masterfully.
Seeing that Yan Jiaojiao did not respond, Yan Ruxue continued on her own, "Don't trouble Father too much with your mutual harm with Liu'er. I have already discussed with Second Madam that everything will be said to be an accident. You two have now gone through hardships and reconciled. Liu'er has already agreed, and you will also cherish sisterly affection, won't you?"
Yan Jiaojiao smiled, "So, yesterday, when I was drugged by Second Madam, didn't she tell you about it?"
Yan Ruxue, with eyes wide open and speaking falsehoods, feigned surprise, "How could Second Madam drug you? Is there some misunderstanding?"