Chapter 981: Chapter 985: A Chance Encounter (4 Updates)
Nalan Jinlian bought everything in one go.
As she was preparing to leave, she saw Nalan Mingzhu beside a lady, seemingly also shopping for things.
"Sister!" Nalan Mingzhu softly called out, bowing slightly.
Nalan Mingzhu bowed, and the Liao Lady followed suit, "Greetings, First Miss!"
She discreetly sized up Nalan Jinlian.
She couldn’t help being astonished; such striking beauty, no wonder there’s a proper identity arranged for her. It seems they intend for her to be the main wife.
If she was to be a concubine, why go through such trouble?
Thinking of this, the Liao Lady felt a pang of sourness.
"There’s no need for such formalities!" Nalan Jinlian said blandly, looking at the Liao Lady.
She didn’t feel like or dislike, just a very indifferent feeling.
The Liao Lady pressed her lips into a gentle smile.
Mustering the courage, she said, "Is the First Miss going back? If not, would you perhaps like to come to my place for a cup of hot tea?"
"I’m heading back!"
Faced with the Liao Lady’s goodwill, Nalan Jinlian still felt nothing.
It was truly indifferent.
She always felt that she didn’t seem detestable.
But previously Chunqiu said she heard about a mistress outside and children, which led to falling down the stairs and injuring her head.
But, the emotions don’t seem right.
Thinking of this, Nalan Jinlian continued, "Why don’t we go to the tea house? We’re about to return to the Imperial Capital, and the tea and snacks here will be gone after once more!"
"Following the First Miss’s suggestion!"
The group went to the tea house and ordered the finest tea and snacks, but Nalan Mingzhu insisted on brewing the tea herself, so the tea house provided the utensils and leaves.
Nalan Mingzhu poured the tea in person, her movements graceful and pleasing to the eyes.
"Mingzhu knows the tea ceremony?" Nalan Jinlian asked.
Nalan Mingzhu nodded, "I’ve learned a bit, would my sister like to taste it?"
A bit cautious, obviously trying to please.
Nalan Jinlian had things on her mind, but she reached out, took a sip, and praised, "It’s very good, do call me whenever you brew tea in the future!"
Nalan Mingzhu looked surprised, then broke into a smile.
Actually, she genuinely wanted to please Nalan Jinlian.
Not just because of her parents’ advice, but also for the care of her legitimate sister after they go to the Imperial Capital, which would be much better than going it alone.
Feeling joyful inside, Nalan Mingzhu became a bit more lively, her eyes crinkling with a smile, "Sister, I can also make tea cakes. Next time, I’ll make them for you personally!"
Her voice sweet, filled with joy and hope.
Nalan Jinlian nodded, "Alright!"
The Liao Lady watched and sighed in relief.
But she dared not relax completely.
After all, Nalan Jinlian initially didn’t like Mingzhu, so why did she change her mind...
The Liao Lady feared Nalan Jinlian might be two-faced, sweet on the surface but different underneath.
Lest Nalan Mingzhu suffer in secret.
After having tea, everyone went their separate ways home.
In the evening, Nalan Jinlian received tea cakes sent by Nalan Mingzhu’s people. Tiny and dainty, they looked very appetizing.
Nalan Jinlian tasted a bit, finding them quite good.
"Unexpectedly considerate!"
"Does Miss like Miss Mingzhu?" Chunqiu asked.
"Can’t say for liking much, but I don’t dislike her!"
This was the truth.
Logically, she should not like her.
At least not that day, but the more she saw, the more confusing her thoughts became, yet she didn’t want to discuss it with Chunqiu or Chong Ling, which felt very strange indeed.
"Has Father returned?"
"Yes, he has!"
"Let’s go, I will talk to Father to see if he can get Mother a new courtyard. We’re soon heading back to the Imperial Capital, and Mother needs to tidy up first!"