969: Chapter 969: Another Acquaintance (6) 969: Chapter 969: Another Acquaintance (6) “Xinxin…” Just at that moment, Shen Yilan ran over, “You made it, I was afraid you wouldn’t come…”
Although Shen Yilan was a concubine’s daughter, her standing within the Shen Family was distinct.
After all, Shen Wanxing was a close official of the Emperor.
Had their ancestral home not been in this area, these people wouldn’t have had the chance to curry favor with them at all.
Especially Li Cuicui—her grandfather merely made a fortune by chance and then bought a substantial amount of land upon his return.
Since he was adept at managing it, they acquired more and more land and became landlords.
When it came down to it, they had no genuine foundation.
Therefore, she could yell at the village girl Yang Ruxin and look down on Wei Yao, who ran the Embroidery Village, but she wouldn’t dare to show off in front of the Shen family.
Yang Ruxin smiled, “How could I not come when I promised?
However, it seems Miss Li had her doubts, so…”
“We were just joking around earlier,” Li Cuicui quickly interrupted Yang Ruxin with a forced smile, “We’ve known each other before, we’re all friends…”
“I’m not familiar with you!” Yang Ruxin retorted, bypassing Li Cuicui directly.
She had no interest in befriending a woman who coveted her man.
“You…” Li Cuicui was infuriated to the point of feeling pain in her liver.
Wei Yao, meanwhile, couldn’t help but laugh delightedly at her misfortune and swiftly followed after them.
Shen Yilan didn’t bother with Li Cuicui anymore but walked alongside Yang Ruxin, introducing her to the plum blossom viewing party’s situation, which honestly sounded much like a tea party.
Soon, the group arrived at the Plum Garden where the plum blossom viewing party was being held.
“This residence is said to have belonged to a scholar from the previous dynasty, whose wife had a particular fondness for plum blossoms.
Hence, he built this Plum Garden especially for her, planting over a thousand plum trees…”
Yang Ruxin nodded repeatedly, as even before entering the Plum Garden, she could already smell the faint fragrance of the blossoms.
Upon entry through the grand gates, she found herself amidst a riot of colors, countless reds and yellows, and she even spotted green plum blossoms.
She thought the name Plum Garden was truly well-deserved.
“Sister Shen,” a young girl ran over excitedly as soon as they entered the courtyard, her face full of eagerness, “It’s so cold, why did you go out by yourself?
You should have sent a servant to fetch you.”
Yang Ruxin recognized another familiar face.
“Since Xinxin was coming, of course, I had to greet her personally,” Shen Yilan said as she pulled Yang Ruxin into the house.
Tong Lingling hadn’t expected Shen Yilan to personally greet Yang Ruxin, and a fierce look flashed in her eyes.
But she quickly regained her composure, smiling as she followed them in, “So it’s Sister Dani.
If I had known you were coming, I would have fetched you myself.
I came over from my aunt’s place today as well…”
Shen Yilan looked back at Yang Ruxin and Tong Lingling in surprise, “You two…
know each other?”
Before Yang Ruxin could speak, Tong Lingling preempted her, “Of course, we know each other.
She’s been chasing after my cousin, but sadly, my cousin…” She paused, then displayed a scornful smile.
All the surrounding people turned their attention to the conversation.
The light in Yang Ruxin’s eyes flickered.
It seemed today really had the air of a banquet with hidden agendas.
She didn’t believe that Shen Yilan hadn’t investigated her.
Shen Yilan had even been to her home; how could she not know about Tong Lingling’s relationship with Guan Qingshu?
And as for Li Cuicui, who openly expressed her affection for Gu Qingheng several times, others might laugh it off, but for someone as perceptive as Shen Yilan, it was likely she was well aware of it all.