nycdaug Chapter 375 (105 words added)
Chapter 375 (105 words added)
As Xue Ruanruan alighted from the carriage, she saw several maids and servants standing in front of the vermilion gate. Looking up, she saw that the mansion was ornately decorated and magnificent. A sharp-eyed maid quickly stepped forward, curtsied, and said, "Is this Miss Xue? My mistress is already waiting for you in the flower hall."
Xue Ruanruan smiled sweetly, lifted her skirt slightly, and followed her maid toward the flower hall. Along the way, curious glances were cast her way from time to time. Upon entering the flower hall, a dignified and noble lady sat in the main seat. Her eyes were smiling, yet she exuded an air of authority that commanded respect without anger.
"So you are Xue Ruanruan?" Xue Ruanruan hurriedly stepped forward and curtsied, saying softly, "Greetings, Madam. I am Xue Ruanruan." The madam looked her up and down and said kindly, "Indeed, a beautiful young lady. Please sit down." Xue Ruanruan thanked her and then sat down. As soon as she sat down, a maid brought tea. The madam picked up the teacup, took a sip, and said slowly, "I've heard you are talented in both arts and sciences. It's a pleasure to have you here today. Please let me see your talents." Xue Ruanruan was startled, but still smiled and said, "Madam is too kind. I am only slightly skilled in a few things." Just then, a burst of laughter came from outside the hall. A pretty young girl skipped in, her eyes lighting up when she saw Xue Ruanruan. "Mother, this is Sister Xue!" the girl exclaimed. The lady smiled and introduced her, "This is my youngest daughter; she's quite lively." The girl sat down beside Xue Ruanruan, taking her hand and saying, "Sister Xue, I've often heard Mother talk about you. Seeing you today, you're even more beautiful than I imagined." Xue Ruanruan smiled and returned the handshake, repeatedly thanking her for the compliment. The lady continued, "Since my youngest daughter is here too, let's hear your talents." Although Xue Ruanruan was a little nervous, she calmed herself and considered what talent she could display. At that moment, the girl's eyes lit up, and she suggested, "Sister, why don't you play a tune on the zither? I love listening to the zither." The lady nodded in agreement. Xue Ruanruan couldn't refuse, so she got up and sat down at the zither. She gently raised her hands and slowly placed them on the strings, and melodious music flowed forth. The music, sometimes like a babbling brook, sometimes like the warbling of a nightingale, transported everyone to a beautiful world. When the piece ended, the young girl clapped first, and the lady smiled with satisfaction, praising, "Truly outstanding talent! This music is truly beautiful." Xue Ruanruan rose and curtsied, humbly saying, "I'm sorry for making you laugh, Madam and my sister." The lady nodded with a smile. The young girl took Xue Ruanruan's hand, "Sister, you're so beautiful! I like you so much!" Xue Ruanruan was flattered and quickly returned the smile. Seeing this, the lady smiled and said, "This is my youngest daughter, the most lively. You two should get to know each other better." Then, the lady added, "In that case, let's have you both showcase your talents to make it more lively." Xue Ruanruan took a deep breath, secretly encouraging herself, "I'll accept your offer." "?" the lady asked, her voice gentle yet carrying an undeniable authority. Xue Ruanruan quickly curtsied and said, "It is indeed my daughter. Greetings, Madam." The young girl tilted her head and thought for a moment, then said with bright eyes, "Sister, you play the zither so well. I'll accompany you in the dance; it will surely complement each other perfectly." Xue Ruanruan smiled and nodded in agreement. After a short while, Xue Ruanruan played the zither again, and the rhythm became lively. The young girl's figure was light and graceful, like a butterfly fluttering in the hall, her skirt billowing.
Just as the atmosphere was getting pleasant, a commotion erupted outside the hall. A richly dressed woman stormed in, her anger palpable. She glanced at the crowd and sneered, "Quite a spectacle! I thought something serious had happened!" The lady frowned slightly and said, "Eldest daughter, what's wrong with you? Such rudeness!" The eldest daughter ignored her mother and looked directly at Xue Ruanruan, mocking, "So it's you, this wild girl from who-knows-where, showing off your talents in my house?" Xue Ruanruan was startled but remained calm, rising and curtsying, "Sister, you misunderstand. It was Madam who kindly invited me." The eldest daughter crossed her arms, snorted, and was about to launch another attack when the lady scolded, "Enough! Don't lose your temper!" The eldest daughter reluctantly shut her mouth, but her eyes were full of hostility. And Xue Ruanruan, what kind of turmoil would she face in this mansion next…?
The lady looked her up and down and smiled, "Truly a beautiful young lady." Just then, a silvery laugh rang out, and a charming woman walked in. She glanced at Xue Ruanruan, a hint of disdain flashing in her eyes. Xue Ruanruan felt a chill run down her spine; it seemed her days in this mansion wouldn't be so easy anymore.
Murong Xun stood in the pavilion.