Chapter 426: Chapter 426

Sure enough, when Eldest Young Lady Zhou arrived, the two sisters had long been waiting at their usual spot.

After exchanging pleasantries, Zhou Yun then ordered her attendants to bring out the gifts she had prepared for the two of them.

Deeply aware that among sisters in a family, the issue is never scarcity but inequality, apart from the special thank-you gifts prepared for this occasion, the gifts Eldest Young Lady Zhou brought for the two of them were essentially similar in value.

During their casual conversation, she inevitably inquired about her own third sister's marriage prospects.

Hearing it was a scholar from a humble family, the eldest young lady instinctively wanted to frown, but in the next instant, considering her third sister's temperament, she hurriedly restrained herself. Instead, she smiled and pulled the girl closer, asking in detail:

"I wonder what that Provincial Graduate Chen's family situation is like, whether both parents are still alive, and what the circumstances of his siblings are."

Letting out an almost imperceptible sigh of relief, Zhou Zhi then deliberately spoke with composure:

"Mother has long since inquired about all this. Young Master Chen is the youngest son in his family, the fourth in line. Both parents are still alive and currently still in their hometown. It's estimated they will come to the capital in a while."

The youngest son, meaning the likelihood of him having to support his parents in their old age is not great. It's just that the number of brothers is a bit too many.

"That's not bad either. As the saying goes, living in the capital is no easy feat. Provincial Graduate Chen is, after all, an outsider. His official career path is not yet settled, so it's best not to be too ostentatious."

"These civil officials have always emphasized integrity and uprightness!"

The implication was that if the marriage really went through, the couple would rather endure some hardship in their living arrangements than give others an opening to exploit.

Third Young Lady was naturally not foolish and immediately understood the other's implied meaning. A slight smile appeared on her peony-bright face, with not too much shyness:

"Coincidentally, Mother thinks the same way."

Compared to future prospects and long-term peace, Third Young Lady felt this was something she could endure.

However, her gaze lingered on her eldest sister's obviously luxurious clothing and accessories for a moment, a trace of something obscure flashing in Third Young Lady's eyes, only to be forcibly erased the next instant.

Seeing this, An Ning and the eldest sister beside her couldn't help but exchange a glance, a shared sigh flashing in their eyes.

Before leaving, the eldest young lady also specifically visited An Ning's flower room.

Compared to the earlier state where plants were either dead or wilting, after two years, describing An Ning's small flower room as a scene of blooming flowers competing in beauty was not an exaggeration.

Moreover, Eldest Young Lady Zhou was surprised to discover that regardless of the variety, even ordinary green chrysanthemums appeared exceptionally delicate and vibrant here with Fifth Sister.

Just like the person before her, full of vitality and spiritual energy. It made one feel comfortable at first glance.

However, up to now, the most precious and uniquely distinctive among them was still that pot of black chrysanthemums she had gifted earlier.

Thinking of this, Eldest Young Lady Zhou felt even more warmth and satisfaction in her heart.

Glancing at a slightly wilted potted plant nearby, Zhou Yun couldn't help but feel curious:

"Fifth Sister, what is this plant? It looks like a type of chrysanthemum..."

Only, this color, interwoven pink and white, standing gracefully, resembled a shy and lively young maiden.

Confirming she had indeed never seen this before, Zhou Yun turned to look at her younger sister beside her:

"Could it be that your elder sister is just lacking in knowledge?"

Being stared at, An Ning couldn't help but lift her head proudly:

"Of course! This is a new variety I just developed!"

"Isn't the Grand Princess's birthday coming up soon..."

In short, after this experience, Eldest Young Lady Zhou no longer had the slightest doubt about her younger sister's talent. Before leaving, she specifically held An Ning's hand and spoke earnestly:

"Fifth Sister, although you've disliked academic studies since childhood, your elder sister knows that you simply grew impatient with such things. Now that you've finally found something you like and can do it so well, your eldest sister is also happy."

"For a woman, establishing herself is never easy. Now that you have this talent and ability, and Fifth Sister has always been clever, you must grasp it well, and not casually discard it after playing with it like before!"

An Ning naturally nodded, only her gaze towards the other was unusually "surprised."

How long has it been? Eldest Sister has changed quite a bit compared to before. Regarding this, the eldest young lady just smiled, a trace of melancholy appearing between her always gentle brows:

"After experiencing more, a person naturally becomes more rounded and adaptable."

"But Fifth Sister, rest assured, these days my mother-in-law has been generous, my husband respects me, and the Han family has not treated me poorly. It's just that when it comes to truly feeling relaxed and at ease, it's still when I'm with you and Third Sister, just like in our maiden days, that I feel most free."

Indeed, no matter what, being someone's daughter-in-law can never compare to being in one's maiden home!

Pretending not to notice the fleeting melancholy in the other's eyes, holding her eldest sister's hand, An Ning immediately said in a light-hearted tone:

"In that case, Eldest Sister should come back to visit more often! When Third Sister and I also reach the time to leave the family, we can still arrange to go out together!"

"You! Not yet married, how can you keep mentioning 'leaving the family' like that!"

Although saying this, as if thinking of something, a smile soon appeared on Zhou Yun's face.

Time flew by, and soon it was the day of the Grand Princess's birthday. Apart from Literary Eldest Young Lady, whose poem stunned the entire gathering, undoubtedly the most eye-catching was the three-colored chrysanthemum presented by An Ning.

A blazing red, snow-like white, interspersed with touches of pink, layered like a gradient from the inside out.

It could be said that from the moment it appeared, it attracted everyone's attention. Many talented scholars on the spot even competed to compose poems for it.

After this event, from then on, unsurprisingly, the number of invitations An Ning received increased more and more, and her social circle widened considerably. Among them were quite a few from the Duke of Wei's household, which An Ning had previously taken note of.

In short, after several such occasions, just as Third Young Lady's marriage was formally settled, An Ning also, unsurprisingly, received news that the Duke of Wei's household had come to propose marriage.

"Fifth Sister, you..."

Looking at her younger sister who seemed somewhat inclined, Third Miss Zhou was unusually anxious: "Although the Duke of Wei's household holds considerable power and influence, what if... what if..."

Considering that young master's health condition, Zhou Zhi was genuinely worried now. Even Eldest Young Lady Zhou, upon receiving the news, had hurried over from her residence early on.

However, compared to Third Sister's anxiety, Zhou Yun was much more composed: "If Fifth Sister doesn't want this, I will speak to Mother about it."

"No matter how powerful and influential they are, it's not worth Fifth Sister sacrificing herself ..."

At this moment, looking at Fifth Sister who had blossomed more and more, the eldest young lady even thought somewhat resentfully, could it be that because Father has become increasingly useless lately, Mother would choose to sacrifice Fifth Sister?

Such filial piety! But it has to be said, it was quite heartwarming. Meeting their worried gazes, An Ning soon smiled and said:

"Rest assured, don't you know me? If I were truly unwilling, how could I possibly agree?"

"Never mind the young master's health, hasn't he been fine all these years? Besides, putting other things aside, not having a mother-in-law or elders, not needing to get up early to pay respects—isn't that kind of life quite good?"

Seeing that their Fifth Sister was genuinely in good spirits.

Eldest Zhou, Third Zhou: "..."

But it is true. Not to mention the young master having no mother above him, given Young Master Wei's health, the Duke certainly wouldn't really make the couple go for morning and evening greetings, let alone attend to him.

Moreover, since ancient times, the relationship between mother-in-law and daughter-in-law has always been delicate. Even with someone as generous and reasonable as Madam Han, from Zhou Yun's own perspective in daily interactions, there were still many uncomfortable and aggrieving moments.

Given Fifth Sister's temperament, making such a choice was not surprising.

"I just hope Young Master Wei's health can improve a bit!"

Best if he can hold on until younger sister's children grow up. In that moment of exchanged glances, the two sisters thought in unison.

Moreover, since ancient times, the relationship between mother-in-law and daughter-in-law has always been delicate. Even with someone as generous and reasonable as Madam Han, from Zhou Yun's own perspective in daily interactions, there were still many uncomfortable and aggrieving moments.

Days passed slowly. Even if inclined, the woman's side must maintain due reserve. However, just when even An Ning thought this matter was almost settled...

On this day, again at the Grand Princess's flower-viewing banquet, when An Ning came to her senses, a tall, slender figure in cyan had already appeared before her.

"Fifth Young Lady, please stay a moment!"