"This! How is possible?"
An Qing Ran exclaimed. In her heart, she also wondered. Why didn't she ask Yan Ran how she got the painting in her previous life? This time she couldn’t help herself.
"Yan Ran, this is such a treasure! How did you get it?"
Obviously, her Mei Mei was prepared to answer.
"Jie Jie should remember a year ago Yan er went to visit Shang Fu with Yiniang. That day Jie Jie wasn't well so she couldn't join us. At that time Mei Mei happened to meet Ning An country Lord, at the party. When I came back it was around New Year and I was busy didn't tell you. Unexpectedly she gifted Yan er this painting …”
She then pushed the picture toward Qing Ran
"If this Mei Mei receives something good she would obviously give it to Jie Jie!"
An Qin Ran was shocked, this little girl was really capable to do anything to get what she wanted. How was she able to earn this painting as a reward from the Ning An country Lord?
It would seem that she was not only fierce towards others but also to herself. She could give up such a treasure to Qing Ran. It was not something that an ordinary person could do!
"Mei Mei gave me such a good thing, but your Jie Jie isn't able to return the favor… What could be good?". An Qing Ran asked deliberately.
"How could I ask Jie Jie to return the favor, this is a gift from your Mei Mei!? This painting finding Jie Jie is also a blessing, if it stayed with me it would be wronged!"
An Yan Ran speech seemed so sincere. Once again An Qing Ran had some doubts, maybe she was different in this life…
"Jie Jie… did you talk about Yiniang to father?" An Yan Ran asked.
With these words, An Qing Ran came back to reality.
"I raised the issue with him but he is still very angry. He may not change his mind for a while".
At her words, Yan Ran faces slightly darkened. However, it was gone in a flash and she pleaded again.
"Yininag is generally too aggressive and impulsive when she does things. But… she means no harm. She had always worked for the General's estate best interest! Even if she couldn’t contribute much. She is so pitiful.
"This is father’s decision. Other feeling anxious is useless. Mei Mei calm your heart!". An Qing Ran answered.
Yan Ran laughed
"Jie Jie is right, it is Yiniang's fault for not managing the servants properly. That's why a low maid was able to create falls accusations about her. Even if she had worked so hard before. This matter, it really was too serious…"
An Qing Ran didn’t follow the play and speak of the matter again. She kept looking at her Mei Mei with a soft smile.
An Yan Ran placed the painting still in her hand on the table and, after exchanging some gossip she left Qing Ran's courtyard.
Looking at her departing back Qing Ran smiled proudly. An Yan Ran had tried to fool her again. She wasn't the original Qing Ran, she wouldn't fall for it!
Ren Dong! Take great care of this painting!
"Miss such a precious art piece, should this slave set it in the storage room?"
"No! Just hang it there". Replied Qing Ran pointing at the wall.
"Such a beautiful painting how could I be the only to appreciate it?"
Ren Dong was so afraid to accidentally ripe the picture that she called other maids to help her. With much care, she was finally able to put the painting up. Her forehead sweating abundantly.
In the meantime, Qin Ran was sitting and admiring the piece of art. She recalled the names of the three outstanding ladies of the capital.
Dong Fang Rou Xue was obviously a painting prodigy. She was also considered knowledgeable and experienced.
Qin Xiang Ning the young miss of the Ding Yaun Hou Fu Guqin skills was considered as outstanding as Dong Fang Rou Xue paintings.
It was rumored that Qin Xiang Ning songs would bring lost phoenix-like birds to gather around her.
The prime minister manor's Young miss Lou Wan Yue was famous for her dancing. It was said that people who saw her dance where like ghost entranced by her skills. Other people said that she was the reincarnation of Xuan Nu (a fairy in Chinese mythology).