507 Chang Zaiqing (2)
Shen Miao had never liked to do needlework. She felt that it was a waste of time, let alone Luo Tan. Luo Tan curled her lips. “Aunt, don’t talk about me and my little cousin. Aren’t you the same?”
Luo Xueyan was speechless and glared at Luo Tan.
“Auntie Chang, are you from Liuzhou?” Shen Miao turned to look at her and asked with a smile, “Liuzhou is far from the capital. Why are you here?”
Chang Zaiqing immediately looked a little embarrassed. Luo Xueyan quickly changed the topic and said, “Nothing. She just came to the capital to play for a few days.”
Shen Miao smiled and said, “Then where is Auntie Chang staying now?”
Chang Zaiqing smiled and said, “I’m staying in the Shen mansion currently.”
Shen Miao said indifferently, “Oh, you are staying with Grandmother.” She said, “Since Auntie Chang’s father is Grandfather’s benefactor, I think Grandmother will take good care of you. That’s reassuring.”
Luo Xueyan thought that given what kind of a person Old Madam Shen was, she might not be very considerate towards Chang Zaiqing. However, hearing what Shen Miao said, Luo Xueyan felt relieved. She said, “That’s true.”
Chang Zaiqing’s smile froze slightly. Shen Miao continued, “I heard that Liuzhou is an interesting place, but unfortunately, I’ve never been there. However, when I studied in Guangwen Hall, a classmate’s hometown was Liuzhou. Perhaps you two know each other.”
“The Chang family is a small family.” Chang Zaiqing lowered her head and said, “I’m afraid Fifth Miss’s classmate doesn’t even know about the Chang family.”
“I don’t believe it. With someone as outstanding as you, the Chang family must be famous.” Shen Miao smiled casually and said, “But Auntie Chang, why isn’t your husband with you here in the capital?”
Chang Zaiqing’s expression became even more awkward. Luo Xueyan forced a smile and said, “Jiaojiao, don’t spout nonsense. Sister Chang is not married yet.”
Shen Miao was stunned. She glanced at Chang Zaiqing and asked, “I wonder how old Auntie Chang is this year?”
It was considered rude to ask about the age of an unmarried girl, especially when Chang Zaiqing was not young to begin with. Luo Tan stopped eating snacks and looked at Shen Miao strangely. Shen Miao usually knew the rules of etiquette the best. Why would she say such a rude thing today?
Chang Zaiqing said calmly, “I’m 26 years old this year.”
Shen Miao widened her eyes at the right time. As if trying to hide it, soon, she smiled and said, “Auntie Chang, if you didn’t tell me, I would think you were only 18 or 19 years old. How enviable.”
Chang Zaiqing smiled and stopped talking. Luo Xueyan said, “Sister Chang, you are such a considerate and talented person. I believe there will be lots of men wanting to marry you. I don’t know about the men in Liuzhou, but there are countless outstanding men in the capital. If you stay here longer, you might meet someone you like.”
Chang Zaiqing quickly smiled and waved her hand, telling Luo Xueyan not to tease her. After chatting for a while, Chang Zaiqing saw that the sky was gradually turning dark, and Shen Xin, Shen Qiu, and Luo Ling should be back from the Ministry of War soon. She stood up and bade farewell. Luo Xueyan urged her to stay. “My husband, Qiu, and Ling will be back soon. Why don’t you have dinner together with us before leaving? If my husband sees you, he will definitely be very happy.”
“There’s no need.” Chang Zaiqing smiled. “It won’t be easy to find my way back when it gets too dark later. Thank you for your kindness. I will come and visit them in the future. Now it is already too late.”