Xie Fengran knew how formidable her grandmother was. She was well - aware that it was impossible to deny things today. However—
She couldn't tell the whole truth.
"Grandmother, the invitation was indeed sent by Miss Sun on her own initiative. I've only met her twice and we're not close. As for whether I had my eye on the Women's Institute from the start, as you said—
Grandmother, every young lady in the capital has such thoughts."
Xie Fengran straightened her back, looked directly at the old Lady Xie without flinching, and said, "Grandmother, I'm just an ordinary person. But having been taught by you since childhood, I would never disregard the reputation of the Marquis Mansion. If it weren't for this accident, I would never have brought this up to you."
The old Lady Xie's eyes flickered. It was hard to tell whether she believed Xie Fengran or not. After a long while, she asked Nanny Su to help Xie Fengran up. "You want to go to the Women's Institute. Do you know that the Women's Institute under the current emperor is different from what it was under Emperor Dezong?"
"Grandmother, don't worry. I've inquired and learned that the rules of the Women's Institute haven't changed. One can only get married after graduation. Instead of being in a dilemma and offending people now, it's better to avoid the limelight."
The old Lady Xie stared at her granddaughter's fair - as - jade face and high - spirited look, then slightly lowered her eyes.
The atmosphere in the room fell silent. Xie Fengran's heart gradually tightened.
If she still couldn't convince her grandmother like this, then what else could she do?
Was it still not going to work?
A sense of confusion welled up in Xie Fengran's heart. Just when she was feeling extremely nervous, the old Lady Xie spoke!
"Since you're so determined, I'll fulfill your wish. But you must think it through. If you go to the Women's Institute, you won't be able to rely on the Xie family at all." There was a hint of absent - mindedness in the old Lady Xie's eyes and a melancholy tone in her voice. "Your grandfather taught in the Imperial College back then. He was the one who most opposed Emperor Dezong's establishment of the Women's Institute. You should take good care of yourself."
Xie Fengran pursed her lips, solemnly curtsied, and said, "Grandmother, please rest assured. I won't disgrace the Marquis Mansion or bring shame to the Xie family."
"Alright, I'm tired. You may leave."
"Yes, I'll take my leave, Grandmother." Xie Fengran curtsied, took two steps back, then turned and walked out.
When she reached the door, she suddenly stopped, hesitated for a moment, and asked, "Grandmother, is there really no other reason for the Queen and the Grand Princess to value our Xie family so much?"
The old Lady Xie paused in her movements, didn't turn around, and coldly replied, "You're just a child. Don't ask about things you shouldn't."
Xie Fengran's eyes flickered. She apologized and then backed out.
On her way back to her own courtyard, before she even reached the door, she heard the crying of a child.
The two maids behind her exchanged a look and felt that something was amiss.
Only then did Xie Fengran remember what her grandmother had told her. She had completely forgotten about it.
She had been so focused on trying to convince the old lady that she had forgotten about the hot potato that had been foisted upon her.
Xie Fengran felt a headache coming on. She lifted the corner of her skirt and quickened her steps. Then she saw the crying child lying in the courtyard and Yun Shi standing quietly beside.
She stepped forward to greet Yun Shi first. "Mother."
Yun Shi gave a faint hum, with a faint smile on her lips. She pointed at the child on the ground with her fair finger and said, "The old lady asked me to send Chenghui here. These people are his wet - nurses and personal maids. All his belongings are here. You can take care of them."
After giving the instructions, without even looking at the child on the ground, she turned around and walked out.
Xie Fengran's pupils shrank. A complex look appeared on her face. She closed her eyes for a moment and then suddenly said, "Mother, you've taken care of Chenghui for so long. Aren't you a bit reluctant to part with him?"
Yun Shi was stunned for a moment. Then she turned her head, looked at Xie Fengran, and explained with a smile, "This was ordered by your grandmother, and your father also agreed."
After saying that, as if suddenly remembering something, she continued, "I've invited embroiderers to come to the mansion tomorrow to take your measurements for this season's clothes. Remember to wait in the courtyard."
After saying that, without waiting for Xie Fengran to say anything else, she left gracefully with her entourage.
Even in the midst of chaos, she didn't appear the least bit flustered or stained.
Xie Fengran watched Yun Shi's back, tightened her fists, and a hint of hatred flashed across her face, but it disappeared quickly.
That was her mother. She shouldn't hate her.
After Yun Shi's figure disappeared, Xie Fengran walked up to the crying child, bent down, and picked him up.
A three - year - old child was at the naughty and willful stage. Even when being held by Xie Fengran, he struggled constantly and almost fell to the ground.
The wet - nurse who was standing guard beside was scared out of her wits. She reached out to take the child. "Miss, let this servant hold the young master. Don't tire yourself out."
Xie Fengran gave her a cold look. "Why didn't you pick him up when he was crying just now?"
A look of embarrassment flashed across the wet - nurse's face. She wanted to explain something, but Xie Fengran turned around with Xie Chenghui in her arms and walked away.
As she walked, she held Xie Chenghui's hands and feet tightly, not letting go no matter how much he cried.
She carried him all the way to the main hall, sat down on the chair, and placed the child on her lap.
Xie Chenghui still cried non - stop and tried to get off Xie Fengran.
The wet - nurse, afraid of getting into trouble, rushed over in a hurry and tried to get inside.
"Madam, there are rules in the young lady's courtyard. Idle people are not allowed to enter the main house, the bedroom, or the study."
The wet - nurse forced a smile on her face. "Miss, look at the young master. He's going to cry himself hoarse. This servant really can't bear the responsibility."
"The young lady didn't tell you to go in, so you don't need to. Just wait outside."
The wet - nurse opened her mouth but didn't dare to force her way in.
Inside the room, Xie Chenghui wriggled and howled at the top of his lungs. Xie Fengran couldn't bear it any longer. She grabbed his chubby little face and threatened fiercely, "Xie Chenghui, you'd better be sensible. You're in my hands now. If you keep crying, you won't get any dinner."
"..." Xie Chenghui didn't understand the first half of the sentence. He only heard that there would be no dinner. His lips trembled and he burst into loud cries.
Xie Fengran was dumbfounded. "..." Didn't this trick work?
Xie Fengran wasn't willing to give up. "Xie Chenghui, shut up. Do you hear me!"
"Mean! Mean! Wah!"
Xie Fengran almost threw the child out. It was Lan Fang who couldn't stand it anymore. She reached out to take the child. "Miss, you can't comfort a child like this." Then she skillfully held the child in her arms.
She cooed softly, "Be good, Young Master San. If you stop crying, this servant will make you dragon - whisker candy. It's thinner than your hair, and it's sweet. Do you want to eat it?"
"Yes... Mmm, mmm!" Xie Chenghui sobbed and nestled in Lan Fang's neck, hugging her tightly. "Candy, candy!"
"This servant will make it for you tomorrow. Stop crying. Be a good boy!"
After much coaxing, Lan Fang finally managed to lull the little master to sleep. After tidying up, she carried the child to Xie Fengran's bedroom.