Chapter 42: Delusion

  Unfortunately, she was a daughter and could not go out. Even if she did, it would be impossible for her to interact with those missionaries. However, she really didn't want to have any involvement with Shen Qianshan, so she looked up at Ning Cheguo and smiled: "Second Brother, don't you know those missionaries?"

  "Alright, alright, in the capital city, apart from the Third Young Master who is desperately seeking a cure, who would want to deal with those blue-eyed and blonde-haired people? Looking at them one by one, they seem like demons. Do you think it's because the officials in the Ministry of Rites don't want to talk to these demons that they are unwilling to go? But since the Tian Dynasty's prestige cannot be compromised, those officials can only swallow their pride and socialize with these demons."

  Ning Feng let out a sigh, in her two lifetimes as a human being, she already knew that this era was more prosperous than the Ming and Qing dynasties. Although it could be said to be a peaceful time for the country and its people, the northern and western powerful nations of Jin Yue and Ning Xia posed a constant threat to Daqing's rule, with wars breaking out from time to time. It was because of this that Ning De Rong had been separated from his family since childhood. When Ning's elderly grandfather was guarding the border, he was forced to order a temporary retreat to await reinforcements as the enemy was about to breach the city walls. As a result, after one day, the reinforcements arrived, and Ning's elderly grandfather led the troops in a bloody battle that lasted for over a dozen days before retaking the city. Unfortunately, the child was never found again.

  Now the three countries are in a state of stalemate, but none of them dare to start a war, fearing that both sides will suffer losses and benefit another country. So both sides signed a ceasefire agreement, but everyone knows that this is just a superficial agreement on paper, which can be torn up at any time when needed, making the agreement worthless.

  It was because of this that although the Qing dynasty was prosperous, its people were more xenophobic and less receptive to foreign things than the Ming dynasty. Maritime trade had only just begun in the past two years, but merchants who went abroad for silver were still few in number, so most had to rely on goods brought by foreign ships. Because these merchant ships were controlled by the imperial court, exotic foreign goods were immediately taken over by the Imperial Household Department and sold through various imperial institutions. Most of these goods entered the palace as tribute, and were then bestowed upon nobles and high-ranking officials, so hardly any circulated among the common people.

  Thinking of this, Ning Fengbi couldn't help but glance at her two brothers with a hint of resentment. It seemed that without going through those missionaries, she would never be able to get a set of glassware. Even if she begged these few brothers to scour every nook and cranny of the capital, they still wouldn't be able to find even a shard of glass.

  Just then, Ning Chuo Shou chuckled and said: "How about it? Do you want brother to go and tell Third Young Master about it? What does sister like? Third Young Master is grateful for your lifesaving grace towards Eldest Princess that day, he definitely won't decline."

  "Never mind, thank you for your kindness, brother. Let's just forget my sister ever mentioned it." Ning Xianbi sighed and then heard Old Lady Jiang calling her, so she nodded at Ning Cheguo and went back to the old lady's side. The bottle of perfume was naturally also given to her grandmother as a token of filial piety.

  As soon as they came out of Ning Xinyuan and returned to Bai Zhiyuan, Yu Shi said to Ning Fengbi: "Why were you so indifferent today? The sisters all said that the perfume was a gift from Third Master, but you didn't show any gratitude. This is too impolite, if Third Master hears about it, what will he think of you?"

  She thought to herself, "Let them think whatever they want, it's best if they think I'm the worst and most unreasonable person in the world." She calmly responded on the surface. Madam Yu looked at her daughter and couldn't help but shake her head and sigh. Suddenly, she heard Lan's mother-in-law laugh and say, "Madam, why are you worried? Didn't we see through it all before? I was listening to the first and second madams talking, and in my heart, I just found it amusing. They're both so foolish, one with a noble title and the other with power, yet they can't even compare to the third madam's insight."

  Yu smiled and said, "This is also a common human feeling. Although I have self-awareness, seeing San Gongzi and Shao Yao getting along so well, although they are just children, if they get too close...". She shook her head as she spoke, "Forget it, forget it. Knowing this is foolish thinking, why can't I let go? Now it seems like you're more perceptive than me."

  Lan Yiniang murmured, "It's not that the maidservant sees through everything, it's just that the maidservant thinks Sixth Young Mistress has her own ideas and doesn't seem too enthusiastic about Third Young Master. As the saying goes, children have their own blessings, if they are fated to be together, even if you try to separate them, you can't; if they are not fated to be together, even if you force it, it won't work."

  Yu Shi smiled and said, "That's exactly what you said. Alright, I've been busy this afternoon and I'm a bit hungry. Tell someone to go to the study and ask Old Master if he won't be back for dinner, we'll have the kitchen set up the meal." After finishing speaking, Lan Niang nodded and went off quietly.

  This was just a small episode, but its aftermath was what made Ning Fengyi anxious.

  "Sixth sister, what is this medicine? Why does it look so familiar?"

  Apricot forest courtyard, at this time is no longer as quiet as before, Ning Xianyue, Ning Xiayu, Ning Xiangruo and Bai Caiqi are all gathered here, except for Ning Meibrow who returned to her room after school to do needlework, all the other girls have arrived.

  "Dandelion, also known as Old Man's Clock."

  Ning Xi lazily responded with a "hmm", thinking to herself, can't you guys just spare me? If you want to see Shen Qian Shan, why not ask the brothers to bring him to either the clan school or Old Lady's place, both are perfectly reasonable requests. Why must they squeeze into this Apricot Forest Villa and wait for a chance encounter? Can't even let me make medicine with Third Grandfather in peace?

  Ning De Rong also noticed Ning Qian Bi's impatient look, these girls have been coming here after school for three consecutive days, the old man is getting more and more cunning, how can he not understand that little thought? He also secretly found it amusing, thinking to himself: are young girls like this also fond of talking with excellent boys?

  Although he thought so, the old man didn't feel anything was wrong, but these girls were not like Ning Fengbi at all. They came because they were interested in medicine, and as a result, they walked around everywhere, messing up the herbal medicines in Ning Derong's house, which was something the old man couldn't tolerate.

  At this time, Ning Xianyue asked Ning Xianbi, and she only lazily answered one sentence. The little girl pouted: "Sixth sister, why are you so unspirited now? Are you dealing with us like this? Usually when you're with Third Grandfather, are you also so listless?"

  Ning De listened with a smile in his heart, shaking his head secretly behind the table. After thinking for a moment, he beckoned: "You few girls come over, since you're curious about these medicinal materials, I'll explain them to you thoroughly."

  Woo-hoo! Tomorrow, I can finally get on the Qingyun list! And I even got a chapter push from my good friend! So, to celebrate, there will be double updates at the usual times: 10 am and 7:30 pm. I hope to reach the goal of 2500 collections before entering V, so please give me your support and power! Thank you in advance, stupid wine! Woo-hoo!!