Not reconciled

  Yang Lan led the way, taking Biyue and Biyun to Songhe Hall where her grandmother lived to pay her respects. When she arrived, Mrs. Xu was already waiting in the west wing's corridor, personally helping Yang Lan take off her cloak and saying with a smile: "The young mistress has come so early, your other sisters haven't arrived yet, come on in and warm up by the fire, it's still chilly in February, don't catch a cold!" She gave orders to the servants one after another.

  Yang Lan entered the main room and saw her grandmother sitting on the couch, smiled slightly and made a courtesy call, as smooth as clouds and water without any stagnation, showing elegant and refined temperament, it can be seen that this etiquette is also a result of hard work in daily life.

  "Granddaughter is paying respects to her grandmother, wishing her good health, longevity and a long life!"

  The old lady looked at Yang Lan's demeanor, which was extremely outstanding. She couldn't help but secretly admire that it was indeed the upbringing of a noble family that was not ordinary. Her heart felt a few more joyful intentions, and she repeatedly called out, "Good! Come let Grandma take a good look. It's been so long since you were born, I've only seen you once. Now you're finally back home. If there's anything you're dissatisfied with or unhappy about, just come tell Grandma. Don't worry about bothering anyone, just speak up. Just don't be too hard on yourself! Honglian, go get the gift I have for Sister Lan!"

  Mrs. Xu walked over with a purple sandalwood carved flower inlaid gold box, opening it while smiling and saying: "The old lady was uncomfortable yesterday, before going to bed she especially told me to find this for the young master, this is the old lady's dowry, good water quality, said that the girl's skin is white and delicate, wearing a pair of red agate carved silk bangles looks the best!" As she spoke, she took out a pair of red agate carved silk bangles from inside.

  The old lady took it over and handed it to Yang Lan, laughing and saying: "This was worn by me when I was a girl, now you wear it, just right!"

  Yang Lan's face turned slightly red with embarrassment, "How can we let grandma spend money on us!"

  The old lady had a kind face, "I dare not decline the gift from my elders, wear it! I just like girls' dressing up to be beautiful and lovely, fresh and tender, it makes me happy and festive!"

  Yang Lan bowed again and thanked her, "Granddaughter thanks grandmother for the reward!"

  Just then, a burst of crisp and clear voices came from outside, and Mrs. Xu hurried to greet them, "Second Miss, Third Miss, Fourth Miss, Fifth Miss have arrived, please come in!"

  Yang Lan sat in a high-backed chair made of red wood, yesterday she had met with the second daughter-in-law Ming Yu, today she came to see the other daughters-in-law. She wanted to meet the third daughter-in-law who was known for being spoiled by her mother, as well as the two daughters from the concubine's quarters. The situation in the Yang household was complicated enough, with legitimate and illegitimate children, and entanglements of old grudges and emotions that would be enough to overwhelm anyone who tried to manage the household.

  These girls each have their own characteristics, the third girl wearing a bright red and gold butterfly short jacket, paired with light red silver thread hundred flowers eight pieces of Xiang skirt, is fiery red and eye-catching.

  The fourth daughter is much more low-key, with soft and beautiful eyes, a gentle and quiet temperament, wearing a light gray embroidered jacket with a narrow sleeve and a goose-yellow skirt with a satin edge.

  The fifth daughter lowered her eyebrows and eyes, looking slightly weak, wearing a nearly new light green jacket with a willow-green pleated skirt, standing one step behind the fourth daughter.

  Four people came in and greeted the old lady one after another. The third girl didn't wait for others to finish their greetings, she stood up by herself and ran to the front of the old lady, coquettishly saying: "Grandma, did you sleep well yesterday? I heard that your body wasn't feeling well yesterday, is it better now? Do you want me to invite a doctor?"

  Mrs. Xu held a small black lacquer tea tray with white porcelain and colorful flower cups, serving tea to several girls in turn. Yang Lan sat on the right side of the chair, picked up her teacup and took a light sip, without saying a word.

  The old lady glanced at Yang Lan, hugged San Guniang and smiled: "Grandma is much better, this is your sixth sister, this is your second sister, third sister and fourth sister and fifth sister, you also give the princess a salute!"

  The three girls' faces stiffened for a moment, and after glancing at the old lady's expression, they had to stand up and made a perfunctory bow. "Greetings to Lady Jing'an!"

  "Pay respects to Mistress Jing'an!" The girls also hurriedly paid their respects to Yang Lan.

  Although Yang Lan was the youngest among her sisters, according to etiquette, national courtesy came before family courtesy. So she sat upright in her chair and calmly accepted their greetings. Immediately afterwards, she stood up, faced her sisters, and bowed down with her sleeves folded, "Younger sister pays respects to elder sisters!"

  After a flurry of activity, they finally sat down. The maids immediately served tea and refreshments, then quietly withdrew.

  Three girls sat on the chair with a slightly unpleasant expression, looking at Yang Lan sitting on one side, with two maids standing behind her, and they were different from them. Their maids all had to wait in the ear room and did not enter the house, why was Yang Lan an exception?

  That's not all, there's more to it! First of all, her name is different from ours, why can she be a single character like brothers, what makes her so special?!

  The three girls, Ming Yu, couldn't hide her thoughts due to her young age, and her face revealed it. She said in a soft voice: "Sixth sister, yesterday I heard that you all came back and grandmother was particularly happy, waiting for you all morning, but who knew you didn't come back until the afternoon, and grandmother caught a cold and lay down." After speaking, she glanced at Yang Lan with her chin slightly raised, her eyes proud and provocative.

  Yang Lan put down her teacup, a faint smile appeared at the corner of her lips, and her voice was soft and sweet. It seemed that she hadn't seen San Gu Niang's gaze at all, and she said slowly: "It's my fault as a granddaughter for making Grandmother work hard. According to the rules, Father and Mother should have entered the palace first to pay their respects. The Empress Dowager held me back and spoke with me for a while, which is why I returned late. Please forgive me, Grandmother!" After speaking, she stood up again and bowed her head to apologize.

  The old lady smiled very kindly, raised her hand and pressed it gently, smiling: "There are national laws, of course, we should focus on national affairs first. It doesn't matter if I wait for a moment or two, your third sister doesn't understand either. Sister Wen, don't talk nonsense anymore, or people will laugh at you."

  The three girls choked back a sob, turned their heads and hummed softly, sitting there without saying another word.

  The atmosphere was a bit awkward for a moment, Yang Lan gazed at the bronze tripod incense burner in the corner of the wall, emitting wisps of smoke, and fell into a trance without speaking. Just when everyone felt the scene was a bit embarrassing, they heard the maid report, "Master Chang Gongzhu, Second Master and Second Madam, Third Master and Third Madam, Fourth Master and Fourth Madam have arrived!"

  Marquis Hou and Princess Zhang led the way into the main hall, followed by others in a long line. For a moment, the spacious hall seemed crowded to bursting point.

  Everyone took a step forward to pay their respects to the princess. The eldest princess raised her hand, "You may dispense with the formalities!" Since they were at home, she didn't have to put on that show every day.

  Marquis Hou and Princess Zhang led the way, one by one, asking Grandma for peace of mind. "Son, daughter-in-law asks Grandma for peace of mind!"

  "Son, your wife is paying respects to the elderly lady!"

  "Alright! Get up quickly!" The old lady smiled and gestured with her hand to wake him up.

  Marquis Hou and Princess Chang took their seats first. Second Master brought Second Madam to pay respects to Marquis Hou and Princess Chang again, "Greetings to Elder Brother's wife, Princess Chang!"

  "Pay respects to the elder brother's wife!"

  Another round of greetings and bows, after which everyone sat down to talk.

  The old lady raised her eyes and asked: "Have you all had breakfast?"

  Marquis Yang Xu smiled and said: "The son has already used it, now prepare to go to the court, wait for me to come back tonight and have a good talk with my mother!"

  The old lady smiled and nodded, "Alright, you men all have to go to court, so hurry up and don't be late! We women can just chat."

  Because the grandsons have to go to school outside at the age of six, so they were sent to school early in the morning and not allowed to come back and forth, and then come over after school.