First meeting at 5:10

  Yang Lan finally got to leave the palace and breathe some fresh air after signing a bunch of unequal treaties, ceding territory and paying indemnities under the emperor's intimidation. The empress dowager had asked her to stay for dinner, but she declined, or else she would have been sold out!

  Woe is me! She promised the emperor to make one outer garment for each of the four seasons, plus six pairs of shoes and ten insoles. Oh my mother! It will take her a long time to finish, and there are also windproof cloaks and whatnot, it's such hard work to say.

  However, she didn't come away empty-handed either. She pulled out a copy of Mi Fu's calligraphy from the emperor's private collection and took it home. She also grabbed a set of high-quality black and white jade chess pieces and board to give to her father as a gift.

  Sitting in the exclusive carriage of the county master, Yang Lan leaned back against the large red auspicious Ruyi-shaped cushion, her eyes slightly closed as she silently thought about whether there were any mistakes or improprieties in her previous response to the Emperor's uncle, whether the tone was properly grasped, what the uncle's expressions and actions meant, and what she should pay attention to next time, all of which she must remember clearly.

  Ever since returning to the capital and entering the palace, it had become a habit for her. Every time she entered the palace, she would definitely think about it carefully, checking if there was anything wrong with herself, and then tell her mother about what happened when she entered the palace. If there were any special matters that she couldn't figure out, she would talk to her father about them, so as to clear up any doubts.

  To know that when dealing with the Emperor and Empress Dowager, any careless words may have immeasurable consequences, and any thoughtless remark may bring warning to Father. Since we have enjoyed wealth and honor, we have a responsibility to protect this surname, and do our best for parents and elder brothers.

  Bi Yun sat silently beside Bi Yue, not making a sound to disturb Yang Lan.

  The horse carriage proceeded along the official road, with rows of shops on both sides. All sorts of wine houses and shops were on this main thoroughfare, with bursts of noise coming from all directions, making it especially lively.

  "It's really lively outside, everyone comes out when the weather gets warmer. In a few days it will be market day!" Biyue is an impatient and lively person.

  Bi Yun's mood was also good, smiling and looking outside, "When we're not busy, let's ask Master to take us out for a stroll. I heard there are acrobatic performances at Tianqiao, it sounds like fun!"

  "Ah, wait till I'm free, and I'll take you guys out for a stroll!" Yang Lan replied with a smile.

  "Really! That's great. I want to eat Xu Fu Ji's donkey rolling, bean juice crispy ring, and donkey meat fire pie, oh my god just thinking about it makes me drool!" Biyue's round eyes sparkled with excitement, shining brightly as if she could already taste the food.

  "Haha! Alright, I'll buy them all for you next time and let you eat your fill! Ah......!"

  The carriage suddenly shook violently, causing Yang Lan to sway back and forth, and before she knew it, her forehead hit the wall of the carriage. She let out a cry of surprise.

  Biyun steadied herself and lifted the curtain, suppressing her anger as she asked, "What's going on?"

  Yang Lan looked up and saw a little kid running across the street being hugged by a young man. Their horse carriage happened to be passing by, and the coachman quickly grabbed the reins, but the kid was too fast. Just as they were about to reach the front, the coachman also had some skill. He slapped the horse with one palm, slightly deviating from the original track. The horse was frightened, its four hooves lifted high, and it seemed that the child was about to be trampled under the horse's hooves.

  Just then a young man rushed out, hugged the child and jumped up to avoid the horse, barely escaped danger, and then there was the carriage shaking.

  The coachman hastily replied: "Reporting to the young lady, a child suddenly rushed out, and I couldn't..."

  Yang Lan's voice was calm and steady, and he immediately ordered, "Bi Yun go take a look at the child to see if anything is wrong. If there's anything improper, send him to the doctor's office immediately. We'll pay for the medical expenses and give some extra consolation money. The attitude must be good, absolutely cannot bully people with power!"

  "Yes."

  Bixia immediately jumped down and negotiated with the child's mother, and soon returned with a young man in his early teens wearing a stone-blue cloud-patterned shirt, about the same age as Erge.

  "I wonder if this is the carriage of Yangfu's Quiet An County Master? I am Rong Yu, from the Rong Ning Marquis Manor. I've come to pay my respects to the county master! I apologize for startling you earlier, it was sudden and I'm truly sorry. Please forgive me, County Master!" Rong Yu's voice was clear and carried a hint of laziness, perhaps due to his youth being in the midst of a vocal change, with a subtle huskiness that was like feathers brushing against one's heart, making one feel ticklish and unbearable.

  Yang Lan lifted the curtain of the window and saw Rong Yi explaining politely. The young man was slightly thin, wearing a stone-green cloud-patterned shirt with a white jade belt around his waist and white deer skin boots on his feet. His black hair was combed into a neat bun on top of his head, adorned with an exquisite white jade hair crown, from which pale blue silk ribbons hung down on both sides, fluttering in the wind with an added sense of elegance.

  His skin was very fair and delicate, with handsome features that stood out even more, his face was as beautiful as the bright moon, with a subtle glow flowing on his skin, his eyes shone with crystal-like clarity, set against his perfect and elegant appearance, making him look even more like a jade crown, refined and elegant, with an extraordinary air of elegance.

  "Thanks to you, Gongzi, for intervening in time. Otherwise, I'm afraid someone would have been wrongly accused of a crime! It's only right that I should thank you!" Yang Lan thought to herself, this young man really has a good appearance.

  Rong Yi's lips slightly curved upwards, his gaze at Yang Lan was clear and warm, with a sunny smile, "Young Master, don't be polite, I'm acquainted with your second brother, this matter is just a small thing, that child wasn't hurt, just got a bit of a fright, the maid has already compensated with silver to comfort her, you don't need to worry!"

  Yang Lan was slightly surprised, looking like he wanted to tell himself that the other party wasn't intentionally trying to cause trouble and wouldn't look for it again. This young man was indeed well-mannered, with a clear and upright gaze. Hmm! Second Brother's social circle isn't bad.

  "Then I won't be polite to Brother Rong, let my second brother treat you to dinner instead. Don't be polite to him, take advantage of him!" Yang Lan immediately understood and smiled slightly, changing her tone to a light and playful tease.

  Rong Yi's smile suddenly became more sincere, and his words less awkward. "That's great, I'll get him drunk! Princess, you have something to attend to first, right? I'll visit your brother at the manor another day."

  "I'll take my leave first!" Yang Lan slightly nodded her head and gestured, waiting for Biyun to get on the carriage before it slowly moved forward.

  I couldn't see Yat's figure anymore, Biyue blinked her curious eyes and secretly turned her head to look around, "Miss, that young master is so handsome! I've never seen such a beautiful young master before!"

  Yang Lan asked with interest, squeezing her eyes and smiling: "Oh! What about my two elder brothers? Aren't they good-looking?"

  Bi Yun listened and immediately tilted her head, saying: "They're not the same, they have different personalities. The eldest young master is a refined and elegant gentleman, the second young master has a somewhat frivolous air about him, but this Young Master Rong is as dazzling as a bright moon, with a radiant smile that's truly stunning!" She finished speaking with a satisfied smack of her lips.

  "Baiyun giggled and said: 'So our Baiyue's heart has moved, it seems I need to hurry up and marry you off, miss!'"

  Bixue's face turned bright red with embarrassment, she stomped her foot in frustration and said "Biyun sister, how could you also learn such bad things?!"

  The carriage was in an uproar, with the sound of girls' giggles and teasing voices coming from inside.

  As Yang Lan walked away, Rong Yi looked at the distant carriage, a good-looking smile rising on his lips, and whispered: "So she's the daughter of the Yang Manor!"

  "Who are you looking at, Master?" The little servant who was carrying a large pile of things ran over, panting, and saw the young master staring blankly. He looked around in confusion and asked.

  Rong Yi's gaze shifted, and he regained his solemn expression. He coughed lightly and asked, "Have you finished buying everything?"

  "It's all bought, young master, everything is complete."

  "Let's go back!" Rong Yi nodded slightly and strode towards his car.