webnovelfull Chapter 394 (124 words added)
Chapter 394 (124 words added)
As soon as Xue Ruanruan stepped into the Zhenguo General's Mansion, the steward hurriedly greeted her with a beaming smile: "Miss, you're finally back! Madam has been talking about you." Xue Ruanruan nodded slightly, but inwardly she became wary. The Zhenguo General's Mansion appeared glamorous on the surface, but there were undercurrents running deep within, and the Madam had never been fond of her.
Upon entering the hall, the lady was seated in the main seat, with her charming third sister, Xue Jiaojiao, standing beside her. The lady glanced at her and said with a forced smile, "Oh, Ruanruan is back. She's grown even more beautiful since she left." Xue Jiaojiao chimed in sarcastically, "I wonder if my sister managed to snag a good match on her trip."
Xue Ruanruan scoffed inwardly, but her face remained impassive. She curtsied gracefully and said, "Thank you for your concern, Madam. I am doing well. As for the matter of marriage, I will leave it to you to arrange." Upon hearing this, a hint of displeasure flashed in the Madam's eyes, but she did not show it. At this moment, a servant came to report that a distinguished guest had arrived, and a new storm was about to break out.
Old Madam Xue hurriedly greeted her.
Xue Ruanruan followed curiously outside. Upon seeing the visitor, she realized it was none other than the Emperor's most favored Third Prince. The Third Prince, with his elegant demeanor, entered and said with a smile, "I've heard that the young ladies of the General of the State's mansion are both beautiful and talented, so I've come to pay my respects." The Madam and Xue Jiaojiao's eyes lit up instantly, and they quickly and warmly greeted him. The Old Madam Xue beamed from ear to ear and hurriedly asked the young ladies to come out and pay their respects. Xue Ruanruan had no choice but to follow. The Third Prince's gaze swept over the young ladies one by one, finally settling on Xue Ruanruan. He said with interest, "This young lady has a unique air about her, unlike the others." Upon hearing this, the Madam was both surprised and delighted, and quickly said, "This is my eldest daughter, Xue Ruanruan." Xue Jiaojiao, standing to the side, turned green with envy and secretly clenched her handkerchief. The Third Prince suggested that he compose poetry and paint with the young ladies, and they all readily agreed. What appears to be an elegant gathering is actually a new contest, and Xue Ruanruan knows that she will once again have to deal with various forces in this mansion.
As Murong Xun's carriage began its poetry and painting recitation, Xue Jiaojiao rose first, reciting a poem she had diligently practiced, earning praise from the madam. She glanced smugly at Xue Ruanruan, her eyes full of provocation. When it was Xue Ruanruan's turn, she pondered briefly before composing a poem with profound imagery and elegant style, prompting the Third Prince to repeatedly praise, "Miss Xue is indeed quick-witted and admirable." Xue Jiaojiao's face turned extremely ugly, her jealousy growing wildly within her.
During the painting session, Xue Jiaojiao deliberately stood next to Xue Ruanruan, trying to distract her. However, Xue Ruanruan remained calm and composed, her landscape paintings lifelike. The Third Prince was captivated and couldn't resist moving closer to admire them. Seeing this, Xue Jiaojiao devised a plan. She pretended to accidentally spill ink, splashing it onto Xue Ruanruan's painting. Xue Ruanruan reacted quickly, skillfully dodging the splash and simultaneously adding a few strokes to Xue Jiaojiao's work, instantly ruining her originally exquisite painting. Xue Jiaojiao was both ashamed and angry, almost bursting into tears. The Third Prince watched this scene, a slight smile playing on his lips, finding the young ladies of the manor quite amusing. In this contest, Xue Ruanruan had temporarily gained the upper hand, but she knew that an even greater challenge lay ahead.