Chapter 1079: No Sacrifice Too Great!
omes. We’ll serve the honored guests a simple meal of plain porridge and tea at noon. We can’t let them work hard and go hungry.”Zhou Da waved his hand and smiled, "It doesn't matter what we eat. I sh...Gu Qingqing has adjusted her body, even healthier than before.
She had long wanted to thank Jia Yin properly. After just glancing at the post, she got busy preparing a number of things.
Mei Lan and Xu Xi were strictly disciplined at home. Because of Jia Yin's previous slap to a noblewoman, their families were actually not keen on them visiting Suijin Beach.
But Mei Lan and Xu Xi pleaded hard, finally softening their family's heart and allowing them to go out to play one last time.
After all, they won't have much time left at their natal homes. Once they are married, they will have even less freedom.
Even so, the Mei Lan's family still made her bring along two younger half-sisters, claiming it was to keep her company, but in reality, they were spies. After returning home, they would report every word and action of Mei Lan in detail...
The next morning, after breakfast, Jiayin sent out her carriage.
It's not that she looked down on the carriages of other families as being shabby, it was because she felt sorry for her younger sisters.
Her carriage was specially made for her family, spacious and comfortable to say nothing of its smooth ride.
The carriage was lined with plush velvet carpets, and soft toys and cushions were scattered throughout.
Under the main board, there was a hidden compartment with an ice basin, making it quite cool.
Shui Ling sat on the carriage step, directing the coachman to pick up Xu Xi first, then the three Mei Lan sisters, and finally Bao Zhu.
The young ladies gathered together beforehand, naturally there were endless stories to tell and laughter that wouldn't stop.
Baozhu is greedy, but also cute and warm. She's about the same age as her half-sisters, Mei Lan. Soon she became friends with them.
The two younger sisters were a little apprehensive at first, but who could refuse such a sweet and sincere new companion In no time they were chattering excitedly with Baozhu about what delicious snacks to try.
As for the third princess, she had her own palanquin and arrived at the county governor's mansion on Suijin Beach a moment earlier than Baozhu and the others.
Unlike the old house where Li family elders and villagers frequently came and went, the county princess' mansion was an independent paradise secluded from the village.
Although the flower sea in the orchard has fallen this season, facing the emerald fruit forest still makes people feel refreshed and happy. It makes you feel like a whole new person.
Jia Yin led the crowd into the mansion, and Bao Zhu insisted on going to the rooftop terrace on the second floor, afraid of being stuffy inside.
Jia Yin knocked on her, causing Shui Yun and the others to quickly change their place of reception.
The second-floor terrace is spacious, with grapevines providing shade and coolness. There are wooden tables and delicate carved lounge chairs.
There was also a pond by the wall, where lotus flowers and koi fish were raised. The bottom of the pond was paved with white pebbles, interspersed with a few oddly patterned raindrops stones.
It wasn't luxurious, but it was filled with warmth and comfort.
Xu Xi and the others were not polite. They each found a chair they liked and sat down.
Mei Lan couldn't help but sigh, "The county princess really knows how to enjoy herself. Even in such a hot summer, this place is so pleasant."
"That's right," Xu Xi also joked, "If the County Princess doesn't give us some delicious food to ponder today, it won't be enough to soothe our envious hearts."
The Third Princess quickly chimed in, “Don’t mind what he does, I want double portions! Since Jia Yin left the palace, I've been starving!”
Everyone looked at her double chin with strange expressions.
The third princess blushed and growled, "What are you looking at I just drank too much water last night and my face is swollen!"
This flimsy excuse elicited laughter from the crowd.
Mei Lan's two half-sisters, who had been somewhat reserved before, also let out a quiet sigh of relief upon seeing this.
Holding one jewel in each hand, she led them to the pond's edge to feed the fish and pick out pretty rain stones along the way.
"Jia Yin jie jie, this rain flower stone is so beautiful, can you give us a few"
Baozhu found a star-patterned raindrop stone and loved it dearly, opening her mouth to ask for it.
But she wasn't being unreasonable either, and added, "I came back from my aunt's place the other day, and I brought a set of wooden loft furniture. The doors and windows can all be taken down, it's so fun! I'll trade that with you, okay"
Jia Yin was just rolling up her sleeves to cut fruit, planning to make a fruit salad for her younger sisters.
Hearing this, she replied, “This piece of Yuhuashan stone was brought back to me by my seventh older brother from a distant place. He carefully selected each one.”
"I'm precious, you know I'm kept in this pond, and now you, the bully, have your eyes on me."
"That's it, one per person, no more!"
"Haha, Sister JiaYin is the best! I knew you'd say that!" Baozhu was overjoyed, ran forward and hugged JiaYin playfully, "I'll get a fish tank when I go back too, put the stones in it, and raise some koi."
Mei Lan's two half-sisters were a little embarrassed, not sure if they should put down the rain flower stones in their hands.
It was Meilan who smiled and said, "The county princess is generous. She said she gave you this sincerely, just accept it."
"After you return, when you have some free time, you could embroider a pouch or handkerchief for the princess."
Two little girls, now reassured, thanked him happily.
Jia Yin finished preparing the fruit salad, and all the girls got a bowl each. It was cold, sour and sweet, making them all close their eyes in happiness.
Upon mentioning needlework, Gu Qingqing had a maid bring up a package.
Inside the package was a dress she had sewn for Jia Yin herself. The shoulders and hem were embroidered with large patches of peony blossoms, vibrant and bright, absolutely beautiful.
"My Lady, thank you for extending your hand to help me during my difficult times and showing me a way out. This dress I stitched myself is a token of my gratitude. From now on, My Lady will be my dearest sister. Whatever My Lady needs, I will spare no effort."
Jia Yin grasped her hand, her eyes filled with surprise, and asked, "Elder Sister Gu, has your wish come true"
Gu Qingqing nodded, her face slightly flushed as she replied, "It shouldn't be wrong, but it's still early in the month."
Jia Yinlian said with a smile, "Congratulations! In a few days, Gu sister will definitely come for a visit. I'll ask the master to give you a thorough pulse check."
"Thank you, County Lord," Gu Qingqing patted her still flat stomach, feeling a surge of emotion. "This is the bloodline I have cultivated for myself. I will definitely love and cherish him, and I hope he will be my lifelong support."
"Don't worry, Elder Sister Gu, this must be a good child, intelligent and healthy, sensible and filial."
"Borrow good luck from your younger sister!"
The two of them were talking animatedly. It took Mei Lan and Xu Xi and the others half a while to understand, and they couldn't help but laugh and say congratulations.
Because of this little incident, the barbecue for lunch was replaced with stir-fried dishes at the last minute.
Water Yun also made a nourishing soup for Gu Qingqing, who drank it all.
After dinner, the girls went back to play in the glasshouse.
The glass ceiling, bathed in winter sunlight, is now covered with a thick layer of grass curtains. The surrounding area is also opened up, and the breeze flowing through the hall carries away the stuffiness, making it very refreshing.
Xu Xi knew several of them very well, but the two daughters of the Mei family were visiting for the first time.
Baozhu volunteered to introduce them to the novelties such as mango trees, banana trees, and lychee trees.
Of course, it's inevitable to pick a few fruits to satisfy one's cravings.
Jia Yin did not stop them, letting Shui Ling take out the lychees buried in the ice bucket. The third princess ate with gasps, calling out "ice teeth," but her mouth never stopped moving.
When the sun began to set, Princess Three was the first to suggest leaving.e she spoke, the more excited she became, as if everything was right before her eyes, within easy reach. Yet, she failed to notice that her daughter, who had been crying moments ago, was growing incre...