Chapter 223

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Protagonist:

Yan Qianqian

And the steamed buns had long since been meticulously prepared. Mantou was a person of meticulous care; she pinpointed the time, estimating that Shi Chen would soon learn Qianqian was about to return, so she early on instructed the servants to prepare everything properly.

As expected, Qianqian had just stepped through the family door when she could immediately comfortably soak in that warm, pleasant hot bath.

Seeing all this before her, Qianqian couldn't help but beam with joy, praising Mantou endlessly: "Mantou, you really are too thoughtful! If only you never married, that would be wonderful, then you could stay by my side for a lifetime!"

Hearing the young lady speak so sincerely, Mantou hurriedly replied: "Young Lady, what kind of words are those? To serve you is the greatest fortune of Mantou's life; even if I don't marry, I would be perfectly willing!"

However, Qianqian shook her head, saying seriously: "How could that do? If someday in the future you meet a like-minded ideal husband, you naturally should still marry in glory. At that time, this young lady will definitely prepare an incomparably generous dowry for you, absolutely not letting anyone have a chance to bully you!"

Hearing these words, Mantou's heart filled with warm sentiment, her emotion overflowing beyond words; she secretly vowed in her heart to devote this entire life to wholeheartedly serving her own young lady.

After Qianqian finished bathing, Mantou was gently holding a dry towel to wipe her wet hair. Just then, Yan Shuang'er walked over gracefully, smiling as she took that soft towel from Mantou's hand.

Yan Shuang'er gently picked up a clean towel, gently wiping Qianqian's wet hair, while simultaneously saying: "Mother said she is going out to purchase some items needed for Second Brother's marriage."

However, before the words were finished, the impatient Qianqian could no longer suppress her inner excitement; with a whoosh she stood up, eagerly interjecting: "Then let's go together!"

Seeing this, Yan Shuang'er hurriedly reached out to gently press Qianqian back down, letting her sit on the stool again, soothing softly: "Don't be anxious. Your hair is still wet; you must wait until it's completely dry before going out, otherwise catching a chill would be bad."

Hearing this, Qianqian nodded obediently, sitting properly without moving, quietly waiting for Yan Shuang'er to dry her hair.

And just then, the quick-witted Mantou at the side had already swiftly grabbed another dry towel and quickly handed it to Yan Shuang'er.

Yan Shuang'er smiled as she took the towel, continuing to meticulously wipe Qianqian's hair. Time passed minute by second; finally, under Yan Shuang'er's careful care, Qianqian's hair gradually became dry.

After the hair was more or less all dry, Yan Shuang'er stopped her movements, turned and instructed the maid beside her: "Go tell Mother Consort, just say that in a moment Shuang'er and Qianqian will tidy up and go out with her." The maid received the order and left, hurrying to where An Wangfei resided to convey the message.

Before long, An Wangfei received the news. She freshened up slightly, quickly tidied herself, then walked with light steps toward Yan Shuang'er's courtyard. When she stepped through the courtyard gate, she immediately saw Qianqian, who had just finished arranging her hair, standing gracefully.

An Wangfei walked forward with a face full of benevolence, smiling at Qianqian: "Oh my, look at our Qianqian, she's grown into a young lady without us noticing, and she's becoming more and more beautiful!"

Hearing this, Qianqian couldn't help but lower her head bashfully, smile faintly, and reply coquettishly: "Oh, Mother, don't tease me; let's hurry up and set out to go shopping!"

After speaking, she gently hooked An Wangfei's arm, then together with Yan Shuang'er walked slowly toward the doorway. When they reached the doorway, they saw the coachman just skillfully driving the carriage over slowly, stopping steadily there.

Immediately after, the three people boarded the carriage gracefully. With a wave of the coachman's whip, a crisp "crack" sounded, and the carriage began to slowly advance toward the most bustling, lively street in the city. Along the way, wheels rumbled, horse hooves echoed through streets and alleys, attracting passersby to turn their heads and gaze.

Before long, the carriage arrived at the destination — that street filled with festive atmosphere, dazzling with goods. After the three alighted, they walked straight into a shop specializing in wedding supplies. Upon entering, all kinds of exquisite items instantly met the eye, overwhelming them, making the three dizzy with the array.

Fortunately, An Wangfei was quite experienced in this; after all, when Yan Xiner married previously, all related matters were personally handled by her. Therefore, facing the numerous goods this time, she appeared calm and unhurried.

Wangfei's gaze was like a torch, carefully examining each item, sometimes picking up this one to look, sometimes putting down that one to feel; after a round of meticulous selection, she finally bought some exquisite items for decorating the bridal chamber.

However, important items like brand new quilts, magnificent bridal veils, etc., because they required special customization, could not be purchased on the spot. So Wangfei and the other two gathered together, seriously discussing and selecting their preferred styles.

After everything was finalized, the shopkeeper informed them they only needed to wait about half a month before coming to collect the goods.

As for items like wedding candies, wedding wine, etc., considering their short shelf life and to avoid waste and other factors, everyone decided it would be more proper to wait until near the wedding day to come purchase them.

Just like that, after purchasing and properly arranging some of the simpler wedding supplies, seeing that the time was already near noon, the three contentedly set off on the road home together.

In the afternoon, the sunlight was still brilliant. After resting slightly, Wangfei brought Yan Shuang'er to the warehouse, preparing to count one by one the generous dowry to be given to Shangguan Xingyu.

And at this time Qianqian could not come along, only because she would unfailingly return to her own courtyard every afternoon to handle numerous affairs. Because of this matter An Wang praised Qianqian. At first An Wang also thought Qianqian was merely acting on a whim, fearing she would find it hard to persist.

However, to his unexpected surprise, Qianqian actually managed to complete the task outstandingly. As for others besides An Wang, although they didn't know what kind of errand An Wang had actually given Qianqian, they knew it was An Wang finding work for Qianqian to do, so they also didn't inquire further.

Therefore Yan Shuang'er did not instruct anyone to call Qianqian, but went alone to Wangfei's courtyard.

By the time Yan Shuang'er arrived belatedly, Wangfei had already ordered the steward to bring the warehouse ledger, and was alone concentrating on flipping through it.