Female Supporting Character with a Good Life Chapter 26: 25, a manhua/chinese comics/漫画 fanfic

Ruan Xi looked at Ruansan niangfrom the distance, the memory of how Ruansan nianghad employed a clumsy trick to scheme against her, made her knit her finely-trimmed eyebrows slightly.Wasn't Ruansan niangjealous of the fact that Wengongzitreated her well? She would allow Ruansan niang's jealousy to persist then.

Ruan Xi immediately acted on her thoughts. Just then, a gust of wind blew past, scattering a few strands of her forehead. Ruan Xi's heart moved and she leaned closer to Wengongzito murmur in a small voice: "Wengongzi, could you help me tidy my hair?"

Wengongzionly needed a glimpse to understand her intention. A glint of laughter appeared in his eyes as he willingly obliged.

"Sure."

After his voice landed, Wengongziraised his hand to gather the strands of hair that had fallen on Ruan Xi's forehead.

His actions were gentle, his gaze was focused.

Perhaps because Wengongziwas leaning too close, his handsome face was well within reach, which made his faint breathing, and the faint scent of orchids suffusing from his sachet become more pronounced…

Ruan Xi's heart thumped anxiously, her ears became burning hot, and her cheeks were dusted with faint red blush.

It was clear that she was only asking Wengongzito cooperate with her in this affectionate display for Ruansan niangto see, but why did she feel like she was being teased by Wengongzi?

"It's done." Wengongzi's gaze swept past the blush on her face as he retracted his hand naturally. His sonorous and gentle voice seemed to be carrying a hint of delight.

Red-faced, Ruan Xi thanked him in a small voice.

"Let's go over together, I ought to give the elders a greeting."

Wengongziwas wearing a smile on his visage. After he realised that his feelings for his fiancée had changed, he had every intention to cultivate their feelings before marriage.

And judging fromsi niang's various reactions, she was not aloof and indifferent to him.

Wengongzi's lips quirked up.

Ruan Xi thanked him again, inwardly sighing about Wengongzi's comprehensive consideration. Even though he did not like her romantically, he still gave her enough esteem, and her heart palpitated from the tiniest nervousness involuntarily.

From afar,Lao Taitaitwirled the prayer beads in her hand as she watched Wengongziand her fourth granddaughter interact, and the sight of them finally allowed her suspended heart to settle down by half.

It would suffice if Wengongzi's attitude towards her fourth granddaughter remained unchanged.

Meanwhile, Zhangshi's gaze became more complicated as she looked at Ruan Xi this time around. No one knew that she secretly went to meet Great Master Hui Yuan again behindLao Taitai's back, and gained the answers that she wanted.

Sheknewthat her own suspicions were correct.

Currently, thissan niangwas no longer her daughter in her heart; hersan nianghad disappeared more than ten days ago. The Great Master said that the will of Heaven could not be disobeyed and hersan niang's life had been numbered. Zhangshiwas unreconciled, indignant, resentful, and wrought with inconsolable grief. She abhorred the person occupying her daughter's body, but for herda lang's future prospects, she could only conceal the matter forcibly, and watch on helplessly as thisthingleapt and bounced before her.

Once Zhangshithought about how she had secretly schemed againstsi niangfor this creature that was occupying her daughter's body, she secretly scolded herself for being deceived by a pig lard, and she could not regret it fast enough.

She only hoped that herda langcould continue to have a good relationship withsi niang. When the infertility medicine incident was exposed in the future, she would admit to her own crimes, and she only prayed that it would not implicate her son.

Hundred and thousands of thoughts flitted across Zhangshi's mind as she looked at Ruan Xi. Unbeknownst to her, Linyiniangwas observing the expression and gaze that Wengongziwas using on Ruan Xi, while being pensive. In her mind, she covertly attached more importance to Ruan Xi. Meanwhile, the little chubby boy at her side remained unaware of his biological mother's thoughts, smile blooming on his face instantaneously as he caught sight of his fourth older sister's figure because it meant that they could finally go back home, and he did not know about the early plans that his biological mother was hatching for his sake.

Only Ruansan niang's reaction was extremely thought-provoking.

Stupefaction, jealousy, and disbelief; a myriad of emotions were jumbled up together and her heart was in an utter mess.

She clearly saw Wenfurenwalking in the direction of the meditation room that her fourth sister and Wengongziwere meeting in….

Ruan Xi and Wengongziwalked over to them at a leisurely pace. Ruan Xi met Ruansan niang's gaze before she revealed a radiant and enchanting smile.

Ruansan niangconcealed the jealousy present in the depths of her eyes quickly, switching to a happy smile as she received them: "Ruan Ning has seen Wengongzi." Then she greeted Ruan Xi affectionately.

Wengongzinodded with a faint smile before he went up to offer his regards to ZhangshiandLao Taitaiin slow steps.

Ruansan niang: "……"

It was the same again; Wengongziwas equally apathetic when he came to visit the Earl Chengyi Residence because of her fourth sister's illness.

Ruansan niangfelt extremely uncomfortable in her heart.

Ruan Xi curled her lips, pleased. Wengongzi's actions matched her intentions well.

After giving the elders in the Ruan Family his regards, Wengongzisaid a few more lines to Ruan Xi before he departed with Zhang Qing.

Once Wengongzileft, everyone's gaze gathered on Ruan Xi's person. When Zhangshisaw her daughter's counterfeit was about to speak, she stepped forward to supportLao Taitaiby the arm as she said: "It is getting late. If there is anything to discuss, we can do so after we return to the Earl Residence."

Lao Taitainodded. This place was the Yunhua Temple still, where there were crowds and extraneous eyes; this was not a place for discussion.

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Nearing the end ofshen shi,their vast and mighty congregation departed from Yunhua Temple to return to the Earl Chengyi Residence.

申时 (pinyin: shen shi) – a double-hour denoting 3PM to 5PM.

Inside the reception room,Lao Taitaisat in the seat of honour, Zhangshisat on her left, while Ruansan niangand Ruan Xi remained standing. Linyiniangand her little chubby boy had been told byLao Taitaito return to their courtyard.

Earl Chengyi happened to be within the residence and he had learned early on that the residence's womenfolk and the Wen Family's womenfolk had gone to Yunhua Temple to offer incense together. Since this matter was constantly on his mind, he decided to come over to observe the situation and ask his mother about the divinations.

"Si niang, did Wenfurencause any difficulties for you?"Lao Taitaiwas the first to inquire.

Ever since she heard that Wenfuren's complexion had been extremely ugly when she learnt of the private meeting between her fourth granddaughter and Wengongzi,Lao Taitaihad been worried.

She was genuinely afraid that her fourth granddaughter's good marriage agreement had suddenly turned yellow, thereby affecting her son's official career.

Wengongziwas only a junior and he could not represent the Wen Family's attitude. If Wenfurenslapped a frivolous and unsettled label on her fourth granddaughter, the Wen Family would definitely break off the engagement, and it would also affect the reputation of the other young ladies within the Ruan Family.

It was natural and normal forLao Taitaito have this worry.

Although Ruansan nianghad been sitting in the same horse carriage as her fourth sister when they were returning the residence, and she had constantly probed for Wenfuren's attitude towards her fourth sister, her fourth sister did not acknowledge her at all.

Ruansan niangwas extremely dissatisfied with the fact that she did not attain an answer and felt that Wenfurenmust have created difficulties and rebuked her fourth sister, which was why she was ashamed to vocalise it. Now that she heardLao Taitaibring up the topic, she chimed in impatiently:

"Si mei, speak quickly, did Wenfurenmake it difficult for you?"

Earl Chengyi's express was strict as he stared at his fourth daughter fixedly. It was evident that he was extremely concerned about this problem.

Recently, that prince had been moving frequently. If it was not for his association with the Wen Family, let alone officialising his stand-in Assistant Minister position in the Ministry of Public Works, he was afraid that maintaining his stand-in position would already be considered fortunate. What he was most afraid of was being beaten back to his old position and becoming a joke.

This was not something Earl Chengyi could endure.

Ruan Xi had already mentally prepared herself ever since Ruansan niangstarted to probe for information and she knew that Ruansan niangwould start something. Sure enough, her actions conformed to her expectations. She feigned surprise as she returned a question: "Why would Wenfurencause difficulties for this granddaughter?"

Lao Taitaipaused. Unable to hold herself back, she sought for confirmation as she asked: "Si niang, speak the truth. Was Wenfurendissatisfied with you, or did she rebuke you?"

Ruan Xi shook her head, displaying a trace of confusion that was suitable for the occasion, "Wenfurenwas not dissatisfied with this granddaughter, nor did she rebuke this granddaughter. She sent this granddaughter her paternal grandmother's jade bracelet as a first meeting gift."

Having said that, Ruan Xi raised her fair right wrist with some embarrassment, revealing a dark green jade bracelet.

Not only didLao Taitairecognise that jade bracelet from Wenfuren's paternal grandmother, even Zhangshirecognised it as well.

Because both of them had seen the bracelet on Wenfuren's wrist today.

Lao Taitai's heart settled down by a large measure, and she kept smiling as she chanted 'the ancestors bless and protect'.

Earl Chengyi laughed out loud, his gaze becoming more affectionate and gentler as he looked at Ruan Xi.

"Good, good,si niangis truly father's good daughter!"

Since she had entered Wenfuren's eyes, it symbolised that this marriage was stable. Hence, Earl Chengyi was high-spirited and vigorous.

On the other hand, Ruansan nianghad become dull entirely. She looked atLao Taitai's smiling expression and her scum father who was delirious with delight as he praised her fourth younger sister loudly. The jealousy in her eyes was on the verge of overspilling. Biting her lips and refusing to give up, she asked her mother for verification, "Mother, is the jade bracelet onsi mei's wrist truly given by Wenfuren?"

Expressionlessly, Zhangshiglanced at Ruansan niang, "That's right, it was the jade bracelet that Wenfurenwas wearing today."

A counterfeit was a counterfeit; she could barely compare to hersan niang.

Alas, hersan niang's life had been woefully thin, which allowed thisthingto supplant her body.

The hatred that Zhangshifelt multiplied.

Ruansan niangstopped treating everything as a fluke. Her fourth sister's life was genuinely that good.

It would have been better if she allowed her mother to choose another candidate… That person would definitely be a hypocrite who was posing as a person with high morals.

Why did she allow her mother to arrange Wengongzifor her fourth younger sister…

Was it because of luck?

Was this fate?

She was a bona fide transmigrator and yet she could not compare to an ancient person.

Ruansan niangwas so jealous her eyes were red.

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Ruan Xi peered at the jealous expression that Ruansan niangcould not conceal, entirely free from worries. She pursed her lips. Since Ruansan nianghad the audacity to use tricks behind her back, she should be prepared for the possibility of being exposed.

"Lao Taitai, this granddaughter does not know if she should talk about an issue she has. If she says it, it will spoil the feelings between sisters, but if she does not vocalise it, this granddaughter will feel wronged in her heart."

Ruan Xi glanced at Ruansan niang, revealing a hesitant expression on her face.

Lao Taitai's smile stagnated upon hearing that. A vague conjecture emerged in her heart as she glanced at Ruansan niang.

She was afraid thatsan nianghad done something to the disadvantage ofsi niang.Lao Taitaibecame divided immediately.

Earl Chengyi, however, did not have such apprehensions. Since it was going to makesi niangfeel wronged, he naturally had to give her justice.

"Si niang, what is there to hesitate about? If you have suffered a grievance, declare it, Father will give you justice."

Lao Taitaiwent silent. Zhangshicontinued towatch the fight from the ramparts.

作壁上观 (pinyin: zhuo bi shang guan) – sit by and watch; onlooker; bystander.

A bad premonition appeared faintly in Ruansan niang's heart.

Ruan Xi had always liked her Earl Father's direct and efficient point of view.

"Thanking Father. Truth to be told, this daughter felt very upset after learning about this matter. She did not expect thatsan niangwould actually use such an inferior trick to scheme against this daughter. If it were not for Wenfurentelling this daughter, this daughter would be imprisoned in a drum, trapped in the belief thatsan jiewas a good older sister."

As Ruan Xi uttered those words, the rims of her eyes became red and it glinted faintly with tears.

Ruansan niangalready knew what her fourth sister was talking about and her pretty face flushed red. Fierce of mien but faint of heart, she retorted. "Si mei, don't spout nonsense, when did I scheme against you."

Earl Chengyi's demeanour blackened in an instant, glaring at Ruansan niangangrily.This defiant daughter!

"San niang, shut your mouth!

"Si niang, speak, what didsan niangdo exactly?"

Ruan Xi ignored Ruansan niangwho was cowardly at heart even though she looked fierce. She looked at her Earl Father gratefully before she directly dragged out the annoyance that Ruansan niangcaused.

"San jieand her maidservant purposefully and loudly said that this granddaughter secretly invited Wengongzito the meditation room to have a liaison at a place where Wenfurenwould pass by.

"Butsan jieclearly saw Wengongzidispatching his servant to invite this daughter to discuss some matters, and yet she confounded black and white on purpose, attempting to make Wenfurenbelieve that this daughter was a frivolous and bewitching person. Thankfully, Wenfurenwas perceptive of even the finest detail; she did not believe their words and she even gave this daughter a word of reminder."

Lao Taitaiwas already rendered speechless by Ruansan niang. She could only say that she was exceedingly disappointed. Despite all the years of energy and heart they had poured into her fostering, they had cultivated an idiot, who had disgraced herself all the way to Wenfuren's front.

Earl Chengyi's fury surged. This traitorous daughter of asan niang, she even wanted to ruinsi niangbecause of her own selfish desires, she could not be forgiven at all!

Just how important were first impressions? If Wenfurenhad believed the farce thatsan niangfabricated, Earl Chengyi did not want to imagine what kind of consequences that would have.

Once Earl Chengyi thought about how they had established contact with the Wen Family after much difficulty, only to have it nearly ruined by this foolishsan niang, his expression darkened so much it was frightening.

"Treacherous daughter!Go to the ancestral hall and kneel before the ancestral memorial tablets for three days and reflect properly!"

Ruansan niang's pretty face flickered between red and white immediately, both infuriated and unreconciled. Her scheme against her fourth had failed. Why was her Father flying into such rage? Furthermore, asking her kneel at the ancestral hall for three days was way too excessive.

Her fourth sister was also narrow-minded for making mountains out of molehills. She shot a vicious glare at Ruan Xi.

Ruan Xi returned her stare, cool and collected.

After the 'grievance pouring' this time around, it could be said that she and Ruansan nianghad shed off all pretences of cordiality.

A scholar who has been away for three days should be viewed with new eyes; Ruan Xi was no longer the Ruansi niangwho could only swallow the insult and suffer in silence whenever she encountered a scheme.

士别三日, 刮目相待 (pinyin: shi bie san ri, gua mu xiang dai) – Even after short absence, people change and should be judged anew.

Some people should not, and could not be indulged.

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Needless to say, Ruansan niangdid not want to kneel at the ancestral hall. She still wanted to write her prompt-books and publish them, and exchange letters with Qi Yue An to cultivate their feelings. She gritted her teeth inwardly, perhaps she should admit to her mistake first?

Before she could put her thoughts into actions, Zhangshisuddenly struck her with a heavy blow.

"Bo ye, it can't be denied thatsan niangwas wrong this time around. Apart from making her kneel at the ancestral hall for three days to reflect, perhapssan niangshould be confined for another month, picking Buddha beans to polish off her temper."

Once those words came out, Ruansan niangwas full of disbelief. Was this her biological mother?

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