TCN: Mei Gongqing

Chapter 135: Seeing Wang Qilang Again

Chapter 135: Seeing Wang Qilang Again

Chen Rong's carriage slowly drove away from the crowd's watchful eyes.

When they got to the main street, no one gave her another glance, for Jiankang was full of aristocrats and royalty.

She lifted the curtain and watched the city go by. She hadn't been to town during her stay, knowing her looks were provocative. So she had had to be patient despite her curiosity about this city.

She had nothing more to fear, however, now that she was entering the main house and tied to its name. Ah Rong of the Chen House was no longer someone others could offend.

Girls' laughter rang on the street from time to time. They flit in front of her carriage, with their sweeping robes and lingering fragrance.

While she was still looking around, the vehicle slowly drove into the Chen estate.

The red gate belonging to a wealthy home and the long driveway gave the traditional and serene compound a mysterious quality. This was her first impression of the main house. It looked as though every piece of leaf and every blade of grass had been carefully spruced.

Even so, Chen Rong had lost all interest in these things. She suddenly lowered her curtain and let the wind flutter it against her face.

At length, a maidservant gently announced herself before lifting the curtain.

With a smile, Chen Rong let the girl help her down.

She met a middle-aged man named Chen Zifang who was her fourth uncle from the Chen House in Jiankang. He cheerfully pointed to the large courtyard ahead with rows upon rows of houses and rooftops. "Ah Rong, this is your courtyard. Take a look and see if you need to buy anything else. Let the servants know so that they can take care of it for you."

He turned to the bowing young servants and said, "This is your mistress. You are to listen to her from now on."

"Aye," all eight replied with a bow.

They encircled Chen Rong.

Chen Zifang gave another chuckle. He kindly looked at Chen Rong and called, "Ah Rong."

"Aye."

"From now on, this is your home. Remember, you are Ah Rong of the Chen House."

"Aye."

Chen Zifang smilingly waved his sleeves and strode away. Just as he left, the curious gazes around them also withdrew. The courtyard quieted in an instant.

Among the eight servants, a girl about twenty years old with an oval face and a beauty mole between her brows came forth and supported Chen Rong. Using the soft southern accent that was unique to Jiankang, she asked, "Is there something you are wondering about, miss?" She covered her smile. "I'm sure it's normal to have questions. Since you're now the ward of Chen Gongrang of the Nan'yang Chen House, everything can wait until he arrives."

Besides those who had welcomed her, Chen Rong hadn't seen any other elders on this trip to her relatives'. She had thought she would meet a few elders at the very least, but she know knew why upon hearing what the maidservant had to say.

Why was this maidservant so smart, though? She hadn't said anything but she already knew her thoughts.

Chen Rong's reflection had only gone this far by the time the maid smiled and added, "You likely didn't know this, but we had had to learn to read our masters' minds from time to time. In Jiankang, wealthy homes like ours not only arrange special training for their first rank maids, but also for their courtesans, stewards, and guards... otherwise, how can the House of Chen call itself a century-old aristocratic family?"