Chapter Eighteen: Calculations

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  As soon as they entered Changhe Hall, even Ye Yuanshou became more restrained than before, quietly following behind Ye Chengli.

  Several cousins were also there, and when they saw Ye Yuanshou, they smiled and nodded in greeting, but didn't seem particularly enthusiastic.

  All three houses are born out of wedlock, and because Ye Chengli is always on duty and rarely returns to the capital, he has little contact with people from the first and second houses, and it's inevitable that feelings are thin.

  Ye Qinglan respectfully greeted Changyuan Bo and his wife, then quietly stood aside. Taking advantage of the opportunity, she glanced at the "Autumn Mountain Cold Forest" painting a few times, feeling content and not feeling lonely at all.

  After satisfying her curiosity about the head of the family, Ye Qinglan shifted her attention to several sisters-in-law.

  The second house's Eighth Miss Ye Qingrou and her five-year-old younger sister Ye Qingru stood together, whispering something to each other. The main house's Sixth Miss Ye Qingning stood alone on the side, looking slightly impatient.

  Ye Qinglan instinctively observed the demeanor of these two lovely young girls.

  Ye Qingning's appearance and demeanor were flawless, but her expression was slightly arrogant, with a small chin that involuntarily lifted up. At first glance, it was clear that she had a proud temperament and wasn't easy to get along with.

  She is really beautiful, with every gesture exuding an innate elegance and nobility. Anyone who sees her for the first time will probably be captivated by her gaze.

  Ye Qingrou was entirely different. She had a slender figure, a sweet appearance, and her lips always curved into a gentle smile, making her seem affable and endearing.

  Ye Qinglan thought for a moment and then took the initiative to go forward and talk to Ye Qingrou.

  One of the social skills is that proper compliments and praise can easily shorten the distance.

  "Eight Auntie, the dress you're wearing today is really beautiful." Ye Qinglan was most skilled at dealing with all sorts of strangers in her past life, so she naturally handled it with ease.

  As expected, Ye Qing's smile immediately warmed up a lot: "Tenth sister has good eyesight, this is specially customized in the brocade weaving workshop!"

  Ye Qinglan found the topic effortlessly and asked curiously: "What is Jinzhi Workshop?"

  Ye Qingrou smiled and explained to Ye Qinglan: "This Jinzhi Workshop is very famous in the capital. Even the imperial concubines are regular customers of Jinzhi Workshop!"

  Unlike ordinary tailor shops, Jinzhi Workshop initially focused on making men's clothing. The materials were carefully selected, the workmanship was exquisite, and the styles were novel. In a very short period of time, it became popular among the aristocratic circles in Beijing. Almost every noble young man wore clothes made by Jinzhi Workshop.

  After Jinzhi Workshop became famous, it then focused on developing the women's ready-to-wear market. In just a few years, it became the most famous tailor shop in Beijing.

  Of course, the prices at Brocade Workshop are also exorbitant. For just this thin pale blue dress, it actually costs over ten taels.

  How much is ten or twenty taels?

  Ye Qinglan was new and didn't have a concept of money yet. However, she couldn't help but reveal an envious expression at the right moment.

  Ye Qing softly smiled to herself, but her mouth casually said: "This isn't anything, I've only made four new sets of clothes, Sixth Sister once ordered eight sets at one time!"

  Ye Qingning had been quietly observing without a word, when suddenly she spoke up: "What a big sour taste. If you like it, I'll let Second Aunt make some for you too."

  Ye Qingrou's smile paused for a moment, then she smiled as if nothing had happened: "Sixth sister is joking. Auntie has always been generous and open-handed to you, I can only be envious, how dare I make such a request to my mother."

  The words sound gentle, but upon closer inspection, they are soft yet piercing.

  Ye Qingning wasn't one to be trifled with either, her lips curling up into a mocking arc as she said with a smile that wasn't quite a smile: "Eighth younger sister is indeed obedient and sensible, but I, as the older sister, am far from it. I've always had a fondness for beautiful clothes and accessories, not to mention those useless trinkets. My daily expenses are really too extravagant, no match for your frugality."

  Ye Qingrou was choked for a moment, her teeth itched with anger, but she still forced out a smile: "Where, where, elder sister is overpraising."

  What a wonderful sisterly fight! Compared with these two in front of her, Ye Qingfu's moves were far inferior.

  Ye Qinglan watched with relish, secretly exclaiming "brilliant".

  Ye Qingning's gaze swept over, and she smiled, "Tenth sister, why didn't Ninth sister come today?" She was clearly already aware of some inside information, but pretended not to know as she asked.

  Yeqing Lan smiled slightly: "Probably due to the fatigue of traveling, her body is not feeling well. She will be fine after resting for two days."

  What happened last night had already reached Ye Qingning's ears so quickly. Just how loose-lipped were these palace maids?

  This answer was somewhat beyond Ye Qingning's expectations.

  From the brief moments of interaction yesterday, it's clear that Ye Qingfu and Ye Qinglan sisters' relationship is not harmonious. Ye Qingfu being punished with house arrest is naturally good news for Ye Qinglan. However, instead of gloating, Ye Qinglan actually helped cover up for Ye Qingfu, showing she's also a clever person.

  Ye Qingning's gaze at Ye Qinglan had a subtle change.

  This subtle change was not obvious, but it couldn't escape Ye Qinglan's sharp eyes.

  Yè Qīngníng, who thought herself to be extremely intelligent and arrogant, naturally disdained interacting with foolish people. It seems that her previous behavior had entered Yè Qīngníng's eyes.

  As for why she wanted to get close to Ye Qingning, there was also a reason for that.

  No matter whether it was to avoid Ye Yuanzhou or to hide from Xue Shi and Ye Qingfu, she had to think of a way to stay in the Changyuan Bo Fu. As long as she could move the thrifty old man Ye Chengli, the possibility of success would be 50%.

  If there is anyone else who would be willing to speak up for her, that would be even better. Changyuan Bo and his wife are good people, but unfortunately they are not easy to get close to. Among the remaining people, it's down to Zheng Shi now.

  Zheng's status is transcendent, and her words are extremely measured. As long as she is willing to speak up, Xue will definitely be happy to get rid of this hot potato. The question is, why would Zheng want to speak up for this third-born daughter?

  Just as I was thinking about how to solve this difficult problem, an opportunity came up.

  Ye Qinglan smiled seemingly casually and asked: "I've long heard that Sixth Sister's piano skills are exceptional, I wonder who her teacher is?"

  The second social treasure is to talk about the topic that interests the other person the most when speaking.

  Ye Qingning's eyes flashed with a hint of pride, and she replied calmly: "The master who taught me the art of qin is surnamed Zeng, and others call her Zeng Niangzi."

  Others used two words extremely well.

  So-called others are people who have attainments in music. They may even be people of weight in the aristocratic circles. Zeng's daughter, being a woman, could make a name for herself in the capital city, and she is by no means an ordinary person.

  Thinking about it, being able to invite such a master to teach piano skills is naturally not an easy thing.

  Ye Qingrou didn't interrupt, but a hint of envy flashed in her eyes.

  It seems that this madam is only responsible for teaching Ye Qingning's piano skills, and even the second room's Ye Qingrou doesn't have the opportunity to study together.

  Ye Qingning naturally wouldn't have thought that with just a short sentence, Ye Qinglan would be able to infer so much useful information...