Reborn As The Wicked Little Sister-in-Law - Chapter 33

Chapter 33: Learning and Spectating

The morning mist lingered as the first rays of dawn broke through the dense fog, radiating brilliant light.

Lü Guiyan rose early to prepare a full day’s worth of food for her little black dog, Huahua. Since she wouldn’t be returning until evening, she couldn’t let Huahua go hungry. Once finished, she fetched water to wash and dress herself.

It was currently spring, a season of vibrant life, so Lü Guiyan specifically chose a fresh and lively green outfit.

Beneath was a high-waisted ruqun in white and green with begonia embroidery, featuring a silk base layered with three tiers of light gauze. Over it, she wore a water-green large-sleeved robe with lily-of-the-valley patterns. The sleeves were crafted from two layers of flowing silk, making her look ethereal and dreamlike, like a woodland spirit.

This outfit was a gift from Wei Chengyan for her coming-of-age ceremony. Due to their previously strained relationship, the clothes had remained at the bottom of her trunk; today was the first time she had ever worn them. Compared to the other dresses in her wardrobe, the material of this set was by far the most expensive.

Looking in the mirror, she saw a girl as agile and charming as a flower fairy. The dreamlike fabric made her fair skin look even more porcelain. Her smile felt like it could wake the world.

“In spring, one should wear green to do the season justice.”

Lü Guiyan didn’t know how to do complex hairstyles, so she simply braided two small four-strand plaits, securing each section with short, jade-green ribbons. Since she had a lot of hair, the rest was left to drape casually behind her. Her earrings were pale green leaves, paired with a snow-white neckpiece. Her makeup was light and elegant.

Ready to leave Muhe Courtyard, she saw the newly awakened Xiao Tan watching her with a resentful gaze. She said nothing and walked straight out. To ensure Xiao Tan wouldn’t be implicated later, this distance was necessary.

With Concubine Lan’s permission, Lü Guiyan swaggered out of the side gate, even raising her voice as she left to emphasize that her “cousin” had granted her leave.

Once out, she headed straight for Mu Yan’s home to dig for news about Zou Shengsheng. Mu Yan was surprised by her visit, wondering why she’d come so early given their lack of friendship. He only relaxed once he realized she was asking about Zou Shengsheng.

“Miss Zou is entering the city today. She’s expected to arrive this afternoon.”

Upon hearing this, Lü Guiyan suddenly remembered: today was the 15th of April, the day the male and female leads’ relationship takes a major step forward.

In the original plot, Zou Shengsheng enters the city to buy medicine for her sickly brother. On her way back, she is blocked by the arrogant young lady, Jing Ruoyun. The heroine is pushed into the river by Jing Ruoyun, and the hero, Mu Yan, dives in to save her.

Sigh~ another falling-into-water trope. How cliché.

But that didn’t stop her from wanting to see the drama.

Lü Guiyan made up her mind, unable to suppress her excitement. “I see! Thank you, bye-bye~” She had originally planned to ask Mu Yan to pass a message, but since Zou Shengsheng was coming to town, she wouldn’t bother him further.

Lü Guiyan arrived cheerfully at Cuiyun Tower, where Jing Hongyi was already waiting. Following the waiter to the third floor, she entered the “Heavenly Room No. 1” only to see Jing Hongyi looking thoroughly impatient.

Lü Guiyan muttered internally: It’s not even the agreed time yet, and I’m not late. Why the face?

Jing Hongyi’s impatience flickered into a brief spark of interest at her appearance, but seeing her empty-handed, he grumbled, “You came empty-handed?”

“Choosing a gift for you requires careful selection. I haven’t picked the right one yet, so I came empty-handed today.” It wasn’t that she hadn’t picked it; she hadn’t even thought about it.

Jing Hongyi sighed. “Not that. I meant brushes, ink, paper, and books.”

“I… forgot.” Truly forgot. My brain is like a sieve. Lü Guiyan scolded herself inwardly. “I’ll go buy them now.”

Jing Hongyi felt a headache coming on. It was his first time seeing someone ask for a favor and take it so lightly. “Never mind. I’ve prepared them.”

Following his gaze, she saw over a dozen books and top-tier writing materials on the wooden desk. The paper was Xuan paper, which most couldn’t afford; the brushes were precious “purple hair” brushes with bamboo-joint carvings and famous poetic verses on the handles, resting on a bright green jade brush-rack. As for the ink, Lü Guiyan didn’t recognize it, but the intricate patterns suggested it was incredibly valuable.

This is the life of the richest person in the capital. Everything is the best. So envious.

“Won’t using these be a waste?”

“This young master has the most money. Don’t worry about it,” Jing Hongyi said confidently.

Lü Guiyan was struck by envy again. In my next life, I must live like this. I’ll tell my visitors: ‘I have nothing but an excess of money.’ What a beautiful way to stir up trouble.

Ahem, what are you here for again? Qiyun’s reminder shattered her daydream. Time to get back to the mission.

Lü Guiyan discovered that the literature of this world was consistent with her own reality, only the characters were slightly different. The allusions, idioms, and even the books were mostly similar. All she needed was for Jing Hongyi to teach her how to read and write these specific versions of the characters.

First, she wanted to learn the names of Concubines Five, Six, and Seven. She needed to keep accounts to provide Wei Chengyan with leverage later.

Lü Guiyan had been a top student in her past life; she caught on after Jing Hongyi taught her once. After a few hours, she could recognize several characters. She browsed the books on the desk and found the text familiar. Any word she didn’t know, she asked Jing Hongyi. By the end, she was certain this world’s culture was nearly identical to the modern one.

Before she knew it, it was afternoon. Lü Guiyan calculated the time—it was almost the hour of the Monkey ($3:00$ PM to $5:00$ PM). It was time to head to Nanyuan Bridge for the drama.

Lü Guiyan feigned a headache. “I don’t know if it’s because I’ve been here too long, but I feel quite dizzy.”

“Then let’s stop here for today. We’ll continue in three days. Remember to come early; I hate waiting.”

Gifts haven’t been given, money hasn’t been paid, and I’m using his stuff. Lü Guiyan decided to swallow her temper. “Yes, yes, I’ll definitely be here early.”

“That’s more like it.” Jing Hongyi tossed her two books for leisure reading. Lü Guiyan saw they were dry, academic treatises favored by scholars.

“No thanks, I can’t get into these. I’ll go to the bookstore later to buy some romance novellas.”

Who wants to read academic drivel? Romance is where it’s at. I can guess the words I don’t know anyway.

“Oh! I also like novellas and hate treatises!”

I know exactly what kind of books a ‘flowery peacock’ like you likes—the ones with vivid colors and illustrations. I am not like you.

After saying goodbye to Jing Hongyi, Lü Guiyan bought a piece of coarse linen from a street stall to drape over herself. Wei Chengyan and Mu Yan were likely discussing matters together and would appear at Nanyuan Bridge soon; she couldn’t let them recognize her. She wrapped herself tightly, leaving only her eyes visible.

At Nanyuan Bridge, a large crowd had gathered. Jing Ruoyun was being aggressive, claiming Zou Shengsheng had bumped into her and demanding an apology. After Zou Shengsheng apologized, Jing Ruoyun refused to let it go, insisting she kneel and wipe her shoes.

Zou Shengsheng knew she couldn’t fight Jing Ruoyun’s status, but she wouldn’t be bullied either. She refused to kneel and stated clearly that she hadn’t bumped into her—Jing Ruoyun was picking a fight on purpose. The onlookers were split between supporting the two.

Lü Guiyan blended into the crowd. The bridge was filled with women; Mu Yan, Wei Chengyan, and Jing Hongyi hadn’t arrived yet.

Suddenly, someone tapped her on the shoulder. Thinking it was a harasser, she prepared to turn around and give them a piece of her mind, but the moment she saw the person, she immediately froze.

It was Wei Chengyan, with He Yu standing behind her.

Lü Guiyan clutched the linen over her face, pretending not to know her, and tried to shuffle to a different spot.

At that moment, Wei Chengyan grabbed her wrist. “You’ve snuck out of the manor again.”

He Yu asked warily, “Heir, who is this?”

Lü Guiyan shook off Wei Chengyan’s hand. “You’ve got the wrong person!”

As soon as the words left her mouth, she bolted.