Chapter 217 - 138: Residence by the Water
The Ran residence was located near the Pingjiang River, occupying seventeen acres and consisting of multiple courtyards.
At this moment, the heavy nanmu wood gates stood open, with two rows of grey-clothed servants and turquoise-clad maids at the entrance, accompanied by three flashy concubines, a dozen girls and boys of various ages, and leading them were Ran Wen and Lady Gao. Naturally, Ran Yan did not assume that this grand reception was in her honor as the legitimate daughter; even if it were, it was only a show for Xiao Song’s benefit. Thus, she felt a flicker of impatience watching the tearful façade of Ran Wen.
"Ah Yan!" Ran Wen advanced to take Ran Yan’s hand, choking with emotion, "You’re finally back, Ah Yan! You’ve suffered so much in the nunnery!"
"Father has been too concerned," Ran Yan replied indifferently, quietly withdrawing her hand.
Ran Wen didn’t mind and naturally turned to make pleasantries with Xiao Song, "Lord Xiao, your visit brings great honor to the Ran family!"
Lord Xiao, making such a statement is really too flattering for me. I was alone in Suzhou during the Mid-Autumn Festival, grateful beyond words for not being forsaken by Uncle Ran!" Xiao Song spoke with heartfelt sincerity, without any pretense of pretentiousness. However, he made a careful note of Ran Wen’s attitude toward Ran Yan.
Ran Wen was increasingly joyful, engaging in a lively chat with Xiao Song, till Lady Gao came over with a smile, chiding, "My lord, you really shouldn’t keep our seventeenth young lady and our guest Lord Xiao standing at the door to talk."
"Haha, just look at my temper, come, come, let’s go inside to continue our conversation." As Ran Wen moved to the entrance, he at least didn’t forget Ran Yan, telling the crowd of servants, "Lady Seventeen has been away for two years to recuperate, she must be unfamiliar with the household now, take good care of her!"