"Yanwen" while Gu Yanwen was still looking at Gu Yanran for her approval, Gu Yanran suddenly snapped at Gu Yanwen and mercilessly scolded her "How can you say that in front of eldest sister Yanyan.
Even if you don't like our eldest sister for coming back and getting attention and affection from our grandmother and our parents but it didn't mean you belittle our eldest sister by comparing her Water Pavilion to my Jade yard.
After all I've been decorating and maintaining my jade for almost six years while our eldest had just returned. There definitely be fewer plants and flowers in her courtyard compared to mine.
You don't have point out the obvious, do you?" Gu Yanran very skillfully distanced herself from Gu Yanwen's earlier actions while not forgetting to enhance the fact that her yard really had more types of flowers and that she really deserved the praise Gu Yanwen had sang for her.
Really clever.
So eloquent.
"Third sis-sister I was just-" Gu Yanwen was stunned from Gu Yanran's scolding. Only after a long time she could barely find back her voice even so she didn't know what to speak and what to expect from her good third sister.
She was just trying to teach Gu Yanyan her place in her Gu Residence only to secure her good third sister's place but now Gu Yanyan hadn't said anything but it was her good third sister Yanran who was the one to scold her first.
And what did she mean by she didn't like Gu Yanyan's return because she thought, after Gu Yanyan returned, the attention and affection of our grandmother and father had gone to her? Wasn't she the one who should be most unhappy amongst the sister's by Gu Yanyan's return? After all more or less everyone knows the true cause of Madam Lin's death and how Gu Yanran became the legitimate daughter of Gu Tianhao.
But at this moment Gu Yanwen could only bit her lips and said nothing.
She lowered her head and didn't participated in the rest of the conversation.
Her mother had said right, she shouldn't try to get limelight, no matter if it's good or bad, they never could expect anything good from Madam Yun or Gu Yanran.
On the other hand, after scolding Gu Yanwen, Gu Yanran immediately turned to Gu Yanyan with an apologetic look on her face.
"I'm really sorry for Yanwen's behavior today, eldest sister. Please, don't take it to heart." Gu Yanran went ahead and slightly bowed and apologized for Gu Yanwen's behavior.
"Yanwen usually doesn't act like this. I really don't know why she spoke like this. Sigh." She took a sigh in resignation as she continued, "Anyway just don't think that Yanwen is arrogant or something." Indirectly she had already labeled Gu Yanwen as an arrogant and troublemaker in front of Gu Yanyan and other young ladies of the Residence not caring a bit this turned into a gossip in other courtyard and eventually reached to their grandmother or their parents, how bad it would end up for Gu Yanwen.
And the effect could be seen immediately as one after another all the young ladies of first house showed a look of disdain towards Gu Yanwen.
But Gu Yanran acted as if she didn't saw anything.
"Our little sister is actually very sweet and kind. She always like to follow behind me like a little girl." Gu Yanran smiled as she said this as if she was reminiscing their sweet time together when they were still kids.
"Growing up, we two always have been together and suddenly..." She paused as if she suddenly realized her mistake.
She shook her head and looked up at Gu Yanyan as she continued "Anyway, I'm sure as time passes, she would know how good you are and would definitely try to get close to you, right Yanwen?" Gu Yanran turned to Gu Yanwen who had lowered her head.
She was not even listening what nonsense Gu Yanran was spouting while she was zoning out but still out of habit she nodded and said a small 'yes' with a forced smile.
Sitting on her seat and sipping on her tea Gu Yanyan watched the drama unfolding and eventually come to an end, leisurely.
As the drama finished with Gu Yanwen's deafeat, Gu Yanyan finally put her tea cup down and gave her signature smile.
"It's ok third sister. You don't have to apologize for something that's the truth. It's a fact that your yard has multiple kind of flowers and trees that are both beautiful and good for health too. It's my incompetence for not thinking much about it." Gu Yanyan said as she had a look of reproach on her face.
Looking at Gu Yanyan's fallen face, Gu Yanran felt an immense joy in her heart.
She could see how things are going to develop already.
Today should have been Gu Yanyan's happiest day in the Residence but when host herself felt incompetent, how was she going make feel good to her guests?
'Hmph' Gu Yanran internally sneered and smiled but immediately froze when she heard Gu Yanyan's next words.
"So, why don't we go inside and you all help me admire the gifts I got from mother and Yanran yesterday?"
Bum
Gu Yanran felt a lightning struk directly in her head.
Even though she knew no one would point out about how it was her second hand.... but what if?
What if that Gu Yanjie told Gu Yanyan truth to mock her or to settle some old with herself?
What if those two sisters from eldest uncle's concubine couldn't read tge situation and blurt it out?
What if even Gu Yanwen thought tk get even with her for scolding her in front of everyone?
Numerous scenarios were forming their roots in Gu Yanran's mind.
Even though she and her mother had expected that once Gu Yanyan would wear those dresses and accessories, the truth would be out but she hadn't expected that her scheme would be out in this way and so soon.
"Yesss!! We also are curious about the expensive gifts eldest sister Yanyan goy from second aunt and third sister Yanran. Let's go and see." Gu Yanjie cheerfully said and other two young ladies also stood up with her but they stopped in their tracks when they heard Gu Yanran's scream.
"Aaah!!!!"