Four Harmonies and Good Fortune

Chapter 182 Burned
The banquet at the Liu residence was naturally different from that of ordinary families.

Those members of the Liu clan who were able to attend were all beaming with pride. Upon seeing Madam Liu and Liu Erniang, they immediately stepped forward to greet them.

"Second Sister is becoming more and more beautiful."

“Our second aunt has a good temperament and also has beautiful handwriting.”

Although the praise wasn't anything new, it was at least pleasant to hear. Liu Erniang could clearly feel her unpleasantness from the day slowly dissipating.

During the meal, the women inevitably chatted.

"I don't think the Yang family's pottery kiln will last long. Don't be fooled by the fact that the Xie family made a lot of money before, but they also hired a lot of people. Wasn't that all money? This kind of woman... is short-sighted after all."

The clansmen were unaware that Xie Yuyan had kept the Liu family out, but the Yang family's porcelain kiln had reached this point because they hadn't properly bribed the officials.

The Xie family of Daming Prefecture was related to the Xie family of Kaifeng Prefecture. Under the same circumstances, the Liu family would naturally prefer to give face to the Xie family rather than promote the Yang family, unless the Yang family was willing to spend more money.

Another clansman said, "That second daughter of the Xie family in Kaifeng is really lucky. She saved Prince Huai while recuperating at the old house. Prince Huai didn't even see her face clearly, but he still managed to find her by visiting house to house."

Another clansman couldn't help but ask, "How can the Prince of Huai be so sure she's the one he's looking for without even seeing her face?"

Liu Erniang knew about this: "Xie Erniang has been handling medicine for many years and has a herbal fragrance on her body. She also has a jade pendant on her body, which happens to be a gift from the late Empress Dowager. It is very special, so Prince Huai remembered it. Also... Prince Huai vaguely saw the appearance of the servants around Xie Erniang."

The Liu clan members couldn't help but exclaim, "As expected of our Second Madam, she has seen and knows many people."

The women all chimed in.

Madam Liu said, "After Prince Huai found Xie Erniang, her illness improved a lot. It's all about timing and fate. Otherwise, even if Prince Huai had the intention, Prince Qin would not have agreed to let such a daughter-in-law into the family."

When Xie Erniang was brought to the capital, Liu Erniang happened to be there. At that time, the imperial decree for the marriage had not yet been issued, but the Liu family had heard rumors in advance and bet that the Xie family and the royal family would form an alliance through marriage. So, Liu Erniang took the opportunity of visiting the Xie family to "get to know" Xie Erniang.

To help Xie Erniang get familiar with the capital as soon as possible, Liu Erniang took her around the city and told her about various things in the capital.

Despite growing up in the countryside, Xie Erniang was not only skilled in herbal medicine but also literate and quick-witted. She was not only adept at social maneuvering but also adept at handling various situations. In short, Liu Erniang had high hopes for her.

Madam Liu continued, "It's a pity that Prime Minister Xie passed away before he could see his granddaughter be betrothed to the royal family."

The old gentleman had a history of headaches and had gone to the countryside to recuperate, but he suddenly fainted in his own garden when there were no servants with him.

He hit his head and died instantly.

The Xie family was also in a state of panic for a while.

This happened not long ago.

It was because of this that Xie Erniang's wedding was delayed for three years.

"They're both surnamed Xie, but the difference between them is huge. When that Madam Xie married into the Yang family, Yang Liulang was already dead. If it weren't for the Yang family causing trouble, she would have been buried alive. Those water sellers say she's lucky and has a long life. Is that what you call luck?"

Having said that, Liu Erniang looked at everyone and said, "Speaking of clay stoves, there's a new way to play with them lately. Does anyone know about it?"

Even if someone heard about it, they could only shake their head at this point.

Liu Erniang looked at the head maid, who immediately went to prepare. In no time, four clay stoves were brought up and placed in the flower hall. Several maids immediately came up and used their fans to fan the fire in the clay stoves so that it would burn brighter.

Mrs. Liu was unaware of what her daughter was planning: "Why did you bring so many clay stoves all at once?"

"Mother will find out soon," Liu Erniang said with a smile. "It's rare to find such a good thing, so let's join in the fun."

The clay oven needs to be heated hot enough for the salt to pop properly.

The person in charge heard this clearly.

The servants fanned the clay stove incessantly until the charcoal inside was burning brightly, casting a red glow throughout the entire stove, before stopping. "Second Madam, it should be almost done," the steward said, bringing a salt jar and accompanying Liu Erniang to the stove.

The master and servant stopped three steps away from the clay stove.

The women also got up and came over to see what Liu Erniang was going to do.

Since it was Liu Erniang's first time playing, she was naturally cautious. She took a half step back before grabbing the salt grains and throwing them forcefully into the clay stove.

As the salt grains fell, the four clay stoves crackled and popped, and a burst of sparks erupted.

The tiny sparks, like stars in the night sky, made Liu Erniang's eyes shine.

This also made Liu Erniang's lips curl into a smile.

One clay stove is not as fun as four clay stoves placed together.
They were clearly people who had never seen the world, and even their games were beneath them. Besides, it didn't seem as dangerous as Liu Erniang had imagined.

Liu Erniang moved closer, taking more salt grains with her.

He threw it again, and sure enough, the sound and sparks became even louder.

"Fan her some more," the steward instructed the servants, making sure the second young lady had a good time.

The sound of salt popping attracted the children of the Liu family.

They gathered around, begging Liu Erniang to continue throwing in salt grains.

Liu Erniang kept sprinkling salt. Perhaps others would think it a waste to throw away salt like that, but the Liu family didn't care at all. As long as Liu Erniang liked it, they could bring in more clay stoves and throw in more salt.

Seeing the commotion she had caused with just a handful of salt, Liu Erniang understood why so many people were gathered around the Yang family.

It's definitely fun.

He watched as he stirred things up, which amazed and delighted those around him.

Should she remind the Xie family to also sell salt in front of their shop?

The more people know about this, the better the clay stoves will sell.

She can also be taken to the capital.

He would play the game a few more times in front of the women in the capital.

Liu Erniang thought about Madam Xie and realized she was truly foolish. Who benefited most from creating such a thing—the Yang family or the Xie family? Whoever sold the most clay stoves would naturally be the one who benefited more…

Just as Liu Erniang was thinking this, the sparks coming out of the clay furnace in front of her suddenly grew larger. She was caught off guard and stood there, frozen, watching the suddenly exploding sparks rush towards her.

By the time Liu Erniang tried to dodge, it was too late.

The fire caught fire on the hem of her skirt, and she screamed in terror.

The head housekeeper and servants also realized what was happening and rushed forward to put out the flames.

The more anxious she was, the more mistakes she made, and the salt jar that Liu Erniang was holding fell to the ground.

When the salt grains came into contact with the fire, they burst into more sparks, some of which landed on Liu Erniang.

The women had no idea that such a thing would happen. Most of them were just screaming. Madam Liu's eyes widened, and she stretched out her hand, unable to utter a complete sentence for a moment.

Just moments ago, there was laughter and joy, but now, as if cursed, it has turned into disaster.