They were all young ladies, being told that they couldn't pull off their outfits. Even the most good-tempered person would feel displeased, let alone those with worse tempers.
"We may not be able to pull off the trendy styles of the Capital City, but we're still better than your last year's outfit," the ladies mocked Wang Lan.
Wang Lan's remark made the other ladies scrutinize Sun Yiliu's attire. She was clad in a blue silk gown with a light white gauzy outer robe, revealing her graceful, ivory-white neck. The layered skirt moved like flowing snow with her lotus steps, making Sun Yiliu appear as if a celestial fairy had descended to Earth.
Everyone had to admit that Sun Yiliu was an exceptionally rare beauty, deserving of the title "Number One Beauty of Liuzhou."
Basking in the envious gazes, Sun Yiliu felt smug, casting a sidelong glance at Li Xin who was approaching. She snorted inwardly but maintained an amiable expression. Such beauty made it hard for others to voice any displeasure.
Li Xin arrived, "Ladies, please follow me. It's time for the banquet." The ladies followed Li Xin to the banquet hall, where the matriarchs and ladies had been seated according to status and relationship.
With Mrs. Lu's guidance and the former Lady Candidate's tutelage, Li Xin's demeanor, speech, and etiquette were impeccable, outshining everyone present. As the hostess, Li Xin attended to every lady with her two younger sisters, ensuring each received due care without belittling or excessively flattering anyone.
Li Xin's conduct did not go unnoticed by the matriarchs, who wished to have such a virtuous and attentive daughter-in-law. Sun Yiliu gripped her cup in displeasure at having the spotlight stolen but then revealed a smug smile, as if recalling something.
Hearing the matriarchs' praises, Mrs. Lu couldn't help but show delight. Her son had become a Licentiate, and her daughter was being lauded. This was indeed Mrs. Lu's happiest day in a year.
After seeing off the last lady, Li Xia could finally return to the Orchid Courtyard to rest. Utterly exhausted and about to doze off, Qiu Shui called for Qiu Chan to carry the drowsy Li Xia back.
Qiu Kui prepared hot bathwater. After soaking, Li Xia fell into a deep slumber. When she opened her eyes, sunlight streamed through the window.
"Qiu Ling."
Qiu Ling, sitting by the door, entered, "You're awake, Miss."
Li Xia nodded, "What time is it now?"
"It's the Sishi period (9-11 am)," Qiu Ling poured tea for Li Xia.
Li Xia took a sip, "I slept quite soundly. Why didn't Qiu Shui wake me? I'm late for my morning greetings." Li Xia put down the cup and got dressed.
"Madam sent word early that you didn't need to pay greetings today. Qiu Shui went to receive her reward with Qiu Chan," Qiu Ling assisted Li Xia with her attire.
"What reward?" After dressing, Li Xia sat at the dressing table.
"For yesterday's successful banquet, Madam rewarded everyone in the manor. Qiu Shui went with Qiu Chan to Yijing Hall to receive her reward," Qiu Ling combed Li Xia's hair.
Qiu Ling had learned hairstyling from Qiu Shui, fashioning Li Xia's usual hairstyle. Opening the jewelry box, she asked, "Miss, which pearl flower would you like today?"
Li Xia glimpsed the red pearl flower and skipped over it, repulsed. In her previous life, red was the color she saw most often, signifying death or injury. "Green," she said.
Qiu Ling picked the green pearl flower and pinned it in Li Xia's hair. Li Xia nodded in satisfaction - green suited her better, the color of hope. She glanced at the red pearl flower in the box but averted her gaze. "Take those red ones and share them among yourselves."
Noticing Li Xia's dislike for red, Qiu Ling picked out a few red pearl flowers, "Thank you for your kindness, Miss."
Qiu Kui served breakfast. Li Xia ate as Qiu Shui and Qiu Chan returned, the latter carrying two boxes.
Qiu Shui opened the top box to show Li Xia. Inside was an exquisite jade and gold jewelry set. "This must be worth a fortune," Li Xia remarked.
Her comment made the servants exchange glances, but Qiu Shui remained silent, putting away the jewelry box in the dresser drawer and locking it. Qiu Kui and Qiu Ling cleared the dishes and left.
Qiu Chan opened her box, "Miss, there's money in here."
Li Xia glanced inside, seeing copper and silver coins, seemingly a substantial amount. She looked away, "That's your reward money. Go and distribute it."
Qiu Chan took a handful and placed it on the table, "Miss, this is my share for you."
Li Xia smiled at Qiu Chan's thoughtfulness, "My dear, I have silver. I don't need yours." She returned the coins to the box. "Qiu Shui, distribute the reward silver with Qiu Chan, then call Qiu Ling back."
"Yes," Qiu Shui left with Qiu Chan to distribute the rewards.
Qiu Ling returned, "Miss."
"Put aside other matters and keep a close watch on Sun Yiliu." After the jewelry shop incident and now the banquet, Sun Yiliu seemed to harbor ill intentions toward Li Xin.
"Understood," Qiu Ling acknowledged and left.
"I hope it's just my overactive imagination," Li Xia thought, not wanting anything to happen to the good-natured Li Xin. Little did she know, sometimes events unfolded in unexpected ways.
After the banquet, the Li manor took a few days of rest before resuming normalcy. Li Xia also learned from Li Xin that Mrs. Lu had taken a liking to Wang Lan as their future sister-in-law, a decision endorsed by Li Hui.
Li Hui left such matters entirely to Mrs. Lu, trusting her judgment. He focused his efforts and time on studying for next year's Imperial Examination in the Capital City.
Madam Wang was delighted to receive the news, pleased with the Li family's prospects. She consulted Wang Lan, who didn't give a direct answer but blushed, revealing her true feelings.
The Li and Wang families were mutually satisfied. The betrothal was soon finalized, though the wedding date remained undecided, to be set after Li Hui completed the examination.
Returning from Li Hui's study, Li Xia didn't go back to her own courtyard but visited Plum Courtyard instead. Plum Matron was making winter clothes for Li Xia, as the cold season was approaching.
