Chapter 10, A Small Gathering (Part 1)

The nobleman, with a composed demeanor and an unruffled appearance, spoke with a calm expression: "As for the matters concerning others' residences, this king is not privy to them; I have merely heard that the regulations of the Duke of Jingguo's residence are quite strict, so it should not be the case."

Bai Rui and the only maid in the courtyard who did heavy work, Granny Bai, were both beaming with joy. It was rare for the lord and lady to finally remember their daughter; in the future, she was promised to a good family, and there was hope and expectation for a better life.

However, Xiliang Dan could only feel that the young prince smiled at her, his demeanor elegant and refined, like the white clouds stretching and unfolding in the sky, making those wealthy young masters appear so dirty and vulgar in comparison, leaving them momentarily stunned.

Those with keen eyes could also notice that although the fabric of the clothes was of high quality, they were somewhat worn and ill-fitting. It was evident that this young lady was indeed not favored, and thus, apart from Madam Chen, whose gaze was filled with pity, the other ladies' looks were much more indifferent.

The second lady secretly scoffed upon hearing this; that foolish girl, apart from recognizing a few characters in her childhood, had no knowledge of reading any books.

Si Liufeng's gaze swept across the golden veil, just in time to see the Fourth Miss staring blankly at him. It is said that she is the only one among the young ladies who possesses martial skills, a tiger girl from a military family. She indeed appears to have a certain straightforwardness, which made him smile involuntarily

Ning Hou, the young master, encountered a rather uninteresting soft obstacle, and he was well aware of the temperament of this elder brother, the young prince, who had always been indifferent and aloof. He touched his nose and turned to discuss beautiful women with Young Master Li from the Ministry of War.

Ning Hou, the young master, tilted his cup slightly and leaned closer to Prince De, whispering gossip: "I heard that the young lady of the Duke's residence has not been favored since childhood, and her appearance is rather plain. She has received no guidance since she was young, and her behavior is quite coarse. Hardly anyone has seen her, and I wonder if this is the reason why Mrs. Han Er does not allow her to come out."

The second lady did not need to look to know that it was the wife of the Ning Marquis who was mocking her for being harsh to her non-biological daughter. She simply served tea and smiled, saying: "Sister Mo has always been picky; no one can do anything about this girl. The sun is high, so please sit down quickly."

Lady Ning could not bear to see the First Miss of our family displaying such a demeanor, so she smiled and casually asked Miss Xiliang Mo: "May I ask what books Miss Mo usually reads and what activities she engages in?"

If you do not seek trouble, trouble will always find you

A picture of maternal kindness and filial piety, yet those with insight would recognize the underlying affection in their words. The differences in stature among the several sisters would not be so pronounced. Lady Ning's gaze towards the second lady grew increasingly disdainful and mocking.

Madam Bai thought for a moment and agreed, so she styled Xiliang Mo's hair into a double-loop bun. She then selected a silver hairpin inlaid with Han Erbao from the jewelry box held by Bai Rui, along with a delicate string of golden osmanthus flowers made of small glass beads, and scattered jade leaves. She adorned Xiliang Mo with these, and also added two small east pearl earrings to her ears.

However, this attire appears somewhat too simple in the eyes of the esteemed gentlemen and ladies of these noble families.

Old Lady Bai smiled and said as she helped Xi Liang Mo sit down: "Miss, wait for me to help you style your hair nicely. Although my hands are rough now, I once served Miss Jing, and I will surely make you look beautiful to attract a good husband." Miss Jing was the only biological sister of the Duke of Jingguo and was once a renowned beauty in the capital. She married far away to a prince in Shu and has not returned even once in many years, yet she is very fond of her niece, Xi Liang Mo.

Mother called me to attend the banquet ? In her small courtyard, Xiliang Mo, who was washing pomegranate flowers, glanced at Zidai with a half-smile, raising an eyebrow.

When the thoughts of the crowd were diverse, a voice as clear and gentle as a spring emerged: "The daughter has met her father and mother"

"There is no need for the elder to worry too much; a simple and neat bun will suffice, as being too ostentatious is not a good thing." Xiliang Mo smiled faintly, flipping through the clothes, which were clearly old garments belonging to Xiliang Xian or Xiliang Dan. She had long suffered from malnutrition and was smaller in stature than her two sisters. These clothes were likely given to her by the second madam out of concern, as they were merely old coarse fabric garments that were not suitable for formal occasions.

Seeing the unconventional behavior of her younger sister, the Western Liang fairy general felt both amused and helpless. Si Liufeng had once been praised by the emperor for his jade-like warmth and brilliance, being recognized as the finest young gentleman in the capital. Countless women admired his talents and reputation. If it were not for her desire to enter the palace, she too would have been infatuated with him. However, Si Liufeng was not someone who could be easily won over. Given Dan'er’s nature, once she set her sights on something, she would make a fuss until she got it. She could only hope that Si Liufeng would be won over by their father.

Xiliang Mo felt a shiver run down her spine upon hearing those seemingly indulgent words, yet she smiled and replied, "Mother loves us sisters equally and dearly"

Everyone saw a graceful young lady walking up to the pavilion, respectfully bowing to the noble couple, and then offering a slight bow to the crowd.

Xiliang Mo is wearing a light yellow gauze shirt, with a waist tied in a green floral pleated skirt. The sunlight falls on her forehead, illuminating the delicate fragments of glass beads, osmanthus flowers, and jade leaves. Although they are not precious ornaments, they enhance the somewhat pale and sharp features of her small face, adding a touch of brilliance, like a beautiful little daisy blooming softly in the sunlight, evoking affection in the hearts of those who see her

Isn't that an unappreciative remark: "This must be the young lady, but why does she seem to resemble the Fifth Miss in stature and age?"

Madam Ning has not been on good terms with her since her youth. If it were not for the fact that although the Ning Marquis is a new noble, he is favored by the Emperor, and the heir of the Ning Marquis has his merits, she would have been too lazy to invite her.

"Madam Xie, thank you for your concern, and Sister Zidai, you have worked hard. Please take a seat in the courtyard; I will attend to the young lady and help her change her clothes right away." Bai Rui quickly stepped forward to take the clothes and jewelry boxes from Zidai and the little maid who followed her, then invited Zidai and the others to sit down before entering the room with Xiliang Mo to change clothes.

After Xiliang Mo sat down, she observed her nose with her eyes, and her nose observed her heart, paying no attention to the lively atmosphere of the banquet or the compliments directed at Xiliang Dan. Unintentionally, she appeared to possess a serene and unpretentious demeanor, which perfectly aligned with the expectations of a refined young lady. Although she did not attract as much attention and admiration as Xiliang Dan and Xiliang Xian, she still garnered some appreciative glances. However, the focus of the crowd remained on Xiliang Dan and others.

The second lady did not mind; originally, she had not even considered inviting Xiliang Mo. However, since the lord mentioned it, she simply decided to have Xiliang Mo come. Without that kind of person, akin to a dogtail grass, how could her well-bred legitimate daughter be highlighted as the peony of Luoyang

It is unclear whether it was the idea of the second lady or the noble lord, but upon recalling this cheap daughter of hers, it is evident that anything unusual is deemed sinister; she certainly does not share the same anticipation as Bai Rui and Bai Mama

After the decoration, Xiliang Mo led Bai Rui and Zi Dai to the front courtyard

In the front yard, a gentle breeze stirs the pond, the lotus flowers are half-open, and the guests are enjoying fine wine in small sips, engaged in lively conversation.

Zi Dai is a second-class maid serving beside the madam, accompanied by a little maid holding a somewhat worn silver-inlaid jewelry box and a few pieces of clothing. She impatiently shook her handkerchief and said: "Yes, Miss Mo, quickly change your clothes, so as not to keep the madam and the lord waiting too long. Be careful, or you might get punished again."