Chapter 005: The Dual Beauties

Shen Cui felt even more uncomfortable upon hearing this; where did this cousin come from, wanting to attend school with her? She had her own cousins and younger female cousins to cherish and love, who would care about her?

Duan Er smiled and said, "I think that Miss Ji and Miss Su should switch places. Miss Ji is slender and delicate, with fair and tender skin, which makes her resemble a daughter of the Jiangnan water towns. If it weren't for her tall stature, one would hardly recognize her as a girl from the north. As for Miss Su, she is bright and graceful, exuding the charm of northern rouge, though she is a bit shorter in stature."

Ji Cheng nodded in agreement, returned to her room to change her clothes. She wore a short top adorned with dark pink roses, paired with a long skirt featuring light purple butterflies playing among the roses, which appeared slightly festive yet understated. Her hair was styled in a simple bun, adorned with a white jade comb carved in the shape of butterflies and flowers, highlighting the unique elegance of a young girl to the fullest, truly embodying the beauty of a lotus emerging from clear water, natural and unadorned.

Duan'er is also at a curious age; she is thirteen this year, just half a year older than Juan'er. "Then I will go with you to deliver the almond milk and see if that Miss Ji really looks that good. I have heard that in the northwest, where the land is covered in yellow earth, what kind of delicate person can possibly emerge?" Duan'er does not believe Juan'er's words at all.

Thank you, sister, "Ji Cheng nodded and said

Ji Cheng came this time with his elder brother Ji Yuan, primarily under the pretext of celebrating the old lady's birthday, and naturally, he should pay his respects to her.

"Tsk, you ignorant little thing." Duan'er pushed Juan'er's forehead with a finger, "What celestial being has descended? It would be good enough if that Miss Su in the old lady's room right now is half as presentable. That Miss Su is the true beauty often sung about in the operas, the epitome of grace and charm."

"Cousin Cheng." Shen Cui responded.

"How is it? You see it now, right?" Juan'er asked Duan'er impatiently

Chun Chan glanced at Ji Cheng, marveling at the beauty of this cousin, yet her expression remained unchanged. "There is currently another guest in the old lady's room, who has come from Suzhou in the south. Third Madam knows that our old lady grew up in the south, and this guest is the old lady's cousin from Jiangnan. She has come specifically to celebrate the old lady's birthday."

Your cousin will be staying at our home for a longer period this time. It is a good opportunity for you two sisters, who haven't seen each other for many years, to get to know each other better. After the old lady's birthday celebration and once school starts, your cousin will also attend school with you.

Originally, after Lord Shen inherited his title, the old lady was supposed to move to another place for her retirement. However, due to the deep filial piety of both Lord Shen and Princess Anhe, they insisted that the old lady should not leave the place she had grown accustomed to living in

Duan Er opened the lid of the peach-shaped box, which contained a total of seven small peach cups, each filled with various snacks such as dried apricots, almonds, persimmons, and walnuts. Among them was also a cup of hibiscus cake, its color resembling that of pink hibiscus and its shape akin to that of a hibiscus flower. If it were not for the meticulousness of the household's cook, it is unlikely that such patience would have been devoted to the carving.

Oh, this is truly rare. That lady must be quite advanced in age, yet she has traveled such a long way. She must have a special bond with our matriarch.

Ruiying Hall is the residence of the matriarch of the Shen family. It is the main house where the dukes of Qi have lived throughout the generations, and it is also the largest establishment in the entire East Courtyard, featuring three bright rooms, two dark rooms, and five openings, with side rooms on both sides and three additional rooms at the back.

Juan'er was taken aback for a moment, then retorted: "Although I have not seen that Miss Su, I am sure that Miss Ji is no less beautiful than her"

"Tsk, where did this poor relative come from to ask for favors again? Haven't you even had a sip of almond milk? Coming to someone else's home just to beg for it," Duan'er said with a pout.

Juaner and Duaner entered the side hall one after the other. The former carried a bowl of almond milk, while the latter held a lacquered peach-shaped box adorned with gold and water patterns, lowering her eyelids as she placed the items on the black lacquered square table inlaid with marble at Ji Cheng's side, making not a sound, demonstrating excellent decorum.

Ji Cheng was initially going to refuse, but seeing the little girl looking at him eagerly, he turned and smiled, saying: "Alright, then I will trouble you, Miss."

Juan'er was so frightened that her soul almost left her body. When she turned her head and saw Duan'er, she finally patted her chest and let out a sigh of relief, "Which one of your eyes saw me stealing a drink? It was Miss Ji who wanted to drink, and I came to pour it for her."

"Fifth younger sister." Ji Cheng addressed Shen Cui using the title of the Shen family.

Thus, the beauty of Su Jun and Ji Cheng became a matter of competition between two girls of similar ages, akin to a contest of grass fighting. You claim that the proud snow plum in your hand is beautiful, while she asserts that the twin lotus in her hand is even more exquisite

When Ji Lan led Shen Cui and Ji Cheng to Rui Ying Hall, the maid standing on the stone steps, with her keen eyes, had already lifted the curtain and announced their arrival. Moments later, a senior maidservant from beside the old lady came out to greet them

Then Sister Cui and I will go to greet the old lady first. " Ji Lan turned her head to Ji Cheng and said, "You go with Sister Chun Chan to the side hall to sit for a while. When I see that the old lady is free, I will take you to pay your respects.

"Where did this Miss Ji come from? Don't try to fool me." Duan'er walked over and took a small cup of almond milk from Juan'er, drank it in one go, and quickly wiped her mouth with a handkerchief

As for the current residence of the Duke of Qi, it is located on the west side of Ruiying Hall. When Princess Anhe married, the Emperor did not grant the construction of a princess's mansion, which implied that the princess was to enter the Duke of Qi's household as a wife and daughter-in-law. However, the Emperor did not neglect Princess Anhe; he specially bestowed a piece of land with flowing water on the west side of the Duke of Qi's residence for her garden. After more than twenty years of continuous construction, that garden has merged with the original garden of the Duke of Qi's residence, thus making the garden of the Duke of Qi one of the four most famous gardens in the capital, and it is also the largest among them.

In comparison, Shen Cui, standing beside her, appeared utterly mundane and foolish. Ji Lan sighed inwardly, reflecting that Shen Cui was already fourteen this year and should have been introduced to suitors long ago. However, after much deliberation, no suitable match had been found. Now, with Ji Cheng standing next to her, the contrast was likely to be detrimental to her prospects for marriage. Considering the few families she had in mind for Shen Cui, it was necessary to minimize Ji Cheng's interactions as much as possible.

Do not look at people with a sidelong glance. I see that Miss Ji is quite a good person, and she is not some poor relative. Isn't the maternal family of the Third Madam one of the prominent merchants from Jin? I believe Miss Ji's demeanor should be that of the Third Madam's beloved niece. " Juan'er paused, covered her mouth with the back of her hand, and leaned closer to Duan'er, saying: "You haven't seen that Miss Ji; she looks like a celestial being descended to earth.

"You should come with me and bow to the old lady," Ji Lan said to Ji Cheng.

The Dongfu mentioned by Ji Lan refers to the Duke's residence of the State of Qi. It is called Dongfu because the residence is located to the east of Tongque Street, while the residence of the Duke of Zhongyi is referred to as Xifu. As for the residence of Master Shen San, it is referred to as "the area near Tiemao Hutong".

I brought my niece from my maternal family to pay respects to the old lady" Ji Lan said to Chun Chan, who came out to greet her

Shen Cui has always considered herself the most beautiful among her family and even among her relatives, but now, when compared to Ji Cheng standing in front of her, she has become the green leaves.

After putting down their things, Juaner and Duaner silently withdrew with their heads lowered. Once they were out of sight from the side hall, the two of them began to push each other playfully and sat down on the bench in the corridor.

"How old are you now, still acting spoiled? Come and meet your cousin Cheng, you came back too late yesterday and didn't get to see her." Ji Lan pulled the monkey off of Shen Cui who was on her.

Juaner smiled broadly, turned around, and went to the nearby tea room

Isn't that so? At this moment, the two of them are holding hands and chatting, having just cried a moment ago said Chun Chan

There was no more conversation between the two. Shen Cui did not want to engage, while Ji Cheng did not want to force a cold shoulder. Shen Cui was a proud person; if you tried too hard to curry favor with her, she would look down on you instead. Ji Cheng had already noticed Shen Cui's temperament when she returned last time. There would be many opportunities to win her favor, so there was no need to rush at this moment. Being too eager could easily lead to someone exploiting your weaknesses.

"Yes." Ji Cheng replied and followed Chun Chan to the side hall to wait.

"Oh dear, why can't Miss Ji say anything?" Juan'er asked, pursuing the question.

Duan'er stroked her chin and said, "It's really hard to say; beauty is in the eye of the beholder. I think Miss Ji resembles... oh, I can't quite put it into words, but Miss Su is definitely like a peony."

When the young maidservant serving tea saw Ji Cheng, she was momentarily taken aback. After a while, she remembered to serve tea to Ji Cheng. Although she was quite young, she was very bold and approached Ji Cheng to ask: "Miss Ji, we have fresh almond milk here, made with added milk, and it tastes delightful. Would you like a cup?"

"Alright, you are here again to steal the almond milk. I haven't made much today, and I still have to serve a group of guests. I will go tell Sister Xiuchun and see how she deals with you later." Duan'er heavily patted Juan'er's shoulder from behind.

Sister Chunchan said she is the niece of the Third Madam

This is Miss Ji, the niece of the Third Madam. Please take good care of her, as I am going to attend to the old lady. " Chun Chan turned back and said to Ji Cheng, "Miss, please sit here for a while. I will come to invite you as soon as the old lady is free.

Ji Lan had no choice but to smile apologetically at Ji Cheng, as her daughter, who wore her emotions on her face, was beyond her control

This peach-shaped box is indeed quite unique and rare, something that ordinary craftsmen cannot produce. Even those with wealth in the market may not necessarily be able to purchase it. The lid is adorned with colorful lacquer and gilding, featuring celestial mountains and exquisite pavilions, with cranes soaring above, symbolizing longevity and prosperity. It is very much in keeping with the occasion. Ji Cheng pondered that these noble families might not possess hundreds of thousands of taels of silver, but all their wealth is reflected in their consumption and lifestyle. No wonder they can maintain a semblance of dignity for many years even after their family fortunes decline by relying on pawning.

At this moment, there was no one in the side hall, only a young maid responsible for serving tea, who was leaning against a pillar and dozing off. Just as her head drooped, she was startled awake. Upon opening her eyes and seeing Chun Chan, she hurriedly approached, "Sister Chun Chan."

Three people dined together at the same table. Ji Lan stood up and said: "Yesterday, because you siblings were coming, I specially asked for leave in front of the old lady. Today, I also have to go to the East Mansion to serve the old lady and assist her in entertaining the visiting ladies."

Juan'er had never seen that Miss Su, so she had no concept of her at all. She kept asking, "Then tell me, who is more beautiful, Miss Ji or your Miss Su?"

Only then did Shen Cui's eyes turn to Ji Cheng. In fact, she had seen Ji Cheng as soon as she entered the room, but she did not want to speak to her. The last time Ji Cheng returned, she only stayed for a few days, and the two of them hardly exchanged any words. Shen Cui only remembered that Ji Cheng was quite a beautiful girl, but today, upon seeing her suddenly, she realized that this cousin Ji Cheng had actually grown into a stunning beauty.