Chapter 3, The Peach Blossoms Are Beautiful.

Du Juan respectfully replied, "Madam had a bowl of mushroom and chicken porridge, two side dishes, and two scallion oil small buns for lunch. She had more of the cold tossed bamboo shoots that the young lady had someone bring over."

Don't worry, Xie Mo's eyes curved. Just then, she was troubled by her second uncle for a moment. Fortunately, she had prepared a gift for her second uncle in advance and had it with her. Otherwise, she would be laughed at again. Seeing that her second uncle was teasing Xie Mo in the same way, Xie Mo just smiled and enjoyed the show. Knowing Xie Moru's personality, she definitely didn't expect to prepare a gift for her second uncle in advance.

This cannot be blamed on Xie Bo; the main reason is that Xie Mo Ru has been practicing the art of invisibility for many years. If it were not for today, Xie Bo would still be unaware of her clever thoughts. Accompanied by the myriad stars in the sky, as they passed through a moon gate, Xie Mo Ru said, "Second uncle, please go ahead."

At that time, all the family members were present. Xie Shangshu and his son Xie Song returned home from the yamen, and Xie Bai also came back from the village. Ning Yinian avoided them. Xie Moyou sat with his three younger brothers, Xie Zhi, Xie Lan, and Xie Yu, in a row next to Xie Madam, making it a rare and grand gathering.

谢莫如用数据说话 , 谢松当即无言 , 且险给噎个好歹。谢莫如摆出事实便不再理谢松 , 她脸上带了些喜色出来 , 向坐于谢松下首的谢柏道 , `` 还未贺二叔金榜题名之喜。''

Moreover, Xie Moru is indeed not in a hurry

As soon as Xie Moru entered, Xie Moxiu immediately stood up with her three younger brothers. Xie Moru first paid her respects to the elders, and then Xie Moxiu led her brothers to pay their respects to their eldest sister, Xie Moru, and offered the first seat next to Mrs. Xie, which Xie Moru then took.

Old Madam Zhang smiled, "That's good. Tomorrow I will have Qiao'er cut the fabric that Madam recently rewarded. Whatever style the young lady likes, we will remember to have the embroiderer stitch it, so the young lady can wear it well." The Xie family would certainly not neglect the clothing and food of the girls in the household. Xie Moru, being the legitimate daughter, would not be deprived by anyone in the family, even if her mother did not leave the Azalea Courtyard. The provisions from the Azalea Courtyard were always abundant. Although Concubine Ning appeared to be completely virtuous, she had her own biological daughter, and Xie Moru and Xie Moxiu were only two months apart in age. Despite being the legitimate daughter, Xie Moru was not valued more than Xie Moxiu by the Xie family. No matter how virtuous Concubine Ning was, Old Madam Zhang did not believe she was a saint. Old Madam Zhang regarded Xie Moru as her own flesh and blood, and as she watched Xie Moru gradually grow up, she could not help but worry.

Dressed in the most comfortable attire, with her hair casually tied back, there is no need for gold hairpins or jade ornaments; she simply uses an ordinary hairband to secure it. This is Xie Moru's most relaxed look

The spring sunlight filtered through the light, translucent window screen, casting its glow on Xie Moru's head and face. The mirror reflected the clear wrinkles on Zhang Momo's forehead and the worry in her eyes. Xie Moru held Zhang Momo's hand from behind, and although she did not necessarily agree with Zhang Momo's words in her heart, she still said, "I understand"

The Xie family's dining customs are well established; it is customary to refrain from speaking while eating and to remain silent while resting. After the meal and tea were finished, Mrs. Xie granted her grandchildren a day's leave, and Xie Moru then rose to take his leave and returned to the Dujun Courtyard

Such a joyous occasion is naturally to be celebrated. However, Xie Moru felt rather indifferent; she did not dislike lively gatherings, but she was averse to this kind of contrived festivity. On the other hand, Granny Zhang was quite fond of it. With a sigh, she remarked, "It's a pity that we found out too late; even making two new dresses now would be too rushed. Otherwise, I would have had Qiao'er prepare them in advance."

谢莫如道, "不是前儿才送来的新春衫么? 挑件新的来穿就是。"

Xie Moru turned around a few times and then went back to the room for a nap. Granny Zhang continued to chatter, "The sun is strong at noon; it's fine for a young lady to take a stroll, but don't stay out too long. Although you won't get tanned, it's not good to catch a chill right after eating." What made Granny Zhang most proud of Xie Moru was her beautiful skin. She resembled her mother, Fang, who, throughout the year, would tend to the azalea tree daily as long as the weather was not too harsh. Despite the wind and sun, even if she aged a little, her skin remained fair and clear. Xie Moru, like her mother, would only suffer a bit of peeling from the sun, becoming even whiter. Unlike Xie Moxiu, who would not go out if the sun was a bit too strong. Granny Zhang often took pride in this.

After everyone paid their respects and left, they exited the Songbai Courtyard. Zhang Ma Ma, accompanied by two young maids, was waiting there with lanterns. Xie Muer said, "Father, I will accompany you up to this point." The direction of the Dujuan Courtyard, where Xie Song often resided, was completely opposite to that of the Mudan Courtyard and not on the way.

Xie Song nodded slightly and said, "Mm, go ahead."

Xie Bai laughed heartily, received the peach blossom, and said to his brother, "In the past, I only thought my niece was taciturn, but now I realize she is truly refined." Xie Song, having been silenced by Xie Moru's data, also lost his interest in conversation. Xie Bai smiled at Xie Moru and said, "I brought back some newly made apricot blossom rouge, and I will have someone deliver it to you shortly"

It is evident that Zhang Momo and others have also learned of Xie Bozhong's news of being the top scholar. While serving Xie Moru as she changed into a casual outfit, Zhang Momo remarked, "At noon, both the young and older maidservants added an extra dish."

Old Madam Zhang inquired, "Will there be guests at home for a banquet in a few days?"

Xie Moru was taken aback, while Xie Bai laughed heartily, "I will take you back."

Xie Moru slightly nodded, removed the hairpin, "This is a joyous occasion for the entire family. In the evening, when grandfather, father, and second uncle return, there will be a family banquet at Chunfeng Hall"

After taking a nap, Xie Moru got up and spent some time reading in the courtyard, then practiced writing for a while until the light began to dim. Only then did she instruct someone to put away the writing tools. Chun'er, the maid beside Aunt Ning, invited her to the Songbai Courtyard for a conversation, and Xie Moru then tidied herself up in preparation to go over.

Xie Bai and Xie Mo Ru had a few steps that were on the way, but Xie Mo Ru was naturally taciturn, while Xie Bai was quite eloquent. He also had the intention to say a few words to Xie Mo Ru, yet, unfortunately, he was not very familiar with Xie Mo Ru

Xie Song showed considerable tolerance towards his younger brother, smiling, "You are quite narrow-minded." He then took Xie Mo You and his three sons and walked away.

Xie Moru said calmly, "When Chun'er was sent to call me, I immediately tidied myself up, which took about a quarter of an hour. It took approximately half a quarter of an hour to come over from the Cuckoo Courtyard."

On a bright spring day, Xie Moru went to stroll around the garden as usual. Her mother, Mrs. Fang, was trimming the azalea tree in the garden, presumably having had lunch. Xie Moru called over her mother's maid, Du Juan, and asked, "What did mother have for lunch?"

Xie Bo smiled and said, "You, as the elder brother, are standing here and not leaving; how can we dare to make a move? Hurry up and go, hurry up."

Xie Song sat in the first position beside his father, Xie Shangshu, with his parents facing each other. Xie Song was only in his thirties, with a handsome appearance and a short mustache on his lips, which gave him an air of maturity and authority. He frowned and asked Xie Moru, "How is it that you have come so late?"

Xie Moru gracefully bowed to Madam Xie and said slowly, "I just heard from Su Xin that my second uncle has won the title of the second place in the imperial examination, and I came here to congratulate you, Madam."

Why rush so hastily? In haste, one becomes timid, and it reveals your innermost thoughts to others

Mrs. Xie smiled, revealing a hint of deep lines at the corners of her eyes, indicating her genuine joy. She nodded and said, "That is good." She continued, "In these past few months, the people in the Abo courtyard have worked hard, so each person will receive an extra two months' salary."

There is a great joyous occasion at home, and the luncheon is indeed exceptionally lavish. Although Minister Xie and Xie Song are still at the government office and have not returned, the three sons and two daughters of the eldest branch are all present. Now that Xie Bai has achieved the rank of the top scholar, Mrs. Xie looks at the many children of the eldest branch, her feelings of joy are evident, and she specially instructs Concubine Ning to sit down and dine together.

Although Xie Mo You looked at Xie Mo Ru as if she had seen a ghost, she had known Xie Mo Ru for ten years and had no idea that Xie Mo Ru possessed such eloquence. However, this was merely a minor episode. Xie Bai had achieved the rank of the second place in the imperial examination, which was a joyous occasion for the entire family and clan, and tonight's focus was on Xie Bai

Xie Bianian, at the tender age of twenty, possessed striking features that surpassed those of his elder brother. He exuded a certain nonchalance and was known for his easygoing nature, which set him apart from his father and brothers. With a smile, he inquired, "Since you have come to congratulate me, why do you arrive empty-handed?"

Mrs. Xie was in a good mood and found everyone pleasant. She even spoke a few more words to Xie Moru, saying, "Everyone will have dinner at my place later; let’s have a lively gathering."

Everyone was talking about Mrs. Xie’s generosity, and the hall was lively. Then someone spotted Xie Moru and called out with a smile, "The young lady has arrived"

After the family banquet concluded and they exited the Spring Breeze Hall, the new moon had already begun to rise outside. Everyone then went together to the Cypress Courtyard, where Minister Xie said, "It is getting late, let us all return and rest."

Xie Mo You leisurely took a sip of the fresh mushroom soup, picked up a small green wild vegetable pancake, and thought about the revival of all things in spring. If he could go on a picnic for a few days, it would surely be extremely pleasant

"Yes." Xie Moru responded and then sat down, listening to the people in the room continue their conversation

Xie Mo You is the little princess of the Xie family. The family has strict teachings for boys, while they are much more lenient with girls. The girls are more lively and thus more endearing. Xie Mo You chattered away, asking Xie Bai when he would meet the emperor and when he would ride through the streets. She was also thinking about going out to watch the festivities. However, due to the large crowd that day and the status of the Xie family, even though Xie Mo You was cherished, she would not be allowed to go out to see such excitement. In the end, Xie Bai agreed to wear the flower examination robe and show it to Xie Mo You at home first, which made her pout and reluctantly agree.

Xie Moru nodded slightly and said, "I will have someone bring it over in the evening." After saying this, she continued to turn in circles.

What is the rush? She is only ten years old this year

Xie Moru smiled, "I have nothing to do, Mother, you should also take a rest."

Nurse Zhang helped her lie down, and Fang quietly got down.

Xie Moru was not as anxious for herself as Xie Moyou was. She saw a vase of peach blossoms on the table beside her, took a branch from it, and said, "The peach tree is beautiful and flourishing, and the son is returning home, suitable for a family. Today we celebrate Uncle He’s success in the imperial examination, and next time we will celebrate his new marriage." She presented it to Xie Bai

Xie Bosu has always been narrow-minded, and he laughed as he asked, "Are you only sending me this far?" It was amusing to think about what Xie Moru had just said to his elder brother, clearly intending to leave first, yet insisting, "I will only send my father this far."

Thank you, Uncle Er. Xie Moru slightly bowed. Xie Bai, with his outstanding appearance and talents, had long been a popular candidate in the marriage register. Having now achieved the rank of the third place in the imperial examination, he was even more in demand. Given the circumstances before her, Xie Moru could not pretend to be blind. Moreover, with Mrs. Xie so actively arranging for new clothes, the springtime glory of the Xie family was likely just around the corner

Old Madam Zhang had already prepared the clothing, and after changing the attire for Xie Moru, she styled her hair again, securing it with hairpins adorned with pearls and flowers. Accompanied by the head maid Jingwei and the young maid Zitong, she proceeded over.

When Xie Moru arrived at the Songbai Courtyard, there was already a large group of women, including mothers-in-law and daughters-in-law, who had come to congratulate Mrs. Xie upon hearing the news. Mrs. Xie, with a beaming smile, sat inside watching Aunt Ning assign tasks. "Wang Er's daughter-in-law will go to the maternal uncle's house to share the good news, Li Qing's daughter-in-law will go to the second uncle's house to share the good news, Zhao Mei's daughter-in-law will go to the San Taijun's house in Qizi Hutong to share the good news, and Xie Zhong's daughter-in-law will tidy up the Chunfeng Hall. Madam, how about we hold tonight's banquet in Chunfeng Hall?" Xie Bai, who had achieved the rank of the third place in the imperial examination, considered it a great joy for a family of such status as the Xie family. However, the men in the family each had their own duties, and the person concerned, Xie Bai, had not yet returned from the village, so a family celebration would have to wait until the evening.

Nurse Zhang gently combed Xie Moru's long hair and said, "As a young lady grows up, she must have a plan in her heart. A nurse is of no use; the benefits of the young lady can only be seen by the nurse, but it is essential for everyone to know about them."

Xie Moru quietly listened to her family talking. When the dinner began, everyone moved to Chunfeng Hall. Xie Bai and Xie Moyu spoke about the scene of viewing the apricot blossoms at the Zhuangzi. Mrs. Xie occasionally interjected a few words, creating a lively atmosphere

"Madam, do not be anxious. There is truly no need to rush. Why has Mrs. Xie increased the seasonal eight new outfits to six new outfits each month? It cannot be without reason. Why worry about not having opportunities to shine? The Xie family is so dedicated to nurturing the girls, with such lavish arrangements and significant investments, it is not to make the girls indistinguishable from the crowd.