Qiqiao Jie arrived as scheduled.
Early in the morning, Madam Xue summoned Xue Chenxing and lectured her at length, admonishing her not to act improperly once they left home and forbidding her from straying out of sight.
Xue Chenxing lowered her gaze, her face expressionless as she listened.
Seeing her like this, Madam Xue grew angry again.
“Mother.” Xue Chenyue’s voice came from the doorway.
Accompanied by a waft of fragrant air, Xue Chenyue entered gracefully, bowing respectfully to Madam Xue with a composed demeanor.
At the sight of Xue Chenyue, Madam Xue’s anger immediately dissipated.
She examined Xue Chenyue’s attire closely, praising incessantly, “I knew this outfit would suit you perfectly!”
Xue Chenyue wore a light gauze robe in misty pink, embroidered all over with peonies on winding branches, paired with a pale green cross-collar ruqun skirt. On her head was a pink peony crown matching the robe, with double tasseled droplet hairpins hanging on both sides.
Moreover, her gaze was gentle, her smile warm, serene, and elegant, carrying the grace and dignity of a young lady from a distinguished family, making her unforgettable to all who saw her.
Xue Chenyue replied shyly, “It is Mother’s discerning eye. If I had chosen myself, I would never have picked such a suitable outfit.”
Madam Xue beamed with joy, gesturing for her to come closer. Taking her hand, she said with relief, “Thank goodness for you. You give me peace of mind.”
Xue Chenyue sat beside Madam Xue and smiled at Xue Chenxing, who stood nearby. “Chenxing looks lovely today as well.”
Xue Chenxing was dressed in her usual style: a tea-colored cross-collar duijin ruqun skirt, with a laurel velvet flower hairpin adorning her bun—simple and plain.
Madam Xue didn’t even glance at Xue Chenxing. “How she dresses is secondary. What matters most is that she doesn’t do anything shameful.”
Xue Chenyue smiled warmly. “Didn’t Father say Chenxing has been trying to change? I believe she won’t disappoint. Perhaps she might even surprise Father and Mother today.”
Xue Chenxing looked up at Xue Chenyue, suddenly revealing a faint smile.
Xue Chenyue was taken aback.
But before she could ponder why Xue Chenxing had suddenly smiled at her, Madam Xue said disdainfully, “I don’t expect any surprises from her. I only hope she doesn’t embarrass me.”
Xue Da returned and, upon entering, saw the radiantly dressed Xue Chenyue. He laughed heartily, “My Yue’er will surely make a name for herself in Jingcheng today.”
He took two steps forward before noticing Xue Chenxing standing nearby and quickly added, “Chenxing looks lovely too, grown into a fine young lady.”
Xue Chenxing sneered inwardly. How skillfully he praised!
Xue Chenhui followed behind. “Father, Mother, the carriages are ready.”
Xue Da secretly sighed in relief. “Let’s go. It’s time to leave.”
Madam Xue took Xue Chenyue into the front carriage, while Xue Chenxing rode alone in the rear carriage. Xue Da and his two sons rode on horseback alongside them.
That evening, The Emperor would visit Qujiangchi in Furong Garden to celebrate with the people, so the nobles and officials of Jingcheng also gathered at Qujiangchi to add to the festivities.
When the Xue family arrived, Qujiangchi was already bustling with crowds. Men wore light furs, precious belts, and splendid robes with ornate crowns, while ladies were adorned with pearls, jade, and fine silks, their hair and attire exuding fragrance—a scene of prosperous times.
Xue Da instructed his two sons, “There are many people today. Make sure to protect your mother and your two sisters.”
Xue Chenguang glanced at Xue Chenxing and replied impatiently, “Understood.”
Madam Xue walked ahead, arm in arm with Xue Chenyue, stopping to exchange greetings with familiar ladies they encountered.
“Madam Xue, your daughter grows more beautiful with each passing day. The young master of Guogong Fu is truly fortunate,” the lady remarked, appraising Xue Chenyue with unceasing praise.
Madam Xue quickly replied, “It is we who are fortunate, to be held in such esteem by Guogong Fu.”
Though shy, Xue Chenyue maintained impeccable composure.
She knew that many would notice her today.
Xue Chenxing stood behind, listening to Madam Xue and the lady chatting and laughing, idly scuffing the ground with the tip of her shoe.
On the nearby Qujiang Tower, Cui Shishen and Zhou Jingheng stood leaning against the railing, overlooking the bustling crowd below.
Ming Chong emerged from inside, glanced down for a moment, then pointed with interest at a particular spot. “Isn’t that Madam Xue? And the two behind her must be the two Miss Xue?”
Cui Shishen had already noticed Xue Chenxing, discreetly keeping an eye on her.
Her certainty at Qingfeng Chalo, the memorial service behind Baoguo Temple, and the uncertain truth of her attempted drowning.
This Second Miss Xue was far from ordinary.
Zhou Jingheng hadn’t initially noticed the Xue family, but upon hearing Ming Chong’s words, he looked over.
The Duke of Wei had told him that the one to marry him was the legitimate daughter of the Xue household, which should be the young lady accompanying Madam Xue.
The distance was too great to clearly see her features, but judging by her attire and adornments, she seemed quite presentable.
Moreover, he had long heard of the beauty of the Xue family’s daughters.
“Most likely,” he responded with a smile, withdrawing his gaze.
This marriage had been arranged by his parents.
Although the Xue family’s status was lower than that of the Duke of Wei’s household, Xue Da was the Vice Minister of Libu, holding substantial authority.
The maternal family of Ming Chong’s mother was also the family of the Dowager of Guogong Fu. The Emperor, being suspicious by nature, was gradually reclaiming the power of Guogong Fu.
The alliance between Guogong Fu and the Xue family was for Zhou Jingheng’s sake, as well as for Guogong Fu itself.
This was a necessary duty, much like rising early to study since childhood or taking the imperial examinations—Zhou Jingheng would fulfill it.
Yet, he felt not a trace of excitement.
Over there, Madam Xue finished exchanging pleasantries with the lady and continued forward with her two daughters.
The flowers along the roadside were in full bloom, vying for beauty and splendor. Many ladies selected their favorites to adorn their hair.
Xue Chenxing plucked a jasmine blossom, beckoned Hanlu closer, and fastened it to her silver hairpin.
Hanlu touched her bun, asking shyly, “Does it look nice?”
“Of course it does. Why would I do it otherwise?” Xue Chenxing laughed.
She picked another flower, sniffed it, and tucked it into her belt. “This flower is very fragrant. Back at the estate, whenever summer came, I would pick some to carry with me—the scent would linger for a long time.”
Xue Chenguang, who had been watching her from behind, disapproved of her closeness with the maid and sneered, “She doesn’t even distinguish between nobility and servitude. Does she think wearing fragrant flowers will make her as dignified as others?”
Xue Chenxing rolled her eyes and ignored him.
Ming Chong, who had been observing all along, chuckled, “This must be Second Miss Xue. She is rather…” He glanced toward Cui Shishen, his words becoming more reserved. “Rather different from the young ladies of other families.”
Among the noble daughters of Jingcheng, no matter how close they were to their maids, none would personally adorn a maid’s hair with flowers in public like Second Miss Xue did.
Distinguishing between noble and lowly was also part of propriety.
Zhou Jingheng saw it too and, considering the relationship between Second Miss Xue and Cui Shishen, smiled without comment.
Cui Shishen said calmly, “Each person has their own way. It’s nothing unusual.”
Ming Chong chuckled and turned to Zhou Jingheng with a smile. “Look, Shi Shen is already defending Second Miss Xue. I wonder who it was that said they didn’t want to get married the other day.”
“I never agreed to marry Second Miss Xue,” Cui Shishen replied, his expression slightly cold.
“You don’t agree?” Ming Chong asked in surprise. “The whole of Jingcheng knows about you and Jingheng marrying the Xue family’s daughters.”
“If you don’t agree,” Ming Chong cast a sympathetic glance at Xue Chenxing below, “then Second Miss Xue will likely have a difficult time in the future.”
Zhou Jingheng hesitated for a moment, carefully choosing his words before asking, “Shi Shen, is it because of Second Miss Xue’s background that you don’t agree?”