When Madam Xu saw Xiao Ruqiong, her face finally showed a smile.
After exchanging pleasantries with Madam Huang and accepting the birthday gifts, she invited the Xiao family ladies to sit, then beckoned Ruqiong to sit beside her.
Someone teased, “Those who know will say it’s mother-in-law and daughter-in-law, but those who don’t might think they’re real mother and daughter!”
Madam Xu smoothed Xiao Ruqiong’s hair and sighed. “I truly feel a bond with Qiong’er.”
Years ago, when she went to Pude Temple to offer incense, she happened upon a little girl making wishes before the Bodhisattva: first for peace in the realm, second for her grandmother’s longevity, third for her parents’ health. Such sincerity moved her deeply.
She asked the girl, “And what about yourself?”
The girl replied earnestly, “If the country is stable and my elders are well, I am content. I have nothing more to ask—one mustn’t be too greedy.”
That little girl was Xiao Ruqiong.
After returning home, Madam Xu thought more and more that this girl was rare. Observing her for some time, she decided she was the best choice for her eldest son’s wife. Their family backgrounds were similar, so she told the Duke, and the engagement was arranged. She believed that a daughter-in-law she herself chose would be of one heart with her.
Over the years, she grew ever more satisfied with Qiong’er. Half a year ago, when her son was injured, she told Qiong’er that if she wished to break off the engagement, she would not stop her and would even prepare a dowry. But Qiong’er cried and said that no matter how serious the heir’s injuries, she was willing to marry him, never betraying her promise.
This daughter-in-law was indeed the right choice.
Madam Xu was full of affection for Ruqiong.
Xiao Ruqiong clung to her arm, acting coquettishly, so warmly that Madam Xu’s younger daughter, Xu Wanyue, had to step aside.
Yet Xu Wanyue did not seem angry, quietly sitting on the other side.
Xiao Yunzhu tilted her head, watching with keen interest. She thought: Fourth Sister truly knows how to perform—better than an actress. Though she already looked down on her fiancé’s family and wanted to climb higher, she could still coax her future mother-in-law into such fondness.
That too was a skill.
But Xiao Yunzhu would not imitate it—too false, and she did not want to force herself. She wondered what Madam Xu’s expression would be when she discovered Xiao Ruqiong’s true nature.
Still, Madam Xu was far too easy to please.
Take that story of making wishes at Pude Temple. According to her, Xiao Ruqiong had also made wishes at Guangfa Temple, Yuan’an Temple, Yuanhua Temple, and Changfeng Monastery—casting her net wide, meeting many noblewomen, but only Madam Xu was caught.
To marry into a top noble family, Xiao Ruqiong had truly worked hard.
Xiao Yunzhu did not think this was wrong.
If you want something, striving for it is only natural.
After sitting for a while, Madam Xu smiled. “Young girls must find it dull to sit with us. Why not go to the garden and see the flowers?”
Madam Xu asked Xiao Ruqiong and Xu Wanyue to entertain the younger female guests.
Xiao Yunzhu followed the crowd into the Xu family’s garden.
In the shaded areas, low tables, embroidered stools, and brocade rugs had been set up. Maids moved like flowing water, bringing tea, pastries, fruits, and snacks—everything abundant and dazzling.
Xiao Yunzhu chose a seat at the edge, enjoying the garden’s beauty while listening to Xiao Ruqiong laugh and chat with the young ladies.
Most of those in the garden were families friendly with the Xu household, of lower status. Knowing Xiao Ruqiong was the future mistress of the Xu residence, they flattered her greatly. She shone like the moon surrounded by stars, radiant and lively.
Xiao Ruxiu and Xiao Ruwen asked about her boating trip with Princess Rong’an, and she recounted it. Everyone listened with keen interest.
Suddenly, a girl in pink bumped Xiao Yunzhu’s arm and whispered, “She’s so annoying—who wants to hear all that?”
Xiao Yunzhu: “She’s my Fourth Cousin.”
The girl’s face flushed red. She stammered, “Really? I—I’m sorry, I didn’t know! She’s not annoying, not at all!”
It was awkward to criticize someone right in front of her sister.
Xiao Yunzhu: “It’s fine.” She paused, then asked, “And you are?”
The girl looked unfamiliar—she hadn’t seen her before.
The pink-clad girl quickly said, “My name is Yi Wanjun. My father was just transferred to the capital last month as Left Assistant Censor. And you?”
Most of the capital’s young ladies looked at others with their chins raised. This girl was gentler, her gaze softer.
Xiao Yunzhu smiled. “A pleasure. I’m Xiao Yunzhu.”
She thought: no wonder she didn’t recognize Xiao Ruqiong—she was new to the capital.
After Yi Wanjun shared her family background, Xiao Yunzhu added, “My father was the former Marquis Xingyuan. He has passed away.”
“I’m sorry!” Yi Wanjun wished she could slap herself. What was wrong with her today, always saying the wrong thing!
Xiao Yunzhu: “It’s all right. It’s been many years…”
Before she could finish, she suddenly felt a chill on her leg. A little maid accidentally spilled a plum-blossom iced drink, half a jug soaking her leg and shoes. Only Qing Zhi had accompanied her today. She rushed forward to wipe it away, but the stain would not come out.
The little maid, terrified, fell to her knees, begging forgiveness.
The commotion drew everyone’s attention. Xiao Ruqiong hurried over, frowning and scolding the maid: “What are you doing? Do you have eyes or not? My Sixth Sister is frail—how can she endure such cold?”
The maid dared not defend herself, kowtowing repeatedly.
Xiao Yunzhu: “It’s fine, just change it. Don’t worry, Fourth Sister—I’m not made of paper. A jug of plum blossom drink won’t ruin me.”
Inwardly, she marveled at Xiao Ruqiong—even in this moment, she didn’t forget to emphasize her supposed frailty.
For a young lady awaiting marriage, if rumors spread that she was frail, who would dare propose?
Xiao Ruwen muttered softly, “You really should have avoided it a little.”
Xiao Yunzhu’s smile was faint. “Fifth Sister, in our household, there is no rule that maids must avoid us.”
Yi Wanjun, straightforward in speech, added, “In my family, too—aren’t maids supposed to avoid their mistresses? Could it be that the capital has different rules?”
Other girls looked at Xiao Ruwen, puzzled that she would say something so unusual.
Many faces showed subtle expressions, secretly thinking: the Xiao family’s second branch truly does not favor the main branch. Yet this Sixth Miss was interesting—when the second branch’s girl tried to put her down, she immediately retorted, unwilling to endure even a moment.
Xiao Ruwen’s face turned awkward, and she said no more.
Xiao Ruxiu smoothed things over. “Sixth Sister, better go change your clothes first.”
Ladies of great households always prepared full sets of attire when going out, in case of need. These clothes were not carried on their person but kept in their own carriage, guarded by maids and matrons.
But Qing Zhi would not go fetch them—she had been instructed never to leave her mistress when outside, no matter the reason.
So Xiao Ruqiong ordered her maid Sang’er to fetch Xiao Yunzhu’s clothes.
Xu Wanyue then had someone lead Xiao Yunzhu to Cuiwei Courtyard, a place in the Xu residence specially set aside for female guests to change and rest. Sang’er would deliver the clothes directly there.
This arrangement was thorough. Xiao Yunzhu excused herself to the young ladies, lifted her skirts, and left the garden.
Yi Wanjun and Xiao Ruxiu wanted to accompany her, but she politely declined.
The maid leading the way was named Xing Yu. She spoke little, guiding silently. When they reached a rockery, suddenly a little maid in green ran up, calling, “Sister Xing Yu, Nanny Geng is looking for you—quickly, to Wangchun Pavilion!”
Xing Yu grew flustered. “I’m on duty, escorting Sixth Miss Xiao to Cuiwei Courtyard!”
Nanny Geng was the most trusted servant by the Madam’s side—Xing Yu dared not offend her. Yet she also dared not abandon Xiao Yunzhu and leave on her own.