Lu Shi's tone was extremely sincere; everything he said was the truth, without a hint of embellishment.
"Go back and tell Ling Mohan that this prince thanks him for thinking of me so considerately."
Chu Chenyi’s words were almost squeezed out between gritted teeth.
"Your Highness, my young general also said that everything he does is to help Your Highness, and Your Highness need not thank him."
Lu Shi continued to relay Ling Mohan's words. The young general was truly a master of strategy, able to divine the靖王's very thoughts.
Chu Chenyi's mouth twitched uncontrollably, his expression growing even more somber. Suppressing the rage in his heart, he said, "You may return with your report!"
"This subordinate takes his leave." Lu Shi cupped his hands and withdrew.
...
"This hairpin isn't pretty. Wear this peony hairpin; it matches your outfit better."
Feng Jin took the peony hairpin from the table and placed it askew in Ling Wan's hair, nodding with satisfaction.
"Eldest sister-in-law, this peony hairpin is too ostentatious. Let's wear this one instead."
Although the peony hairpin was beautiful, it was too eye-catching. Ling Wan still felt that this pure silver hollow hairpin was more suitable.
"This one is too plain. You're at an age where you should dress attractively." Feng Jin felt the peony hairpin enhanced Ling Wan's appearance more.
One should dress according to their age; this was the prime of her youth, a time for blossoming, not for dressing so plainly every day.
"The color of this lip rouge is too pale. Use this... Cai Qing, go get the pearl and coral earrings from my vanity for Second Miss, and also this outer robe, fetch that lake blue Suzhou embroidery outer robe..."
After Feng Jin's ministrations, Ling Wan was transformed as if she were a different person.
"Good, good..."
Feng Jin propped her chin in her hand, her gaze sweeping over Ling Wan, a smile of satisfaction on her face.
Ling Wan's appearance was already excellent, but she had always dressed too plainly, concealing her beauty.
Now, with Feng Jin's makeover, her best features were fully showcased, making her look several times more beautiful than before.
"I always thought Second Miss dressed plainly, but I never imagined she could look so stunning when dressed up like this today. She's even more radiant than Feng Ruoyan."
Cai Qing's astonishment was palpable. In the past, Cai Qing would never have believed Ling Wan could be so beautiful.
Ling Wan, gazing at herself in the mirror, was also filled with surprise. Was this really her? Could she truly be this beautiful?
"Eldest sister-in-law, is this really okay?"
She had never been dressed so beautifully in her life, yet she felt utterly uncomfortable. Would people gossip if she went out like this?
"Of course, it's fine. You look so lovely." Feng Jin found Ling Wan's attire increasingly beautiful the more she looked.
"However, there are still a few things not quite right..."
Feng Jin studied Ling Wan, looking her up and down. After a moment, she finally noticed what was amiss and stepped forward to straighten Ling Wan's posture.
"That's better. How old are you? What's with the hunchback? You must stand tall and proud; that's how one carries oneself with grace."
A hunched posture always made one seem to lack a certain elegance. After some correction, she finally looked better.
"Alright, it's almost time. It's not good to be late."
Feng Jin estimated that time was drawing near. She took Ling Wan's hand and they boarded the carriage, heading for the polo match at Marquis Wenchang's estate.
"Today's polo match is the first of spring. The grass has all grown, the flowers are in full bloom, competing in beauty. The scenery is truly delightful."
Feng Jin surveyed their surroundings. Indeed, the location chosen for the polo match was excellent. Nestled against mountains on three sides, with streams and bridges, the landscape was exceptionally picturesque.
It would make a fine estate, she mused, if one planted some fruit trees. The mere thought made Feng Jin's heart flutter.
She would have to discreetly inquire about this land later and see if she could purchase it to build an estate.
"Young Madam Ling, my mistress learned that you would be gracing us with your presence and specifically sent this old servant to welcome you." The approaching older woman was sumptuously dressed, appearing to be a personal attendant of a noble lady.
"Thank you,嬷嬷. Please lead the way."
"Young Madam, Miss, please come this way." The 嬷嬷 stepped forward to guide Feng Jin and her party.
"Madam, Young Madam Ling has arrived."
The 嬷嬷 stood respectfully outside the screen, reporting back.
A kind and somewhat hearty voice immediately emanated from within the screen: "Quickly, bring them in."
"Young Madam, please."
A maidservant inside lifted the screen. Feng Jin’s sharp eyes scanned the interior, noting the dazzling pure gold hairpin adorning the noblewoman's hair.
As she stepped closer, Feng Jin could finally see the woman's features clearly.
She appeared to be around forty years old, but she was well-maintained, with few wrinkles visible on her face.
"So this is the Young Madam Ling. Seeing you is indeed different from hearing about you. You are truly extraordinary."
The woman speaking from the main seat was Marquis Wenchang's wife, Madam Ye, the host of this polo match.
"You flatter me, Madam." Feng Jin's tone was appropriately humble.
Madam Ye's gaze swept over Feng Jin, finally settling on Ling Wan beside her. A flicker of astonishment crossed her eyes.
"And who is this?"
Feng Jin raised her eyelids and immediately understood. "Madam, this is my sister, Ling Wan."
As she finished speaking, Feng Jin gestured for Ling Wan to step forward.
"Greetings, Madam." Ling Wan stepped forward and curtsied.
"What remarkable beauty. Why have I never seen you before?"
She knew almost all the ladies and young ladies in the capital, yet she couldn't recall any impression of Ling Wan, no matter how hard she tried.
"This Miss Ling is merely a concubine-born daughter. Madam has only ever met distinguished legitimate daughters before, so naturally, you would not recognize this Miss Ling."
The speaker was the wife of General Cheqi, Madam Wang. She had once been a village woman, but her husband's military achievements had earned him his title. It was a case of one man's success lifting his entire family. Madam Wang's status was now vastly different.
Having suddenly entered the circle of noble ladies, Madam Wang's ingrained habit of gossiping like a village shrew had not changed.
With nothing else to do, she would often indulge in idle talk. Seizing upon Ling Wan's identity as an opportunity to gossip was typical of Madam Wang.
Ling Wan was most sensitive about her status as a concubine-born daughter, especially when it was brought up so directly in front of these esteemed ladies. Her face flushed scarlet, and she lowered her head even further.
Feng Jin's eyes narrowed. She reached behind Ling Wan and gave her a firm push, forcing Ling Wan to lift her head and straighten her posture.
"Remember, if you look down on yourself, others will look down on you even more. Ling Wan, lift your head!"