Chapter 37: Even a Fairy Descending to Earth Isn’t as Beautiful as You

Early the next morning.
Ban Xia began dressing Tang Mi with meticulous care. Ban Xia was both attentive and understanding, effortlessly bringing out all of Tang Mi’s best features.

In her past life, Tang Mi had paid little attention to her appearance. Back then, her maid, Fu Ling, was the one who did her hair and makeup perhaps deliberately making her look unattractive. But at the time, Tang Mi didn’t care at all.

Now, she understood: beauty was a weapon. In fact, it was her greatest weapon. Since Heaven had gifted her such a powerful tool, she had no reason to neglect it.

“Miss, wear this one. It complements your skin tone perfectly,” Ban Xia said, holding up a long begonia-pink dress made of cloud-patterned brocade. She always knew what suited Tang Mi best.

Once Tang Mi changed into the dress, Ban Xia was instantly stunned.
“Miss, you’re getting more beautiful by the day.”

Even Fu Ling, standing to the side, swallowed hard. She had to admit, her mistress was stunning, with a beauty so exquisite it was like a flower in full bloom, compelling admiration.

However…
Recalling the task given to her by the second young miss, Fu Ling stepped forward and picked up a different outfit.
“I believe this pleated green dress suits Miss’s style today better,” she suggested.

Ban Xia frowned and gave Fu Ling a suspicious look.
There was definitely something off about Fu Ling. Ban Xia had carefully matched Miss’s makeup today to go with a red ceremonial gown, yet Fu Ling was recommending a green one instead.

Although Miss would still look good in green, the smoky-pink dress was unquestionably more fitting.

Tang Mi glanced at the outfit in Fu Ling’s hands and nodded noncommittally.
“Not bad.”

Fu Ling was delighted. “Shall I help you change into it?”

Ban Xia tensed up immediately, about to object, but Tang Mi cut in first.
“No need. Changing again is troublesome. I’ll stick with this one.”

Fu Ling was visibly disappointed but dared not argue further.

“I’ll help you with the scented sachet,” Ban Xia said quickly, fastening the sachet and accessories on Tang Mi.

Once she was fully dressed, Tang Ning arrived.

“Wow, big sister, you’re too beautiful, no fairy from heaven could compare!” Tang Ning was mesmerized, almost drooling as she stared at Tang Mi’s face.

Tang Mi laughed and gave her a teasing look.
“Look at you, so bold now you dare to tease me.”

Tang Ning replied earnestly, “I mean it! You’re truly the most beautiful person I’ve ever seen… well, one of them.”

Tang Mi raised an eyebrow playfully. “Who are the others?”

Tang Ning’s eyes sparkled as someone came to mind. She leaned in and whispered,
“Did you see His Highness Prince Xuan during the Mid-Autumn banquet?”

“Prince Xuan?” Of course Tang Mi had seen him. That man was indeed striking arguably the most handsome among the princes. Aside from her father, he was probably the most handsome man she had ever laid eyes on.

“Prince Xuan and you are both like celestial beings come down to earth,” Tang Ning said, holding her hands to her heart, starry-eyed.

Tang Mi couldn’t help but tap her head gently.
“Don’t get ideas. And don’t talk like that again.”

Clutching her heart as if it had shattered, Tang Ning drooped.
“Got it…”

“Come on, it’s getting late.”

After tidying up, Tang Mi and Tang Ning headed together to Mingchun Garden.

As soon as they reached the entrance, they heard Tang Ying’s voice:
“Big brother isn’t young anymore. Grandmother should help him find someone.”

“For a man, it’s better to marry later. That way, he can choose carefully and avoid bringing home someone troublesome who’ll disrupt the household.”

Hearing the old matriarch’s pointed words, Tang Mi’s lips curled slightly, and she stepped inside.

Upon seeing Tang Mi, a flicker of discomfort flashed across Tang Ying’s face before she regained her composure.

“Grandmother.”
“Grandmother. Second sister.”

They both bowed politely.

The old matriarch beamed and beckoned to Tang Mi.
“Come here, Mi’er.”

Tang Mi approached obediently. The old lady took her hand and looked her over, nodding in approval.
“This outfit is lovely. Who did your hair and makeup today?”

“Ban Xia,” Tang Mi replied happily, eager to give her maid credit.

The old matriarch glanced approvingly at Ban Xia.
“Nanny Gui, reward her.”

“Yes, Madam,” Nanny Gui replied and immediately fetched a pouch of money, handing it to Ban Xia.

Ban Xia was thrilled and quickly knelt.
“Thank you, Madam, for your generosity.”

The old matriarch waved her hand.
“Enough. Serve the eldest miss well from now on.”

“Yes, I will serve her with all my heart,” Ban Xia said, bowing before rising.

Seeing Ban Xia rewarded, Fu Ling clenched her handkerchief in jealousy.

Tang Ying masked her envy and said with a smile,
“Elder sister, you really do look amazing today. You might just outshine all the young ladies at the poetry gathering.”

Tang Mi glanced at her and smiled.
“And second sister seems to be glowing with joy.”

That wiped the smile off Tang Ying’s face instantly.

The old matriarch looked meaningfully at the two and said sternly,
“Enough. You may go now. I don’t want any unpleasant incidents today.”

She especially pointed at Tang Ying with her last sentence.
Though she wasn’t entirely sure if Ying’er had pushed Mi’er last time, she knew Mi’er wouldn’t cause trouble without reason. If something happened, Ying’er likely started it.

“Rest assured, Grandmother. Last time was a misunderstanding. There won’t be a repeat today,” Tang Ying said, feigning innocence and shifting the blame onto Tang Mi.

Tang Mi didn’t bother to argue. She simply turned to the old lady and said,
“Then we’ll head out.”

“Go ahead,” the old matriarch nodded.

The three bowed and left together.

Watching their backs, the old matriarch sighed softly.

All three rode in the same carriage. Tang Mi and Tang Ying stayed silent, the air tense.

Tang Ning wanted to speak, but seeing both women with cold faces, she dared not.

Fortunately, Marquis Yong’an’s residence wasn’t far.

In less than the time it takes for one stick of incense to burn, they arrived.

Once off the carriage, they immediately drew the attention of many onlookers. Naturally, all eyes were on Tang Mi.

The hidden guards stationed outside the marquis’s residence spotted Tang Mi and quickly went to report.

Tang Mi presented her invitation, and the gatekeeper promptly led the three into the residence.

Tang Ning looked around curiously but was quickly silenced by a stern glance from Tang Mi. She immediately bowed her head and followed closely, no longer daring to gawk.

“Princess, the ladies of the Tang family have arrived,” the gatekeeper said to a beautiful woman.

The woman was slender and pale, so delicate she seemed like a breeze could blow her away.

This was Xiao Lengyu. It was Tang Mi’s first time seeing her. In her past life, she had only seen her at her funeral.

The world said that the lady of the Xiao family had a heart as brilliant as a seven-aperture jade, but sadly, she was cursed with a frail body.

She had a congenital illness and was often bedridden. It must have taken great effort for her to host this poetry gathering today.