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No woman is devoid of a love for beauty. Seeing herself so elegantly dressed, Lu Man smiled softly, instantly brightening the whole room as if everything else paled in comparison.
Lu Man was usually busy, not only caring for children and household matters but also overseeing the health of the Princess and the old Marquis. With a myriad of people seeking medical attention from her, the Princess still managed to refer many to her, all while handling important affairs at Tongren Hall. Consequently, her daily attire leaned towards simplicity and comfort.
Seeing her daughter in such a state, He Mingzhu couldn’t take her eyes off her. She remarked, “Manman looks beautiful, with an unmatched grace and charm.”
Lu Man replied with a smile, “That’s because of how well you raised me, Mother.”
Jiang Jiu, looking well-dressed, approached. The young girl wore a short jacket and long skirt embroidered with plum blossoms in Yangfei colors, with a lotus hairpin adorning her bun, and a light makeup look. Seeing Lu Man’s appearance, she revealed a look of astonishment and admiration.
Normally, Lu Man didn’t allow Jiang Jiu to wear makeup, fearing it might harm the young girl’s skin.
Lu Man smiled and had the maid wash off Jiang Jiu’s makeup, then carefully applied a light makeup look on her. Her chubby round face transformed into an oval shape, slightly upturned eyes giving her a more bright and captivating look. A touch of blush on her lips made them appear more luscious and vibrant. After the makeover, the young girl looked even more beautiful.
Jiang Jiu couldn’t take her eyes off her reflection in the mirror.
Lu Man gently embraced her, saying, “Our Jiang Jiu is the most beautiful girl. Remember, you are the granddaughter of Princess Changting, and the current Emperor is your grandfather. You need not tolerate anyone mistreating you. If someone dares to bully you, don’t hesitate to stand up for yourself. If you can’t handle it, come back and tell your grandmother and sister-in-law.”
For this visibly lacking in confidence young girl, Lu Man was always there to boost her morale.
At this moment, Jiang Yue was still sleeping soundly. Lu Man gently touched her face before taking Jiang Jiu’s hand to leave. Her attendants for the day were Lu Ying, Xiao Zhong, and Xiao Xi. If the Princess Consort indeed required medical attention, they would be of assistance. She also brought along a medical kit.
As they stepped outside, they coincidentally ran into Jiang Zhankui.
Jiang Zhankui, seeing his sister-in-law and sister looking so beautiful, first grinned and then expressed concern, saying, “You both look so good, don’t let any bad people bully you. I won’t go to the Xie Residence, I’ll accompany you to the Duke’s Mansion.”
Previously, Lu Man had arranged for He Cheng to take Jiang Zhankui to the Xie Residence because he didn’t want to go to the Duke’s Mansion.
Upon hearing his words, Lu Man chuckled and replied, “You go have fun. Even if you come with us to the Duke’s Mansion, you won’t be with us anyway.”
They arrived at the Crane Hall, where the Princess, old Marquis, three masters, Second Madam, Third Madam, and the two unmarried yet of a certain age Jiang Zhanyu and Jiang Zhanxun were already waiting, along with the clingy Jiang Zhanyan.
The Princess couldn’t help but be amazed at Lu Man and Jiu’s appearance, nodding in approval continuously.
Madam Huang exaggeratedly exclaimed, “Oh my, these two are so beautiful, they seem like they descended from the heavens.”
Princess Changting was extremely pleased and reached out her arm towards Lu Man, who went over to support her. She then instructed the Third Madam, “The second daughter-in-law is busy judging today, keep an eye on Jiu for me.”
The Third Madam held Jiang Zhanyan’s hand on one side and Jiang Jiu’s on the other.
Inside the carriage, Princess Changting softly advised Lu Man, “When we arrive, don’t wander around, especially in deserted areas.” She sighed, “Some things might not be true, but with those speculations, one must be cautious.”
Lu Man assured her, saying, “Rest assured, Grandmother, I will be careful.”
The carriage reached the second gate of the Prince Shuo’s Mansion, where they switched to mule carts to head to the Lotus Courtyard by the lake, the place for women to enjoy the flowers. Men would take mule carts to the other side of the lake of the Lotus Courtyard, where they could appreciate the flowers.
After a journey of over two quarters of an hour, they finally arrived at the Lotus Courtyard. Facing the Rainbow Lake, the lake was crystal clear, with half shimmering with blue waves where boats leisurely sailed. The other half was filled with countless lotus leaves, cradling lotus flowers and tender green pods. The lotus flowers were in full bloom, showcasing red, light red, pink, light pink, and white hues. The Rainbow Lake was truly a sight to behold, vibrant and exceptionally beautiful.
A gentle breeze carried a delightful fragrance, making those standing by the lake unwilling to leave.
By the lakeside, a row of willow trees swayed gently as young ladies strolled in groups of two or three, each with a graceful demeanor and charming appearance, rivaling the beauty of the lotus flowers in the lake.
In the distance, lush trees, artificial hills, small bridges, and pavilions nestled among red flowers and green leaves, creating an ambiance even more luxurious than that of the Princess Changting’s mansion.
As the young ladies caught sight of Princess Changting and Lu Man, they kneeled and greeted, saying, “Greetings to the Princess, greetings to Second Madam Jiang.” Their eyes, however, couldn’t help but glance at Lu Man.
The Princess chuckled and remarked, “Each young lady is so charming, I wish I could take you all home to admire.”
Her words elicited giggles from the young ladies.
Lu Man knew many older royal consorts, princesses, and nobles, but she wasn’t familiar with the young ladies and junior concubines. She smiled and nodded at each of them.
Welcoming the guests at the door was the Prince Shuo’s second granddaughter-in-law, Second Madam Song, Lady Min who jokingly said, “The Princess jests. Just look at Third Lady Jiang by your side, when you see such a beauty every day, why would you need to admire other young ladies?”
The Second Madam Song, Lady Min, in her mid-twenties, exuded elegance and beauty.
Princess Changting chuckled and replied, “Darling, can one ever have too many beauties?”
The group burst into laughter once again.
Second Madam Song escorted the Princess to the main hall, where the Princess Consort quickly rose to greet her.
Gently guiding Princess Changting, the Consort said, “Fourth Imperial Aunt, please have a seat here.” She then turned to Lu Man and smiled, “Third Daughter-in-law is a rare guest, it’s her first time visiting our mansion.”
The Princess Consort, nearing fifty, was dressed lavishly but couldn’t hide her fatigue and illness.
Relatives such as the Princess Chang’an and the Prince He’s Mansion had arrived earlier.
Old Princess He remarked, “Since you hadn’t come, our Song Mo followed his father to play on the boat.”
After a brief stay, Second Madam Jiang was requested to join two other judges to discuss the themes for today’s poetry competition.
Meanwhile, Third Madam Jiang took Jiang Zhanyan and Jiang Jiu to enjoy the lotus flowers by boat.
Lu Man found herself attending to the requests of the elderly ladies, checking their pulses, discussing dietary habits for health, and even considering the purchase of certain herbal remedies like Huang Ke Lai and Willow Bark Pills.
In the midst of this, a few young ladies approached Lu Man seeking advice on how to make their lips more luscious or apply blush to create a slimmer face, sparking joy and laughter among the elderly ladies, with Princess Changting particularly pleased and collecting praises.