Chapter 20

“Alright, Concubine will adjust this for you right away! Tonight, you’ll be as graceful as an orchid in a secluded valley, mesmerizing the princes until they lose themselves over you!”

Concubine Bao immediately moved to the wardrobe, carefully selecting a suitable dress.

When Yan Meili received the servants’ report and learned that Xia Shuixian had deliberately thrown a tantrum instead of choosing the clothes sent by Jinxiu Workshop, she sneered.

“Hmph! That little wench is so pretentious! Does she think she deserves the same treatment as Jinlan or Tinglan? She should take a good look at herself in a mirror and figure out her place. Let her jump around— the higher she jumps, the harder she’ll fall.”

Nanny Lin nodded in agreement. “Madam is absolutely right!”

“And what about the Sixth Girl? She’s not causing any trouble like before, is she?”

As Yan Meili tidied her hair, she thought of Xia Qingqing, the most troublesome of them all.

“She’s nothing like she used to be. Instead, she’s calm and knows her place. She even helped the shopkeeper from Jinxiu Workshop pick up dresses from the ground, saying she’s already lucky to have such nice clothes to wear. She’s become so meek, nothing like her former self!”

Nanny Lin continued her report.

“Good heavens! I was worried she’d throw a fit if she wasn’t satisfied. Who would have thought she’d turn out so obedient? Truly surprising!”

Yan Meili eyed Nanny Lin skeptically.

“I’m telling the truth, Madam. The shopkeeper even helped her choose and alter a dress, and did her hair as well. Madam, I must say, after some proper grooming, the Sixth Young Miss is actually quite the little beauty! Even though I was standing a bit far away, I could hear the shopkeeper endlessly praising her.”

“Hmph! Any young girl looks good with proper dressing up. That shopkeeper just knows how to flatter— it’s their job, after all!”

Yan Meili sipped her tea, casting a playful glare at Nanny Lin. It was as if she were silently scolding her for acting as though she’d never seen a true beauty before.

Am I not a beauty myself? Isn’t my Second Daughter beautiful? As for my Eldest Daughter— elegance radiates from her scholarly demeanor!

“Alright, go and prepare the carriages and other arrangements for tonight’s palace banquet. I’ll return to my quarters for a nap—need to catch up on some sleep.”

Yan Meili put down her teacup, yawned, and retreated to her inner chambers.

After tucking her in, Nanny Lin quietly exited the room and closed the door.

---

“Miss, are all these herbs for skincare products?”

Xiao Suo asked while pounding medicinal ingredients.

“That’s right! We need to make plenty. Uncle Sun said the skincare products are selling well, so we’ll never worry about finding buyers. He’s even planning to venture into the beauty market! I’ll bring a few samples to tonight’s banquet at the palace. If they gain the favor of those noble ladies, we’ll be swimming in silver, rolling it up for male companions!”

Xia Qingqing helped grind the herbs while imagining her prosperous future. She pictured herself as the wealthiest woman in the capital, surrounded by a crowd of dashing men…

“Sixth Young Miss, your dress and jewelry have arrived! Master specifically ordered them to be sent to you.”

A maid stood outside the courtyard, holding a tray.

“Coming!”

Xiao Suo rushed out of the kitchen, opening the courtyard door to greet the maid.

“Thank you, Sister!”

Xiao Suo took the tray and bowed.

“No need to be so polite. My name is Sangye, a new maid from the sewing room. If the Sixth Miss has any issues with her clothes, feel free to let me know.”

Sangye smiled warmly, dimples appearing on her cheeks.

“Sister Sangye, come inside! My Miss just made some delicious food. You should try some!”

Xiao Suo, finding Sangye approachable and friendly, decided it was a good time to establish rapport.

“Oh no, that’s too much trouble!”

Sangye waved her hands, hesitating to enter.

“Come on in! If you ever have time, you’re always welcome to chat or eat with us here!”

Xia Qingqing put the medicinal herbs into the cabinet and walked out of the kitchen with a steaming tray of meat buns.

The freshly steamed buns were thin-skinned, generously filled, and emitted a tempting aroma.

The sight made Sangye swallow hard.

“Please, have some!”

Xia Qingqing set the tray in front of Sangye.

Hesitant, Sangye picked up one bun.

“Mmm! So fragrant!”

“It’s delicious!”

Sangye devoured the bun in just a few bites, having skipped breakfast due to her busy morning.

“Here, have another!”

Xia Qingqing handed her a second bun.

“Sister Sangye, eat slowly. I’ll get you some tea so you don’t choke!”

Xiao Suo set aside the clothes and jewelry, returning with tea for Sangye.

The three of them sat under the pavilion, eating together.

“Sixth Miss, your buns are amazing! Each one has exactly ten folds!”

Sangye marveled at the craftsmanship, now savoring her third bun.

“Haha! Sister Sangye, you have such an eye for detail. There’s another batch steaming in the kitchen. I’ll pack some for you to take home!”

Xia Qingqing’s generosity was fueled by her wealth, allowing her to indulge in her whims.

Understanding her Miss’s intent, Xiao Suo quickly packed a bundle of buns in oiled paper and wrapped them securely in cloth.

“Sister Sangye, take these while they’re still warm!”

Xiao Suo placed the bundle in front of Sangye.

Overjoyed, Sangye expressed her gratitude repeatedly.

“Sixth Miss, you’re so kind! I don’t even know how to thank you!”

“No need for formalities! It’s getting late—you should head back and complete your tasks.”

Xia Qingqing saw Sangye to the door with a smile.

Sangye waved goodbye as she left the courtyard, making her way to the bamboo grove in the back.

She scaled the wall, hopped over, and boarded a carriage waiting outside.

“Madam Jian Qiu, the dress and jewelry have been delivered to the Sixth Miss’s quarters! These are the buns she gave me—please take them. I’ll return to the Xia estate now!”

Sangye handed the bundle to Jian Qiu and quickly disappeared into the shadows.

Jian Qiu unwrapped the package, smiling at the plump meat buns.

“This Sixth Miss is truly remarkable! She even knows how to make buns. I’ll bring these back for the Old Madam and Sixth Young Master to try!”

With the buns secured, Jian Qiu instructed the coachman to return.

---

“Miss, the dress and jewelry on the tray are stunning! Who would’ve thought Master still cared!”

Xiao Suo unfolded the shimmering long gown, revealing its dazzling beauty to Xia Qingqing.

“This dress is so extravagant! If I wore it to the banquet, I wouldn’t even make it out the door before Yan Meili and the three sisters stopped me. Being too conspicuous is dangerous. That scumbag isn’t helping me—he’s setting me up! Quickly, put the dress away. I’ll sell it outside later and exchange it for more silver!”

Xia Qingqing spoke with clarity, shaking her head decisively.

“But Miss, wouldn’t it be a waste not to wear it? Look at the sparkling gems embroidered on it!”

Xiao Suo lamented.