Chapter 21

“Alright!”

Xiao Suo carefully put away the dress.

When she opened the jewelry box, she found an entire set of pearl adornments.

A pearl necklace, hairpins, hair ornaments, earrings, bracelets…

Xia Qingqing pressed her hand to her forehead and let out a sigh.

“So that old woman Wang came looking for the pearl necklace that day. This scumbag father of mine is really setting me up! Is he trying to frame me for theft on purpose?”

“Exactly! Although this set of jewelry is exquisite and far more luxurious than what the second and fourth young ladies wear, Miss, if you wear it out, the madam and the young ladies will definitely find ways to deal with you! It’s better not to wear it at all. I’ll put them away and later exchange them for silver. That’s much more practical!”

Xiao Suo proactively collected and packed everything.

---

In the evening, Yan Meili, accompanied by her four daughters, came to bid farewell to Xia Jinxing.

“Husband, don’t worry. Our daughters are all grown up and sensible. They know their boundaries!”

“Wife, I hope everything goes smoothly tonight. I’ll be waiting in the residence for your good news!”

Xia Jinxing hugged Yan Meili. The couple displayed a scene of affection as if they were deeply in love.

“Father, I’ll take good care of my younger sisters!”

Xia Jinlan playfully winked.

She wore a crimson robe embroidered with butterflies. The red fabric served as a backdrop for vibrant butterflies that seemed to flutter in dance. The robe’s edges were adorned with golden tassels that swayed gently as she moved, adding to her elegance.

“Father, heh heh!”

Fifth Miss Xia Tinglan donned a snow-white satin gown embroidered with plum blossoms in silver thread. The delicate design of snow-resistant blooms on the gown, paired with intricate cloud patterns at the hem, gave her an air of refined elegance.

“Father, I will do my best!”

Xia Shuixian wore a gown of brocade fabric with a jade-like sheen, layered with a transparent silk scarf. The ensemble glimmered like glass, ethereal and dreamlike. Her hair was tied with two simple ribbons, adorned with a magnolia flower, enhancing her delicate and innocent charm.

Xia Jinxing stroked his beard in satisfaction, proud of his daughters’ remarkable appearances.

“Father!”

Xia Qingqing stepped forward to greet him.

Xia Jinxing paused briefly, looking at his youngest daughter. Was this bamboo outshining the other shoots?

She wore a plain cyan dress, her hair styled into two simple buns, with bangs covering her forehead. She didn’t resemble a young lady of noble standing at all but rather an ordinary girl in the simplest of attire.

“Qingqing, this is the palace banquet! You’re dressed like this—aren’t you shaming the Xia family?”

Xia Jinxing mildly admonished her.

“Father, I’m still young. I’m just going to complement my elder sisters tonight. As long as they shine, that’s good enough! Hehe!”

Xia Qingqing answered sensibly on purpose.

Yan Meili gave a satisfied smile.

A moment ago, Xia Shuixian’s grand attire had irritated her, but it seemed the sixth girl understood discretion and knew not to outshine others.

“Husband, the sixth girl is right. She’s only going to gain experience this time. The nobles in the palace will surely focus their attention on the second and fifth girls!”

Yan Meili intentionally omitted Xia Shuixian, aiming to provoke her.

Xia Jinxing pressed his lips together. He couldn’t share his thoughts with Yan Meili. He knew the nobles in the palace would notice Xia Qingqing’s plain appearance and might assume the Xia family mistreated her, damaging his reputation.

Sigh!

“Wife, off you go now!”

Yan Meili waved her hand, urging her daughters to board the carriages and set off quickly.

She and her two daughters shared one carriage, while the two concubine-born daughters took another.

---

In the carriage, Xia Qingqing lifted the curtain to admire the night view of the capital.

“Hmph!”

Xia Shuixian leaned against the carriage wall, her expression full of dissatisfaction.

“…”

“Hmph!”

Xia Shuixian deliberately sighed louder.

“…”

“Hey! Why are you ignoring me?”

Seeing Xia Qingqing engrossed in the view outside, Xia Shuixian grew even angrier.

“…”

Xia Qingqing still paid her no attention.

“Hey!”

Xia Shuixian reached out and tugged at Xia Qingqing’s sleeve.

“Are you deaf? If it weren’t for me fighting for this spot, there’s no way you’d have had a chance to attend. You owe me a thank-you!”

“Good heavens, are you insane?”

Xia Qingqing flung her hand away.

“Let me be clear—if you act sensibly, we’ll get along fine. But if you don’t, don’t blame me for being impolite!”

She pulled a dagger from her boot, waving it before Xia Shuixian with a sinister grin.

“See this? This dagger can ruin that pretty face of yours. If I’m in a good mood, I might draw a flower. If I’m not, maybe a little turtle.”

“Ah! Y-you… If the palace finds out you brought a weapon, we’ll all be implicated!”

Terrified, Xia Shuixian shrank back, trembling.

“Who said this is a weapon? It’s a prop for my performance!”

Xia Qingqing grabbed an apple from the table and began carving with the dagger. When she stopped, the apple had transformed into a beautiful flower.

“You’re… impressive.”

Xia Shuixian stared at the unfamiliar Xia Qingqing. They hadn’t interacted much before, and she’d always thought Qingqing was a coward. After her near-drowning incident, she’d become a fearless lunatic!

“Remember to use my name and stop calling me ‘hey.’ Got it?”

“G-got it!”

Xia Shuixian nodded repeatedly.

“Xia Qingqing, actually, if we both do well tonight and catch the eye of Prince Jin or Prince Yan, we could outshine those two sisters. Don’t you agree?”

She plotted, hoping to form an alliance with Xia Qingqing. As fellow concubine-born daughters, they were more likely to stick together.

“Nope!”

Xia Qingqing shook her head.

“Why not?”

“Because we don’t share the same goals. I’m not going to look at any princes. I’m more interested in the madams and noble ladies.”

“Huh?”

Xia Shuixian studied her, puzzled.

“Don’t tell me you…”

She gasped, covering her mouth in shock.

“Ugh, get your mind out of the gutter! I know my position. Those lofty things aren’t worth dreaming about.”

Xia Qingqing dismissed her and resumed gazing at the scenery outside.

Xia Shuixian bit her lip, stealing glances at Xia Qingqing as if she were a strange creature.

One moment ruthless, the next serene.

She’s so weird! Better not mess with her, or who knows how she’ll torment me!

---

Inside the palace, the Empress Dowager wiped her mouth with satisfaction after finishing her meal.

“Jian Qiu, those buns you brought back are indeed delicious. The sixth prince ate six just now. I’m worried he’ll burst!”

“Old Madam, Sixth Miss Xia is truly talented. Not only does she understand medicine, but her cooking is excellent. She’s bold and fearless—perfect for your requirements!”

Jian Qiu showered praise on Xia Qingqing.

“Indeed, I’ve heard of her background and can’t help but see her in a new light. Let’s see how she performs tonight. If she’s as fearless as they say, I’ll issue a decree!” The Empress Dowager nodded with approval