Chapter 34

“Xia Qingqing, it’s been just one night, and I almost didn’t recognize you!”

Xia Tinglan smiled as she took Xia Qingqing’s hand, her laughter as gentle as a spring breeze. Her demeanor was warm and inviting, naturally drawing people closer.

“Fifth Sister, you’re so kind! It feels like we’re long-lost sisters finally reunited!”

Xia Qingqing held her hand, her face brimming with a radiant smile, feigning an air of deep sisterly affection. Yet, in her heart, she knew this Fifth Miss was nothing but a wolf in sheep’s clothing—her true rival!

“Alright, time’s almost up. We should head to the ancestral hall!”

Yan Meili was eager to get everything over with, unwilling to see Xia Qingqing bask in her fleeting triumph any longer.

“Yes, yes, let’s hurry!”

Xia Jinxing quickly got up and pulled Xia Qingqing along.

Everyone promptly left the hall, not wanting to delay or appear insincere.

The formalities of establishing the rightful daughter and inscribing her name into the family genealogy were finally complete. Xia Qingqing was utterly exhausted, her face aching from maintaining a fake smile.

Feigning happiness is truly exhausting!

“Miss, the eldest young master and Fourth Miss haven’t shown their faces all day.”

While counting the money from the red envelopes, Xiao Suo chatted with Xia Qingqing.

“The eldest young master is always buried in his books; even a pile of ink and paper outranks a mere young lady in his eyes. As for the Fourth Miss, she must have fulfilled her wish last night and is still lost in her dreams.”

Xia Qingqing began removing her jewelry and changed out of her formal dress into her usual attire.

“Miss, are you heading to the pharmacy?”

Xiao Suo noticed her preparing her backpack again, ready to head out.

“Yes! I must thank those who’ve helped me. Besides, I need to sell the detox pills and skincare products we made last night. Remember, no matter what happens, never forget to earn money! As women, having our own money is the only way to secure a good life in the future.”

“You’re absolutely right, Miss! We can’t let a little success make us complacent. Once I finish up here, I’ll continue practicing the characters you taught me. Thanks to you, I’ve learned so many words already! One day, I’ll write letters to my mother in the countryside, telling her I’m doing well. I’ll even send money home to support my younger brother’s education!”

Xiao Suo was brimming with happiness and enthusiasm. Since following Xia Qingqing, she had found a renewed vigor for life.

“Exactly! See, when you have money in your hands, you can help the people you care about.”

“I’m heading out now!”

Xia Qingqing stepped out of the house, heading toward the front courtyard.

For the first time, she could leave the Xia residence freely without climbing over walls.

The gatekeepers at the entrance bowed and saluted her with smiles.

“Safe travels, Sixth Miss. Would you like to take a carriage?”

“No need. Walking is good exercise!”

Xia Qingqing was determined to regain her former physical strength and planned to use the trip to the pharmacy for some light jogging.

“Sixth Miss is amazing!”

The gatekeepers couldn’t help but admire her. In all their years at the Xia residence, they’d never seen a young lady as spirited and grounded as her.

“Thank you! I’ll bring you some treats on my way back!”

Waving her hand, Xia Qingqing jogged off into the distance.

Old Zhao, the gatekeeper, smiled broadly and bowed deeply.

“Thank you, Sixth Miss!”

Watching her run off, Old Zhao sighed in admiration.

“What are you staring at, Old Zhao?”

Xia Jinlan approached with a puzzled expression.

“Oh, Second Miss, the Sixth Miss just left.”

“Hmph! That little tramp ran off so quickly; she must be meeting some lover. Just like her mother, shamelessly seducing married men everywhere!”

Xia Jinlan sneered coldly.

She had heard that Xia Qingqing could now come and go freely from the Xia residence and felt a burning jealousy. She had come to the main gate intending to mock her but had missed the opportunity.

Old Zhao kept his head low, not daring to make a sound.

The Sixth Miss’s dramatic rise to power in the Xia residence was the talk among the servants. Everyone secretly admired her courage and ingenuity.

They now paid little attention to the Second Miss’s venomous words.

“Hyah!”

A carriage pulled up to the Xia residence gate.

Old Zhao immediately recognized it. “The eldest young master is back!”

The carriage, designated solely for the eldest son, was unmistakable.

Xia Jinlan’s face lit up upon seeing her elder brother. She lifted her skirts and ran toward him.

“Brother!”

The carriage stopped, and Xia Yuanxiu stepped down.

He was dressed in a light blue brocade robe with a jade belt around his waist, which held an exquisite green jade pendant.

His features were refined and elegant, his intelligent eyes shining brightly. A sense of confidence and vigor radiated from him, making him exceptionally striking.

“Second Sister, I received your letter. Something came up, so I’m late. Where is Xia Qingqing? Take me to her.”

Xia Yuanxiu had heard the strange rumors spreading through the household—a once unremarkable concubine-born daughter had transformed after a near-drowning incident, causing upheaval in the Xia family.

Could she have been possessed? He didn’t believe in superstitions but felt compelled to see her with his own eyes.

“Brother, you just missed her. She left not long ago!”

Xia Jinlan spread her hands, feigning regret.

“She left? Alone?”

Xia Yuanxiu looked incredulous. How unladylike of her!

“Reporting to the young master, the Sixth Miss said she wanted to exercise and refused to take a carriage,” Old Zhao added.

Xia Yuanxiu grew even more curious about this unconventional Xia Qingqing. He furrowed his brows, shook his head, and headed inside.

Meanwhile, Xia Qingqing arrived at the Xinglin Apothecary and handed the detox pills and skincare products to Doctor Sun.

“Qingqing, I heard you’ve been added to the Xia family genealogy. Congratulations! Here, take this red envelope from me!”

Doctor Sun handed her a red envelope.

“Doctor Sun, there’s no need! You’re too kind!”

Xia Qingqing hurriedly declined, surprised that news of her success in the Xia residence had already reached the apothecary. There must be spies in the household!

“Just take it!”

Jian Qiu approached, smiling kindly as she too handed her a red envelope.

“Thank you, Granny!”

Xia Qingqing’s eyes sparkled with joy at the unexpected gifts.

“Granny, where’s the old madam? I wanted to bring her a gift to show my gratitude!”

Xia Qingqing looked behind Jian Qiu but didn’t see the familiar figure of the old madam.

“The old madam has some matters to attend to and won’t be coming for a few days. She did say, however, that she’s at ease knowing Sixth Miss is looking after the young lord.”

Jian Qiu’s tone carried a subtle implication.

“Me?”

Xia Qingqing pointed at herself, astonished. The Dowager wanted her to take care of that seemingly foolish but actually shrewd Prince Xian?

“Yes, you!”

Jian Qiu chuckled. She and the Dowager had both been delighted to hear about the happenings in the imperial garden last night, as relayed by Eunuch An.

The once-dim Prince Xian finally seemed to have found his match in this bright young lady, easing the Dowager’s worries significantly.

Xia Qingqing retrieved a gift box from her bag and handed it to Jian Qiu.

“Please pass this to the old madam for me. It’s a sachet I made myself—it helps calm the mind and improve sleep.”