Chapter 142: Chapter 141: Visiting as a Guest
"Is this me?" Xiao Ronghua murmured as she gazed at herself in the copper mirror, unable to tear her eyes away.
It has to be said, every young girl is a beauty with potential, and a slight adornment makes her radiant, for youth is the most beautiful form.
Little Qingyu blinked her big eyes happily beside her, praising, "Auntie looks so beautiful with makeup! Oh, when can I become an adult? I wish I were an adult; adults can wear makeup."
Lin Wanwan laughed as she pulled her into her arms, saying, "Oh, my little Yuâer, youâre just so funny."
"Hmph, Iâm not funny!" Little Qingyu thought Lin Wanwan was mocking her and became unhappy, leading Lin Wanwan to hug her again and laugh.
After a while, Xiao Ronghua snapped back to herself, looking at Lin Wanwanâs makeup box with a hint of hesitation, just as Xiao Jingkun came to hurry them.
"Sisters, are you all dressed and ready? Itâs quarter to the hour, we should set off now. With the weather fine, we can enjoy the scenery in Lady Luâs garden."
Xiao Ronghua stepped out of the hall and replied, "Brother, weâre all set."
Seeing his newly adorned sister, Xiao Jingkun was amazed, saying, "With such attire, our fourth girl from the family looks stunning. Very nice, Lady Lu will surely praise your effort."
Xiao Ronghua lowered her head and smiled gently; receiving praise from her direct-line brother was not an easy feat.
As everyone gathered at the gate, the sisters couldnât help but glance at the radiant Xiao Ronghua today, itâs like the ugly duckling turning into a swan!
The twin sister Xiao Liwei curiously approached, "What powder did you use on your face today, sister, to look so fittingly beautiful?"
Xiao Ronghua shyly lowered her head and glanced at Lin Wanwan, replying softly, "It was Wanwan cousin who helped me."
The sisters instantly surrounded Lin Wanwan with questions, being held back by the brothers.
"Whatever you have to say, talk later. Get into the carriage first, itâs cold outside, be careful of catching a chill headache."
Xiao Jingkun hurriedly said, "Indeed, quickly board the carriage, weâre leaving. Lady Lu dislikes those who are late, letâs hurry up."
The five gentlemen of the Xiao Family naturally wouldnât concern themselves with the cold, opting to ride horsesâthe trendiest transport for noble men in the Great Tang was the high-steed horse, except under special circumstances where riding a carriage would be utterly disdainful.
The two aunts, four ladies, along with Lin Wanwan and little Qingyu squeezed into three carriages, with servants holding the gifts sitting at the carriageâs front, heading towards the Qiantang County Government.
Since itâs a private visit, it naturally wouldnât go through the dignified and eerie main gate of the county government, the entourage approached the small door used for family ingress at the back garden, knocking to enter.
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Servants, waiting there, came forward to take away the horses and carriage, leading everyone through the garden on foot. Lin Wanwan curiously admired the garden scenery, comparing it to where Xiao Chong lived, the difference was vast.
Mao Countyâs county government gave a sense of desolate tranquility, akin to a guest residence, whereas Qiantangâs was decorated blooming and ravishingly, not unlike Yaochi Fairyland, evidently the potent efforts of the hostess made here; thatâs probably the difference of having a mistress managing the household.
Xiao Jingkun led everyone and adeptly narrated the arrangement inside, from galleries and corridors to rocks and trees; thereâs nothing he didnât know. If unaware, one might think he was the master residing here.
Upon entering the main hall, the timid Xiao Ronghua and Xiao Haolin siblings were already tense with nerves; this Lady Lu had evidently left them quite a stern and severe impression.
Yet Lin Wanwan carried no such burden, though the other belonged to the direct-line noble birth of the Xiao family, now the County Magistrateâs Wife, but sheâs a law-abiding good citizen herself, whatâs there to fear? Mere power alone wasnât enough to intimidate her, this was an idea instilled from the modern principle of equality before the law.
She wasnât afraid of the County Magistrate, why would she fear the women who depend on him?
Following the maid receiving guests into the hall, arriving beside the room where Lady Lu and her children usually rested, the maid lifted the curtain, and a wave of warm air mixed with sandalwood scent greeted them.
Lin Wanwan finally saw the lofty Lady Lu, often mentioned by Xiao Jingkun, now in full view.
The woman before her exuded wealth, in her early thirties, features exquisite, yet her face was layered thick with powder diminishing her glamor, leading Lin Wanwan to worry a slight movement would cause it to fall embarrassingly.
However, Lin Wanwanâs concern proved unnecessary, upon receiving guests, the dignified noble lady graciously rose with maidâs assistance, her makeup remained flawlessly fixed. The Xiao family showed visible awe, whereas Lin Wanwan was much more composed.
In the side room, aside from Lady Lu, there was a young girl in wealthy attire and lovely features, likely the County Magistrate Luâs daughter. At this moment, she was casting assessing glances at Lin Wanwan, they exchanged a brief look; Lin Wanwan offered a minor smile, the latter nonchalantly diverted her gaze without responding, Lin Wanwan wasnât offended.
Once seated in a guest-host arrangement, Xiao Jingkun resumed the duty of mutual introduction, although his formalities towards Lady Lu involved customary flattery, overall he managed politeness.
The County Magistrate Luâs daughter was named Lu Yingâer, age fifteen, although she was Xiao Chongâs cousin, their appearances shared little resemblance, it was Lu Ladyâs looks that bore slight similarity to Xiao Chong.
Lady Lu observed Lin Wanwan momentarily, then suddenly asked, "Are you still practicing as a female physician?"
Female physicians during the Great Tang era werenât like the socially respected female doctors of later generations, quite the contrary, their social standing was typically lowly and often the role of slaves, belonging to the inferior class. Her question evidently reflected some disdain towards Lin Wanwan.
Lin Wanwan responded calmly, "Serving medicine to save people is naturally noble, but I lack the proficiency, never have I thought of formally practicing."
Lady Lu expressed a genteel smile, slowly saying, "Thereâs no need for excessive modesty, previously you cured Zifangâs illness, hence our Xiao family is indebted to you. Since youâve come to Qiantang today, I shall thank you properly in the capacity of Zifangâs elder. Bring the Phoenix Rhinoceros Hairpin forth to bestow upon Miss Lin."
"Certainly," replied the maid receiving the order, stepping back.
Lin Wanwan declined, "The lady is overly courteous; it was not only I who diligently treated cousin, Iâm unfit to solely claim the credit, more so to accept gifts."
Lady Lu curtailed her smile slightly, stating, "An elderâs gift cannot be declined, no need for further speech."
Lin Wanwan donned an awkward yet courteous smile, stood to receive the gift from the maid returning with the embroidered box, expressed gratitude, then sat down.