Chapter 33: Just Right

Chapter 33: Just Right

The back residence of the Wu family was bustling with activity this morning. Lady Wu and her two biological daughters had started dressing up early, with Wu Jingshu rummaging through her closet and trying on almost every outfit, while her dressing table was laden with an array of jewelry and hairpins.

After tidying herself up, Lady Wu entered her courtyard and, seeing her daughter dressed flamboyantly and seductively, furrowed her brows in disapproval, "The Marquis's household is still in mourning. We should not dress too ostentatiously when we visit."

Upon hearing this, Wu Jingshu's spirit nearly crumbled, "But all those plain clothes are so unattractive. What if Xiao Shizi doesn't like them?"

Lady Wu dug out a set of light lotus-colored, elegantly styled clothes from her daughter's wardrobe and said, "Whether we'll meet the young master today is uncertain. The key is to make the Marquess fond of you, understand?"

Wu Jingshu nodded, "I understand, Mother."

"Are the gifts for the Marquess ready?" Lady Wu inquired.

"They are ready." Wu Jingshu brought out an exquisite hand warmer cover, "Mother, take a look."

Lady Wu examined it and saw the meticulously stitched hand warmer cover, adorned with well-matched patterns and a circle of pearls at the opening, which added a subtle yet luxurious touch to the whole piece.

"Hmm, very good," Lady Wu said with a smile, taking Wu Jingshu's hand, "Perform well today, rest assured, Mother will ensure you get what you desire."

Hearing her words, Wu Jingshu's mind flashed with the image of Xiao Yuchen's divine-like countenance, her cheeks instantly blushing, and Lady Wu joined in her laughter seeing her daughter's reaction.

Her daughter, naturally, deserved the best.

Wu Jingyun, on the other hand, was rather calm, simply dressed after breakfast and headed to Lady Wu's courtyard with Xing'er.

Seeing her plain attire, Xing'er couldn't help but comment, "Miss, even if the Marquis's household is in mourning, there's no need for you to dress so plainly," noting the simple hairpin in her hair.

Wu Jingyun didn't pause her steps, replying, "It's not because of the Marquis's mourning that I'm not dressed up."

"Even if you want to call off the engagement with Xiao Shizi, you shouldn't neglect your appearance like this!" Xing'er couldn't understand; Xiao Shizi was handsome and of good family background, yet her mistress was adamant about breaking off the engagement.

Wu Jingyun ignored Xing'er's words and headed straight for Lady Wu's courtyard. Women dress for those who please them, and there was no one in the Marquis's household worth dressing up for.

Upon seeing her attire, Lady Wu was relieved. Even as her mother, she had to admit that Wu Jingyun's looks surpassed those of her daughters. She had feared that Wu Jingyun's dressing would overshadow her own daughters today, but instead, she had made herself appear so plain.

Lady Wu sneered inwardly, assuming Wu Jingyun's attire was due to the Marquis's mourning. However, while it was true that the Marquis was in mourning, it wasn't a period of intense mourning, so there was no need to dress as if someone had just died.

But this was just right.

"Everyone's here, let's go."

Mrs. Wu took the lead, followed closely by Wu Jing Shu and Wu Jing Ya, with Wu Jing Yun trailing behind.

Wu Jing Yun was well aware of Mrs. Wu's purpose for visiting the Marquis' residence today: it was simply to make Wu Jing Shu known to the Marchioness, gaining her favor as a prelude to future plans. Yet, she was more than willing to cooperate.

The Wu family's residence was not far from the Marquis', a mere quarter of an hour's carriage ride away. As the carriage halted in front of the Marquis' mansion, Wu Jing Shu was the first to part the curtains and look out, coincidentally catching sight of Xiao Yu Chen stepping out from within.

Like an orchid amidst jade, a clear breeze under a bright moon, his presence was like a ray of light piercing into Wu Jing Shu’s heart, leaving her mesmerized and unable to think of anything else.

Sensing her intense gaze, Xiao Yu Chen frowned and glanced back, causing Wu Jing Shu’s heart to nearly leap out of her chest. However, after a brief look, he lifted his robe and boarded his carriage. Wu Jing Shu's heart felt a tumultuous blend of disappointment, sweetness, and a tinge of bitterness.

Wu Jing Yun also caught sight of Xiao Yu Chen. Her heart ached slightly, but it seemed more numb than before. She believed it wouldn't be long before she could regard him with the indifference of a stranger.

On their side, Cui Zhu saw the Wu family's carriage arrive and walked up with a smile to the foremost one. As Mrs. Wu lifted the curtain, Cui Zhu greeted her with a smile, "Mrs. Wu, our lady has been eagerly awaiting your arrival."

Knowing her as Tang Shu Yi's head maid, Mrs. Wu replied with a smile, "How is your lady faring?"

Cui Zhu replied, "She’s well. She was delighted to receive your invitation yesterday."

With a smile still gracing her face, Mrs. Wu followed Cui Zhu through the grand entrance of the Marquis' mansion and boarded the already prepared sedan chair, with the three Wu sisters following suit.

As a super-first-rank noble, the Marquis' mansion was naturally expansive. From the main entrance to Tang Shu Yi's Shi An Yuan, it was nearly a quarter of an hour’s walk. Along the way, pavilions and towers, floral ponds, and waterside pavilions revealed grandeur laced with exquisite details.

Even Mrs. Wu, who considered herself quite worldly, couldn't help but marvel at the beauty of the Marquis' estate. Of course, it also reflected the Marquis' wealth. How else could they maintain such a splendid estate without ample funds?

Wu Jing Shu and Wu Jing Ya were even more envious, especially Wu Jing Shu, who imagined herself as the future lady of the Marquis' residence. Her heart nearly soared with joy.

For Wu Jing Yun, each view of the Marquis' mansion felt like a lifetime away. Once, she was the lady of this house, but back then, she hadn't felt particularly happy; instead, she was often depressed and weary.

In this life, she no longer wanted to live that way. Even now, thinking back to those days made her feel stifled.

Soon, they arrived at Shi An Yuan. The sedan chairs stopped at the entrance, and the Wu family alighted and followed Cui Zhu inside. There, they saw the Marchioness standing gracefully on the veranda, smiling at them.

With flawless white skin, eyebrows arched like distant hills, almond-shaped eyes brimming with laughter, a high and delicate nose, and slightly upturned red lips, she was a vision of elegance and beauty, especially in today's dark purple wide-sleeved robe, adorned with a gold and jade hairpin on her peony double-coil hairstyle.

Mrs. Wu couldn't help but inwardly praise her. It was no coincidence that Xiao Yu Chen grew into such an elegant figure; one glance at the Marchioness's appearance and demeanor revealed the source.

“Marchioness, may you be well,” Mrs. Wu greeted, leading her three daughters in a bow to Tang Shu Yi. Holding a fourth-rank imperial title, she was naturally obliged to bow first to Tang Shu Yi, who was of the first rank.

Lady Tang Shuyi would not allow for a grand gesture of respect; as Madame Wu slightly bent her body, Lady Tang smiled, walked over, helped her up, and then proceeded to shower the three Wu daughters with compliments.

After being seated in the room, Lady Tang beckoned Wu Jingyun to her side and inquired about her health. Wu Jingyun replied with a smile, "I appreciate your concern, I've recovered quite well."

However, at this moment, Madame Wu interjected, "Jingyun has always been frail since childhood. Since her recent fall into the water, she frequently suffers from various ailments, which truly pains my heart."

Hearing her words, Lady Tang's eyes slightly dimmed, then taking Wu Jingyun's hand, she advised, "Girls are generally delicate. Regular nourishment should help. But what's more important is to keep a positive spirit.

You see, I used to dwell on the past, and the more I did, the more depressed I became, and it took a toll on my health. Eventually, I realized that whether the past was good or bad, it's behind me. Dwelling on it would only make my present worse. So, I stopped. Now, I only look forward, and my health has improved considerably."