### Chapter 3: The Art of Coquetry

### Chapter 3: The Art of Coquetry

Turning her head, Fan Xueyao felt secretly satisfied. As expected, the sister-in-law she had personally chosen was indeed of good character and could keep her composure. It was good that there was no resentment in her heart; it didn't go to waste the effort she had put into speaking well of her in front of her mother.

The group soon arrived at the main house, where they heard laughter and joy from inside.

A group of maidservants greeted Li Rong with smiles as she led the group of women and servants forward. "Madam, you're here. Just now, Old Madam was mentioning you, and here you are." They vied to lift the door curtain, revealing the splendid decorations inside. The room was filled with dazzling objects, making one's eyes dazzle. The maidservant reported, "Madam is here."

As Fan Xueyao and the others entered the room, they saw several elegantly dressed ladies and young misses looking towards the door, their expressions varied. A few children, hiding behind their mothers, winked at Fan Xueyao.

Upon entering the parlor, a fragrant scent wafted towards them.

Fan Xueyao took a deep breath.

Old Madam Fan suffered from heart problems, so incense was always burning in the room. Although incense was an expensive luxury in this era, beyond the reach of commoners, Fan Xueyao found its spicy scent unpleasant. She never burned incense in her own room, preferring to use seasonal flowers and fruits to freshen the air, which felt more natural and less overwhelming.

Li Rong stepped forward with a smile and clasped her hands, saying, "Mother, I'm sorry for being late."

"Eldest Sister, you're really late today. Not to criticize you, but among us, it's fine if you're late, but being late when visiting Old Madam is not appropriate. Both our families have been here for a while, and we know it's unintentional, but others might think you're getting arrogant because your Fourth Daughter is about to enter the palace selection."

Lu Shi, sitting beside Old Madam Fan, spoke in a sarcastic tone. She was the Second Lady, and although she entered the family around the same time as Li Rong, her status was vastly different due to having a second son. Li Rong naturally took over the household management, while Lu Shi had to rely on communal funds for everything, even being questioned by the steward when trying to buy extra items. Thus, Lu Shi had always disliked Li Rong.

In the past, when Li Rong was not favored by her husband, Lu Shi felt pleased and consoled herself that Li Rong's control over the household didn't matter since her husband still favored the concubines. But later, something changed, and Fan Minghui started favoring Li Rong again, ignoring his previous favorites. Lu Shi couldn't understand why Li Rong, an older woman, could regain her husband's affection.

"Look at what Second Sister-in-Law is saying. I was just busy arranging matters for Yao'er, hence the delay. Mother hasn't said anything. For over ten years, I've never missed a day of morning and evening visits. Why would I be criticized now? If you know me, you'd understand you're doing this out of kindness. If you don't, you might think you're jealous that my Fourth Daughter is going to the palace selection." Li Rong replied calmly, smiling. Seeing Lu Shi's face turn red with anger, she felt secretly pleased.

Lu Shi and she had never gotten along. In the past, Lu Shi's barbs about her husband's favoritism used to hurt, but now, with a loving husband and capable children, Lu Shi's words were like water off a duck's back. However, she hadn't forgotten the past slights and relished seeing Lu Shi flustered.

Lu Shi's eyes widened, her face turning red with anger. "I'm jealous of you? Whether she'll be selected or not—"

"Enough! What nonsense are you spouting!" Old Madam Fan suddenly interrupted, glaring at Lu Shi. This Second Daughter-in-Law was truly clumsy! Old Madam Fan cursed inwardly, then hurriedly recited "Amitabha," praying for good fortune. Fourth Daughter was a gem, destined for great wealth and honor...

"Fourth Daughter, come to Grandmother." Old Madam Fan said kindly, her face full of affection.

Hearing her silent prayer, Fan Xueyao shuddered slightly. While she was used to compliments about her beauty, hearing an old lady call her a "gem" gave her goosebumps. Seeing the usually haughty Old Madam smiling at her made her even more uncomfortable.

What was this old lady thinking? Just moments ago, she let Lu Shi criticize her mother, yet now she was acting as if nothing happened. Did she really think she was a naive girl who couldn't see through pretenses?

Though she silently criticized Old Madam Fan's opportunism and quick change of face, Fan Xueyao kept her expression neutral, gracefully walking towards Old Madam Fan. Her demeanor was delicate and charming, giving no hint of her inner thoughts. She was always adept at maintaining the right expression, a natural actress.

Old Madam Fan pulled Fan Xueyao close. At fifteen, she was like a budding flower, her small face blooming with beauty, her almond-shaped eyes sparkling with a subtle allure. Truly a beauty in the making.

Examining her closely, Old Madam Fan grew increasingly pleased. Despite her eldest daughter-in-law's shortcomings, this granddaughter was truly exceptional. With such beauty, how could she not be favored in the palace?

Old Madam Fan's wrinkled face broke into a smile, asking kindly, "My dear, how is your study of poetry and literature? Have you been learning etiquette from your aunt?"

This "aunt" wasn't Fan Xueyao's real aunt but a former palace official hired by Li Rong to teach her court etiquette.

"Grandmother, I recently finished reading *The Literary Mind and the Carving of Dragons*. My teacher was quite satisfied with my progress. I've also been diligently learning etiquette from Aunt, without any slack," Fan Xueyao replied calmly. Though not truly moved by Old Madam Fan's kindness, she maintained a composed demeanor, neither too cold nor too eager.

Old Madam Fan, whose father was merely a minor official, had little understanding of literature. Hearing *The Literary Mind and the Carving of Dragons*, she nodded approvingly, praising Fan Xueyao's intelligence.

Old Madam Fan wanted to show her affection for Fan Xueyao, hoping she would remember it after becoming a royal consort. However, her display of favoritism irked another granddaughter.

"Grandma, you always say Xiufang is smart. Why do you ignore her when Fourth Sister is here?"

Fan Xueyao looked over and saw a girl leaning against Old Madam Fan, pouting and cooing. This girl, named Xiufang, was the legitimate daughter of the Third House. Though four years younger than Fan Xueyao, she was already dressed in fine silk and adorned with gold and silver, her face lightly powdered. Without considering her age, one might mistake her for a young maiden.

Despite being from the Third House, Xiufang was favored by Old Madam Fan because her father was her beloved youngest son. She received special treatment, dressing better than her sisters and developing a somewhat arrogant personality. However, she knew her privilege came from her grandmother's favor and acted like a spoiled granddaughter, always seeking attention.

Fan Xueyao knew Xiufang was deliberately interrupting, as they had never gotten along. Xiufang envied her beauty, feeling inferior despite her efforts to enhance her appearance. Fan Xueyao's natural beauty contrasted sharply with Xiufang's efforts, causing her frustration.

In the past, Fan Xueyao found Xiufang annoying, with her constant jealousy and petty criticisms. Today, however, Xiufang's attempt to compete for attention indirectly relieved her from Old Madam Fan's scrutiny. So, she remained silent, letting Xiufang take center stage.

Old Madam Fan, not truly valuing a granddaughter, habitually embraced Xiufang, tapping her forehead playfully. "You naughty girl, Grandma has pampered you all these years, and you're jealous of a little conversation with your sisters."

Xiufang snuggled closer, pouting, "Grandma only pays attention to Fourth Sister and ignores me..."

Saying this in a sweet voice, she glanced at Fan Xueyao triumphantly, signaling that Grandma still favored her. No matter how beautiful and intelligent Fan Xueyao was, she couldn't match her coquetry.

However, to her disappointment, Fan Xueyao's face showed no signs of disappointment or envy. Instead, she smiled and winked at Xiufang.