Song Chaoyu wore a water-pink, auspicious-tasseled skirt gifted by her grandmother. The skirt’s color was charming yet understated. She wore a felt flower on her head, personally made by Liu Shi Niang, which made Song Chaoyu look fresh and radiant.
However, it wasn't the attire of the three Song daughters that caught everyone's attention, but rather Song Xiuxiu—
Song Xiuxiu was a concubine-born young lady from Jiangzhou. There were many colors and patterns that the legitimate daughters could use, but she could not.
But her attire today could be described as exceptionally ingenious.
She had adopted the style that Song Yanjiao should have, dressing herself with a touch of ethereal grace.
Today, she wore a pale lilac dress adorned with floral patterns, its flowing hem complemented by a moon-white, sheer trailing veil.
Her long, dark hair cascaded down her back, styled in a simple "fallen horse" bun.
Fresh magnolia flowers were pinned to her hair, accented with green feathers and tassels.
She was naturally more delicate than Song Yanjiao, and due to her consistently poor health, her complexion was rather pale.
Yet, standing behind everyone at this moment, she exuded a fragile, willow-like grace.
Not to mention any man, even Song Chaoyu, a woman, felt a surge of affection for Song Xiuxiu.
Although her style of dress did not overstep the rules of legitimacy and concubinage, it was remarkably similar to Song Yanjiao's attire.
It was not enough to steal Song Yanjiao's thunder, but it was sufficient to draw everyone's gaze to her, with some even inquiring about which family she belonged to and why she had never been seen in the capital before.
Song Yanjiao always maintained a dignified facade in public, so her expression did not change due to Song Xiuxiu's attire.
Instead, the First Madam kept glaring at Song Xiuxiu. However, the pale lilac satin of Song Xiuxiu's dress was sent by the First Madam herself. In a way, by making this dress, Song Xiuxiu had given the First Madam a sense of propriety, leaving her with no recourse but to accept the situation, and she and her daughter could only suffer this silent loss.
As guests began to arrive, Song Yanjiao, under the guise of "attending to guests," distanced herself from Song Xiuxiu.
Today, men and women were seated together. Although everyone adhered to the rules, Song Xiuxiu walked over to Song Chaoyu and quietly asked, "Fourth Sister, let me ask you. Which one is the eldest son of the Lin family who is to be engaged to Second Sister?"
As in her previous life, was she planning to "make a move" on Lin Muyang?
Song Chaoyu pointed to Lin Muyang, who was standing among the guests, talking to others. "It's him. What are you going to do, Sister?"
Song Xiuxiu appraised Lin Muyang from head to toe, a hint of admiration appearing in her eyes. "He appears to be a learned and refined young gentleman. How can his taste be so poor?"
With that, she picked up a cup of flower juice brought by a nearby maid and walked towards Lin Muyang.
Song Chaoyu kept her eyes fixed on Song Xiuxiu. She saw Song Xiuxiu gracefully approach Lin Muyang, point to Song Yanjiao, and say something that made Lin Muyang smile gently at Song Xiuxiu.
Then Song Xiuxiu handed the flower juice to Lin Muyang, who, smiling, said something else before drinking it all in one go.
Song Xiuxiu casually took the empty cup from Lin Muyang, curtsied like a young lady, said something else to Lin Muyang, and then turned to leave.
Song Xiuxiu did not look back after turning away, but Song Chaoyu saw it clearly.
Lin Muyang's gaze followed Song Xiuxiu until she reached Song Chaoyu's side, only then did he retract his gaze.
Song Xiuxiu's eyes held a bright smile. Song Chaoyu couldn't help but step forward curiously. "What did you say to that eldest young master Lin, Cousin? He seemed quite happy!"
Song Xiuxiu chuckled, covering her mouth. "I told him that Second Sister asked me to send it to him. It's hot today, and there are many people in the mansion. Second Sister is unable to attend to everyone properly, so please forgive her."
If it were in the past, Song Chaoyu would not have detected the hidden meaning in her words.
Now, she lowered her gaze and smiled.
Song Xiuxiu had made it clear to Lin Muyang that it was Song Yanjiao who had neglected him, but Song Xiuxiu had thought of him! Truly a clever stratagem. Although Lin Muyang was a top young master in the capital, how could he have encountered a woman like Song Xiuxiu?
Moreover, Song Xiuxiu's words left Lin Muyang with no room for criticism.
If, in the future, Song Yanjiao were to trouble Song Xiuxiu over these words, in Lin Muyang's eyes, he would only find Song Yanjiao petty. He might even feel that Song Xiuxiu was speaking up for Song Yanjiao, yet she didn't appreciate it.
It was no wonder that in her previous life, Lin Muyang had been completely controlled by Song Xiuxiu.
It seemed that this life would be no different.
—
Today, everyone had come to the Song residence to celebrate Song Jiayang's recovery.
Therefore, the Song residence was filled with congratulatory voices.
However, no one had expected that amidst these congratulations, a eunuch's shout would suddenly be heard from outside: "His Highness Prince Chang has arrived—"
Mu Changxi was here!?
The rose sweet wine Song Chaoyu was holding trembled.
A bit of the sweet wine spilled onto the back of Song Chaoyu's hand, feeling cool.
Everyone turned towards the entrance and saw Prince Chang's sedan chair stopped at the gate. Eunuchs were carefully moving his wooden wheelchair from the sedan chair.
Even Song Yuan looked surprised and asked the First Madam beside him, "I recall we didn't send an invitation to Prince Chang this time! I didn't send invitations to any royalty regarding Yang'er's recovery. How did His Highness Prince Chang arrive?"
Song Yuan was both surprised and delighted. The First Madam's eyes also lit up with joy. "It proves that His Highness Prince Chang intends to befriend our Yang'er! Prince Chang is currently favored by the Emperor. His coming is a good thing!"
Song Yuan and the First Madam went forward to greet him. Song Yuan, who prided himself on being a man of integrity, showed a hint of fawning in his eyes when facing Mu Changxi. "Your humble servant welcomes His Highness Prince Chang!"
Mu Changxi arrived in his wooden wheelchair, its wheels making a rumbling sound on the ground.
His eyes were light, and his tone was calm as he waved to Song Yuan. "Lord Song, there is no need for such formality. I have come uninvited today. I hope I have not disturbed your pleasant gathering."
Song Yuan quickly shook his head. "Of course not! Your Highness Prince Chang's presence honors our humble abode."
This was the first time Song Chaoyu had seen her father fawn over someone so much.
It seemed that Prince Chang was indeed highly favored by the Emperor.
It was rumored that recently, the Emperor had been visiting the noble consort more frequently.
Who in this vast capital didn't know their esteemed status?
Yet, everyone also knew that, unfortunately... Prince Chang was disabled.