Lu Shi's tone was sincere, and everything he said was true, without a shred of falsehood.
"Go back and tell Ling Mohan that this prince thanks him for his thoughtfulness."
Chu Chenyi almost gritted his teeth as he forced out the words.
"Your Highness, my young general also said that he did it to help Your Highness, and Your Highness need not thank him."
Lu Shi continued to relay Ling Mohan's words. The young general was truly prescient, guessing what Prince Jing would say.
Chu Chenyi's lips twitched uncontrollably. His face grew even more somber, and he suppressed the anger in his heart. "You may return with your report!"
"Your subordinate takes his leave." Lu Shi cupped his hands and retreated.
...
"This hairpin isn't pretty. Wear this peony hairpin; it matches your outfit better."
Feng Jin picked up the peony hairpin from the table and slanted it into Ling Wan's hair, nodding with satisfaction.
"Sister-in-law, this peony hairpin is too ostentatious. I'd rather wear this one."
Although the peony hairpin was beautiful, it was too eye-catching. Ling Wan felt the pure silver filigree hairpin was more suitable.
"This one is too plain. You should dress up more at your age." Feng Jin genuinely felt the peony hairpin suited Ling Wan better.
One should dress appropriately for their age. She was in her prime, like a blooming flower, and should not dress so plainly every day.
"The color of this lip rouge is too light. Use this... Cai Qing, go and fetch the pearl and coral earrings from my dressing table and give them to Second Miss. And this outer garment, bring that lake-blue Suzhou embroidery outer garment..."
After Feng Jin's ministrations, Ling Wan was like a different person.
"Excellent, excellent..."
Feng Jin rested her chin on her hand, her gaze moving back and forth over Ling Wan, a smile of satisfaction on her face.
Ling Wan's appearance was already top-notch, but she had always dressed too plainly, concealing her beauty.
Now, after Feng Jin's makeover, her advantageous features were fully displayed, making her look several times more radiant than before.
"I always thought Second Miss dressed too plainly, but I never expected she could look so stunning when dressed up today. She's even more beautiful than Feng Ruoyan."
Cai Qing's astonishment was unconcealed. In the past, Cai Qing would never have imagined Ling Wan could be so beautiful.
Ling Wan also looked at herself in the mirror with surprise. Was this really her? Could she truly be this beautiful?
"Sister-in-law, is this really okay?"
She had never dressed so beautifully in her life, yet she felt uncomfortable all over. Would people gossip if she went out like this?
"Of course, it's fine. You look beautiful." Feng Jin looked at Ling Wan, finding her current appearance increasingly pleasing.
"However, there are still some things that aren't quite right..."
Feng Jin kept looking at Ling Wan, surveying her from head to toe. After a moment, she seemed to realize what was wrong and stepped forward to gently straighten Ling Wan's posture.
"That's more like it. What a posture for someone your age, stooping and hunching. You must stand tall with your chest out; that's how you exude elegance."
A stooped and hunched posture always made one seem to lack a certain grace. After some correction, it improved.
"Alright, time is almost up. It's not good to be late."
Feng Jin, keeping track of the time, pulled Ling Wan into the carriage and headed towards the polo match at Marquis Wenchang's estate.
"Today's polo match is the first of spring. The grass has all grown, and the flowers are in full bloom, vying for beauty. The scenery is truly magnificent."
Feng Jin observed her surroundings. It had to be said that the venue chosen for the polo match was excellent, surrounded by mountains on three sides with small bridges and flowing water. The scenery was truly unique.
This place would be ideal for building a manor. Planting some fruit trees... Feng Jin's heart fluttered at the thought.
She would inquire properly another day to see if she could buy this land and build a manor.
"Young Madam Ling, my mistress heard that Young Madam was gracing us with her presence and specifically sent this old servant to welcome Madam." The approaching old woman was dressed in luxurious attire, appearing to be a personal嬷嬷 (nanny/attendant) of a noble lady.
"Thank you,嬷嬷, for leading the way."
"Young Madam, Miss, please come this way." The嬷嬷 stepped forward to escort Feng Jin and her party.
"Madam, Young Madam Ling has arrived."
The嬷嬷 stood outside the gauze curtain and reported respectfully.
A kind and rather hearty voice emanated from within the gauze curtain, "Quickly bring them in."
"Young Madam, please."
A maidservant standing inside the gauze curtain lifted it. Feng Jin's sharp eyes peered into the tent, noticing the dazzling brilliance of the pure gold hairpin adorning the noblewoman's head.
As she moved closer, Feng Jin could finally see the woman's face clearly.
She appeared to be around forty years old but was well-preserved, with few visible wrinkles.
"So this is the Young Madam Ling. Seeing you in person is truly remarkable, far beyond mere hearsay."
The one speaking from the main seat was the host of the polo match, Madam Wenchang Hou, née Ye.
"You flatter me, Madam." Feng Jin's tone was quite modest.
Madam Ye surveyed Feng Jin, and her gaze eventually settled on Ling Wan beside her, a flash of astonishment crossing her eyes.
"And who is this?"
Feng Jin raised her eyelids and glanced at Ling Wan, immediately understanding. "Madam, this is my younger sister, Ling Wan."
As soon as she spoke, Feng Jin gestured with her eyes for Ling Wan to step forward.
"Greetings, Madam." Ling Wan took a step forward and curtsied.
"What beautiful features! Why have I never seen you before?"
She recognized most of the ladies in the capital, yet no matter how hard she racked her brain, she couldn't recall any impression of Ling Wan.
"This Miss Ling is merely a concubine-born daughter. Madam has only ever met noble嫡女 (daughters of the principal wife) before, so naturally, she wouldn't recognize this Miss Ling."
The one speaking was Madam Wang, the wife of General Cheqi. She was once a simple village woman who, thanks to her husband's military achievements, was granted the title of General Cheqi, truly elevating her status. Madam Wang's social standing was now vastly different from what it was before.
Having suddenly entered the circles of noble ladies, Madam Wang had not shed her habit of being a gossipy village woman.
With nothing else to do, she would often stir up trouble with her words. Seizing upon Ling Wan's identity this time was typical of Madam Wang's style.
Ling Wan was most sensitive about her status as a concubine-born daughter, especially when it was openly stated in front of these noble ladies. Ling Wan felt her face flush a deep red and lowered her head even further.
Feng Jin's eyes narrowed, and she pushed Ling Wan's back forcefully, compelling her to lift her head and stand tall.
"You must remember, if you look down on yourself, others will look down on you even more. Ling Wan, lift your head!"