Free Web NovelChapter 49: Chapter 40: A Parasol Tree at Home Attracts a Phoenix
The light green blouse and skirt, embroidered with a sprig pattern, were simple but had a unique, fresh elegance. Song Yunzhao’s face was so striking that clothes like these helped to tone down her piercing beauty.
"This will do."
Qiancao opened the makeup chest to select hair ornaments. She chose a pair of Eight Treasure Lucky Cloud Pattern Silver Hairpins and a pair of Ruyi pattern with red gemstone hairpins. The rubies were small and not very eye-catching. The silver hairpins were too plain, but the accent of the rubies made them presentable.
Jiangxiang picked up a comb and began to carefully style her mistress’s hair. The jet-black, smooth locks were docile and obedient in her hands as she coiffed them. Unmarried girls could not wear their hair in a full bun, so the hair at the back was braided and left to hang down her back.
Once she was ready, Song Yunzhao took a look in the mirror and was quite satisfied. ’Low-key, low-key. I just have to make it to the final round. If I can get a marriage bestowed upon me, it’ll be perfect.’
Song Yunzhao led her maids toward the main hall in the front courtyard of the Song Mansion. She was neither early nor late, happening to meet Song Yexi right at the entrance. Song Jinxuan arrived right after, followed by Song Lirong, Song Hongjiao, and Song Yunmei from the eldest branch. The group exchanged greetings before entering the hall, chatting and laughing.
The vast reception hall was tidy and clean. Several pots of fresh flowers were arranged on the windowsills, their faint fragrance filling the room.
Song Yexi was also dressed quite modestly today. Noticing that Yun Zhao was the same, she couldn’t help but exchange a smile with her.
Song Jinxuan watched them from the side and said slowly, "Ms. Xi, Third Sister, you must be careful in all things during the selection. I’ll be waiting at the mansion for your good news."
"Thank you, Xuan. I’ll take your good wishes." Song Yexi laughed heartily. She knew that with Song Yunzhao around, she was just a foil. But her mother was right—it was a good opportunity to gain some experience. If she could make it to the end before being eliminated, it would raise her value in future marriage prospects.
Seeing Song Yexi’s expression, a thought struck Song Yunzhao. ’It seems my previous intuition was correct. The First Madam is helping me so much because she’s already prepared for Song Yexi’s elimination.’
’You have to give some to get some, and she knows when to advance and when to retreat. The First Madam is truly no ordinary woman.’
’In any case, someone like Mrs. Cai would never do such a thing.’
Soon, Mrs. Cai arrived with Song Qinghan. Song Yunzhao rose with the others to greet them, then sat down decisively as soon as Mrs. Cai was seated.
Mrs. Cai saw Song Yunzhao’s behavior and grit her teeth, choosing to ignore her. Instead, she turned to Song Yexi and spoke with great affability.
Song Jinxuan had never been favored by Mrs. Cai, so she thought nothing of it. Song Qinghan’s eyes, however, were fixed on Song Yunzhao. They hadn’t seen each other for several days, and it seemed to her that her younger sister had grown even more beautiful.
Song Qinghan sometimes felt it was unfair. They were both daughters of the same parents, so why was Song Yunzhao born so much more beautiful than her? ’If I had a face like Song Yunzhao’s, would I even need to worry about this selection?’
Song Yunzhao could feel Song Qinghan’s gaze on her, but she refused to look back. ’With people like her, the more you acknowledge them, the more they act up. Today is an auspicious day to set out for the selection; I don’t want to invite any bad luck.’ ƒгeewebnovёl.com
The First Madam was the last to arrive. She entered with a smile, saying, "Something came up at the carriage house, so I’m a little late."
Mrs. Cai faced the First Madam’s brilliant, almost piercing smile, and her own expression nearly faltered. "Eldest Sister-in-law is a busy woman these days. It’s no matter if you’re a bit late, as long as the children aren’t delayed."
Hearing Mrs. Cai’s words, the First Madam’s smile became even more composed. "Third Sister-in-law, you needn’t worry. Even if some shortsighted person tries to cause trouble, I am more than capable of handling it."
After speaking, the First Madam paid no more mind to the blockhead Mrs. Cai. She turned to Song Qinghan, Song Yexi, and Song Yunzhao and said, "You are daughters of the Song Family. No matter what unpleasantness you may have between you as sisters at home, once you step out this door, you are family, sharing one ancestor and one name. As your First Aunt, I hope you will support one another. Regardless of the outcome of this selection, your family will be here waiting for you."
As the eldest of the sisters present, Song Qinghan smiled and said, "Please don’t worry, First Aunt. I will take good care of my two younger sisters."
The First Madam smiled. "I am relieved to hear you say that."
Song Yexi scoffed inwardly. ’I wouldn’t dare entrust myself to Song Qinghan. She’d probably skin me alive and sell my bones.’
"Mother, don’t worry. I will take good care of Little Sister Zhao," Song Yexi said with a smile, gently pulling Song Yunzhao forward.
Song Yunzhao also put on an obedient smile. "First Aunt, I won’t cause any trouble for the family."
The First Madam nodded in satisfaction, then glanced back at Mrs. Cai. "Third Sister-in-law, is there anything else you wish to say? If not, let’s have the children be on their way. We mustn’t be late."
Mrs. Cai wanted to give Song Qinghan a few private instructions, but with the First Madam standing right there, she couldn’t. She could only say perfunctorily, "Our Song Mansion is not among the highest-ranking or most noble in the Capital City. You sisters must be careful when you are out and act with caution."
Song Yunzhao lowered her head to avoid looking at Mrs. Cai’s hypocritical face. She heard Song Qinghan agree, "Mother, don’t worry. I will be careful with my two younger sisters."
"Then let’s go," the First Madam said.
For this trip, the First Madam personally escorted them to Jincui Garden.
Jincui Garden was the location for this year’s selection. To be honest, Song Yunzhao was actually looking forward to it.
Back when she was reading the book, she had felt that while the author’s portrayal of the female lead was... hard to describe, the scenery in the book was truly beautiful. Jincui Garden, in particular, was a frequent site for high-stakes drama during the selection—the perfect place for watching the drama unfold while enjoying the view.
Having transmigrated here, if she didn’t come see it for herself, it would be a disservice to the author’s lavish, poetic praise. ƒгeeweɓn૦vel.com
Jincui Garden was part of the Imperial Palace, yet also separate from it. You could say it was the Emperor’s private garden, located right next to the palace grounds. It was used for elegant events like the selection, a place where one could appreciate both the scenery and the beautiful candidates. ’How delightful for the mind and soul.’
The Song Mansion was located rather far from Jincui Garden; the carriage ride took half an hour. The roads of the Imperial City were straight and smooth, making the journey a comfortable one.
Song Yunzhao disembarked from the carriage, supported by Jiangxiang’s hand. Jiangxiang was very worried. "Miss, from here on, you must go in alone. We servants cannot accompany you. You must be careful with everything."
"Don’t worry." Song Yunzhao wasn’t some sheltered young lady who had never left home. In her past life, while she couldn’t say she’d traveled the whole world, she had certainly been to many places.
Seeing her mistress’s carefree attitude, Jiangxiang, far from being reassured, grew even more worried.
Song Yunzhao didn’t register her trusted maid’s deep concern and walked quickly to the First Madam, who had also just stepped out of her carriage. "First Aunt."
The First Madam was frowning slightly. The line of carriages from various families ahead of them seemed to stretch on endlessly.
’A traffic jam. To think I’d get a chance to experience this again after coming here.’
Song Yunzhao found it rather amusing.
At that moment, Song Qinghan and Song Yexi also came over. Song Yexi looked utterly astonished. She looked at Yun Zhao and whispered, "There are so many carriages!"
She hadn’t been nervous before, but at this moment, Song Yexi suddenly felt a surge of anxiety.
