Chapter 61

First Time Gathering (1)

T/N: Chapter (2/2) sponsored by Rika! Thank you for sponsoring! This chapter is rather fun, MC making some new friends. Also this will be split into 5 parts too, I think all the chapters in the second arc are probably around the same length so just a.s.sume they’ll all be split into 5 parts. I want to try to get through this chapter quickly since ML comes back at end of next chapter, though he doesn’t fully show up until the following chapter. I’m really missing his interactions with MC.

“You bring her? Pfft, aren’t you overestimating yourself too much?” Du Ke Hui looked to Du Xiao Li’s calm face, as if those words weren’t said by her, and instantly burst into laughter.

“Third sister, the people going tomorrow are all young ladies and young masters of status, bringing fifth sister along isn’t suitable.” Du Ke Xin said.

“Isn’t she our fifth sister? What’s there to be inconvenient about?” Du Xiao Li said.

“Enough, Ke Xin, tomorrow, bring Xue Qi along too.” Du Yun Han spoke, making the decision final.

“Master, it’s better to not let Xue Qi go.” Third yiniang looked to Du Yun Han and said.

“It’s fine. Besides, Xue Qi is already this big, and no matter what she is also my daughter. Even if she’s shu born, her status is still n.o.bler than others, why can’t she go? Alright, this matter is settled.” Du Yun Han said.

Hearing Du Yun Han’s a.s.sertive tone, everyone all stopped speaking about this topic. The atmosphere at the table was also not as harmonious as before.

During the latter half of the meal, Du Ke Xin continuously shot her glares, but Du Xiao Li directly ignored her. If looks could kill, then she would’ve already died more than ten times in her past life.

“Thank you, third sister.” Du Xue Qi sweetly smiled at Du Xiao Li.

“No need to thank.” Du Xiao Li patted Du Xue Qi’s hand, “Continue eating.”

“Big sister, after eating, can I go look for you?” Du Xue Qi asked, blinking her large eyes.

“Xue Qi, after eating, it’ll already be very late. Your third sister needs to rest, don’t go bothering her.” Third yiniang said.

“But I heard father say big sister’s courtyard has wolves, I want to go see what wolves look like.” Du Xue Qi said with a pout.

As soon as third yiniang heard Du Xue Qi wanted to go see wolves, she panicked and directly said, “No.”

“Big sister’s courtyard is still somewhat messy, and it’s also somewhat late tonight. How about this, later when there’s time, come over to big sister’s courtyard then.” Du Xiao Li said.

“Okay. Then, later when I have time, I’ll go.” Du Xue Qi obediently said.

“This fifth miss seems quite intimate with third miss, unlike before, where she’s usually very quiet. Could it be because their births are more or less the same?” At this time, fifth yiniang spoke in a strange tone.

(T/N: Omg I just found the idiot one of the concubines.)

Du Ke Xin and Du Ke Hui inwardly snickered, while Du Yun Han directly slapped the table, berating her, “Shut your mouth!”

Third yiniang’s complexion turned somewhat ugly and got up, “Master, I feel slightly unwell, and will return first.”

“En, go back and rest then.” Du Yun Han looked to third yiniang, his tone softening quite a bit.

Third yiniang curtsied towards everyone and directly left.

“No matter what, Xie Yu still entered before you, no sense of manners. In the next ten days, just stay in your courtyard and properly reflect on yourself! Hmph!” After Du Yun Han finished saying this, he too got up and left.

Du Xiao Li looked to Du Yun Han’s angry appearance, feeling somewhat suspicious inside. This Xie Yu should be third yiniang’s name. Fifth yiniang’s words were indeed unpleasant, but why did Du Yun Han get that angry?

After dinner, Du Xiao Li returned to her courtyard and had Ying Ge called over.

“Ying Ge, go investigate third yiniang’s background.” Du Xiao Li said.

“Third yiniang? Why does miss want to investigate her?” Ying Ge asked in confusion.

“I noticed my father’s att.i.tude towards third yiniang seems somewhat strange. While you’re at it, have fourth yiniang and fifth yiniang investigated too.” Du Xiao Li was still thinking about Du Yun Han’s att.i.tude at the time, as well as Xie Yu’s reaction, feeling there was definitely something in the middle.

“Yes, miss.” Ying Ge complied.

At this time, Xia Yuan came in carrying a pile of clothes, saying: “Miss, which outfit are you going to wear out tomorrow?”

“It’s just a bunch of official families’ young masters and young ladies gathering, what are you doing bring over this many clothes? Just randomly pick one.” Du Xiao Li said, afterwards reached into the pile and randomly fished out a dress, saying: “Alright, this one.”

“Miss, this one looks too monotone.” Xia Yuan somewhat disproved.

The outfit Du Xiao Li picked was the most inconspicuous in both style and color of the pile. If she goes out wearing this one, will she get laughed at by the others?

“Miss’s clothes are all made for her by someone hired by young master Luo Qi. Even if it’s this one, it’s still something that others can’t even imagine.” Ying Ge said.

“Alright, we’ve been busy all day today, prepare to take a bath and then go to sleep.” Du Xiao Li somewhat wearily said.

“Yes, the bath water has already been prepared.” Xia Yuan replied.

Du Xiao Li felt she’s now been too spoiled by the two of them. In the past, everything was all done by herself. But now, they even stress over her clothes.

After taking a bath, Du Xiao Li went to bed. Xia Yuan and Ying Ge were both kicked to bed by her. Today, the busiest was still those two girls. Although they both had martial arts skills, they would still feel weary.

Du Xiao Li sat on the bed, first circling her inner energy around her body three times. This was something she needed to do every night, only going to sleep after she finished.

Early next morning, Du Xiao Li got up. Right outside the back door of her courtyard was the riverside. She held onto Silver, while Xia Yuan held onto Gold, and the two leapt across the little river.

(T/N: I feel like a fully grown wolf would be just as big as her—-)

“Silver, it’s been hard on you two these days. Getting holed up in the horse carriage everyday must be very uncomfortable. Today, you two can let loose and run around. Go then.” Du Xiao Li patted Silver’s back, and Silver ran off. Seeing Silver run, Gold also followed over.

“Miss, it’s best you go back and prepare sooner, else you won’t have time later.” Xia Yuan reminded.

“What’s the hurry, it’s still this early right now. They won’t go this early.” Du Xiao Li said, “Xia Yuan, say, after we buy this land, what should we plant here?”

“Miss wants to plant something here?” Xia Yuan asked.

“I still haven’t decided.” Du Xiao Li said, “I’d planned on using it for Silver and them to play around in, but this looks too s.p.a.cious and empty, so why don’t we plant some things on top. However, planting trees and whatnot don’t seem too ideal.”

“Actually, it’s perfectly fine like this right now. Once we have the place fenced in, it’ll look different.” Xia Yuan said.

“En, you’re right. Once father has this place bought, find someone to have this place fenced in. In the future, Silver and them can just directly live here and don’t need to squeeze into that small courtyard. Whenever I have time, I’ll bring them to stroll those mountains over there.” Du Xiao Li looked to the mountains in the distant. That place, Silver and them should like.

“Ah, there’s actually wolves!”

Just when Du Xiao Li and them were discussing about this fence, a voice suddenly came through.

“How come there are wolves here?” Another startled voice sounded. Looks like the two were both quite frightened.

“Neigh–”

“Ang—”

“Not good, the horses stopped!”

“Awoo….”

“Ah!”

Because Silver and Gold had already ran far ahead, hearing the clamor, Du Xiao Li and Xia Yuan quickly ran over. Before they even approached, they already saw two startled horses running over. On top, sat two young ladies.

“Ah, Liu Xia, what to do?” The young lady on the horse in front seemingly didn’t know martial arts. She called out to the person on horseback behind her in fear.

“Pull the reins and let the horse slow down, else I can’t catch up to you!” The girl in the back shouted.

“Ah—”

Having its reins pulled, the horse’s front hooves left the ground, and its entire body leaned backwards. The person on the horse got flung off and was about to land on the ground.

“Xia Yuan.” Du Xiao Li shouted.

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First Time Gathering (2)

Xia Yuan understood Du Xiao Li’s meaning. Taking a leapt, she very quickly flew onto the horse and caught the person midair, holding her by the waist and slowly landing on the ground.

“Seventh princess, seventh princess.” The horse in the back caught up. Not waiting for the horse to stop, she flew down from the horse, looking to the frightened person and saying: “Seventh princess, are you alright?”

“Liu Xia, I’m fine.”

Du Xiao Li went up and looked at the two of them. The slightly older one, about 16 years old, should be the current dynasty’s seventh princess, granted t.i.tle Princess Changle, Han Ming Xiang. The other one looked about 15 years old, don’t know which official family’s miss. The two were both wearing riding clothes, appearing to have specially come to ride horses.

“Who are you all? How come you’re here?” Seeing that Han Ming Xiang was fine, Ji Liu Xia looked to Du Xiao Li and Xia Yuan and asked.

“This subject, Du Xiao Li, greets Princess Changle.” Du Xiao Li plainly bowed to Han Ming Xiang.

“You recognize me?” Han Ming Xiang somewhat surprisingly looked to Du Xiao Li.

“Just now, heard this miss call you seventh princess.” Du Xiao Li explained.

“Oh. You’re from Prime Minister Du’s family?” Han Ming Xiang asked.

“My father is precisely Du Yun Han.” Du Xiao Li replied.

“Awooo—-”

Silver and Gold ran back, and towards the disturbance they caused just now, the two wolves didn’t seem concerned in the slightest. In fact, they were even rather happy.

“Seventh princess, be careful.” Ji Liu Xia stood in front of Han Ming Xiang, vigilantly staring at Silver. Right now, she wasn’t carrying a blade. Her only weapon was the whip in her hand. Don’t know if it will be able to handle these two wolves.

“Princess Changle fear not. Silver, Gold, go play farther away.” Du Xiao Li shouted at Silver who was running over.

“Awoo—” Silver called out toward Du Xiao Li, then took Gold and ran away again.

“They’re your pets?” Han Ming Xiang, seeing Silver running away, looked to Du Xiao Li in astonishment.

“Yes. Didn’t expect that you all would be riding horses here, and startled your horses, asking princess and this miss to please forgive.” Du Xiao Li said.

She really didn’t expect that someone would come here to ride horses this early, and she further didn’t expect that Silver would end up startling their horses. To have offended this princess, don’t know what will happen. Thinking of the other party’s ident.i.ty, she couldn’t help but sigh inwardly.

Unexpectedly, Han Ming Xiang instead understandingly smiled, saying: “This is also our first time coming to ride horses this early, so it can’t all be blamed on you. Previously, I’d already heard imperial brother say that the prime minister’s children were about to enter the capital, but never thought that we’d meet this soon. This is Great General Ji’s daughter, Ji Liu Xia.”

“Greetings Miss Ji.” Du Xiao Li nodded at Ji Liu Xia.

“Xiao Li, is that really your pet wolf?” Ji Liu Xia was also a rather simple-minded person. Since the other person didn’t purposefully collide with them, they didn’t need to continue clinging onto this issue.

“Yes. Silver, I’ve already raised for six years, Gold only came last year.” Du Xiao Li said.

“Keeping the wolves at your side, aren’t you afraid they might bite someone?” Han Ming Xiang asked.

“My family’s Silver, if not provoked, under normal circ.u.mstances, he won’t bite people. Just like earlier, they didn’t bite you two either.” Du Xiao Li said with a smile.

“Really won’t bite people?” Han Ming Xiang looked to the two wolves scampering off in the distance, still feeling somewhat scared inside.

“If Princess Changle is scared, I’ll let Xia Yuan take them back first.” Du Xiao Li said.

“Eh, No!” Han Ming Xiang stopped her, “I want to pet them, is that okay?”

“Seventh princess….” Ji Liu Xia disapprovingly shouted.

“I’ve never seen a wolf before, and further never touched one before. I want to see what they feel like. It’s fine.” Han Ming Xiang said, “Besides, you don’t want to pet?”

“Keh, ke.” Ji Liu Xia coughed twice. That glistening pair of eyes completely exposed her thoughts.

“Can I?” Han Ming Xiang turned and asked Du Xiao Li.

“Then, in a bit, don’t react too strongly. Else, Silver might get provoked and can’t be controlled.” Du Xiao Li said.

“Alright. We won’t.” Ji Liu Xia promised.

Du Xiao Li placed her right hand thumb and index finger into her mouth and blew once. Silver and Gold, who were currently playing in the distance, began running towards them. Coming to Du Xiao Li’s side, they happily circled around her legs.

Du Xiao Li first let Xia Yuan have Gold carried back, then crouched down and stroked Silver’s head, talking to him. Once Silver calmed down, she said to Han Ming Xiang and Ji Liu Xia, “Alright, you can come pet him now.”

Han Ming Xiang and Ji Liu Xia crouched down, copying Du Xiao Li’s appearance just now, as they stroked Silver’s back. Seeing that he really didn’t bite them, both happily began laughing.

At this time, Ying Ge came over from across the river and said to Du Xiao Li, “Miss, second miss sent someone over to call for you.”

“Aren’t we going over there at chen-hour (7am-9am), why did they come this early?” Du Xiao Li stood up, while Han Ming Xiang and Ji Liu Xia both retracted their hands too.

“Second miss says that she wants to go to Feng Xue Lou a little earlier, so to let miss go over sooner.” Ying Ge said.

“Later you’re also going together with Du Ke Xin to Feng Xue Luo?” Han Ming Xiang asked.

Du Xiao Li turned to Han Ming Xiang and said, “Yes, second sister said that since I’ve just arrived in the capital, she wants to take me to go look around. Then this subject will withdraw first.”

“Since you’re busy, just go back first then.” Han Ming Xiang said.

Du Xiao Li bowed to her and let Ying Ge carry Silver across the riverbank. Afterwards, she returned again to carry herself across.

Before entering the gate, Du Xiao Li turned and waved her hand at the two, before finally returning to her own courtyard.

Han Ming Xiang and Ji Liu Xia watched Du Xiao Li go in, before finally returning to their horses, pulling the reins and slowly walking away.

“This Du Xiao Li seems different from Du Ke Xin.” Ji Liu Xia said.

“She does rather give off that kind of very calm feeling, unlike Du Ki Xin, who’s like a flowery b.u.t.terfly flying everywhere all day.” Han Ming Xiang said, “Being at her side, makes one can’t help but relax.”

Ji Liu Xia nodded in agreement, “I heard she grew up in a village in the past, perhaps this is the reason why she’s different from Du Ke Xin.”

“Perhaps. Didn’t she say just now that she’ll be going to Feng Xue Luo’s banquet? Let’s also go.” Han Ming Xiang said.

“Ah? When we’d said we weren’t going, I’d already had the invitation ripped.” Ji Liu Xia somewhat embarra.s.singly said.

“I know you don’t get along with Du Ke Xin, but I didn’t expect that you would actually have the invitation card torn up too. Since it’s torn, it’s gone. Let’s go, later, just follow me. Let’s go back to your house first to change clothes.” With that said, Han Ming Xiang cracked the whip, and the horse quickly ran forward.

They were both wearing riding clothes and needed to go back to change into ordinary clothes.

“Jia*!” Ji Liu Xia also quickly followed after.

(*T/N: Sound used to spur the horse forward, similar meaning in telling the horse to go.)

By time Du Xiao Li returned to her courtyard, that servant girl that came to rush her had already left. Du Xiao Li went upstairs to change her clothes. Xia Yuan had her hair styled into a simple hairstyle, and then they headed to Du Ke Xin’s courtyard without putting on any makeup.

“Miss, third miss came.” A servant girl brought Du Xiao Li into Du Ke Xin’s room and said with a bow.

De Ke Xin was currently sitting before the dressing table. The servant girl had just fixed her up. She had her hair combed into the presently popular hairstyle, and on her forehead was a pink flower paste, setting off her fair white skin and making it appear more tender. She stood up. A long white dress wrapped around her body with a transparent muslin draped on the outside, fully displaying her exquisite and delicate figure. Worn on her neck was a cornelian necklace, and on her wrist, a cornelian bracelet. In addition to her refined facial features, she appeared very much pleasing to the eyes. As expected of one of the four beauties of the capital.

The four beauties of the capital, one was the emperor’s seventh younger sister, Princess Changle, Han Ming Xiang. One was Qing w.a.n.g Manor’s junzhu*, Han Zi Yi. One was Prime Minister Du’s daughter, Du Ke Xin, and one was Cabinet Minister Fu’s granddaughter Fu Ya Lan. These four not only were beautiful, but also were all skilled in the four arts. Although each had their own expertise, their reputations were all similarly resounding.

(*T/N: junzhu are daughters of w.a.n.gs; translates similarily to princess but princess in imperial china specifically only refers to the daughters of the emperor.)

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First Time Gathering (3)

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Du Ke Xin saw that Du Xiao Li was only wearing a simple green long dress, and on her whole body, there was only the simple white jade hairpin in her hair. She couldn’t help but frown, saying: “Third sister, why didn’t you properly dress up?”

Du Xiao Li lowered her head and looked at her own clothes. Was there a problem with this?

“Right now there isn’t time for you to change either.” Du Ke Xin took out a necklace from her own case and put it on for Du Xiao Li, saying: “It’s much better like this. Alright, fourth brother and fifth sister are already waiting for us outside, let’s quickly go out.”

With that said, Du Ke Xin thus pulled along Du Xiao Li and headed out.

Outside the Du Manor gates, Du Ke Hui was already waiting on a horse, while Du Xiu Heng was below the horse thinking about something, and Du Xue Qi was also by the horse carriage constantly looking inside the gate.

“Third sister, can you and Xue Qi ride in one carriage? In a while, on the road, I have to instruct Xiao Cui and them on the things to take care of at Feng Xue Luo. So….” Du Ke Xin looked to Du Xiao Li with a troubled look. But without waiting for Du Xiao Li to reply, she turned and got on the horse carriage in front.

Xiao Cui and another servant girl Xiao Yue followed on after her. The horse carriage wasn’t big to begin with. If Du Xiao Li sat together with her, then it would appear very crowded. But that way, Du Xiao Li would need to sit in the back horse carriage and follow behind Du Ke Xin’s horse carriage. The implications within, it goes without saying!

Since ancient times, it has always been the di in front, shu in back. Du Ke Xin was also just bullying Du Xiao Li for growing up in a village and not knowing these.

Du Xiao Li brought along Xia Yuan, while Du Xue Qi brought along a servant girl Lan Zhi, and got on the horse carriage. The horse carriage then headed towards Feng Xue Luo.

“Third sister, in the morning, I heard wolf cries. Is that your wolves crying out?” In horse carriage, Du Xue Qi gazed to Du Xiao Li with widened eyes.

“Should be.” Du Xiao Li said.

“Then tomorrow, can I go see them?” Du Xue Qi asked.

“Yes.” Du Xiao Li replied.

“Thank you third sister.” Du Xue Qi said and smiled at Du Xiao Li, then lowered her head, no longer speaking, remaining quiet all the way until they reached Feng Xue Luo.

Du Xiao Li observed Du Xue Qi, discovering that she was vastly different from children her age, only quietly sitting there, and nothing like how a child should be.

As expected, she just as taciturn as they said.

The horse carriage quickly traveled along the route and a quarter of an hour later, they arrived at a wealthy district, should be the capital’s business district. The outside all of a sudden became noisy. Looks like there were even quite a lot of people.

Entering the downtown area, the horse carriage’s speed began slowing down, and after a while, stopped in front of Feng Xue Lou.

After the horse carriage steadily stopped, Xia Yuan got down first and had the small stool placed on the ground. Afterwards, she helped Du Xiao Li get down from the carriage. After Du Xiao Li got down, she turned and helped Du Xue Qi get down.

In front, Du Ke Xin also got down. Du Ke Hui had the horse handed to the servant boy to the side, letting the servant boy take the horse and horse carriage to the parking lot of Feng Xue Lou, just like the specially allocate parking lots of restaurants in her past life.

“Third sister, don’t look at how the outside is no different from other buildings, the inside is quite unique. When I came for the first time, I was shocked.” Du Ke Xin walked over and said.

“Come on, let’s go in first, don’t just stand there like a fool.” Du Ke Xin glanced at Du Xiao Li and them in dissatisfaction and went on in ahead of them.

“Fourth brother is just this temper. Please don’t mind him. Let’s go in then. Else, later when they come, we still haven’t finished preparing.” Du Ke Xin said with a smile and pulled Du Xiao Li inside.

After the bunch entered, Du Xue Qi looked in all directions with wide eyes. Her eyes were completely filled with astonishment.

Different from ordinary restaurants’ arrangements, after entering, it wasn’t the usual main hall layout, but rather, in the middle of the large room was a shallow fountain. And in the fountain, there were several water lilies, and also some weirdly shaped rocks. On the side directly facing the entrance was a fretwork carved rockery standing next to the fountain.

Surrounding the fountain in all directions were tables. This was the main hall. What was different from the ma.s.ses was that placed between the tables was a small screen as an obstruction. Those screens were like independent painting, but also like pieces from a whole mountain river painting. And matching with the entire painting of distant mountains on the wall, it made one feel like they were residing in the middle of a beautiful mountain scenery.

Du Xiu Heng although had seen Du Xiao Li paint this design at the time, and wasn’t as shocked as Du Xue Qi, he still was stunned by the scenery before his eyes.

“Miss Du, Young Master Du.” A waiter went forward and said to Du Ke Xin and them, “Your private room has already been prepared, please follow me.”

The party followed the waiter to the fourth floor. The entire floor just had one private room. However, this private room additionally had two listening rooms. This is prepared for larger gatherings. The listening rooms were prepared for the misses and young masters’ servant girls and servant boys, letting them both be able to not disturb their master’s gathering, and still be able to hear their orders at any time.

And inside this private room, tools for the four arts were all provided. Moreover, they were all rare works of the world. Aside from these, the other decorations were all fantastic oddities of every description. Although they weren’t well known works, they were still very unique.

“Miss Du, this is the private room you all reserved yesterday. The tea will be brought up right away.” The waiter finished saying and then left. Before leaving, he even glanced at Du Xiao Li and them.

“Wah, this place looks so different from other restaurants!” Du Xue Qi exclaimed.

“Of course, just look at where we are. If not special, why would second sister and I need to spend that much effort to reserve this place?” Du Ke Hui said.

At this time, a knock sounded from outside the door, following which the door was opened, and Fu Wan San came up carrying a teapot.

“Miss Du, Young master Du.” Fu Wan San entered and had the teapot placed on the table, pouring each of the five siblings a cup of tea, “Everyone, please enjoy the tea.”

“Shopkeeper Fu, how come you came personally? Normally, can’t even see your silhouette.” Du Ke Hui accepted the tea and took a shallow sip, saying: “This tea tastes really good.”

Fu Wan San smiled and said, “This is this year’s newly produced yuhua (‘rain flower’) tea. Jiangnan altogether only produce less than ten catty. After this humble shop received them, we still haven’t given to the customers to drink yet. After sampling, if anyone has any thoughts, you can mention it to this humble shop.”

Yuhua Tea

“No, this tea is very good. Practically able to compare with the tribute tea.” Du Ke Xin elegantly took a sip and said.

(T/N: Tribute tea is tea that’s offer as tribute to the imperial family, usually the highest quality of teas.)

Du Xiao Li hadn’t drank anything all morning, and now, seeing the tea, she felt somewhat thirsty. She picked up the teacup and finished it in one gulp. Afterwards, she had the cup handed to Fu Wan San, looking to him with blinking eyes.

Fu Wan San quickly poured a cup for Du Xiao Li, saying: “Du third miss, please.”

Du Xiao Li had the tea in the cup finished in one gulp again. Afterwards, she finally felt somewhat relieved of thirst. Du Ke Xin, Du Ke Hui, and Du Xue Qi watched Du Xiao Li’s gulping appearance, and all couldn’t help twitch their mouth. Such precious tea was actually wasted just like that by her!

“Really a country b.u.mpkins, don’t even know how to sample tea.” Du Ke Hui said with a disdainful expression.

“Isn’t this tea precisely for drinking? Then no matter how it’s drunk, isn’t it all the same.” Du Xiao Li shot a glare at Du Ke Hui, stopping Fu Wan San from continuing to pour herself tea. “What kind of fruit wine do you have here?”

T/N: I have this inexplicable stuffy feeling whenever OP MC’s can’t show off ;;v;;)

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First Time Gathering (4)

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“What does Du third miss want to drink? Don’t know if grape wine is okay?” Fu Wan San asked.

“Grape wine has come out?” Du Xiao Li asked, somewhat surprised. Wasn’t it just the end of the sixth month right now? Didn’t the newly produced grape wine need to wait until the seventh month? And that was still just the grapes from the south that matured first.

“No, it’s remains from last year, there’s still one more jar. If Du third miss wants to drink, I can have someone bring it up.” Fu Wan San said.

“Shopkeeper Fu, you still have grape wine here? This grape wine sold up to a thousand taels a jar last year, and you didn’t even sell it all?” Du Ke Xin said in shock.

(T/N: I want MC to drain them of all their money lmaoo)

“Hehe, we left it in case of a possible moment of need.” Fu Wan San said.

Everyone all knew that Du Xiao Li loved to drink grape wine. Although they didn’t know when she’ll come, each and every store all prepared some aside, and won’t sell off the last one.”

“Really, then bring it up first.” Du Xiao Li’s two eyes lit up.

“Alright.”

“Wait.” Just when Fu Wan San was preparing to go down to call someone, Du Ke Xin stopped him.

Fu Wan San turned around and looked to Du Ke Xin, “Du second miss is there something you need?”

“Since there’s still some grape wine, then leave for later when everyone comes.” Du Ke Xin said.

“Eh, this—-” Fu Wan San looked to Du Xiao Li.

Du Ke Xin looked to Du Xiao Li with a smile, “This grape wine is very valuable, and right now there’s only this one jar. If we leave it to drink until after everyone shows up, it’ll give the Prime Minister Manor quite a lot of face.”

“She’s not the one paying, what are you asking her opinion for?” Du Ke Hui swept Du Xiao Li a glance, afterwards saying to Fu Wan San, “Shopkeeper Fu, just do as what my sister said.”

“Then just do as second sister said.” Du Xiao Li said, “I’ll just continue drinking this yuhua tea.”

“Then, add a jar of grape wine to the beverages for noon?” Fu Wan San said.

“En, that will do.” Du Ke Xin nodded. She didn’t expect that there was still grape wine. Previously when they asked, they all said they’d already sold out. If during the gathering today, they bring out the grape wine, then it can mean that she has face.

Fu Wan San poured another cup for Du Xiao Li and said, “Then I’ll first go to the kitchen to check, if there’s anything you need just call for us.”

Fu Wan San said and went out. A while later, another waiter sent some food up.

Du Xiao Li picked up a piece of dessert for Du Xue Qi, afterwards picked up a piece for herself too. She leaned against the windowsill, watching the streets outside as she ate.

Actually, the advance preparations Du Ke Xin spoke of simply was just nothing. Just, because they were the hosts today, they needed to arrive the earliest. If they were to come later than the guests, then that would be considered very mannerless.

“Third sister, this place is really lively.” Perhaps because the bustling scenery below made Du Xue Qi feel somewhat excited, she too leaned by the windowsill to look.

“Indeed very lively.” Du Xiao Li agreed.

“Third sister, is the place where you lived before lively?” Du Xue Qi turned her head to look at Du Xiao Li.

“No, I lived in a farming village previously. The entire village didn’t have too many people. It can’t be considered lively, but it wasn’t desolate either.” Du Xiao Li reminisced.

“What all did you do every day in the past? Go work in the fields? Then how did you pa.s.s the provincial exam, obtaining the qualifications to partic.i.p.ate in the national exams next year?” Du Ke Hui came to Du Xiu Heng’s side and asked. There was no lack of mockery in those words.

Du Xiu Heng glanced at Du Ke Hui and said, “The things we did are all things you don’t know how to do.”

Everyone in the entire capital all knew, Prime Minister Du’s daughter was both beautiful and talented, but his son instead was ignorant and incompetent. In the Imperial Academy, Four Way Inst.i.tute, he often stirred up trouble, and his grades were forever the lowest of the low.

“Che, didn’t you just pa.s.s the provincial exams, what’s there to be pleased about?” Du Ke Hui heard the meaning in Du Xiu Heng’s words and clicked his tongue, returning to Du Ke Xin’s side to talk about some things in the capital.

Du Xiao Li wasn’t that interested in their conversation either, so she had her attention turned towards the streets. A crisp voice attracted her line of sight.

She only saw a beggar with a small and skinny figure, in tattered clothes, dirty all over. In their left hand was a stick, and their right hand a broken bowl. They continuously called out to the pedestrians, “Hey, this aunty, have mercy and give some money, I haven’t eaten in two days.”

“Many thanks aunty, with you being this kind-hearted, the bodhisattva will definitely bless you with a long and healthy life!”

“Yo, this sir, see your face glowing today, this must be the sign for wealths to come!”

“Yo, thank you sir, with you this generous, you’ll definitely live for a hundred years!”

“Aunty, have mercy, and take pity on me. I not only haven’t eaten in three days, I even have an old beggar to take care of in that broken house……thank you aunty, wish you the best of luck!”

“Go away, go away, where this beggar come from!”

Some pa.s.serby will directly push her away when they saw her, and others will take pity and give two copper coins. As soon as she saw there was money in the bowl, she will pick it up and blow on it. Afterwards, place it under the sunlight to look at. Those glistening two eyes made Du Xiao Li can’t help but laugh. Truly a smooth-talking clever person.

Just then, a gorgeous palanquin came over from the streets, stopping outside Feng Xue Lou. Next, a fifteen sixteen year old girl came down from inside, wearing a blue short coat dress. On her head, she wore only a blue hairpin, and on her neck hung a blue crystal pendant. And on her wrist was only a single crystal pearl bracelet. Pretty facial features, a tranquil temperament, and a pair of eyes that seem to envelop the entire world, yet also appeared as if nothing walked into her world.

(Left: Short coat dress or Ru dress; Right: Long dress for comparison)

(T/N: I’m legit convinces she has eye-zoom powers, how the h.e.l.l do you see someones eyes from the fourth floor.)

“Such a strange girl.” Du Xiao Li looked to that girl and said.

“That’s Cabinet Minister Fu family’s miss, Fu Ya Lan. Heard she grew up in a nunnery in Jiangnan. Said her fate was stiff and have to grow up in a nunnery. She only came home after she turned 10, and after living in their Jiangnan ancestral home for two years, she finally came to the capital.” Du Xue Qi said from the side.

“You’re acquainted her?” Du Xiao Li asked. Didn’t Du Xue Qi rarely go out, how come she even recognizes these people?

Du Xue Qi shook her head and said, “I hear second sister mention her frequently, that’s why I know her. Afterwards, when I was together with some shu-born misses, I saw her from far away, so that’s how I know, can’t be considered acquainted.”

Di-born misses generally always got together with other di-born, and shu-born together with other shu-born. However, sometimes, everyone would all gather together too.

Very soon, Fu Ya Lan came up. She didn’t bring too many people, only a close servant girl.

“Miss Fu.” Du Ke Xin only stood up to greet her and didn’t go forward to welcome.

Fu Ya Lan nodded towards Du Ke Xin and said, “The other misses all haven’t come up yet? Looks like Ya Lan has come early.”

“The other misses and young masters should be here soon. Miss Fu have a cup of tea first.” Du Ke Xin said. Xiao Cui thus went forward and poured Fu Ya Lan a cup of tea.

Fu Ya Lan lightly took a sip and said, “This must be this year’s newly produced yuhua tea from Jiangnan?”

“Miss really is impressive, immediately knowing this tea’s origins from just a sip.” Du Ke Xin praised.

T/N: My mood throughout this entire chapter…

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First Time Gathering (5)

T/N: Chapter sponsored by Wanderer! Thank you for sponsoring!

“It’s merely because I grew up in Jiangnan in the past and have a bit of understanding towards the teas from there, that’s all.” Fu Ya Lan smiled and looked to Du Xiao Li and them, “These three are?”

“Oh, let me introduce you. This is my eldest brother Du Xiu Heng. This is my third sister Du Xiao Li, and this is my fifth sister Du Xue Qi. Eldest brother and third sister just arrived at the capital the day before yesterday.” Du Ke Xin said, “In the past, they lived in a farming village, and don’t know etiquette too well, so if they slight Miss Fu, asking Miss Fu to please excuse.”

“They’re the prime minister’s long lost children?” Fu Ya Lan said. Afterwards, she smiled to Du Xiao Li and them, and said, “h.e.l.lo, I’m called Fu Ya Lan. In the past, I too grew up in the wilderness.”

Fu Ya Lan although doesn’t normally interact with the young ladies of the capital that much, how could she not hear the meaning in Du Ke Xin’s words. Thus, she introduced herself as such.

As soon as Du Xiao Li heard Fu Ya Lan’s words and her manner of speaking, she immediately became fond of her. She sweetly smiled at her and said, “Miss Fu, nice to meet you.”

A while later, several young masters and young ladies showed up. Du Ke Xin introduced Du Xiao Li and them to each and every single one of them. However, while introducing, she didn’t forget to mention that Du Xiao Li was a village girl in the past.

Du Xiao Li looked to the room full of young boys and girls, feeling this Feng Ming’s customs were still very open, nothing like those past feudal societies, where it was very strict for male and female to meet one another.

When some people heard that Du Xiao Li and them were from the countryside, they let out a contemptuous look in their eyes. Some even directly ignored them. After getting to know each and every one of them, she sat back down at her own seat again and continued happily chatting with Fu Ya Lan.

“Little sister Ke Xin, right now, everyone should’ve more or less all arrived, right?” a.s.sistant Minister of War’s daughter, Chen Yue said. She and Du Ke Xin’s relationship was rather good, and normally addressed each other as sisters.

(T/N: To avoid confusion, in a previous chapter, it mentioned that the nephew of the step-mother was also the a.s.sistant minister of war, however this girl has a different surname so there’s either another a.s.sistant minister of war, or author glitched again. I tried checking whether it was possible for there to be more than one a.s.sistant minister for each department, but I didn’t get a clear answer so I have no idea either.)

Du Ke Xin looked around the room and said, “Still missing Princess Changle and Miss Ji. Additionally, there’s also Gentleman Mo and Gentleman Shui.”

“Probably don’t need to wait for those four, that Ji Liu Xia has always been disagreeable with you. She probably won’t come today either.” Chen Yue said.

“Who said we won’t come?” Just as Chen Yue’s voice landed, Ji Liu Xia’s voice came from outside the door. Next, the door was opened, and Ji Liu Xia and Han Ming Xiang walked in from outside.

“Respectfully greeting Princess Changle.” The roomful of people got up and bowed to Han Ming Xiang.

“You’re excused. I’ve merely just agreed to Miss Du’s invitation today, and is also considered a guest, everyone doesn’t need to be formal, you can be a bit more relaxed.” Han Ming Xiang said.

“Thanking Princess Changle.” The people in the room all got up, sitting back down in their own seats.

Du Xiao Li looked to Han Ming Xiang and Ji Liu Xiang. After the two changed out of their riding clothes, they lost the heroic and valiant beauty from when they previously met, and added an air of composure.

Han Ming Xiang glanced at Du Xiao Li and winked at her. She sat at the head seat of the guests, and Ji Liu Xia sat down at her side.

“Alright, now only missing Gentleman Mo and Gentleman Shui.” Someone said.

“Those two probably won’t come. When we gathered in the past, they’ve never come.”

Du Xiao Li turned to Fu Ya Lan at her said and asked, “Big sister Ya Lan, that Gentleman Mo and Gentleman Shui, who are they?”

“Gentleman Mo is the Xinan governor-general’s son, and Gentleman Shui is Jiangnan Wu county’s governor-general’s son. Gentleman Mo and Gentleman Shui are Four Way Academy’s students. They’re both well known figures in the academy, but they don’t often partic.i.p.ate in gatherings.” Fu Ya Lan patiently explained to Du Xiao Li.

“Aren’t they currently at school? How can they come to the gathering?” Du Xiao Li puzzlingly asked.

“Yesterday and today are public holidays.” Fu Ya Lan said, “Else, why do you think there’s so many people here?”

“Are there people that are still studying?” Du Xiao Li asked.

“Aside from Princess Changle, they all are students of the academy.” Fu Ya Lan chuckled.

“Those young ladies too? Aren’t girls not allowed to enroll in school?” Du Xiao Li said in astonishment.

“Pfft, how told you girls can’t attend school?” Perhaps because Du Xiao Li’s voice was a bit loud, the girl next to her heard her and instantly burst into laughter.

“Eh, is that not it?” Du Xiao Li asked. Because she’d never thought of enrolling in school before, towards this matter, she’s never paid attention to before. She even thought that it was just like the feudal era from history, where girls were only allowed to stay at home, embroider some flowers, play some zither and whatnot.

The people in the room all went silent for two seconds, and them simultaneously began laughing. Fu Ya Lan said, “No, Four Way Academy has a school specially established for girls. Official family’s daughters, as long as not married, all can study there, studying the four arts, literature and poetry. After reaching marriageable age, one can choose to not go, or when one reaches the teacher’s requirement, can also apply for graduation. However, although everyone all resides in one place, boys and girls attend cla.s.s separately, and girls can’t partic.i.p.ate in the imperial exam either.”

“It’s actually this progressive! Girls can even attend school!” Du Xiao Li said with a sigh.

(T/N: I just wanna facepalm—for a smart person MC’s IQ sometimes isn’t all there I feel—why do all the cliche transmig author go for the make MC dumb for comedy route——)

“Not just our country is like this. Other countries’ Imperial Academy also have girl’s school. Sometimes, between the countries, there’s even some compet.i.tion.”Fu Ya Lan added.

“My third sister just arrived in the capital, so everyone don’t laugh at her anymore. Let’s wait for Gentleman Mo and them a little longer. Since the time is still early, how about we play some games?” Du Ke Xin said. Afterwards, she glanced at Du Xiao Li with ulterior motives.

“Sister Ke Xin, what good ideas do you have?”

Du Ke Xin had a cup placed on the table, and then looked to everyone, asking: “Have you all noticed anything different about this table?”

T/N: I’m really glad there are more wholesome and nicer characters than the mean cliche villains. A few is enough to annoy me already. It makes me feel better that not everyone in the world is an ahole. I need wholesome content to fill my nonexistent heart. Anyways after next chapter the story improves when ML comes back. I’m so deprived of fluff right now.

I’ve actually started listening to Mei Gong Qing’s audiobook recently because I love ancient period political drama, but man that story is heavy. I’m not particularly a fan of petty backyard fights, but I love political schemes and tactics. It’s why my all time favorite series till this day is still Nirvana in Fire, but a lot are super dark and depressing. ;;v;;)

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