Unparalleled Beauty

Chapter C045

The following days passed peacefully for Wushuang.

This day, Jianjia, having finished collecting Wushuang's freshly laundered clothes, wore a perplexed expression. Afterwards, she searched through the wardrobe for a long while, then went to another storeroom, where fabrics and Wushuang's old, unworn clothes were kept, but still found nothing.

When she emerged, her expression was unavoidably troubled. Wushuang, curious, asked her what was wrong.

She hesitated, stammering, and after glancing at Wushuang, she gritted her teeth and said, "It seems one of Miss's small shirts is missing. This servant has searched for a long time but cannot find it."

A small shirt was also a dudou*, only a more refined way of saying it. Of course, a small shirt could also be a small, close-fitting undergarment. But judging from Jianjia's expression, what was lost was definitely not a close-fitting small shirt, but a dudou.

TN: ancient bra

"Was it washed? After washing, are you certain it was collected?"

"It was definitely collected. This servant washed and collected it with her own hands," Jianjia affirmed.

Although Jianjia had previously been disloyal, since being bought over by Wushuang, and seeing that Wushuang was now completely different from before, she served her with considerable dedication.

The daughters of wealthy families were meticulous about the safekeeping of their undergarments. Not only did they have a special person to wash them separately, but they also had to be dried separately, and after drying, they had to be remembered to be collected. These tasks had always been done by Jianjia, and she had always been meticulous in her work. Wushuang knew this.

"Search again. Perhaps it was caught in another piece of clothing when changing."

After Granny Gong arrived, she had the maids and palace women rush to make new clothes for Wushuang. All the dark-colored clothes from before had been put away, so this was possible.

"This servant has already searched, but still cannot find it."

Hearing this, Wushuang became a little anxious. "Then do you remember which one is missing?"

"It's the light apricot-colored one, with embroidered sprigs of flowers. It shouldn't be mixed with the old clothes, because it was newly made by Mingyue. Miss only wore it twice, and this servant saw it just recently."

"Then let's search again. It might be mixed in with the bedsheets and quilts. I'll have Meifang help you search."

While the room was in an uproar searching for the missing item, Linglong went to find Granny Gong and told her about the matter.

Granny Gong said in a low voice, "Didn't I have Mingyue make another one? Hasn't it been finished and put back?"

Linglong said, "I'll go ask Mingyue."

Mingyue was one of the four palace women who came with Granny Gong. She had excellent needlework skills. The small shirt that Wushuang had lost was made by her. She didn't know why Linglong had given her the same material, asking her to make another one. Since she was asked to make another, she would just make it.

But now, hearing that Miss had lost a small shirt, and that it was precisely the one she was making, Mingyue was muttering to herself when Linglong came to find her. She took out the finished one and gave it to Linglong, then hesitated and said, "Linglong, the small shirt that Miss lost, could it be that you took it? You took..."

Granny Gong appeared behind them and said, "I was the one who told her to take it."

Seeing this, Mingyue dared not ask any more questions.

Granny Gong then said, "You two find an excuse and return the item."

"Yes."

Linglong, holding the small shirt, went to help Meifang and Jianjia. Before long, she found the light apricot-colored dudou in a piece of clothing in the wardrobe.

Everyone breathed a sigh of relief.

Meifang was puzzled. She had clearly searched that place, so how could she not have found it? However, she rarely spoke, and did not voice her doubts.

Jianjia was also somewhat doubtful, but at the moment she was only busy being relieved. However, after seeing the small shirt, she felt that it was unusually new, not like it had been worn. But after looking at it closely again, it was indeed the same one, and she did not think too much about it.

Hearing the commotion from inside the room, Granny Gong also breathed a sigh of relief.

In her heart, she was somewhat resentful of Linglong. Out of so many clothes, why did she have to take a dudou? But then she remembered that it was she who had told Linglong that His Highness wanted a piece of Miss's clothing.

What could a man do with a young woman's clothing? So it was normal that Linglong had misunderstood. When she saw that Linglong had taken a dudou, besides sighing that His Highness was actually like this, she also felt that this was probably what His Highness wanted, and did not think there was a problem.

Therefore, it was not Linglong's fault, but rather her lack of caution. She had failed to urge Mingyue to finish the task and return the item promptly, which led to this mishap.

While Granny Gong was busy with her self-reproach, Mei Chang and Mei E arrived.

Mei Chang was fuming, the sound of her fan flapping was sharp and loud. Wushuang watched, truly fearing she would break the fan handle.

"What has happened?"

Mei E sat down to the side, and Xiaohong brought over two cups of chilled plum juice.

The weather was hot, and no one else came to Wushuang's room. Whenever Mei Chang and the others visited, Wushuang would always serve them these refreshments.

Mei E picked up a cup and took a small sip, instantly feeling the heat in her heart dissipate. Only then did she say, "Actually, it's nothing much, it's just..."

She glanced at Mei Chang and then revealed the reason.

It turned out that earlier, when Mei Chang had gone to pay her respects to Cao shi, she had argued with Mei Wuxia.

Although Wushuang did not need to pay her respects to Cao shi, Mei Chang and Mei E, as daughters of a concubine, could not avoid the morning and evening greetings to their legal mother. Usually, Cao shi rarely showed them any kindness. Today was strange; Cao shi was unusually happy early in the morning. After Mei Chang and Mei E entered, she ignored them, instead pulling Mei Wuxia to her side, sighing about how her daughter was so respectable and blessed.

Upon listening more closely, it turned out that Mei Wuxia had received an invitation to Princess Changhe's Qixi* banquet.

TN: double seven festival, evening of seventh of lunar seventh month, girls' festival, Chinese Valentine's day, when Cowherd and Weaving maid are allowed their annual meeting

Princess Changhe was the Emperor's own younger sister, born of the same mother. She was resolute, daring in love and hate. She had married twice, once divorcing her husband, and the second time her husband had died of illness. She had not remarried since, but according to rumors, there were male guests in the Princess's mansion who served as her lovers.

It was said to be a rumor because no one dared to speak of the Princess's private affairs outside, not even to discuss them casually.

Princess Changhe's personality was different from others. Even if people gossiped in private, others would pretend not to know, at most seeking revenge later. But Princess Changhe might very well come to your door with a sword, and whoever spoke would be cut down.

She had done such a thing before. Not only did that family not gain favor, but they were also disliked by Emperor Taihe afterward, and the whole family was marginalized by the powerful figures in the capital.

Returning to the topic, Princess Changhe, perhaps due to her own unfortunate marriages, particularly enjoyed playing matchmaker. Of course, the Princess's matchmaking was not like the matchmakers in the streets, who personally went door-to-door to arrange marriages. Instead, every year on the Qixi Festival, she would use the occasion to host a Qixi banquet at her villa. Not only would countless talented young men from the capital attend, but she would also invite noble ladies from various families.

It was a unique event, but since she was a princess, Emperor Taihe turned a blind eye. Over the years, Princess Changhe's Qixi banquet had become well-known in the capital, yet invitations were extremely difficult to obtain.

This was because Princess Changhe issued invitations not based on one's status, but rather on how pleasing one's appearance was.

In other words, if you were not good-looking, no matter how high your status, you would not receive an invitation. If you were good-looking, even if you were a newly appointed scholar, now just a minor official of the seventh or eighth rank, you might still receive an invitation.

Some people said that Princess Changhe held this banquet to find lovers for herself. However, since many men and women had indeed found good matches at the banquet, and no one dared to discuss Princess Changhe's affairs, for the talented young men and noble ladies of the capital, receiving an invitation from the Princess's mansion was a form of recognition.

Of course, some would ask, how did Princess Changhe know what everyone looked like, since she could not have met them all?

According to those who were interested in such matters, it was said that it was based on reputation. For example, if you were known far and wide for your talent, or if your beauty was widely known, you would receive an invitation.

Others said that there was a large register in the Princess's mansion, specifically recording the names of the talented and beautiful people in the capital each year, with small portraits attached. From this, they concluded that it was used by the Princess to gather beauties, which then led back to the talk of lovers.

After Mei Wuxia came of age two years ago, she had been waiting for an invitation from the Princess's mansion, but she had waited for two years without success. Unexpectedly, she received one this year. As for Mei Chang and Mei E, they were both daughters of concubines and had never shown their faces in public before, so naturally, they did not receive any.

Furthermore, after leaving Cao shi, Mei Wuxia had mocked Mei Chang a few times, which was why she was so angry.

"Is that all?" Wushuang put down her fan and instructed Linglong to bring her box. From inside, she took out an exquisite invitation and placed it on the table.

"It was delivered long ago, but I was busy these past few days and didn't have time to mention it."

Mei Chang's eyes immediately lit up. She quickly came to the table and picked up the invitation to look at it.

"Can one bring guests?"

She looked at Wushuang with expectation in her eyes. Even Mei E, who was usually so reserved, was now staring directly at Wushuang.

Wushuang glanced at Linglong, hesitating, "It should be able to bring people, right?"

Linglong, standing beside her, smiled and said, "When the people from the Princess's mansion came to deliver the invitations, they said that if the Princess Consort had sisters, they could also be brought along for a visit."

This was a convenience specifically granted, considering that Wushuang had sisters who might not have received invitations. Therefore, despite the grand reputation of this Qixi banquet, which supposedly only admitted handsome men and beautiful women, there were actually special privileges. Wushuang reckoned that she had only shown her face once outside, and her beauty could not have reached the Princess's mansion. She was able to receive an invitation because of her status as the future Princess Consort of Prince Wei.

"I knew that Third Sister is the most capable! Mei Wuxia even mocked me for currying favor with you. Of course, I curry favor because Third Sister is kind and understanding, unlike her."

In her excitement, Mei Chang hugged Wushuang and shook her repeatedly, while Mei E covered her mouth and laughed.

Wushuang, feeling dizzy from being shaken, quickly said, "Second Sister, please stop tormenting me. I actually wanted to say this earlier, but I was interrupted and forgot. Since you are going, hurry back and prepare. There are only two days left." Today was the fifth day of the seventh month, and the seventh day of the seventh month was the day after tomorrow.

"Prepare, I'll go back and prepare now." Mei Chang then said to Mei E, "Don't tell anyone about this. We'll give her a good shock when the time comes."

Mei E hesitated, "Then should we tell Xishuang and Yufei about this?"

Mei Xishuang of the Third Branch was old enough, but Mei Yufei was only thirteen this year. As for Seventh Miss Mei Xintong, she was only eleven.

Wushuang thought for a moment and said, "If they want to go, then let them go, so they won't say we left them out. But Yufei is only thirteen this year, isn't she a bit too young?"

"How about this, Second Sister and I will go talk to Third Aunt and see what the Third Branch decides." Mei E, knowing that Wushuang disliked trouble, took the matter upon herself.

Wushuang was more than happy to have it so, and naturally had no objections.

***

On the day itself, Mei Chang, Mei E, and Mei Xishuang gathered at Ruyi Pavilion.

All three were dressed beautifully, wearing their best clothes and finest jewelry. Third Madam Sun personally led her daughters over, partly to thank Wushuang once again, and also to tell her daughter to listen to their elder sisters, especially Third Sister.

Mei Yufei, however, did not go. The Third Branch had considered it; she was still too young, and it would be awkward to bring her along. They were already going as guests, and one should not be too greedy.

In fact, before coming, Sun shi had repeatedly instructed her daughter, explaining the significance of today for her.

It could be said that as a daughter of a declining marquis's family's side branch, Mei Xishuang's marriage prospects were even more difficult than Mei Wuxia's. Being able to attend Princess Changhe's Qixi banquet, even if she didn't find a suitable match there, would be a great boost for future marriage negotiations.

In fact, according to the current customs, very few women would actively seek to make connections with men at banquets. Most went to gain experience and have something to talk about later.

Wushuang brought along four palace maids, as well as Meifang and Xiaohong. The main reason was that Mei Chang and the others could not bring maids, so she brought a few extra people to look after them.

Therefore, one carriage was naturally not enough. In addition to Wushuang's carriage, the Marquis's mansion provided two more carriages to go together.

Since they had to ask the mansion for carriages, Mei Wuxia naturally found out about it. As they were getting into the carriages, Mei Wuxia cast a cold glance in their direction before getting into her own carriage and leaving.

Mei Chang snorted triumphantly, pulling Mei E and Mei Xishuang into the carriage behind Wushuang's.

Princess Changhe's villa was in the suburbs of the capital, and had a beautiful name, 'Wanchun* Pavilion'.

TN: roughly Ten Thousands Springs (the season)

Though called a pavilion, it was actually a royal garden, usually used by Princess Changhe for summer retreats and banquets. It was said to be filled with exotic flowers and plants, with extremely beautiful scenery, but not many people had seen it.

By the time they arrived, it was already evening. Before their eyes were carriages from various mansions, as well as the young talents of various families arriving on horseback. The male and female guests entered separately. After getting out of the carriages, the carriages went to park themselves, while Wushuang and the others were led inside.

There was a gate before entering, where people were specifically stationed to verify invitations.

It wasn't that anyone with an invitation could enter. If you didn't look presentable, and it was obvious that you had bought the invitation from someone else, you would naturally be stopped and your identity verified.

Linglong took out the invitation from her bosom and handed it to the person verifying invitations at the gate.

Seeing that Wushuang's group was surrounded by attendants and had brought so many personal maids, it was clear that they were not ordinary people. Looking at the invitation in his hand, his expression immediately changed. He bowed to Wushuang and quickly called over a maid, instructing her to lead Wushuang and the others inside.

There were many people waiting in line to have their invitations verified, but the noble ladies were all mindful of etiquette and kept their distance. They assumed that no one would be so rude as to cut in line at such an occasion.

At this moment, two noble young ladies entered ahead of Wushuang and the others. Hearing the commotion behind them, they turned to look. One of the ladies said, "Why didn't that person have someone lead us in, but instead gave them a maidservant?"

Her voice was clear and crisp, and since everyone present was subconsciously lowering their voices, it was particularly loud. For a moment, everyone looked towards Wushuang and her party.

Beside this lady was another, who appeared to be older. She quickly tugged at her, saying, "Quick, stop talking nonsense, let's go."

The two hurried away. Wushuang and the others followed behind, entering. The person checking the invitations, as expected of someone from the Princess's mansion, did not change their expression. They did not even offer an explanation. After Wushuang and her party entered, they resumed their stern, cold face and continued to check the invitations of those behind them.

The maidservant who had been sent to guide Wushuang said in a low voice, "Please forgive them, Miss. Although Her Highness the Princess gave much consideration when sending out the invitations, it is inevitable that some ignorant people will slip in."

It was not that the maidservant was being harsh, but rather that Princess Changhe was Emperor Taihe's own younger sister, and thus Prince Wei's own aunt. Wushuang and Prince Wei were to be married in just a few days, making her essentially her niece-in-law. When a niece-in-law came to their door, it was natural to send someone to look after her; not doing so would be a breach of etiquette.

Conversely, that girl spoke without regard for the occasion. Even if she did not understand, she should have known by observing others. She was truly rather ignorant.

"It is but a small matter, it does not matter."

Wushuang truly did not care. Firstly, she was not a person who thought highly of herself. Secondly, her mind was completely occupied with this Qixi Festival banquet.

In her previous life, Mei Wuxia had also attended this Qixi Festival banquet. At that time, the servants in the mansion had discussed it endlessly, describing the Qixi Festival banquet hosted by Princess Changhe as something almost mythical. In short, it was not something that just anyone could enter; only the eldest Miss of the entire mansion was qualified to go. At that time, she had been in a state of despair, having committed such a 'shameful act', and could only remain at home preparing for her marriage.

She had long been curious and wanted to see what this Qixi Festival banquet was like. Furthermore, last night she had told Ji Yang that she would come to this banquet. Coincidentally, Ji Yang had said that he would also be coming, and that the garden was quite nice, and he would take her around to see it. Her heart was preoccupied with this matter, and naturally, she could not concern herself with anything else.