Wang Huaijing and his wife decided to go to the capital together, and the next day they sent someone to Zhao Family Village.

Zhao Qingyan received the letter six days later.

When Zhao Qingyan learned that her eldest cousin had given birth, she was quite happy for her cousin.

Even in developed modern times, there are still people who feel the need to have sons, let alone in ancient times.

Even more extreme, some women will go to great lengths to get tests done after becoming pregnant, and if it's confirmed to be a girl, they will have an abortion, while keeping the boy.

Zhao Qingyan simply couldn't understand what was going on with those who didn't want to have sons; it was as if they had a throne to inherit.

In reality, they might own a 70-80 square meter house, even if it's a 30-year mortgage.

I don't know if the son they insist on having will be used to help them pay off the remaining mortgage, or for something else.

Zhao Qingyan, in any case, scoffed at this.

When she arrived in ancient times, although she couldn't agree with other people's preference for sons over daughters, she could understand it to some extent. After all, it was an agricultural and industrial society, and what were men supposed to do? They were the ones who did the work.

The so-called "door-holding bar" means that you should be at the front in fights, at the front in work, and at the front in matters big and small. As a man, your duty is to protect the old, weak, and young behind you.

After my eldest sister gave birth to a son, she no longer faced the pressure of having more children, and wherever she went, she never gave anyone a chance to gossip.

After calculating the approximate arrival time of her older sister and the others in Beijing, Zhao Qingyan decided not to rush into settling on a house immediately.

Instead, they hired a steward to keep an eye on the house. It didn't need to be big; one or two courtyards would do.

Most importantly, it must be close to the examination hall.

Of course, you can also keep an eye out for other suitable houses.

For example, those who entered the capital three or four times were there so that if a member of the Zhao family were fortunate enough to take the imperial examinations in the capital in the future, they would have a place to live and could stay there.

She's been busy mixing rouge and lipstick lately.

Since arriving in the capital, she has been wandering around.

I want to buy a little bit of everything, but the only thing I refuse to buy is anything from the rouge shop.

I can't guarantee what exactly is in there or whether it's harmful to the human body.

Especially recently, someone leaked the news that the young master of Huicui Pavilion is a girl.

This wealthy family is holding a flower-viewing banquet, that vice minister's residence is holding a poetry gathering, and they're all sending her invitations.

Although Zhao Qingyan was annoyed, she also thought that since these people had come to her door, it would be a shame not to make some money off their enthusiastic invitation.

Therefore, in addition to going through many books stored in the space, I also checked all kinds of small recipes downloaded from my phone and computer in my previous life.

After repeated attempts, several shades of rouge were finally created.

Of course, the bright red that Zhao Qingyan mixed was definitely not the kind sold in the shop now, but rather colors like pastel pink, milk tea color, and orange.

Overall, she looks healthy and radiant with makeup, but not overly flashy.

Of course, in addition to rouge, lip rouge is also indispensable.

As a result, Zhao Qingyan almost ruined most of the beeswax and flowers in the space.

Of course, women's spending on cosmetics and face powder only accounts for a small part. In order to better squeeze the pockets of those young ladies from wealthy families, it is only necessary to sell handbags.

Zhao Qingyan designed a variety of backpacks and handbags based on the clothing and style of women in ancient times.

There are also some dresses with simple designs that look very comfortable to wear.

Naturally, once Zhao Qingyan provided the design, the rest was left to the stewards of Huicui Pavilion to arrange for the embroiderers and others to make the finished products.

On this day, Zhao Qingyan attended a flower banquet for the first time.

The so-called "Hundred Flowers Banquet" is obviously a matchmaking event hosted by Yan Yue Gong.

Princess Yanyue holds a flower-viewing banquet every year, mainly to provide an opportunity for single men and women from the families of high-ranking officials and nobles in the capital to meet.

Princess Yan Yue is the eldest daughter of the current emperor. She and her husband are deeply in love. However, during a hunt, her husband was injured by a tiger and later died despite treatment.

Princess Yan Yue was widowed and had no children. The emperor had tried to arrange a marriage for her many times, but she refused each time.

Princess Yan Yue, who was over thirty years old, was practically a Buddhist nun, completely detached from worldly desires.

The only exception is a flower banquet held every year.

She probably wanted to reminisce about her past with her husband by watching those young men and women gazing into each other's eyes and blushing.

Logically speaking, as the daughter of a merchant, she didn't even have the right to enter the house, but she couldn't resist the instigation from those around her.

Huicui Pavilion has been incredibly popular since its opening.

Whether it's the food or the entertainment, everything there is unforgettable. Especially since the owner is said to be quite mysterious.

The merchants throughout the capital were either from the families of princes or the families of prime ministers. Seeing that Huicui Pavilion's business was booming, they couldn't bring themselves to cause trouble.

No matter what underhanded tricks they used, they couldn't suppress Huicui Pavilion's business. In the end, those who had been trying to sabotage Huicui Pavilion actually became regular customers of Huicui Pavilion.

If I don't have the chance to get to know the owner of Huicui Pavilion, I can at least get to know the young master.

Therefore, Zhao Qingyan rejected all the invitations she received.

Zhao Qingyan thought about it and decided that she still had to go to the flower-viewing banquet hosted by Princess Yanyue, after all, she had to give the princess face.

I just don't know if, following the protagonist's usual pattern, I'll run into some messy things if I participate.

Even if there were, Zhao Qingyan wasn't afraid, since she had brought her trump card this time.

On this day of blooming flowers, Zhao Qingyan did not wear the layered dresses that were currently in fashion, but instead chose a sky-blue princess dress that she had designed herself.

She chose a small round neckline and paired it with a crystal necklace, which made her look very elegant. The crystal necklace was something she bought in her past life; it wasn't worth much money, but its main appeal was its sparkle.

She wore large, puffy sleeves, a large bow tied at the waist, and a skirt that reached her ankles, paired with lambskin shoes.

Her hair was simply tied up on top of her head, with the rest of her hair hanging down, adorned only by a ribbon the same color as her dress.

She was carrying a square handbag made of a combination of silk and sheepskin.

She looks simple yet refined, like an elf who has stepped out of a great forest.

When Zhao Qingyan walked out of her courtyard, the old woman and maid who were responsible for accompanying her that day were shocked.

Upon arriving at the princess's residence and presenting their invitation, the gatekeeper learned that Zhao Qingyan was the owner of Huicui Pavilion.

He was incredibly enthusiastic, running up to Zhao Qingyan's carriage and asking her to get off.

This scene naturally caught the attention of the young ladies and gentlemen attending the Hundred Flowers Banquet, who all wanted to know the identity of the newcomer and why the people from the Princess's residence were so enthusiastic.