Chapter 118 Dressed Up

On the day of the lantern festival, the streets and alleys were deserted.

The Qixi Festival of the Da Jin Dynasty was one of the most beloved festivals for young men and women.

Legend has it that on this day, couples who walk hand in hand across the Wishing Bridge and release twin lotus lanterns together will receive the blessing of the Old Man of the Moon and be united in marriage.

The entire capital was immersed in a joyful atmosphere.

Early in the morning, Song Yiqiu's courtyard became lively.

Bai Mei excitedly rummaged through the wardrobe, finally pulling out a light red begonia-patterned ruqun (a type of traditional Chinese dress), which she happily presented to Song Yiqiu:

"Miss, look at this. This is the most fashionable color and pattern in the capital right now. With your fair complexion, this will definitely make you look even better and outshine all the other young ladies and gentlemen."

Song Yiqiu frowned and glanced at it. The colors were indeed vibrant, but the intricate and layered embroidery of begonia flowers and the flowing ribbons of the skirt were really out of character for her.

Seeing that she didn't like it, Bai Mei immediately brushed aside the ruqun (a type of traditional Chinese dress), turned around, and pulled out a neat black riding outfit from another basket, saying smugly:

"I knew it. Miss doesn't like those delicate things. Wearing this is light and stylish. If you encounter someone who doesn't know what's good for you, it'll be easy to fight back."

Song Yiqiu twitched her lips. The color was pitch black, and the style was even more monotonous than a night suit. If someone didn't know better, they would think she was a fugitive robber.

Qingzhu covered her mouth and chuckled softly:

"Sister Bai Mei, Miss is going to celebrate the Qixi Festival, to enjoy the lanterns and have fun. She's not going to rob or commit heinous acts. Why is she dressed so casually?"

Seeing the two maids arguing endlessly, Song Yiqiu waved her hand helplessly:

"Is there anything else?"

At this point, Qingzhu perked up. She yanked open one side of the wardrobe, which was filled with all sorts of bright and eye-catching dresses: pale yellow, royal blue, crimson... a dazzling array.

"Miss, look, these bright colors are the most popular in the capital right now. Just pick one, and with your looks and temperament, you'll definitely dazzle everyone."

Bai Mei, unconvinced, pulled open the other wardrobe, which was filled with simple colors such as gray, white, and black.

"Why dress so flashy? To attract attention? Miss, these are better, more understated and convenient."

Song Yiqiu lowered her head and remained silent.

If the two girls' aesthetic sense could be balanced, it would be great to find something with a simple color and a generous style.

Her gaze swept past them and landed on a light green waist-length ruqun (a type of traditional Chinese dress) in the corner of the wardrobe. The hem of the dress was only embroidered with a few delicate orchids, making it fresh and unique.

"That one will do."

She simply couldn't accept Bai Mei's clothes, which were easy to make, so she could only reluctantly choose the most understated one from Qing Zhu's bright-colored series.

Qingzhu happily took out the light green ruqun (a type of traditional Chinese dress):

"Miss, you have excellent taste. I especially like this one too."

After changing her clothes, Qingzhu picked up a bunch of jeweled hairpins and ornaments, ready to dangle them over Song Yiqiu's head.

Song Yiqiu quickly waved her hand:

"No need, that plain silver hairpin will suffice."

Qingzhu immediately pouted, her eyes reddened, and she looked at her pitifully:

"Miss...do you feel that Qingzhu's cooking skills are not good enough, or that her service is not satisfactory?"

Looking at her tearful appearance, Song Yiqiu knew that this girl was best at playing the victim, so she sighed helplessly and shrugged.

"...Alright, do whatever you want, just don't make it too complicated."

Qingzhu's expression instantly changed, she went from tears to laughter, and she quickly got to work:

"Okay, Miss, don't worry, I'll make sure you look absolutely stunning today!"

After she was fully dressed, Song Yiqiu stood in front of the full-length bronze mirror and looked at herself in the mirror, feeling a rare sense of unfamiliarity.

Her fair skin was accentuated by her light green dress, and Qingzhu skillfully styled her long hair into a "morning cloud and near fragrance" bun, adorned with a few velvet flowers of the same color and a delicate jade hairpin.

It retains the charm of a young girl while adding a touch of lively elegance.

In stark contrast to her usual austere demeanor, she truly resembled a delicate noblewoman raised in seclusion, unaware of the ways of the world.

Even Bai Mei was stunned and couldn't help but exclaim in admiration:

"Qingzhu, you have such good taste! Miss looks absolutely stunning in this outfit!"

Song Yiqiu awkwardly raised her hand, intending to remove the hair ornament from her head, but then heard a servant's voice announcing from outside the door:

"Young Miss, Young Master Fu has sent someone to ask if you are ready."

Her hand froze in mid-air.

Qingzhu muttered in a low voice:

"This Young Master Fu is quite attentive these days. Who was it that shouted in the hall that he wouldn't marry Miss even if all the women in the world died?"

Song Yiqiu patted the back of her hand and whispered:

"It's nothing. I have an appointment with him today, mainly to go to his house to see a painting about my grandmother. It's just a formality, and it won't take long."

Upon arriving at the gate, they indeed saw Fu Langxing and Song Sangyu already waiting at the entrance.

Today, Song Sangyu wore a delicate cherry-pink floral floor-length dress, while Fu Langxing wore an indigo brocade robe. The two of them standing together looked quite like a perfect couple.

Song Sangyu was affectionately tugging at Fu Langxing's sleeve, saying something and laughing shyly. Fu Langxing, though smiling, had a somewhat unfocused look in his eyes, appearing a little absent-minded.

When Song Yiqiu appeared at the door, a look of amazement flashed in Fu Langxing's eyes.

He almost immediately shook off Song Sangyu and strode forward, instantly forgetting Song Sangyu who had been standing beside him.

"Yiqiu, you've come."

His voice was tense.

Song Yiqiu nodded slightly, her gaze passing over him and landing on Song Sangyu, whose face instantly stiffened.

Song Sangyu gritted her teeth, took a deep breath, put on a polite smile, and stepped forward gracefully:

"Sister, you're dressed up so beautifully today. Brother Langxing and I have been waiting here for so long."

Her tone was coquettish, a faint complaint, before she covered her mouth and chuckled.

"Look at what I'm saying! Sister must have dressed up carefully, that's why you're late. I was just joking with you."

Fu Langxing quickly offered an explanation:

"No, no, Yiqiu, I just arrived recently, I haven't been waiting long."

Song Sangyu's smile froze for a moment, and she quickly changed the subject:

"Now that Sister Yiqiu has arrived, shall we go to the lantern festival together? I heard that there are already a lot of people gathered at the Wishing Bridge on West Street, it's so lively!"

As she spoke, she instinctively reached out to take Fu Langxing's arm.

This time, Fu Langxing subtly dodged to the side, leaving her hand awkwardly suspended in mid-air.

He cleared his throat and began to speak:

“Sangyu, I’m sorry. Yiqiu and I… have some other things to take care of. Why don’t you go and stroll around the Wishing Bridge first? We… we might come to find you later.”

"What?"

Song Sangye almost lost her composure and cried out.

She stayed with Fu Langxing here in the cold wind for almost an hour, and he didn't mention anything else he had planned the whole time.

Fu Langxing frowned slightly when he noticed her expression was off.

Song Sangyu suppressed her anger, put on a gentle and considerate expression, and continued speaking in a sweet and cloying voice:

"Brother Langxing, is there anything Sangyu can't know? Take Sangyu with you, maybe... Sangyu can be of help?"