Cao Shuwan looked up, trying hard to suppress the tears in her eyes, and smiled brightly: "I have made a new decision. Today, I want to try making a rouge myself, and afterwards I want to stroll through the streets. Master, would you like to accompany me?"
Jiang Huaiyu nodded slightly, her face full of smiles, "I couldn't ask for more."
Outside the door, Aunt Cao covered her lips tightly, tears silently streaming down her cheeks.
Upon learning of Jiang Huaiyu's arrival, she specially cooked her best fruit and flower drink. Just as she was about to bring it inside, she overheard this conversation.
The birthmark on her daughter's face is not only a source of pain for her, but also a hidden ache in this mother's heart.
Over the years, her daughter has suffered greatly because of this birthmark, and every scene is deeply imprinted in her heart.
She often reflects on whether she and her deceased husband had no birthmarks, yet her daughter was born with such an appearance. She wonders if she had violated some taboo during her pregnancy, causing her daughter to suffer such pain.
Whenever she sees her daughter heartbroken because of her birthmark, her heart is filled with regret and guilt. Even today.
With her daughter finally able to resolve this inner conflict, Aunt Cao felt as if a heavy burden had been lifted from her heart.
As a mother, her greatest wish is for her daughter to live a freer and happier life.
Aunt Cao gently wiped away her tears, but did not disturb them. Instead, she turned around and quietly returned to the kitchen.
Cao Shuwan had practiced countless times at home by herself, so her makeup skills were quite proficient. After quickly finishing, she turned to look at Jiang Huaiyu, her voice trembling slightly: "What do you think...?"
Jiang Huaiyu smiled and nodded, saying gently, "It's beautiful."
Cao Shuwan slowly exhaled, "Although I know my appearance very well, hearing your praise and considering that I've worn makeup, I'm actually starting to believe it..."
Jiang Huaiyu gave her an encouraging smile, "Confidence is the most beautiful thing!"
Cao Shuwan nodded slightly, her eyes becoming even more determined. "Master, shall we set off?"
Jiang Huaiyu gazed at her affectionately for a while, then said, "No rush, I suddenly had an idea."
She picked up the paints on the table and carefully used the brush to meticulously draw on the spot where Cao Shuwan's birthmark was. After a while, she put down the brush, picked up the mirror, and handed it to her.
"What do you think?"
Cao Shuwan glanced at herself in the mirror and was instantly stunned.
"Is this a peony?"
The birthmark that had originally been slightly dark, running from the corner of her eye to her forehead, was cleverly transformed by Jiang Huaiyu into a peony bud. The peony petals were arranged in a well-organized and layered manner, blending perfectly with the color of the birthmark, making it look lifelike.
"Miss Cao, are you satisfied?" Jiang Huaiyu asked gently.
Cao Shuwan nodded vigorously, "Very satisfied! I simply cannot imagine that a birthmark on the face could be so cleverly concealed."
The birthmark, which was originally a slight imperfection, has been transformed into a vibrant peony, adding a touch of mysterious charm to her face.
Cao Shuwan was overjoyed, feeling that today was full of surprises. She looked at Jiang Huaiyu with deep gratitude in her eyes, "Master, thank you for your ingenuity."
"If you like it, I'll be content."
In her past life, Cao Shuwan could have become a renowned figure in the martial arts world with her unparalleled skill in making rouge, but she could only live in anonymity as an unknown slave, at the mercy of others. Although her name "Luo'er Yin" was famous throughout Western Wei and even beyond the Great Wall, she could never escape the shackles of fate. In the end, she passed away from overwork, receiving only a cold "short-lived person" in return.
However, in this life, the tragedy of fate did not repeat itself. Jiang Huaiyu was full of hope, wishing that she could bask in the sunshine of happiness.
The two stepped out of the house and saw Aunt Cao waiting for them not far away.
When she saw them appear, she smiled brightly and said, "Mr. Jiang, I specially made a fruit and flower drink. I saw you were so busy earlier, so I didn't dare to disturb you and kept it warm in the pot. Would you like to try a bowl before you leave?"
Although she was talking to Jiang Huaiyu, her eyes kept secretly glancing at Cao Shuwan.
Not wanting to disappoint her, Jiang Huaiyu smiled and agreed, "Alright, thank you for your hospitality, Aunt Cao."
Cao Shuwan noticed her mother's subtle movement, and suddenly strode up to her, asking with a natural and generous manner, "Mother, do I look beautiful?"
Aunt Cao looked at her daughter carefully for a long time, tears glistening in her eyes, and nodded: "Beautiful, my Shuwan is so beautiful that it's breathtaking."
Cao Shuwan gently raised her arm to wipe away her tears and said tenderly, "Since you are so beautiful, Mother should be happy. Why are you crying instead?"
"Alright, Mother, don't cry. Quickly take Master Jiang inside to rest. I'll go get you some fruit and flower drinks right away."
After enjoying the sweet and delicious fruit and flower drinks, the two had just stepped out of the Cao family's gate when they encountered a man and a horse.
Ling Mo's white robes were covered by a raincoat and a bamboo hat, which, while diminishing his otherworldly aura, added a touch of heroic spirit. Upon spotting Jiang Huaiyu in the distance, he immediately tightened the reins and stopped his horse. Only after Li Kui caught up did he dismount and walk towards them.
"Young Master Ling, did you come here specifically to see me?"
"Hmm, where are you headed?"
Jiang Huaiyu replied, "During this rainy season, we'd like to sit for a while at a teahouse in town."
Cao Shuwan chuckled happily, her eyes sparkling as she looked at Ling Mo and said, "Since Young Master Ling has graced us with his presence, why not join us?"
Ling Mo's gaze fell like a gentle rain on the peony blossoms on her face. He nodded slightly and replied humbly, "Then I shall gladly accept your offer."
"Young Master Ling, please don't be so polite. I am extremely grateful for the help you have given me. How could I dare to say that I am bothering you?" Jiang Huaiyu added gently.
The three of them, holding oil-paper umbrellas, strolled slowly along the bluestone path toward the teahouse in town.
Upon entering the teahouse and going up to the second floor, they each took their seats and ordered several teas and snacks. Jiang Huaiyu, being pregnant, shouldn't drink tea, so she ordered a refreshing fruit drink. She took a small sip, her brow furrowing slightly, and sighed softly, "This fruit drink is far inferior to Aunt Cao's."
Cao Shuwan smiled warmly and said, "Master, if you like, why not stay at my house for a few more days? I'll have my mother cook for you every day!"
"How could I possibly accept this?" Jiang Huaiyu replied with a slight blush.
Cao Shuwan continued to persuade, "Master, you have done my family a great favor, and my mother is eager to welcome you. Besides, it's just my daughter and me in my family, so even if you give birth here, it won't cause any problems. Why don't you consider it?"
When the topic of childbirth came up, Jiang Huaiyu gently stroked her abdomen.
The little life in her womb was already over five months old, and as the pregnancy progressed, long-distance travel was no longer suitable. She had originally envisioned being able to travel freely after resolving the matter in Wusu, but now it seemed that plan was no longer feasible.
(End of this chapter)
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