Why are you only arriving now?
Only then did she realize how much she depended on Xiaolian! Before she could even wonder why everyone was looking at Xiaolian, her eyes caught sight of a figure behind Xiaolian. Before she could see clearly, she heard Xiaolian speak with a cheerful laugh.
"Oh, miss, look who's here?"
As she spoke, Xiaolian stepped aside to avoid being blocked, and only then did Liu Piaorou see the figure behind her…
I was stunned!
A long purple silk dress fluttered in the wind, the neckline slightly open, revealing her slender, snow-white neck with captivating charm. Her hair was styled in a high bun, revealing her temples. Her eyebrows were lightly drawn, and her eyes held a spring-like quality. Her skin was smooth and lustrous like warm jade, and her cherry-red lips were naturally red and delicate. Two strands of hair gently brushed her cheeks in the wind, adding to her alluring charm.
Absolutely captivating! A true beauty!
The familiar clothes made Liu Piaorou unable to believe that this was the same simple-looking village woman who had just been standing at the entrance of the small kitchen in the backyard, dressed in hemp clothing!
The amazement and envy from those around them were the most direct affirmation.
Qin Qing stood calmly to the side without saying a word, but the gazes of the people around her were too intense, and she couldn't help but feel a little nervous... As a gust of wind blew by, the heat hit her face, and a comfortable coolness came from her forehead. Only then did she realize that she seemed to be sweating a little.
Seeing Liu Piaorou's incredulous and shocked expression, she couldn't help but laugh awkwardly.
"Miss? Is something wrong?"
Upon hearing this, Liu Piaorou snapped back to reality, her eyes shining as she looked at her. Only then did she realize! The old lady beside her, whom she hadn't paid much attention to before, was actually a stunning beauty!
Given that most of the people here were wives and daughters of officials, the crowd merely whispered amongst themselves, expressing envy and admiration, without anything unusual. However, Qi Ning'er, who was seated above, noticed everyone's gaze fixed on a certain spot as soon as she sat down...
Looking up, her eyes flashed slightly! Jealousy and disdain filled her eyes, especially since that person was standing next to Liu Piaorou, whom she hated the most, which made her even more disgusted. She sneered.
"I have come today to offer my sincere congratulations to the Madam on her birthday, and I present this precious gift: a piece of white jade coral! I wish the Madam boundless happiness and longevity!"
After she finished speaking, a smile immediately appeared on the old lady's face. A maid came up with a tray, her face full of caution and care, as if she were holding her own life in her hands!
The moment the red cloth was lifted, the fluorescent, crystal-clear coral attracted everyone's attention, and several exclamations of surprise rang out. Qi Ning'er looked even more smug!
"This white jade coral is so beautiful! It smells so good! Oh my god!"
"As expected of Her Highness the Princess, this is truly a masterpiece!"
Liu Piaorou also saw the white jade coral, her eyes widening slightly, revealing the shock and amazement deep within her.
Just then, a sharp and annoying shout came from beside me.
"I remember that in previous years, it was Rou'er who presented the gifts after me. Why do you seem a little nervous today?"
After saying that, she suddenly looked up at Liu Piaorou, looking apologetic, but the sarcasm and humiliation in her eyes were crystal clear!
"Oh dear, how could I forget? This white jade coral is such a precious thing. If Rou'er's gift is inferior to it, it would be a huge embarrassment!"
In an instant, everyone's eyes turned to Liu Piaorou, making her, who was already nervous and insecure, even more flustered!
From a young age, the sixth princess, Qi Ning'er, always looked down on her. No matter what it was, she always targeted her, but didn't care about others, which really puzzled her! Over time, she got used to feeling inferior.
Faced with everyone's expectant gazes, she felt extremely uncomfortable and even forgot to offer her gift!
Seeing this, Qin Qing reached out and gently nudged her, whispering something.
"Miss, don't panic, our cake is much more precious than hers!"
She wasn't stupid. The woman on the stage was speaking so aggressively, clearly at odds with Liu Piaorou. The old lady next to her must be the Dowager Empress; seventy years old was definitely a very old age in ancient times! At this stage of life, gold and silver treasures are certainly not as important as one's own enjoyment!
Moreover, the old lady seemed to like the sixth princess very much, but after sitting there, she only smiled when she saw the white jade coral, and never looked at the sixth princess again!
This isn't some act of affection; at this age, they're certainly used to delicacies, so this kind of fruit cake is perfect for them!
Liu Piaorou snapped out of her daze, then suddenly realized what was happening. She glanced gratefully at Qin Qing, before mustering her courage to take out the tinderbox, gently open the lid, and reach her hand inside…
Everyone stared at her actions with a puzzled look, even the old matriarch couldn't help but frown, truly unable to understand her behavior.
Needless to say, the Sixth Princess Qi Ning'er's face was practically overflowing with sarcasm and gloating.
Everyone was stunned when the large wooden frame in front of Liu Piaorou emitted bursts of an unusual light…
Looking at the firelight in front of her, Liu Piaorou's tension subsided slightly. She carefully lifted the large box with both hands and walked out step by step. Everyone watched as she walked towards the old matriarch, and no one stopped her.
As she walked in, a genuine smile appeared on her face.
"Granddaughter wishes Grandmother a happy birthday, may you grow younger every day, and be happy and healthy every day from now on! This is a special cake that granddaughter prepared for Grandmother!"
The old lady was taken aback. In all her years, this was the first time anyone had offered her such congratulatory words—simple, direct, yet pure and sincere. A gentle smile involuntarily appeared on her face…
"Juying!"
Upon hearing this, the maid beside him calmly stepped forward and reached out to open the lid!
In an instant, the colorful candlelight illuminated the two-tiered fruit cake, making it look even more delicious. The sweet aroma was so enticing that the old lady couldn't help but swallow, her eyes filled with curiosity and delight as she looked at the cake.
Even the people around smelled the wonderful aroma... They all peeked out to look, and were immediately amazed by the cake's appearance!
Upon seeing this, Liu Piaorou quickly said.
"Please make a wish in your heart, Grandmother, and then blow it out. I believe your wish will come true!"
The old lady had never heard of such a novel idea before. Looking at the delicious and tempting cake in front of her, she thought for a moment, then slowly blew out the candles on it…
Even without candles, the cake's sweetness and color are still just as amazing!
"Excellent! Excellent! I've lived most of my life, and this is the first time I've ever seen something like this! Interesting! Interesting!"
The old lady seemed to have thought of something, and her smile grew even wider, her gaze towards Liu Piaorou filled with more affection.
"You've gone to such a thoughtful thing!"
Liu Piaorou's heart stirred, and her eyes welled up with tears. The old woman in front of her was her own grandmother, yet this was the first time she had looked at her with such eyes. At this moment, she finally understood what the bond between grandmother and granddaughter meant.
"Grandma, this cake tastes absolutely wonderful. Would you like me to cut you a slice to try?"
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