Chapter 121 Invitation
She paused, her eyes sweeping over the Ningxiang Pavilion sign, her tone a little awkward:
"I just happened to be passing by, and I couldn't bear to see someone playing such a despicable trick under my nose, polluting the territory of the capital. Besides..."
She changed the subject and looked back at Jiang Qingning, with a look of scrutiny and honesty:
"You, Jiang Qingning, although your background is indeed, well... there is no background to speak of now, but at least you are someone who has established a firm foothold in the capital with your own abilities."
"Being framed by such low-brow tactics is truly disgraceful to us women. This princess couldn't bear to see it and exposed it immediately, so as to prevent people from thinking that we noble ladies in the capital are all brainless fools, or that we can just throw mud at any random person."
These words were spoken in a proud and direct manner, even with a hint of disappointment.
Jiang Qingning was slightly startled, and then a smile of understanding appeared at the corner of his lips.
The Princess of Shanyang has a straightforward personality and is clear about what she loves and hates.
Although his words are sharp, his heart is not bad, and he is even... a little cute.
"The princess is right."
Jiang Qingning readily accepted the advice and spoke in a calm tone, "No matter what the princess's original intention was, I will remember your kindness in helping me today. If the princess needs my service in the future, I will do my best and will never refuse."
Li Youwei curled her lips and gently waved her golden fan: "Who needs your service? This princess is so precious, how can she need you?"
Having said that, she glanced at the dazzling array of shelves in Ningxiang Pavilion and asked casually:
"But...are the things in your shop really that good? Even the ladies in the palace praise them?"
Jiang Qingning understood and smiled. "If you don't mind, please come into the store. Qingning will personally introduce you to several beauty secrets suitable for your skin type. They are all Ningxiang Pavilion's treasures. They use natural ingredients and have remarkable effects. I will definitely not let you down."
Li Youwei's eyes lit up, but she remained reserved. "Hmph, since you've invited me so sincerely, I'll reluctantly go in and take a look. I'm tired, so I'd like to have a cup of tea."
As she spoke, she walked towards the store, her steps carrying a barely noticeable briskness.
The maid's eyes widened in surprise, and she hurried after him, sighing inwardly: "Princess, you're tired after just a few steps? Where is the dignity of the Princess of Shanyang?"
Jiang Qingning followed with a smile and told Zi Su: "Go prepare the best cloud tea and use my set of rain-covered sky-blue tea sets."
In the inner room of Ningxiang Pavilion, the curling scent of sandalwood dispelled the noise outside the door.
Zi Su served a tea set that looked like the sky after rain, and the emerald green mist tea soup was filled with fragrance in the porcelain cup that was as thin as an eggshell.
Jiang Qingning personally poured tea for Li Youwei. His movements were smooth and his attitude was calm and natural. He had the elegance and composure that came from a noble family, as if he was entertaining an ordinary respected guest.
Li Youwei picked up the teacup, her posture still dignified, but her eyes were filled with undisguised curiosity. She looked at the store's displays and the several beauty products recommended by Jiang Qingning, and felt that each one was beautifully packaged and made of exquisite ingredients.
"This Snow Skin Gel is made with Tianshan Snow Lotus as the main ingredient, supplemented by a variety of rare herbal extracts. Take three drops and pat gently after cleansing your face in the morning.
It has an excellent moisturizing and brightening effect, and is especially suitable for skin as naturally beautiful as yours, which only needs a little care to become radiant."
Jiang Qingning picked up a small white jade bottle and introduced it in a clear voice.
Li Youwei took it, uncorked the bottle and sniffed it. A cool, pure fragrance penetrated her heart and lifted her spirits.
Although she was a princess, she was given countless perfumes and cosmetics by the emperor in the palace.
But the ones recommended by Jiang Qingning seemed to have a unique natural and pure charm, which was more to her liking.
"Hmm, it smells good."
Li Youwei nodded reservedly, handed the bottle to the maid behind her to put away, and pointed to a few other things, "This, and that, pack them all up."
Jiang Qingning responded with a smile and gestured to Zi Su to pack it.
The room suddenly became quiet, with only the aroma of tea floating in the air.
Li Youwei picked up the teacup, took a sip, and her eyes fell on Jiang Qingning's calm profile. She suddenly spoke with a subtle complexity in her tone:
"Speaking of which, I didn't bring Doctor Wang out today to help you out on purpose. I'm just used to it."
She paused, as if weighing her words, her long eyelashes drooping, casting a small shadow under her eyes:
"Have you heard of the Duke of Qin's wife? She's the mother of the Imperial Concubine and Qin Xiu's siblings. Back then, the Duke of Qin suffered greatly when she gave birth to Qin Xiu. She had a hemorrhage after childbirth and nearly...
In short, the Duke's wife hasn't been in good health these past few years. She's been severely deficient internally, and is afraid of the cold and wind in autumn and winter. The imperial physicians have advised that she needs to take good care of herself."
"In the Imperial Hospital, Imperial Physician Wang is the best at treating women with Qi and blood deficiency. So, every seventh day of the month, I invite Imperial Physician Wang to my house to check Madam Qin's pulse and carefully prescribe medicine. I've been doing this for over three years."
Her voice was calm, as if she was talking about a very ordinary little thing, but the care contained in her words was extremely heavy.
Jiang Qingning's fingers gripping the teacup tightened slightly.
She understood the hidden meaning behind Li Youwei's words.
This princess, who was born into a wealthy family, expressed her deepest love for Qin Xiu through her continuous and silent dedication for more than three years.
This kind of thought is pure and profound.
"The princess is so kindhearted. For three years, she has been caring for the Duke's wife with unwavering care. Such filial piety and kindness are truly admirable."
Jiang Qingning put down the teacup and looked at Li Youwei with a look full of sincere respect, without any hypocrisy or sympathy.
"Madam Qin is blessed to have the princess care about her so much."
Li Youwei raised her eyes and met Jiang Qingning's clear and frank gaze, and was slightly stunned.
She had anticipated Jiang Qingning's possible reactions, perhaps embarrassment, perhaps vigilance, or even a bit of pity as a winner, but she had never expected such pure appreciation and affirmation.
This strangely alleviated the awkwardness and bitterness in her heart that arose from revealing her secrets.
"What's the point of being kind or not?" Li Youwei turned her face away and fanned herself gently with her round fan, trying to hide her momentary emotional fluctuations. Her tone returned to her usual arrogant tone, "It's just a small favor. Madam Qin has a gentle personality and treats me very well. I... I'd be happy to go see her, too."
She was silent for a moment, then suddenly turned around, her eyes scrutinizing and probing, looking straight at Jiang Qingning: "Hello, Jiang Qingning."
"Princess, please speak."
"Would you like to go with me to Duke Qin's mansion?"
Li Youwei asked a little abruptly, but her eyes were serious.
"It just so happens that Imperial Physician Wang is here too. Could you ask him to take a look at you? I see you look a little pale. I'm sure you've been troubled by all the bad things that happened recently. Madam Qin might be happy to see you."
She paused and added, "Anyway, I heard that your Ning Pavilion is right next to the Duke of Qin's Mansion, so it's very convenient."
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