At night, the unbearable heat of the day was finally dispelled by a heavy rain.
The homeless and beggars, with nowhere to hide, were drenched in the autumn rain and got up to move around in search of a place to take shelter.
Wang Jinmei and Zhao Yingying mingled among them; their clothes weren't exactly tattered, but they weren't exactly clean either.
They had already spent all their money half a month ago. After arriving in the capital, one of them relied on the village chief for support and never went out to find a job.
He was lazy and good-for-nothing, only working sporadically. It was a miracle he had managed to save anything. After staying at the inn for a few days, he couldn't afford the rent and was kicked out by the innkeeper along with his belongings!
"It's all your fault!" Wang Jinmei shoved Zhao Yingying beside her. "If it weren't for you, I wouldn't have been kicked out like this!!"
In the firelight, Zhao Yingying stared in disbelief: "You blame me?! Wang Jinmei, don't forget! This idea was yours! You were as stupid as a pig, personally luring that bitch away, and you still have the nerve to criticize me?!"
The two started arguing back and forth, much to the annoyance of the beggar who was almost asleep nearby. "Are you done yet?! If you want to argue, go outside!"
Being a man, Wang Jinmei and Zhao Yingying were immediately silenced, terrified. These past few days, they had been ostracized and beaten countless times in their search for shelter from the wind and rain!
It's not that I haven't thought about going back, but the village chief and those people are really determined and have hardened their hearts!
Even though Xu Nian had already started making arrangements to move out of the courtyard, the two of them cried until their voices were hoarse, but no one would agree to let them move back in!
They're truly a den of snakes and rats; it's chilling!
The rain lasted quite a while, only stopping just as the white light completely swallowed the darkness.
Xu Nian has been here for so long, and apart from when he casts a spell to make rain, he has never seen such heavy rain.
I got up early and wandered around the newly built mansion. The decoration and furnishings were all thanks to the wet nurse and Su Wanting. The entire county princess's mansion exuded an indescribable tranquility and elegance.
This garden-like art style is so beautiful!
[Host, take us on a tour! Is this mansion the same as the general's?]
[Nian Bao'er's hard work has finally paid off; in ancient times, she would have been granted an official title and a noble rank. Not bad at all.]
[That's true. Looks like they won't starve even without our tips.]
Knowing that the comments were teasing her again, Xu Nian was happy to play along. She immediately pretended to be flustered and said, "Family, I still need you. Please don't unfollow me!"
Amidst laughter and merriment, she walked out of her courtyard. Every servant she encountered had to bow respectfully before going to work.
Xu Nian felt a little uncomfortable, but she didn't stop them. She was going to leave eventually anyway, and there was really no need to rebuild their worldview.
"Niannian!" By the time they reached the gate, it was already bright daylight, and sunlight streamed through the clouds. As soon as Su Wanting stepped inside, she saw Xu Nian, dressed in a green cotton dress and without any makeup. "Niannian, why did you come out like this? It's your housewarming party today, you should dress up nicely."
The person whose name was mentioned was both amused and exasperated, letting Su Wanting push him back. "Wanting, there's no need for such a grand ceremony. Not many people came today, just the Prime Minister's residence, Gu Zhan and the others, and some villagers from our village. We're all family, there's no need for this."
Su Wanting pressed the person down in front of the bronze mirror and directed the maid to fetch clothes, "Even if it's like this, you still have to dress up properly. Your status is different now, you have to show the demeanor and image of a county princess at all times."
The silk skirt in the wardrobe was made by the embroiderers after Su Wanting asked Gu Zhan for Xu Nian's measurements.
Spring, summer, autumn, and winter—the four seasons were each categorized and hung among them. Each piece was made of top-quality material, and since Gu Zhan was paying for it, she didn't mind.
She personally went to the shop to choose the jewelry. She picked out the most fashionable styles that suited Xu Nian's status without making her look old-fashioned.
These things need to be brought out every day so that some people can see them.
The county princess's nobility and her relationship with Gu Zhan are not something she can interfere with based on any favors she has received!
The process of washing and dressing took quite a while, so long that Xu Nian was almost asleep when she suddenly heard a voice in her ear saying, "It's done."
[Who are you, beautiful lady?]
[Ahhhhh, I love seeing such a pretty older sister!]
[Don't run away from home, streamer! Become a beauty blogger! I'm going to rave about it, it's so beautiful!]
Xu Nian was born with a beautiful body; even during the famine, she was stunningly beautiful and eye-catching.
Now that she's in the capital, life has improved, but she usually dresses simply and goes without makeup, blending in with the rich and powerful ladies of the capital who are adorned with gold and silver, making her virtually unrecognizable.
Now, looking at the girl in the mirror, she saw a captivating yet not seductive beauty. A golden phoenix hairpin adorned her head, and her bright red dress accentuated her noble and dignified air!
Was the original owner of this body really this good-looking?
She gently touched her face, and Su Wanting, who was standing next to her, was also seeing her friend dressed up for the first time, and she was amazed.
"Nian'er, are you all ready?" Gu Zhan's voice suddenly came from outside. "The guests have all arrived and are waiting for you."
Su Wanting's eyes darted around, and before Xu Nian could react, she immediately called out loudly, "Alright. General Gu may come in now."
This is……
Gu Zhan stepped into the room without warning and met a pair of bright and sparkling eyes. His breath caught in his throat for a moment!
It turns out that some people really can be as beautiful as a fairy princess in a painting, or as a bewitching enchantress who has fallen to earth to steal souls.
In the mouths of the court officials, Xu Nian's face was described as a scourge to the country and a modern-day Daji!
Yet, the innocence and liveliness in her eyes added a touch of purity to her appearance, like a young fox that had just grown up in the forest.
Their innocent and bewildered appearance upon first entering the world is more captivating than ever before!
"It's beautiful." After a long while, Gu Zhan finally found his voice and sincerely praised, "Let's go, the Prime Minister and the village chief are waiting in the front hall."
He reached out his hand, a hint of expectation in his eyes.
Su Wanting had already chuckled and left. Xu Nian looked up at Gu Zhan. It was the first time she had seen the general in a different outfit than his military uniform, which included a black fitted coat.
A moon-white robe, a black headdress of indistinct material, and beautiful, relaxed eyebrows.
He had a refined and noble appearance, like a young master from a prominent family. Judging by his appearance alone, he did not look like a general from the military camp at all.
Gu Zhan breathed a sigh of relief as his slender hand rested on the man's large palm, holding it tightly in his own. With his other hand, he instinctively lifted Xu Nian's skirt and led her out the door.
They reluctantly let go as they approached the front hall, and walked side by side with the others into the already joyful and cheerful place.
Continue read on readnovelmtl.com
