These three qipao robes were all made of the finest silk. The first, pink, was embroidered with a hundred flowers and butterflies. The large clusters of chrysanthemums were incredibly lifelike, each delicate petal clearly visible. The graceful butterfly was also remarkably realistic. The collar and cuffs were edged with seven-colored gold thread, making it truly magnificent. The second robe was apricot-yellow, covered entirely in embroidery of various leaves. While not as ornate as the first, its collar and cuffs were edged with over ten different colored silk threads, making it exquisitely elegant. The third robe was moon-white, with the embroiderer using various shades of blue silk thread to embroider several cranes and auspicious clouds, then finishing the edges with white silk thread. The entire garment was extremely dignified and elegant, exuding an extraordinary air.
Being an 11-year-old, Xin Yi couldn't hold back any longer. She walked past her second sister, stepped forward, touched the three pieces of clothing, and looked on with envy.
Although they usually have plenty of clothes and each of them gets a few new outfits made every spring and winter, none of them can compare to the material and workmanship of these three garments.
Lanqin looked at her as if she were a child on the street. Seeing her joy, she couldn't help but say, "If Fifth Sister likes it, you can choose any one of these when I come back from the talent show."
She said these words without any other meaning; she simply felt that since she had something good, it didn't matter if she shared it with her younger sisters. Besides, if she really was going to enter the Yongzheng Emperor's residence as recorded in history, then she was not.
What kind of clothes don't they have there? Why should she be reluctant to part with these few?
Upon hearing this, Fifth Princess wanted to agree, but when she saw Holland's expression, she dared not accept it. She could only retreat to Holland's side and say to Lanqin, "Thank you for your kindness, Third Sister, but these clothes are probably a bit too big."
The Second Princess's lips curled into a faint smile as she picked up a handkerchief and rubbed her nose, as if their conversation had nothing to do with her.
Just then, Xi'er entered with a woman who looked to be about forty years old. She had a round bun on her head, adorned with several gold hairpins, and some loose hair at her temples, with silk flowers tucked behind her ears.
The Second Princess immediately stood up from the bed and, together with the Fifth Princess, took a few steps back to make room for the newcomers to get close to Lanqin.
Lin Mengyao naturally recognized her; she was none other than her mother, whom she saw every day—Lingzhu's first wife, Anjia.
"Holland greets her mother!" As Anjia approached, the Second Princess raised the handkerchief in her hand, bowed slightly, and then straightened up on her own.
"Xinyi greets her stepmother!" Fifth Princess curtsied, but dared not rise immediately.
Anjia showed no expression on her face. She walked to the Fifth Princess's side and said calmly, "Good children, you are so thoughtful to come and see Qin'er."
Fifth Princess then straightened up.
The second princess chimed in, "Our third sister is sick. We sisters are used to playing together every day, and now that one of us is missing, it's not as lively as it used to be."
Anjia sat down in the seat where the Second Princess had been sitting. She didn't rush to speak to the Second Princess, but instead took Niohuru Lanqin's hand, looked at her face affectionately, and then said, "You sisters are all grown up now, and you will each find your own families in the future. Now, when you have time, get together more often." After saying that, she didn't look at them, but just held her daughter's hand and looked her around.
Seeing this, the second princess immediately curtsied again and said, "Empress, my fifth sister and I have been bothering my third sister for quite some time, so we'll head back for now."
Anjia responded indifferently, and the Second Princess and the Fifth Princess were helped out by their maids.
"Another troublemaker!" Madam Anjia glanced at Wang Mama, who was standing beside her. Wang Mama understood and immediately followed her out.
"Xue'er, Xi'er, you two can go out too. I have something to say to the Third Princess." Madam Anjia dismissed the two maids.
What is she trying to tell me? Lin Mengyao thought to herself: Could it be that she wants Wang Mama to stand guard at the door, in case someone eavesdrops?
"Qin'er, you have always been kind and innocent since you were little. Your mother is really worried about whether you can stand on your own after you go out into the world." Tears welled up in Anjia's eyes again.
Oh my god, I can't stand seeing people cry.
"Mother, don't worry about Qin'er. Qin'er is very lucky. When Qin'er has great fortune, I will take you with me to enjoy it." Lanqin held Anjia's hand and shook it, which made her laugh through her tears.
“Actually, it would be better to let your second sister go to the imperial concubine selection; she’d love to go. Why don’t you stay by your mother’s side? I’ve already told your father.” Anjia Shi raised her hand to tidy up the stray hairs by Niohuru Lanqin’s ear and said lovingly.
Let Niohuru go to the Netherlands! All I know is that Emperor Yongzheng had a concubine who was Lingzhu's daughter, but that old man Lingzhu had several daughters!! Could it be that this isn't my original self?
Lanqin thought about it and realized that perhaps it really wasn't me, the original owner of this body. Well then, I'll stay in Lingzhu Mansion and enjoy a few more comfortable days.
No, the nanny who taught us manners a few days ago said that if a Manchu family has both legitimate and illegitimate daughters, only the legitimate daughter can participate in the selection.
Lanqin thought for a moment, then took Anjia's hand and said, "Mother, our Niohuru family, during the time of our great-grandfather Eidu, was trusted by the Taizu and Taizong Emperors and received imperial favor, and our family has always produced many talented people. But now, although Father holds a fourth-rank official position, it is only a civil post. Our Niohuru family's glory is fading in our generation. As a daughter of the Niohuru family, I should do my best to contribute my meager strength to the family's honor."
Emma, Lin Mengyao felt like throwing up from the sourness of her own words!
However, I was fortunate to have learned about the honors of the Niohuru family from the matron who taught them manners a few days ago; otherwise, I really wouldn't have been able to utter such righteous words.
Anjia was taken aback by her daughter's sudden display of righteous indignation and was momentarily speechless in rebuttal.
“The Niohuru family has more than one daughter like you. You are my only biological daughter, and I really can’t bear to part with you! Your father was bewitched by that Yang woman and actually had the heart to send you. I already mentioned it to him yesterday. The Second Princess is getting old and is interested in being selected, so why not let her go! You silly child, there are plenty of people now who will find someone to send a concubine’s daughter.” Anjia still insisted on sending the Second Princess to the selection.
Lanqin didn't want to argue with her anymore. Anyway, she couldn't make the decision herself, so she let Lingzhu worry about it.
"Mother, I'd like to go out for a stroll tomorrow?" Lanqin asked cautiously. She had been here for half a month and hadn't left the Ling residence. She was eager to see what the streets outside were like.
“I was just thinking of taking you to burn incense. Let’s go to Huangjue Temple with your mother tomorrow,” said Anjia.
"Good, Mother is so kind." Lanqin thought to herself: Going to the temple is not bad either, let me see what a real ancient temple looks like.
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