Along the way, Gu Xiaoqiao also saw many exquisite decorations, but compared with the pavilions and towers in front of him, these were still far inferior. There was simply a world of difference.
From the front, you can see lotus flowers blooming all over the lake, with a refreshing fragrance that makes people feel relaxed and happy.
There are also exquisite vases placed around the pavilions and towers, filled with bright and colorful flowers.
On both sides of the pavilion, there are winding corridors and pavilions, and many koi are raised in the enclosed area.
Swimming back and forth, very happy.
Moreover, Gu Xiaoqiao saw several pleasure boats moored by the lake, and many young men and women were about to go boating on the lake.
Not only is there no feeling of stuffiness in here, but there is even a hint of coolness.
At this time, a pleasant sound of piano came from the pavilion.
Gu Xiaoqiao looked up and saw a woman sitting in front of a guzheng.
A set of tea sets is placed in front of the guzheng, and the fragrance of tea is lingering in the air.
The woman was wearing a light blue silk dress that trailed on the ground. The hem of the dress was embroidered with blooming plum blossoms, which set off her graceful figure and made her look particularly elegant.
Her black and shiny hair was tied into a fairy bun, with a white jade hairpin inserted diagonally with silver ornaments, and a emerald green jade headband on her forehead.
The overall look is very fresh and elegant.
The moment Gu Xiaoqiao saw this face, he felt an inexplicable sense of familiarity.
The woman in front of him was Du Rulan, the daughter of a scholar from the Hanlin Academy, and also the only good friend the original owner had during his lifetime.
The two of them may have similar experiences. Their fathers both favored concubines over their wives, so they have a feeling of mutual understanding.
"Everyone says Miss Du plays the piano very well, but I think she's just so-so."
Off to the side, a woman in a hibiscus-colored dress spoke with disdain.
Who else could this familiar voice and accent be but Lu Qingqing?
In the original owner's memory, Lu Qingqing always looked delicate and delicate in front of outsiders, and spoke in a gentle and pleasant manner.
But in front of her and Du Rulan, he always looked arrogant and domineering.
Gu Xiaoqiao was fed up with this attitude.
"My dear, don't say that."
At the side, another woman in a yellow dress quickly consoled her, "Sister Du's zither skills are known to all, how could they be bad?"
"Hmph, she dares to claim to be a good pianist. I think she's just so-so, not even half as good as Miss Wu!"
Lu Qingqing sneered disdainfully, with no concealment of contempt in her eyes.
Du Rulan looked a little embarrassed when she heard this.
Although her piano skills are not the best, she is still well-known in the capital.
But what Lu Qingqing said was blatant irony.
Miss Wu felt a little proud when she heard Lu Qingqing say this, but she still kept a smile on her face: "Mrs. Xu, you are too kind. Sister Du's zither skills are also famous in the capital."
After that, he said to Du Rulan: "Sister Du, Qingqing has always been outspoken and straightforward, you should not take it to heart."
Du Rulan forced a smile and did not answer.
When Gu Xiaoqiao heard Miss Wu speak, she turned her gaze to her.
Miss Wu had a slim figure, fair skin, curved eyebrows, a high nose bridge, and cherry-red lips.
There was a hint of disdain between his brows, and his pair of almond-shaped eyes revealed a bit of pride.
Looking at the clothes she was wearing, they were even more luxurious.
Today she was wearing a smoky-colored silk dress with exquisite crabapple embroidered on the hem and cuffs, and a jade pendant tied around her waist.
She wears lotus-patterned shoes and holds a white jade fan in her hand.
It looks extremely noble and cannot be desecrated.
Usually, those who come to this kind of banquet are unmarried young ladies. I didn’t expect Lu Qingqing to be here too. It seems that she has a good relationship with Wu Shuyao and the others.
"Mrs. Xu is quite straightforward. This time she seems quite different from last time."
Gu Xiaoqiao's sudden voice made the three of them turn their attention to her.
Lu Qingqing's face looked a little ugly, while Wu Shuyao stood up and said with a smile, "Miss Cheng is finally here, we have been waiting for you for a long time!"
"Sorry, I was delayed on the road." Gu Xiaoqiao bowed slightly.
"No problem, no problem." Wu Shuyao waved her hand, then pointed to the chair next to her and said with a smile, "Miss Cheng, please."
Gu Xiaoqiao nodded and sat down next to Lu Qingqing.
As soon as she sat down, a slightly sharp voice rang out:
"Oh, Miss Cheng is finally here!"
This voice seems to sound familiar.
Gu Xiaoqiao looked towards the source of the sound and saw a girl about her age walking towards them with a glass of wine.
She was wearing a light blue pleated skirt, a pink and blue tulle over it, and a pair of lotus-colored embroidered shoes.
She had an exquisite bun on her head and a pearl hairpin inlaid with gems.
She has a pretty face, red lips, white teeth, and affectionate eyes.
Gu Xiaoqiao looked at her for a moment before he remembered who she was.
Lu Qingqing's other good friend is Jiang Yuhan, the daughter of the Dali Temple Minister.
"Everyone says Miss Cheng looks very similar to Miss Lu Er from before. Seeing her today is indeed true. What a coincidence."
Jiang Yuhan smiled and continued, "It's really strange that there are two people in the world who look so similar, and they have no blood relationship at all. If it weren't for their different temperaments, I would have thought they were the same person."
Hearing this, Gu Xiaoqiao suddenly smiled. "I've heard that Miss Jiang's eyesight isn't very good, and seeing her today is indeed true. Miss Lu is already deceased, yet Miss Jiang is comparing her to her. Those who know her might think she's just being sentimental, while those who don't might think she's deliberately trying to embarrass me."
Hearing this, Jiang Yuhan's expression suddenly changed, and a hint of anger flashed in his eyes.
Her eyesight was not very good to begin with, and she became furious after being mocked by Gu Xiaoqiao.
However, due to the other party's identity, she didn't dare to attack Gu Xiaoqiao and could only glare at her fiercely.
Gu Xiaoqiao was not afraid of her and glared back at her calmly.
This action made Jiang Yuhan furious. She glared at Gu Xiaoqiao with gritted teeth, then turned her head away and ignored her.
"Ms. Cheng, don't be angry. Yuhan just likes to joke around. Don't take it to heart."
Next to her, Wu Shuyao immediately stepped forward to comfort Gu Xiaoqiao.
Gu Xiaoqiao smiled and shook her head. "Miss Wu, you're worrying too much. I'd never be so petty. It's just that I don't know Miss Lu Er, and I keep hearing people say I look like her. It's hard not to feel annoyed after hearing that for a long time. I am who I am, not someone else's substitute."
…
In the attic, two figures stood by the windowsill. One of them was playing with a white jade teacup in his hand with an indifferent expression.
The other person was wearing a dark blue brocade robe with a smile on his face.
"Third Prince, what do you think?"
Pak Ho Wu tilted his head to look at the person next to him, his tone somewhat teasing.
Continue read on readnovelmtl.com