The twenty-third day arrived in the blink of an eye. As requested by the Third Madam, Tian Sangui gave her a pair of small hairpins with gold beads as a gift for her hair bun.
She changed into a light pink long coat with light orange leaf patterns, and white brocade shoes with cloud-shaped pearls on her feet.
She took her darling along with the Third Madam and Shen Xing'er, and rode in the Shen family carriage to celebrate Madam Zhang's birthday.
Upon arriving at the General's Mansion, the maidservants helped the Third Madam down from the carriage first, followed by Shen Xing'er.
Led by the Third Madam, Tian Sangui and Shen Xing'er followed behind, one on each side, into the room.
The Shen family was a well-known wealthy family, and even in the capital, no one dared to offend them.
As soon as the Third Madam entered the gate, the sharp-eyed ladies in the courtyard surrounded her, greeting her politely, their words inevitably carrying an air of flattery.
At the same time, his gaze also fell on Tian Sangui.
"This young lady looks unfamiliar. Whose daughter is she?"
Behind him, Tian Sangui could clearly hear a hint of disdain in his words.
The Third Madam was worried about not having a chance to introduce them, but when they brought it up, she quickly pulled Tian Sangui to the front and introduced him with doting eyes.
"This is my goddaughter, please greet the ladies!"
The Third Madam intended to elevate Tian Sangui's status, and she gratefully exchanged a glance with the Third Madam.
He then half-squatted, placed his hands on top of each other, and greeted her in a gentle tone.
"San Gui greets all the ladies!"
She was dignified and elegant, and her movements were standard and graceful, leaving even the most critical ladies unable to find fault with her.
All of this was thanks to the strict instruction from the Third Madam a couple of days ago; otherwise, she would have been thoroughly berated by the arrogant noblewomen in front of her.
"What a clever girl! Third Madam, you are so lucky. If I had such a dignified god-niece, I would keep her by my side every day to please my eyes!"
"Hahaha, you're just unlucky, otherwise you would have been showing off by now!"
Everyone laughed and praised Tian Sangui and his third wife, while jokingly putting down others.
Tian Sangui simply listened, watched, and smiled politely; this kind of topic was not suitable for her to participate in.
At this moment, Madam Zhang came out looking haggard. When she saw Madam Shen, she forced a smile and went to greet her.
"Huiniang is here!"
Hearing the sound, the wealthy women were quite shocked. What had happened to this person? Even the thick makeup couldn't hide her haggard appearance.
Before the Third Madam took a step forward, she secretly gave Tian Sangui a wink. Tian Sangui received the signal and prepared it in his sleeve.
"Qiaoqiao, why do you look so pale? Are you feeling unwell?"
The third wife stepped down the stairs, took the other person's outstretched hands, and greeted them with concern.
"Oh, don't even mention it. Ever since my husband went to the battlefield, he's been suffering from insomnia and internal heat at night, and he can't eat anything right. Gradually, his complexion has turned like this!"
Everyone understood, but they couldn't let her ruin herself like that. If General Zhang came back and saw her like this, he wouldn't have the heart to pamper her. Wouldn't that give other women an opportunity to take advantage of her?
I thought about it but didn't say it aloud. After all, we weren't really friends, so there was no need for me to worry about her.
The third wife was different; she and Zhang Qiaoqiao had been friends since childhood.
"You're worrying unnecessarily. General Zhang is brave and resourceful. He has led troops in battle for more than ten years. When has he ever returned safely to see you?"
As she spoke, the Third Madam pulled Zhang Qiaoqiao toward the pavilion, wiping away her tears with her hand.
They sat her down on a round stone bench in the pavilion, and the maidservant had laid out a warm cushion for her beforehand.
He placed his hands on Zhang Qiaoqiao's thin shoulders and looked into her lifeless eyes.
"Today is your birthday, you should be happy, not like this!"
He then pulled Tian Sangui in front of him.
“My niece, San Gui, has a pair of skillful hands. Let her do your hair and makeup. There are a lot of guests waiting for you to entertain them. You can’t go there with this face on your face, can you?”
After saying that, he took the bronze mirror from the maid and placed it in front of Zhang Qiaoqiao.
Madam Zhang touched her sallow face and frowned. Indeed, as Hui Niang had said, this face was not suitable for receiving guests; if she lost face, it would be a loss of face for her husband.
"Alright, then I'll have to trouble you, Miss San Gui!"
After exchanging polite greetings, Tian Sangui placed the rouge and cosmetic tool bag from his sleeve onto the white jade round stone table.
The ladies gathered around to admire the exquisite little gemstone box, which glittered brightly. The small, colorful gemstone on the box alone was quite valuable, leaving them dazzled.
When Tian Sangui opened it, a luxurious fragrance wafted out, and just by the scent, one could tell that it was a rare and exquisite rouge.
A strong possessiveness stirred an unbearable itch in their hearts.
Hearing the whispers behind him, Tian Sangui knew that her things had won the hearts of the noblewomen.
Next, she skillfully removed Madam Zhang's makeup. Zhang Qiaoqiao, who had never used makeup remover before, felt a refreshing sensation on her face.
Then Tian Sangui applied a pre-makeup moisturizing cream, leaving the ladies watching in awe.
Everyone wanted to see just how good Tian Sangui's skills were that they deserved such praise from Madam Shen.
Half of them were there to watch with anticipation, while the other half were there to watch the show and cause trouble.
As soon as the delicate powder puff was applied to her face, Madam Zhang's entire appearance changed dramatically, her sallow and dull complexion fading away, replaced by delicate and fair skin.
A soft brush gently sweeps a peach blush across the cheeks, making the apple cheeks look pink and alluring, instantly making one look more than ten years younger.
Thinking that today was her birthday and she was the star of the show, Tian Sangui borrowed a certain Huan's Jiaoli makeup and drew a blooming pear blossom on her forehead, and finally added a bitten lip gloss.
After finishing his work, Tian Sangui bowed and said, "Madam Zhang, please take a look!"
Tian Sangui held up a large round bronze mirror and placed it in front of Zhang Qiaoqiao, asking her a question.
Everyone was so amazed by her beauty that they forgot to breathe.
"Is this still the same Mrs. Zhang with the sallow complexion from before?"
"My God, I can't believe it! If she changed into a delicate color, she would look exactly like an eighteen-year-old girl!"
"Miss Tian is so skillful, I really admire her!"
Even Madam Zhang herself was stunned, thinking back to when she was eighteen, she wasn't this delicate.
"Miss Tian, you have absolutely divine hands!"
I can hardly believe I have such a beautiful moment. It's a pity my husband is at the border, otherwise I would have received so much love and attention from my concubines in the backyard.
Zhang Qiaoqiao felt it was a great pity.
The ladies crowded around, asking Tian Sangui to introduce the rouge in her hand.
Tian Sangui secretly winked at the Third Madam; she had been waiting for this perfect opportunity.
Holding the small boxes, introduce their names and functions one by one, while also keeping an eye on the items on the table to prevent them from being stolen.
Third Madam and Shen Xing'er also considered this, and quickly surrounded the table with their bodies.
"San Gui, name your price, I want them all!"
To surprise her husband, Zhang Qiaoqiao immediately offered to buy it.
Tian Sangui smiled calmly: "Madam Zhang, I apologize, these are all precious rouges, each one is priceless."
"Ah?" The ladies were disheartened by Tian Sangui's words, and each looked at him with resentment.
"However..." Tian Sangui changed the subject, and the ladies' hearts were once again caught up with her, hanging in mid-air, their eyes filled with expectation, longing, and surprise.
Tian Sangui took it all in and said to Madam Zhang, "Since it's Madam Zhang's birthday today, I'll give you two boxes."
"These are a concealer and a loose powder. Use them with your existing blush. Although it won't be as good as today's, it will be several times clearer and more natural than before!"
These words immediately caused an uproar among the women.
"Mrs. Zhang, you are so lucky! I really envy you!"
I secretly wish it were my own birthday.
Madam Zhang was overjoyed and warmly praised Tian Sangui.
Seeing that the time was ripe, Tian Sangui naturally revealed his purpose.
"Thank you all for your kind invitation. The eighth day of next month will be the auspicious opening day of my Hefang Restaurant. I would like to extend my sincere invitation to you all to grace us with your presence."
Tian Sangui has prepared a surprise for all the ladies, and welcomes everyone to add luster to Hefang Restaurant!
Having learned from Madam Zhang's experience, the ladies of high society naturally wouldn't miss this hard-won opportunity.
"You silly child, send someone to our house to let us know when you open your business, and we'll all be there to support you!"
"Hahaha!"
"I don't care about anyone else, but Aunt Zhang will definitely come!"
Having achieved his goal, Tian Sangui politely thanked everyone.
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