Chapter 39: Jiang Shiyuan Seeks a Worthy Match for Her Younger Sister

The next day, Jiang Shiyuan rose early. Since she was to meet Princess Qinghuan, she naturally had to put some thought into her appearance. With the month of June bringing sweltering heat, she intended to make the trip quick so she could return home before the afternoon sun grew too intense.

Upon learning they were to head out, the third young lady, Jiang Shishu, wasted no time in packing. Her luggage consisted of little more than a few garments, as she resided in the side chamber behind Jiang Shiyuan’s courtyard, where she lacked for nothing.

Early that morning, she came specifically to pay her respects to Jiang Shiyuan. Just as she entered, she caught Liuhua helping her mistress dress. Stepping forward, she gathered her courage and spoke up.

"Elder sister, would you allow me to apply your floral brow makeup today?"

"Do you know how?"

"I do. When I embroider patterns, I always sketch a draft on paper first, so I have become quite practiced at drawing."

Seeing her initiate such a request was a rarity, so Jiang Shiyuan smiled and agreed. "Very well. See which brow design would suit today’s outfit and proceed."

Jiang Shishu nodded. Grateful for the chance to be of service, she studied Jiang Shiyuan’s attire and hairstyle intently before formulating a plan.

Midsummer is a season of vibrant energy, and Jiang Shiyuan’s ensemble reflected this. Her dress was the color of a Concubine Yang peony—a flushed red reminiscent of the glow on a noble consort’s face after a bout of drinking. The bodice was embroidered with delicate patterns of blooming wealth in the elegant, smoky hue of incense ash, while an outer layer of cicada-wing gauze in the same tone perfectly balanced her natural air of cool, refined beauty. Her hair was adorned with a lush floral pin, featuring vivid green jade leaves, pearl stamens, and white jade butterflies, adding a touch of opulent grace.

Considering this, Jiang Shishu took up the cinnabar red and added a few strokes to Jiang Shiyuan’s forehead. A delicate, lifelike pattern of a treasure-flower blossomed there. She then touched the corners of her lips, a finishing stroke that brought the entire look to life. Lvluo, standing nearby, let out an exclamation of delight.

"Third young lady, your hands are truly gifted! Our young lady’s beauty has reached a new level."

The praise left Jiang Shishu blushing. Setting down the brush, she looked at Jiang Shiyuan with eyes full of gratitude. "Elder sister has been so kind to me; I know I can never fully repay her. To be able to add a touch of beauty for you is my good fortune."

Having spent these days together, it wasn't just Jiang Shiyuan who felt this way; her maids, Liuhua and Lvluo, had also formed a favorable impression of the third young lady. She was gentle by nature and possessed a delicate, endearing beauty. While not the type to stun at first glance, she was like a clear, flowing stream—the more one looked, the more comfortable she seemed. She was not only skilled at embroidery but also never caused trouble. During their time staying at the Marquis’s estate, she had never once overstepped her bounds, and the maids grew quite fond of her.

Hearing this, Jiang Shiyuan smiled, pulled her to sit beside her, and spoke softly. "Third sister, do not keep such words on your lips. We are of the same blood; helping one another is only natural. Do not let your status confine you to the narrow world of the inner chambers. With your talents, should you find the right opportunity, you would be no less than any noble daughter in Xijing. Do not belittle yourself."

"I understand elder sister’s words. It is just that I have grown accustomed to being humble, and some habits are hard to break. But staying with you at the Marquis’s estate and accompanying the eldest young mistress from time to time has taught me that a day can be spent in happiness or in sorrow. I will strive to improve, so as not to let elder sister’s efforts go to waste."

Seeing the redness in her third sister’s eyes, Jiang Shiyuan felt her efforts had been worthwhile. She had brought her along with the intention of finding her a good match; by allowing her cousin-in-law, Lady Xiang, to better understand her, perhaps a more suitable candidate could be found in the future.

"It is enough that you understand. For a woman, marriage is about mutual support and strength with her maiden family. If you wish for Aunt Yang to live more comfortably in the inner quarters, your own marriage must not be treated lightly or left to the whims of others. You must keep your own counsel. Do you understand?"

"Yes, sister, I understand. Thank you for your guidance."

At that moment, Jiang Shiyuan was the finest of elder sisters in Jiang Shishu’s eyes, and she would follow her words without hesitation or disrespect. The two sisters shared a smile, and much was understood without further words.

Once dressed, Jiang Shiyuan left the courtyard to find Pei Zisu waiting for her. Seeing her emerge, a look of pleasant surprise crossed his face. He stepped forward and smiled. "A-Nian’s beauty always leaves me breathless."

"Cousin Pei, keep your flattering words for elsewhere. If we do not depart now, we shall be late."

Pei Zisu looked spirited today in a sapphire blue, belted brocade robe with pipa-style sleeves that gave him a look of nobility. He wore only a jade pendant carved with the character 'Pei' at his waist—simple, yet of great significance. Seeing that Jiang Shiyuan did not respond to his jest, he handed her a box.

"I had these tourmaline earrings custom-made at Qingxi Pavilion. They seem to match your dress perfectly. Does A-Nian like them?"

Liuhua stepped forward to accept and open the box. Jiang Shiyuan picked up one of the earrings and examined it closely. To her surprise, within the tourmaline carved into a floral pattern, she could discern a natural 'heart' shape. She was slightly taken aback.

"Cousin Pei is very thoughtful."

"I am glad you like them. Let us depart."

"Yes."

The two had long informed the Matriarch of their visit to the Princess’s residence, so the carriage had been prepared in advance. Upon leaving, Jiang Shiyuan and her maids boarded the carriage, while Pei Zisu mounted his horse to lead the way.

The hour was early, and there were few people out. However, the young General Pei was far too conspicuous; passersby could not help but turn their heads to look. Lvluo pulled back a corner of the curtain and caught the sight of several young women casting shy, flirtatious glances his way. She could not help but sigh.

"Our future master is truly too eye-catching."

Hearing this, Liuhua tapped her to warn her. "The Pei family has yet to come to propose. Do not speak such words recklessly, or you will harm our young lady’s reputation!"

Lvluo covered her mouth immediately and nodded solemnly. Seeing her frightened expression, Liuhua did not lecture her further.

The journey was short, and they soon arrived at the Princess’s residence. As Jiang Shiyuan stepped down from the carriage, she happened to see another carriage pulling up opposite them. By its design, it was clearly a carriage from the Princess’s household. Why would someone be leaving so early in the morning?

Just as she was wondering, four or five men descended in a hurry. They were all refined and handsome, possessing the scholarly air of intellectuals. However, the sight of one of them caused Jiang Shiyuan’s expression to shift slightly. It was actually him!