"Miss, you need to put up your hair today. How would you like it styled?" Ru Yi asked Lian Manman as she was doing her hair. These days, Ru Yi mainly assisted Lian Manman with her grooming and dressing. Ru Yi was skillful and adept at styling hair.

"Let’s do the lily split bun you mentioned the other day," Lian Manman thought for a moment and said.

"That’s a good choice, simple yet pretty," Ru Yi replied.

In no time, the bun was done, and Ru Yi let Lian Manman have a look to see if she was satisfied.

"Miss’s hair is so black and smooth, and even thicker than others. No matter how you style it, it’s easier to work with and doesn’t need fake buns," Ru Yi said with a smile in the mirror.

"Did you put honey on your lips this morning?" Lian Manman laughed.

"I’m telling the truth. If you don’t believe me, ask Sister Ji Xiang," Ru Yi said with a chuckle.

"Ru Yi may exaggerate with other things, but what she just said is absolutely true. It’s not just our family who says so, but even those who have seen the miss from outside can’t help but praise her," Ji Xiang, who was picking clothes from the cabinet, came over with a smile when she heard this.

"Get to work!" Lian Manman scolded with a laugh, then looked at herself in the mirror from different angles. She found that Ru Yi had styled an exceptionally good bun today, with two small dangling tresses by her ears, making the reflection in the mirror look lively and charming.

With her hair done, Ru Yi opened the jewelry box layer by layer, letting Lian Manman choose the pieces she would wear today. Lian Manman thought for a moment and picked a small ruby-inlaid with gold flower crown, a red gold point-cui inlaid with pearl hairpin, and naturally chose a pair of matching ruby-inlaid gold earrings to go with the small flower crown.

These three pieces of jewelry were brought back by Wu Lang from the Capital City for Lian Manman. Each pearl on them was the size of a fingertip, crystal-clear and flawless. The styles and craftsmanship of the jewelry were all made internally, very valuable, and Lian Manman cherished them and did not wear them often.

"I must say, our master has such a good eye. Not only did he bring this back for the miss, but also brought things for the Madame and the Great Aunt, each more beautiful than the last," Ji Xiang and Ru Yi laughed by the side.

"Indeed," Lian Manman laughed. "With my brother like this, he will definitely become a considerate husband. I just wonder which girl will be lucky enough to become Wu Lang’s wife."

With her head set, as for her face, Lian Manman applied just a light touch of powder and chose from the clothes Ji Xiang took out: a light yellow silk-lined high-neck inner garment, an orange-red gold-embroidered upper garment, and a lake-colored floral gold-embroidered pleated skirt. Ji Xiang and Ru Yi helped Lian Manman dress up, then she picked a red gold coiled dragon jade necklace, wore two white jade bracelets, and selected a white magnolia jade pendant to weigh down the skirt corner.

Ji Xiang also helped Lian Manman pick an orange-red floral cloak.

Once Lian Manman was dressed, she went to Lady Zhang’s room. Lady Zhang and Lian Shouxin had also dressed according to their ranks. Then, Wu Lang and Xiao Qi, too, came in, dressed appropriately.

The family, dressed up, looked different from ordinary days and were very pleased with each other’s appearance. Especially Lady Zhang, seeing her three children looking extraordinary, felt both proud and delighted, her face unable to hold back her smile. The family sat down, and the maids served snacks. The family ate a little casually before heading out, getting into the carriage, and heading straight to the Shen Residence.

At the Shen Residence entrance, they saw numerous carriages and horses already parked outside. Despite the hustle and bustle of people and horses, it wasn’t noisy. The stewards from the Shen Mansion led people into the residence in an orderly manner. Today’s banquet at the Shen Mansion was set in the back garden, because the chrysanthemums and hibiscus were in full bloom, and besides watching the play and drinking, they could also enjoy the flowers.

Lian Manman and Lady Zhang were first led to a small drawing room, where they were received by Grandma Shen San. After exchanging pleasantries, they headed to the garden. The banquet for female guests was held in Xiaofeng Pavilion in the garden, with hills to the back and waters in the front, surrounded by large flower beds. Sitting inside the pavilion, one could smell the faint fragrance of flowers, and the scenery all around was in full view.

After Zhang Shi and Lian Manman took their seats, they complimented the beautiful scenery enthusiastically.

"... Of course, the scenery in the Duke’s garden is excellent. I heard it was planned by a reclusive master. Although our own gardens can’t compare, there’s always a spot worth looking at. I heard the garden at Lian’s place is quite nice," chuckled a woman dressed in old green brocade.

Lian Manman hurriedly looked over and recognized her as Madam Qin, the wife of the Tongpan Mr. Qin in the residence, who had visited their house last time they entertained, although she left early due to some matter.

"Madam Qin flatters us," Lian Manman quickly replied with a smile. "Our garden is small and poorly maintained, let alone compared with the Duke’s garden, even the gardens of the ladies here today are far more exquisite than ours. But we are grateful Madam Qin thinks well of it. Just as we were leaving today, my mother mentioned that last time we invited the ladies and grandmothers over, it was such fun, but ended too soon. In a few days, she’ll want to invite Madam Qin and the ladies and grandmothers to our home again if they have time."

Lady Zhang, who was talking to Grandma Shen San, turned her head and agreed with a smile upon hearing this.

Madam Qin nodded with a laugh and said she would be sure to come. Lian Manman smiled, and her gaze fell on the young girl in the lotus-colored brocade sitting beside Madam Qin.

...

Before you know it, it’s the 5th already. If you have any guaranteed monthly votes, please support. (To be continued. If you enjoyed this work, you’re welcome to Qidian (qidian.com) to vote for recommendation and monthly tickets. Your support is my biggest motivation. Mobile users, please visit m.qidian.com to read.)