Tang Ning was pressed into her room to change into a new dress, had her hair styled again, and had her face touched up with makeup by Qian Qi Yue. Lip gloss was applied, and she was completely made over from head to toe. Only then did she follow the contented Qian Qi Yue out of the room.
When they reached the corridor, the sky outside had darkened slightly. Lanterns were lit all around the mansion, and when Yue Jian and the others saw the beauty under the lantern light, looking dazzling in her bright dress, they couldn’t help but freeze for a moment.
In the past, they knew that the young lady was exceptionally beautiful, and even standing beside the handsome and charming Governor, she never seemed lacking. However, Tang Ning usually dressed simply and elegantly, even when she occasionally wore a brightly colored dress, it was almost always paired with a simple hairstyle and no makeup.
But now, after her makeup, her already delicate features seemed even more refined. Her ethereal and jade-like beauty shed the childish innocence, with her brows and eyes appearing more poised and mature, adding a layer of elegance and nobility that enhanced her natural charm.
Tang Ning was wearing a purple-blue long skirt with intricate patterns, embroidered with peonies in silver thread. Her waist was cinched with a brocade sash, and as she walked, her tinkling ornaments could be heard. The peony flowers embroidered on her dress seemed to come to life, further highlighting her radiant beauty.
"What's wrong? Is it not good-looking?" Tang Ning asked, slightly confused, as all eyes were on her.
In her previous life, she had been carefree as a child. However, after growing up, she was bound by the marriage contract with the Lu family. The old madam of the Lu family did not like her being too extravagant, so she reined in her emotions, becoming obedient and docile. The Lu matriarch didn't like her drawing attention in public, so she rarely applied makeup and often dressed simply and modestly.
As the Lu family’s daughter-in-law, she tried her best to please Madam Lu, and for Lu Zhi Nian's sake, she suppressed her true nature. It had been a long time since she had put so much effort into her appearance.
She tugged at her sleeve uncomfortably. "This dress seems too flashy, and we're just going out for a stroll. There's no need for such a grand outfit, is there? Maybe I should change..."
"Change? Why would you change? You look great! If you change, that would be silly!" Qian Qi Yue immediately replied. "And besides, beauty is a gift from Heaven. What's wrong with showing it off? If you hide it and don't show it to others, that’s a waste! You’re just wasting that face!"
Flower Wa and the others, who were standing aside, also snapped out of their daze after hearing Qian Qi Yue's words.
"Miss Qian is right. Young lady, you look beautiful like this."
"Yes, you look stunning, Young Lady. You were already beautiful before, but now, it’s hard to take my eyes off you."
Hearing their praise, Tang Ning couldn't help but glance at herself. "Do you really think so?"
"Yes, really! If you don't believe me, ask Ah Ru!" Qian Qi Yue said confidently.
Xue Ru quickly nodded, "Yes, it's true. You look really beautiful, Sister. Don’t worry."
Seeing that Xue Ru agreed, Tang Ning finally relaxed.
After Tang Ning, Qian Qi Yue, and Xue Ru got into the carriage, they headed straight for the west of the city. By the time they arrived, it was already fully dark.
However, the area around Ying He Lake was still brightly lit. Along the lake’s promenade and the main street, lanterns hung everywhere, and there were various small stalls selling trinkets and performing street acts. The streets were crowded with people watching the lively festivities.
The carriage stopped outside the night market, and the group got out to walk. As they passed by the young men and women rubbing shoulders with each other on the busy street, Tang Ning couldn’t help but feel the lively atmosphere that was different from the daytime. It made her feel more alive.
"How is it? I didn't lie to you, right? Isn’t it lively?" Qian Qi Yue said, smiling as she linked arms with Tang Ning.
"This is a rare occasion in the capital, and usually, people are guarded by the rules of propriety, so it’s difficult for men and women to interact freely. But tonight, there are fewer restrictions," she continued, her voice full of excitement.
Every year on the Qixi Festival, unmarried young women and men would gather at Ying He Lake. With the usual social restrictions lifted, they could openly look at each other, even talk, without fearing that their reputation would be tainted. If they were lucky, they might even find a good match.
"I saw several unmarried young men from good families on the way here. When we get there, take the chance to look around and see if anyone catches your eye. Ah Ru too. If you like anyone, we can ask our aunt to help introduce you."
Tang Ning: "…"
Beside them, Yue Jian: "…"
If the young lady liked any of these young men, the Governor would probably end up twisting their heads off.
Hanging back slightly, guarding the group, was Hang Li, who also showed a slight change in expression. When he turned to look at Xue Ru, he saw the girl’s face blushing deeply.
"Miss Qian, please stop talking nonsense," Xue Ru said, her face red as a tomato.
"What nonsense? You’re almost of age now, and at this age, it’s normal to think about marriage," Qian Qi Yue replied, pinching Xue Ru's cheek. "Besides, our little Ah Ru is so beautiful and obedient, like a little white rabbit. She’s bound to attract a lot of suitors. I wouldn’t be surprised if young men came knocking on the door of the Tang family."
Xue Ru’s face flushed even deeper. "Qian sister!"
"Why be shy? When a man comes of age, he should marry, and when a woman comes of age, she should also marry. Do you want me to find you a handsome one?"
Qian Qi Yue continued teasing Xue Ru, who only blushed without responding, feeling a little embarrassed.
Tang Ning saw that her younger sister was nearly steaming with embarrassment and reached out to gently brush off Qian Qi Yue’s mischievous hand. "You only know how to tease Ah Ru. If you’re so good at this, why don’t you find someone for yourself first?"
Qian Qi Yue wasn’t offended by the remark. Instead, she leaned on Tang Ning with a cheerful smile. "I am looking, aren’t I? But if I can’t find someone who loves me, I’ll settle for someone good-looking. It’s just a pity…"
She sighed dramatically and looked directly at Tang Ning. "Once you’ve tasted the most exquisite food, it’s hard to go back to the simplest dishes. How could I settle for anything less?"
Tang Ning immediately understood her implication.
She paused for a moment and then said, "Maybe you should lower your standards?"
After all, if you were looking for someone with the same looks as her brother, there wouldn’t be another person in the entire capital who could compare.
Qian Qi Yue noticed her frown and couldn’t help but laugh, leaning against Tang Ning. "I’m just kidding! If I were really looking for someone like your brother, I’d probably end up becoming a nun. My mother would end up with white hair from worrying!"
She wrapped her arm around Tang Ning's and continued to smile. "Beauty is something that should only be admired from afar. It’s enough to feast your eyes on it. But when it comes to marriage, you still need to stick with someone who’s reliable. My father is in the Ministry of Revenue, so there are plenty of people who would want to use marriage to get closer to him and the Qian family. If I get too caught up in my looks, I might end up being tricked."
She tilted her head onto Tang Ning’s shoulder. "As for me, I’m not in a hurry. My mother is already helping me look, and if someone suitable comes along, I’ll get married."
Qian Qi Yue knew her own worth and understood how many people were eyeing her family’s position. She didn’t expect to find someone who loved her deeply, as long as their family background was right, and they had good character. She was confident her parents would approve of whoever she married.
After all, as long as her father still held his position, no one would dare treat her poorly.
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You can read ahead to chapterr 470 (100+ extra chapters) here
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