Qin Yuan had just woken up, still somewhat groggy, and asked, "Which Miss Xu?"
Hong Ye whispered, "She’s sitting outside, the niece from Sixth Madam’s maternal family, named Xu Zhen."
"Oh."
Only then did Qin Yuan fully wake up.
She arrived so quickly.
"Why not let her sit in the main hall?"
Hong Ye quietly replied, "She said it’s all women of the house, so she’s waiting in the outside living room."
Qin Yuan said nothing, her expression not looking too pleased.
Hong Ye quickly added, "This servant hinted to her several times, but she acted like she didn’t understand and just walked straight here. Fortunately, the Marquis is not at home now. If the Marquis were here, what would it look like if they ran into each other? This servant didn’t expect that a young lady who hasn’t left her boudoir could be so presumptuous."
If it wasn’t an invitation from the host, she really shouldn’t have barged in.
Xu Zhen would be staying here for a while; breaking the rules once could become a habit.
Qin Yuan thought to herself that she wasn’t very familiar with her yet.
Even if they were familiar, it shouldn’t be like this.
Qin Yuan let out a soft hum and said, "Just this once, next time find a way to have her sit outside."
Hong Ye, wearing a troubled expression, agreed.
With Cui Ming not around and Hong Ye not very skilled at hairdressing, Qin Yuan didn’t bother with a complicated hairstyle. She simply tied her hair into a bun, inserting a gilded double-strand gold hairpin, the stem of which was set with various small gemstones, sparkling brightly.
After deliberating for a moment, Qin Yuan still put on a guest-worthy blouse, the intricate embroidery on its collar and cuffs adding more dignified air to her smoke-purple gauze skirt.
It took her about a quarter of an hour to finish dressing.
Qin Yuan supported by Hong Ye, walked out.
Xu Zhen was still wearing the same outfit from the morning. Seeing her approach, a surprised look flashed in her eyes. She stood up and smiled, "Marchioness, I’ve come at the wrong time, haven’t I? Am I disturbing your rest?"
As the saying goes, one doesn’t hit a smiling face. Qin Yuan replied, "No problem, I am not one to oversleep. I was just lying down. It’s about time to get up anyway."
They sat down, with Xu Zhen as the guest and Qin Yuan as the host. Xu Zhen smiled, "I often hear my aunt say that Madam is well-read, with a refined demeanor. It is indeed so upon meeting you. Even the arrangement in Madam’s room is quite unique."
"Oh?" Qin Yuan feigned interest and asked, "What makes it different?"
Xu Zhen bashfully said, "I haven’t read much and can’t quite describe it. I just feel that the things in Madam’s room don’t have the vulgarity of others’ houses, and the scent is also pleasant. Even in this hot summer, sitting here clears the mind."
Qin Yuan smiled and said, "It’s merely because I’ve put ice in the room, making it feel cool when you walk in from outside."
Xu Zhen accompanied her with a smile and said, "Aunt says Madam is very knowledgeable and advised me to visit and talk often to gain some insight. It truly lives up to that."
Hong Ye couldn’t help but secretly roll her eyes.
If she’s idle all day, is she going to cling to Miss and not let go?
Qin Yuan then asked, "Do you usually like to paint or compose poetry?"
Xu Zhen shook her head.
Qin Yuan asked again, "Then what kind of books do you like to read?"
Xu Zhen sheepishly said, "I don’t read much. My family says my aunt didn’t read much but still married a good husband. I’ve only read the Four Books for Women."
Qin Yuan replied, "Since that’s the case, your family allowing you to study shows they have high hopes for you."
Xu Zhen sighed and said, "My right neighbor is an old maiden who hasn’t married and runs a small school at her home to teach female students, earning a living. Seeing that I often stand at the doorway listening to their recitations, she told my family that if a girl recognizes more characters, she can manage household accounts when married into a wealthy family and not be fooled by servants, so my family approved."
Qin Yuan inquired, "Do you often do needlework? Your aunt mentioned you accompany Treasure Bead in embroidery. I’ve never seen what Treasure Bead embroiders, but from what I’ve heard, it should be somewhat better than hers."
Xu Zhen couldn’t help but laugh and said, "To be honest, Madam, I only know ordinary floral patterns. Treasure Bead has probably hardly ever picked up a needle."
Qin Yuan also couldn’t help but laugh, saying, "Madam dotes on Treasure Bead. She hired top Su Embroidery masters for her. I heard that good Su Embroidery handkerchiefs in the Capital City are dozens of taels of silver apiece and hard to get. If she hardly picks up a needle, then it’s truly a waste. If you can learn a thing or two, it would be immensely beneficial, as many families pass down Su Embroidery as heirlooms."
Since such things can be heirlooms, they naturally add weight to marriage negotiations.
Xu Zhen seemed pensive.
Seeing her expression, Qin Yuan handed over the round fan in her hand and said, "Look at this round fan’s pattern, along with the fan frame, it’s nearly a hundred taels of silver. And only after the imperial household purchases is completed, can we buy it for our family. Isn’t that impressive?"