To celebrate Gu Jingyuan’s birthday, both sisters wore bright colors. Gu Zaili donned a rouge-red dress, captivating and stunning, making it impossible to look away. Her inherent nobility added a lofty allure to her charm, deterring any thoughts of desecration, leaving one to only gaze up at her in breathless admiration.
Previously, she had only entertained high-ranking daughters of nobility in the inner courtyard, excluding those of lower status, let alone the men in the front yard. As she walked by now, her red dress trailing on the ground, everyone was awestruck at just a glance. Only a combination of such beauty and lofty demeanor could be described as peerless.
However, the astonished gazes did not linger long on her before shifting eagerly to her sister, Gu Jianli. Specifically, they looked impatiently at Gu Jianli’s face.
Compared to her sister, Gu Jianli’s purple attire was not as striking as rouge-red, yet its brilliant hue carried a gentle, graceful harmony that accentuated her peach-like cheeks and smooth, delicate skin. Her eyes, like dark lacquer on jade, shone brightly, making her appear like a fairy stepping out of a painting.
Wait…
Her face!
She wasn’t wearing a veil! Nor did she reveal a pockmarked face that would evoke pity or schadenfreude!
Those kneeling were utterly stunned and in disbelief! Could the rumors be true? Had Gu Jianli truly cured her pockmarked face? This…this was more than just a cure; it was as if she had been reborn with new skin…
Once again, the unparalleled beauty of the twin sisters of Anjing left everyone breathless, eliminating any other topics of conversation.
Qin Shuwan, her mouth half open, was utterly stupefied. Thinking of how she had just vehemently denied Gu Jianli’s restored beauty in front of so many people, she felt immensely embarrassed. It took her a long moment to recover, gasping for breath from the tightness in her chest. She instinctively looked towards her friend Zhao Yunling, only to find Zhao Yunling moving away from her towards Cheng Meiya.
Qin Shuwan was so angry that she nearly choked!
As for Tang Honghui, who had mocked Gu Jianli’s disfigurement at the Long Yujun wedding banquet? Unfortunately, she wasn’t present today to witness Gu Jianli’s restored beauty, as she wasn’t qualified to attend. She probably would never get to see it again, her social circle having receded so far that she would never stand before Gu Jianli again.
Of course, Qin Shuwan would also never stand before Gu Jianli again.
Both Gu Zaili and Gu Jianli were accustomed to such looks. Gu Jianli and her sister walked on one side of Gu Jingyuan, while Madam Tao walked on the other. As for Ji Wujing, he found it troublesome and hadn’t come along.
Gu Jianli softly asked, “Where is Xiao Chuan?”
“Ran off to play elsewhere,” Gu Jingyuan replied.
Gu Jianli gave her father a deep, surprised look. His expression was usual, showing no anger. Although Gu Chuan was occasionally mischievous, he knew his limits and wouldn’t misbehave at such an occasion.
Gu Jianli understood. Clearly, her father had intentionally sent Gu Chuan away. Today’s birthday banquet was likely to involve some incident. She paused internally, feeling a bit displeased. This was her father’s first year holding a birthday banquet, yet others were going to make an issue out of it.
Just as Gu Jingyuan reached the main entrance, the imperial carriage arrived.
Ji Lan got off the carriage, followed by Sun Yinzhu. Everyone paid their respects, but Ji Lan waved them off, stating that all formalities were unnecessary today, focusing solely on the birthday celebration.
The crowd rose without a sound.
Ji Lan wore a refined smile, his gaze sweeping over the two sisters beside Gu Jingyuan. His eyes lingered a moment longer on Gu Jianli’s face, and for the first time, his usually composed and gentle demeanor showed a hint of surprise.
He had clearly heard from Ji Jingyi that Ji Wujing had used the antidote to replace Gu Jianli’s medicine for treating her face, but he hadn’t expected her beauty to be restored to such an extent, surpassing her original looks!
Ji Lan was momentarily stunned, but quickly regained his composure, resuming his role as the elegant and refined emperor. He then spoke a few words about Gu Jingyuan being a pillar of the Great Ji, before stepping forward to walk alongside him.
Gu Jianli, her sister, and Madam Tao followed a step behind, walking with Sun Yinzhu.
As they were about to pass through all the guests to the main hall, Sun Yinzhu suddenly smiled and said, “I brought some lotus cakes and soft silk pastries; they are delicious. Bitao, distribute them.”
A flash of disgust crossed Ji Lan’s eyes, as he found Sun Yinzhu’s actions, which she thought were innocent and kind-hearted, foolish and unbecoming of her status.
Two palace maids carried two boxes of lotus cakes and began distributing them to the female guests nearby.
Lin Shaotang squeezed through the crowd and approached Long Yujun, grinning with small tiger teeth, “Dear sister, can you give me a piece to try?”
Long Yujun sighed but still handed him one.
“You are so kind to me, sister!” Lin Shaotang said, eyes bending into crescents as he took a bite.
It was very sweet, made by her own hands.
But also very bitter.
Hearing Lin Shaotang’s voice, Sun Yinzhu lowered her eyes, her face remaining impassive, but her heart softened. As she was about to step over the threshold, she looked back and spotted Lin Shaotang in the crowd, silently watching her. Their eyes met briefly before both quickly looked away.
Chen He sought an opportunity when no one was paying attention. Using the pretense of supporting Sun Yinzhu, he leaned in and whispered in a leisurely tone, “The Empress is truly kind-hearted.”
Sun Yinzhu looked at him innocently, nodded with a cheerful expression, “I also believe that this better showcases my benevolent heart!”
Her voice was neither too loud nor too soft, and it reached Ji Lan’s ears. He frowned, his displeasure growing. Unconsciously, he looked at Gu Jianli, his gaze deepening. He recalled every word and expression from Gu Jianli that night last year. What had initially been admiration had slowly grown into regret for what he couldn’t have. Comparing her to the foolish Sun Yinzhu only intensified his regret. Time and again, he imagined how wonderful it would be if Gu Jianli sat in the position of the nation’s mother.
After the formalities, Gu Jianli, her sister, and Madam Tao withdrew, leaving Gu Jingyuan, Ji Lan, and several nobles to chat in the hall.
Gu Zaili had to continue receiving guests and didn’t have much time to talk to Gu Jianli. She pulled Gu Jianli aside and simply asked, “Have you been well lately?”
Gu Jianli didn’t answer immediately. She thought for a moment, then smiled brightly, her eyes sparkling, and earnestly said, “Yes. Everything has been very good. Since we moved out of the Marquis’ mansion, we’ve been much more at ease. My face has healed, Fifth Master is slowly detoxifying, and the two children are becoming more obedient. Everything is very good.”
“Wuye is detoxifying?” Gu Zaili was a bit surprised, as it was the first she had heard of it.
“Yes. But since the poison has been in his body for four or five years, the new medicine cannot detoxify him overnight. It will take some time for him to fully recover,” Gu Jianli paused, “However… he probably doesn’t want others to know for now.”
Gu Zaili nodded, understanding Gu Jianli’s intent, and wouldn’t mention it to anyone.
Gu Jianli then asked, “And how about you, sister? Are you well?”
Gu Zaili smiled, a light and carefree smile, “Yes. I am well. More so than in many years. It was only through the events of this year that I realized that life outside the deep confines of the household can be so free and easy.”
There were too many guests to entertain, and they couldn’t stay here talking any longer. Gu Jianli took her sister’s arm, and together they descended the steps towards the backyard. She teased her sister with a smile, “I heard from Jichun that you’re now engrossed in making money, opening one shop after another…”
Just as they turned past the Ruyi Gate, they encountered Rong Yuanyou and Rong Guanyin, the brother and sister duo.
The distant mountains layered with white snow made the sisters’ red attire appear even more vivid. Rong Yuanyou was momentarily dazed by this striking red.
It was Rong Guanyin who first broke the silence with a smile, “It’s been years since we’ve been to the capital. Do Jiali and Zaili still remember me?”
“Guanyin.” Gu Jianli smiled.
Rong Yuanyou and Rong Guanyin shared the same birthday as Gu Jianli, though the Rong siblings were born an hour later.
The Rong siblings had stayed at the Gu family’s residence a few times in their childhood, each visit lasting about six or seven days. They knew each other from those times and had a fairly good relationship.
It wasn’t a matter of not being close enough; rather, among the children of these powerful families in the capital, everything revolved around family interests. Today’s friendly conversation could turn into tomorrow’s rivalry between families. To avoid such awkwardness, the children of these influential families couldn’t form too deep connections with others.
“It’s been years, and Guanyin has grown into a young lady, and Yuanyou has become unrecognizable,” Gu Zaili said, looking at Rong Yuanyou. “Little Marquis, now that you’ve grown up, you don’t call us sisters anymore?”
Rong Yuanyou stiffened, lowering his head awkwardly. He bowed deeply and said formally, “Yuanyou pays his respects.”
In the end, he didn’t call Gu Jianli and Gu Zaili “sisters.”
Gu Zaili and Gu Jianli returned the bow and then, smiling, exchanged a few more words with Rong Guanyin before heading off towards the garden in the backyard. Even after they had walked a long way, Rong Yuanyou was still staring in their direction.
Rong Guanyin blinked, curiously observing her brother’s expression. Suddenly, she burst out laughing, walked up to her brother, and cupped his face in her hands, turning it to face her.
“Brother, I’m not ugly either. How about you look at me more often?”
“Don’t be silly.” Rong Yuanyou pulled his sister’s hands away and stepped back.
Rong Guanyin stood with her hands behind her back, gazing at her brother with a mischievous look, “Brother… which red do you think looks better? Is it rouge red or imperial red?”
She suddenly sped up her speech, adding, “Who were you looking at? Sister Zaili or Sister Jianli?”
“Don’t talk nonsense.” Rong Yuanyou frowned, turning to walk away.
Rong Guanyin lifted her skirt and hurried to catch up, anxiously saying, “You can’t look at either!”
Rong Yuanyou ignored her.
Rong Guanyin continued to chatter, “Brother, tell me quietly? Both sisters are wonderful, but… neither seems quite right.”
“Rong Guanyin.” Rong Yuanyou stopped, looking seriously at his sister, and said earnestly, “Whether they are suitable or not, only I can decide. Don’t meddle, and especially don’t spread rumors. As a woman, you should understand not to ruin a woman’s reputation before things are settled.”
Rong Guanyin was stunned, staring at her brother in surprise, “Brother, are you serious?”
Rong Yuanyou turned, his steps steady and determined. Then, without warning, he stopped again, turned around, and resolutely pursued the direction in which Gu Zaili and Gu Jianli had left.