What made Mu Xi Yao breathe a sigh of relief was that Zong Zheng Lin, though looking puzzled, replied, “There is no such rule. If one can take more than one item, it is actually considered an auspicious sign.”

At these words, Mu Xi Yao’s feather fan immediately perked up, and her posture exuded grace and allure. Despite Zong Zheng Lin’s repeated warnings, he still only received Mu Xi Yao’s cocky yet flirtatious glances.

Competing in quantity? Mu Xi Yao was delighted. If her little bun had any special talent, it would undoubtedly be protecting his belongings and fondness for collecting things.  

Consort Shu, upon seeing Mu Xi Yao dressed like this, was quite shocked. When did Mu lass become so diligent, knowing how to doll herself up nicely? Wasn’t she the laziest, unwilling to put effort into this? Could it be for the sake of her son Cheng Qing so that he would bear dignity in front of outsiders? 

This was understandable. Cheng Qing’s once-in-a-lifetime Draw Lots Ceremony naturally needed to be more grandiose. As a mother, she must take the lead in setting a proper demeanor, so that her son can be looked upon more highly. It’s just that until now, she had never noticed that this girl was an out-and-out beauty in blossoming. Having dressed up like this, she appeared much more lovely than usual. 

At the third quarter of the hour of Chen¹, all the princes and ministers had already gathered in the front yard, but the legitimate master of the prince’s residence had yet to make an appearance. 

“Elder brother, where do you think the Sixth Brother is right now?” Recently, the Crown Prince would undoubtedly approach Zong Zheng Chun to engage in conversation when they met. He did this to enjoy the sight of his extremely unwilling expression. It allowed the Crown Prince, who had endured grievances for over a decade, to feel immense satisfaction whenever he got his way. 

“Why is there no joy on jiejie’s face despite narrowly escaping a great disaster?” 

Without outsiders around, the two sisters from the He Lian House gathered in a corner of the waterside pavilion. Onlookers have thought it was a rare reunion between sisters and they were engaging in affectionate private conversations, but little did they know that these two seldom saw eye to eye. Even if they did meet, they often parted ways on bad terms. 

“Chun Lan, has the Young Master’s new clothes, shoes, and socks been prepared? Zhao Momo is waiting to use them.” 

“Hui Lan-jiejie¹, it’s all prepared. We already sorted them out last night.” 

“Is this the outfit the Mistress wanted? Make sure not to take the wrong one.”

“This time, the Sixth’s consort has been wronged; don’t keep anger in your heart. The Sixth has carried out this task well. Zhen originally intended for the Imperial Noble Consort to keep some people for him, but that rascal declined. He said that He Lian’shi’s matter has just passed, and if he hastily brought in new people to the household, she would overthink and wouldn’t be able to maintain her dignity in front of outsiders.” 

“These subjects greet Your Highness,” the two Sirs Administrative Assistants of the Imperial Academy of Medicine arrived as planned. Upon entering, they were taken aback to find the Sixth Highness standing with hands behind his back, his back turned to them, admiring the blooming hibiscus in the vase. 

“No need for formalities. Sirs, please have a seat.” Zong Zheng Lin told them to rise, but he didn’t turn around. Instead, he bent down and picked up the scissors, trimming the overly irregular and soft branches and leaves into a much neater and defined form. Upon a second glance, this hibiscus had taken on a new, refreshed appearance.