Chapter 553 - 285: Going to the Banquet_1
A family discussion unfolded around the notice, as this would be their first official appearance in the circle of nobility—they deliberated on who should go and in what manner they should present themselves.
Qian Sangui was too ill to leave his bed and was definitely unable to attend. As for the men, Qian Manjiang would go. Regarding the women, Pan Yue could not go, as there would be many people, and not everyone bore goodwill towards her. Qian Yixiu was obliged to attend, but as an unmarried young lady, it was inconceivable for her to go alone; she required an older female relative to accompany her, so Lady Wu had to join as well.
Upon hearing this, Lady Wu waved her hands in protest, "Mother is afraid, Mother dares not go. I heard those noble ladies are both beautiful and appear young, and they are eloquent, too. Mother going might embarrass you all."
Qian Manjiang chuckled and said, "Clothes make the man just as saddles make the horse. With the proper attire, Mother won’t look much inferior to them. Just speak less, and let Madam Dan remind you, and all will be well. At the Cining Palace a few days ago, the Elder Taifeng Princess and Yueyue just met, and she took great pity on Yueyue; she won’t give you a hard time."
To Qian Yixiu, he added, "As for Xiuer, you’re extremely clever, and there’s no need for further reminders from Father. Just remember that this appearance represents both you and your younger siblings. Don’t wander off, don’t stir trouble, and don’t let others bully you."
They further discussed that their attire should be decent and proper, avoiding both excess opulence and seeming too destitute. Especially concerning Qian Yixiu, whose beauty was remarkable, she absolutely must not dress too lavishly. Some of the noble daughters were quite spiteful, and if they felt surpassed, they would not hesitate to resort to harmful tactics. After all, their local footing was not yet well established, nor did they have friends to rely on.
The Qian family was not lacking in fine fabrics or exquisite jewelry—it could be said that they were the kind whose wealth was hidden deep within, even richer than some of the outerly glamourous aristocratic families. They had been graced with plenty of Makeup flower satin, jacquard silk, and cloud-patterned fabrics by the Empress Dowager, and Prince Consort Pan had given them many fine items. Added to that was the variety of gemstone jewelry that Yixiu had purchased from foreign traders. Pan Yue, with her skilled hands, had helped Madam Song and Sister-in-law Huang craft two outfits for Yixiu that were believed to be among the most beautiful in the circle of noble daughters.
Manjiang’s idea was that those two outfits should not be worn, nor should they wear those rare and fine pieces of jewelry.
Back in Xiangxue Courtyard, Sister Gong didn’t stop reminding Qian Yixiu about how she should carry herself with poise. In truth, if their young lady herself took care, her deportment would be second to none compared to any aristocratic daughter. But that hinged on her attentiveness, for the moment she neglected it, her forthright demeanor would show.