The Chrysanthemum Banquet of the sixty-eighth year of Ming Qi had finally arrived.
The Hall of Extensive Learning was also different from before—the Verification had been changed to a Challenge of Talents. Any student with talent could freely take the stage to showcase their skills and challenge their peers, not only displaying the youthful vigor of the students but also highlighting the diverse strengths of the Hall of Extensive Learning’s scholars.
This meant that both male and female students would share the same stage, unlike previous years where they were divided into separate groups. If they wished, girls could challenge boys in their areas of expertise, such as policy debates and archery, while boys could challenge girls in theirs, like music, chess, calligraphy, and painting—though such scenarios were likely rare.
Early in the morning, Shen Mansion was bustling with activity. In the West Courtyard, Shuangjiang carefully pinned a silver hairpin into Shen Miao’s hair and smiled. “Miss, it’s done.”
Shuangjiang was the best at styling hair. Shen Yue had once tried to take her away to do her own hair, but Shuangjiang had been personally assigned to Shen Miao by Lady Shen. Since Shuangjiang refused, Shen Yue had no choice but to give up.
“Miss looks absolutely stunning in this outfit,” Bailu said with a smile, though she hesitated slightly. “It’s just that the hair looks a bit too plain.”
Shen Miao’s thick, dark hair had been styled into an elegant Hanging Cloud Hairbun by Shuangjiang, giving her a refined and unique appearance. Even after her coming-of-age ceremony, Shen Miao had always worn her hair in simple twin loops like a maid. Now, with this new style, she suddenly seemed to have matured. Her round, adorable face now carried a delicate grace, finally exuding the charm of a young lady.
Yet, the lone silver hairpin in her hair looked rather pitiful.
Gu Yu couldn’t hide the anger on her face. Despite the Shen family’s wealth and status, Shen Miao didn’t have a single decent piece of jewelry to wear today. The entire Shen family relied on Shen Xin’s support, yet they treated his daughter with such ingratitude. The worst part was that Shen Miao couldn’t even complain—because they had given her jewelry, just gaudy gold pieces that would only invite ridicule if worn in public.
With just one glance at Gu Yu, Shen Miao guessed what she was thinking and couldn’t help but shake her head in amusement. In truth, ever since she was young, the second and third branches of the Shen family had gone out of their way to instill in her a preference for tacky tastes, making her believe that flashy gold was the best. This way, they could claim to outsiders that they weren’t deliberately humiliating the eldest branch’s daughter—it was just that she loved such gaudy gold jewelry!
And so, as Shen Miao happily wore those exaggerated pieces, everyone came to the conclusion that the eldest daughter of the Shen family was greedy, materialistic, and utterly lacking in refinement.
Gold was valuable, but it wasn’t meant to be worn on one’s body.
Afraid that Shen Miao might feel upset, Gu Yu quickly changed the subject. “But that Li Niang truly has remarkable skills. Miss looks so beautiful in this outfit.”
Perhaps out of pity for Shen Miao, the dress Li Niang had sent was unexpectedly exquisite in its embroidery. Seemingly mindful of Shen Miao’s youthful appearance—since the lotus-blue color might otherwise appear too mature—the hem of the skirt was adorned with large, vividly embroidered crabapple blossoms, blooming in dazzling splendor. It was truly breathtaking.
And Shen Miao wore it perfectly, without a hint of discomfort.
Shuangjiang and Bailu exchanged a glance, both seeing surprise in each other’s eyes. Somehow, Shen Miao now carried even such deep colors with ease—what had changed?
“Let’s go,” Shen Miao said as she stood up. “We shouldn’t keep them waiting.”As she stepped out of the courtyard, she noticed the abundant blooming crabapple flowers in the garden. Pausing her steps, she plucked a tiny one and tucked it into her raven-black hair, instantly adding a touch of splendor.
"Young Miss looks truly beautiful," Gu Yu praised.
Granny Gui had just emerged from the small kitchen, having prepared some snacks for Shen Miao's carriage ride. When she saw Shen Miao with the basket in hand, she couldn't help but startle slightly.
Having served Shen Miao for so many years and even nursed her as a child, Granny Gui had practically watched her grow up. Yet today, Shen Miao seemed almost unfamiliar—her demeanor serene and composed, paired with the noble lotus-blue hue of her attire, making her look no less than a princess. Granny Gui nearly dropped the basket in her hands, standing dumbfounded for a moment.
It wasn’t until Bailu spoke up with a smile, "What are you looking at, Granny Gui?" that she snapped out of it.
Granny Gui hesitated, instinctively about to offer some flattering words when she suddenly remembered it was the day of the Chrysanthemum Banquet. If Shen Miao stood out too much, wouldn’t that overshadow Shen Yue and Shen Qing? She swallowed the compliments on the tip of her tongue and instead adopted a concerned tone: "Young Miss, the color of this dress is far too somber. Someone as young as you shouldn’t wear such shades—it dulls your natural radiance. Why not change back into that peach-colored jacket embroidered with flowering branches and magpies? It would make you look fresh and lovely. And as for the hairpin, didn’t the Second Madam gift you plenty? If you go like this, people might say the young ladies of the General’s household are too plain."
Gu Yu pursed her lips. That peach-colored jacket embroidered with magpies had been a gift from Ren Wanyun—its color garish, and paired with an excess of gold and silver jewelry, it would make Shen Miao look like the daughter of some provincial nouveau riche. If she wore it to the Chrysanthemum Banquet, she’d surely become the laughingstock. Granny Gui clearly had ill intentions. Just as Gu Yu was about to reprimand her on Shen Miao’s behalf, she heard Shen Miao speak softly:
"Ming Qi is now prosperous and peaceful, with the people living in contentment. Yet His Majesty advocates frugality. In the grand scheme of things, extravagance is the lesser path—what’s wrong with simplicity? If others see it, they’ll only praise the General’s household for its integrity and uprightness. Isn’t that a good thing? As for the attire," Shen Miao lifted the corner of her lips slightly, "today’s gathering is about appreciating flowers and showcasing talent—it has nothing to do with clothing."
Her words were gentle and amiable, yet carried an undeniable authority. Granny Gui’s mind was thrown into disarray. She wasn’t afraid of Shen Miao losing her temper, but when had Shen Miao ever been able to argue so eloquently? Shen Miao had never cared much for studies, so she’d always seemed witless. Now, spouting such refined reasoning, Granny Gui—an uneducated woman—found herself at a loss for a retort.
Bailu couldn’t help but let out a soft laugh before quickly composing herself, though the delight in her eyes was unmistakable.
Unable to counter Shen Miao’s words and made a fool of in front of the maids, Granny Gui felt both vexed and bewildered. Ever since Shen Miao’s return to the estate, every conversation between them had ended with Granny Gui at a disadvantage. Shen Miao’s tone was always gentle, yet every word left her speechless.
Flustered, Granny Gui handed the basket to Gu Yu. "These are snacks for Young Miss on the road. The Chrysanthemum Banquet is still some distance away—we mustn’t let her go hungry." Turning to Shen Miao, she said, "This old servant will return to the courtyard to attend to her duties.""Go ahead," Shen Miao replied lightly.
After Granny Gui left, both Gu Yu and Bailu were overjoyed. The more assertive Shen Miao became, the more she resembled a true mistress of the household, ensuring that those in Shen Mansion without sense wouldn't dare to bully her.
Just as they reached the gate, they saw two carriages parked outside. The first was already prepared to depart, while the second stood empty.
Shen Qing's maid, Chun Tao, stood by the first carriage.
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