Chapter 99 Hua Xiangrong

Ling'er prepared a sumptuous breakfast early in the morning and woke everyone up to prepare for today's ceremony.

Shen Xu's post invited people from Tingfeng Courtyard, but Meng Zhong had to go to the palace for duty today, so he didn't go.

"Grandmother, do you think there's anything wrong with my clothes? Can you still tell I'm a woman?" Li Xi got up early this morning to fiddle with her face.

She was about to turn sixteen, and her development had already begun. Fortunately, she was wearing men's clothing, which was loose and concealed her figure.

Her face was tanned to a wheat color, her features were deep and three-dimensional, and her eyes and brows exuded an innate wildness and unruliness.

He simply tied his hair into a young man's bun, inserting a white jade hairpin. It was simple and elegant, and could also be pulled out at any time to be used as a weapon.

"Yes, very good, a handsome young man." The old lady nodded in satisfaction. "Lan'er and Ling'er are also good, well-dressed and poised."

"Grandmother, your elegant demeanor exudes an indescribable charm that makes the younger generation willingly fall for you." Li Xi felt that the old lady possessed a calm and composed demeanor.

The old lady hadn't originally planned to go, but perhaps she could find her lost memories there. Last night, she dreamt of some fragmented memories.

With the old lady around, the three of them felt much more at ease.

The area outside the Marquis of Wu'an's residence was packed with carriages, so they found a nearby inn. They gave the innkeeper some money and parked the carriage in the inn's backyard; traffic jams are infuriating in any era.

Sweetie followed Meng Zhelan and the others to the inner courtyard, where all the women were.

As soon as they stepped into the inner courtyard, they were stunned by the scene before them. The courtyard was filled with pavilions, towers, artificial hills and strange rocks, and a riot of colorful flowers, resembling an exquisite painting.

What is even more eye-catching is a group of elegantly dressed women, some drinking tea and discussing philosophy, some playing the zither and reciting poetry, and some chatting about everyday life. The entire inner courtyard is filled with an elegant and tranquil atmosphere.

They strolled around, admiring the breathtaking scenery. Finally, they arrived at a lakeside where they happened to run into Li Xi and Qin Xiaolin chatting in a pavilion. Xiao Ge stood to the side, seemingly lost in thought.

"Grandmother, you've come too. Please come and sit down." Li Xi got up and helped the old lady sit down. Qin Xiaolin also stood up and walked outside the pavilion.

"We handed the congratulatory gift to the steward in charge, and we also took a walk around. We found the scenery here to be very beautiful, so we came to take a look." Meng Zhelan spoke from a distance of two meters from Li Xi, as it was important to maintain proper decorum between men and women when they were out in public.

"Me too..." Li Xi was interrupted before she could finish speaking.

Miss Yu from the household of the Vice Minister of the Ministry of Personnel looked at them with disdain and sneered, "So it's you again. I was wondering why it was so noisy here. It seems you commoners don't know the rules. Do you have invitations? Did you sneak in from there?"

"Young lady, watch your words and leave room for maneuver in your actions," the old woman said coldly, looking at her.

"Hmph, what right do you have to talk to me like that?" Miss Yu said dismissively.

Her father has recently gained the favor of the Crown Prince. Although he is currently a junior official in the Ministry of Personnel, it is rumored that he will be promoted to vice minister of the Ministry of Personnel. It is also said that the Crown Prince intends to take her as a concubine. Thinking of this, she became even more smug.

Li Xi found it amazing. Weren't people from big families supposed to be very cultured? This is it?

“Miss Yu, Young Master Li and the others are guests invited by the Marquis. Disrespecting them is disrespecting the Marquis.” Qin Xiaolin had originally walked away, but when he heard someone speaking so rudely, he turned back.

"Ah, so it's Young Master Qin. How could they, with their status, be worthy of being in the same place as us?" Miss Yu didn't care what others thought.

Has Miss Yu been bewitched? She doesn't seem to see anything wrong with her overbearing behavior.

"Alright, let's go, Grandmother." Meng Zhelan helped the old lady up.

Qin Xiaolin led them to another rockery, where there were tables and chairs. As soon as they sat down, the maids served them tea and snacks.

"Brother Qin, if you have something to do, go ahead. We'll sit here for a while, and then we'll go to watch the ceremony when it's almost time."

Li Xi knew he was loyal and had long considered him a good brother.

“Alright, I’ll go find Brother Shen.” Qin Xiaolin did indeed have something to discuss with him.

Xihua Garden

Shen Ruonan sat in front of the dressing table, her bright eyes sparkling with delight.

Today is her coming-of-age ceremony, one of the most important moments in her life.

Her heart was filled with anticipation and joy, but also with a hint of unease and nervousness.

"Miss, you are so beautiful." The maid Xiaoyue stood to the side, looking at her mistress in the mirror, and exclaimed sincerely.

Shen Ruonan turned her head with a smile, a hint of shyness in her eyes, "Xiaoyue, today is my coming-of-age ceremony, the most important day of my life. I wonder if Brother Qin has come yet."

Xiaoyue nodded. "This servant just went to the front yard to peek and saw that Young Master Qin and Fifth Young Master were together."

Yu Rong lowered her head and gently stroked her gorgeous clothes. "How wonderful! How do I look today?"

Xiaoyue couldn't help but praise, "Miss, you look like a fairy descended from heaven, so beautiful that it's impossible not to be captivated."

Yu Rong raised her head, looking at herself in the mirror with a determined gaze, "I wonder if I can attract Brother Qin's attention a little more?"

On the other side, Qin Xiaolin also found Shen Xu.

"I heard you wanted to see me?"

Shen Xu was a little embarrassed to speak, but remembering his sister's instructions, he couldn't help but say, "Xiao Lin, you know Ruonan has always had feelings for you, and now that she's come of age, if possible..."

“Brother Shen, we grew up together and I’ve always treated Ruonan like a younger sister. I’ll find a chance to talk to her properly.” Qin Xiaolin really couldn’t accept being with someone he treated like a younger sister.

"I can't say much. If you've made up your mind, then I can only try to persuade her."

The auspicious hour had arrived, and the coming-of-age ceremony began. Shen Ruonan walked gracefully towards the altar. Seeing the nervousness of those around her, she finally spotted Qin Xiaolin after searching around. Full of confidence, she stepped onto the stairs.

On the altar, the clan chief held a coming-of-age ceremony for her.

During her coming-of-age ceremony, Shen Ruonan had to complete a series of rituals, including combing her hair, wearing hairpins, and getting dressed.

Every step required her to remain elegant and dignified, showcasing a woman's gentleness and grace.

With everyone present as witnesses, the coming-of-age ceremony was successfully completed.

After the ceremony, Shen Ruonan thanked everyone for coming and for their blessings.

Thinking of his daughter growing up to be so outstanding, Marquis Wu'an's eyes reddened. He said to everyone, "Thank you all very much for coming. I have prepared some wine and drinks. Please help yourselves. I will drink first as a sign of respect."

The empty wine glasses signify the official start of the banquet.

"Grandmother, I didn't know that coming-of-age ceremonies in wealthy families were so elaborate." Li Xi felt that it was even more complicated than marriage in later generations. Fortunately, she only wanted to be single.

"Yes, there's a reason behind the rules passed down from our ancestors. I have a bit of a headache, maybe the wine is a little too strong." The old lady felt dizzy and lightheaded after drinking two cups of osmanthus wine.

Ling'er got up and helped her up. "I'll take Grandmother to find a room to stay in. I've almost finished eating too."