Chapter 826: 348 Li Guoxing Returns (Part 2)
Yueyao had been busy painting until deep into the night before she finally finished the piece.
After looking at the painting, Xiang Wei said, "Miss, it’s better to keep this painting hidden!" It bypassed all of Tingzheng’s flaws, making the portrait seem like a celestial being descending to earth, truly flawless. Moreover, Yueyao had captured Tingzheng’s peach blossom-like eyes so vividly that Xiang Wei genuinely feared her soul had been hooked away.
Yueyao laughed and said, "This child really got mixed up at birth. Xiang Wei, who do you think is more handsome, Tingzheng or the Heir to Marquis Yongding?"
After thinking for a moment, Xiang Wei finally shook her head helplessly and said, "There’s no comparison." Although both were exceptionally handsome, each had their unique charm.
Yueyao thought that the next time she saw the Heir to Marquis Yongding, she would have to observe and listen more so she could later compare him with Tingzheng in a painting.
Early the next day, Yueyao took Tingzheng to the Li Mansion. Upon arrival, there was no need to announce their presence; they were directly led by an old nanny to the rear courtyard.
Yueyao was dressed in a gown made from Watersilk Brocade, embroidered with a low-key yet exquisite silver peony pattern. The cuffs and hem were lightly outlined with elegant patterns of auspicious clouds, simple and refined. Yueyao’s clothes were now made by Cloth Workshop, focusing on distinctive and understated elegance to complement Yueyao’s temperament. Her hair was styled into a Crescent Moon Hairbun adorned with a Jadeite Hairpin that seemed to drip with water, and on the left, she wore a Gilded Filigree Emerald Inlaid Rotating Pearl Phoenix Hairpin with tiny pearl tassels dangling below. In addition, Yueyao wore a bracelet of Agarwood beads carved into Buddhist prayer beads on her wrist.
Compared to Yueyao, Tingzheng was dressed much more simply. He wore a treasure-blue round-necked robe, his waist adorned with a Jade Pendant, and a Pouch hanging from it; his hair was secured with an Ink Jade hairpin. However, Tingzheng was naturally handsome, and even simple clothes looked good on him.
The siblings, one with peerless temperament and the other with unmatched beauty, were a dazzling pair when standing together. Lady Li was genuinely stunned by them for a moment.
The siblings performed their greetings. They were then pulled aside by Lady Li, who said with a smile, "Yueyao, it’s been several years since I last saw you, and you’ve already grown into a beautiful Eldest Miss. Tingzheng has grown taller too." In Lady Li’s heart, Tingzheng was like her own son.
Yueyao replied with a smile, "Auntie also seems younger and more beautiful than ever." Yueyao’s words weren’t merely flattery; indeed, due to joyous occasions, Lady Li appeared even younger than she had a few years ago.
Before Lady Li and Yueyao had exchanged more than a handful of words, a loud voice came from outside, "Mother, I heard Tingzheng has come."
The speaker was Li Han, who after entering the room and greeting Lady Li and Yueyao, pulled Tingzheng to go outside.
Lady Li said with a smile, "Go on then!"
Li Han, while pulling on Tingzheng’s arm and walking away, said, "I’ve missed you so much, and I’ve been back for several days already, yet you’re only visiting today."
Tingzheng whispered in explanation, "I only returned from the camp yesterday, but I’ve taken four days off so we have time to spend together." The Primus Battalion didn’t usually permit leave, but since Tingzheng had not come home during his previous leaves, it was more of a holiday than a leave.
Yueyao faintly heard Li Han mutter that three days off were too few and let out a light laugh. Deciding to entrust Tingzheng to the Li family had been her most correct decision.
Lady Li held on to Yueyao and inquired about the past few years, particularly about the annulment of the engagement. The news of Yueyao’s broken engagement had spread to Guangdong and Guangxi, and Li Guoxing had immediately written a letter inquiring about what exactly had happened to Shen Qian, later even throwing a great fit over it. This incident had somewhat cooled the relationship between Li Guoxing and Shen Qian.
Yueyao did not conceal anything, recounting the entire affair from start to finish. She was very detailed in her account, yet fair and impartial, sticking to the facts without exaggeration or blaming the Shen family.
After hearing the story, Lady Li said softly, "It was good that the marriage arrangement was called off." Lady Li had never been fond of the match, knowing that with Lady Mu’s temperament, Yueyao would inevitably be wronged if she married into the Shen family.
Blinking her eyes, Yueyao wondered if she had heard wrong.
Lady Li laughed and said, "Although I’ve known Lady Shen since childhood, we’ve never been close. However, I understand her personality quite well. Conghao is indeed a good child, but with your character, marrying into the Shen family, you would surely have been at a disadvantage."
Yueyao bowed her head and remained silent. Although she detested Lady Mu, Yueyao never spoke ill of anyone in front of others. Of course, Xiang Wei was an exception and should be excluded.