Holding a lantern, guiding souls across, Lady Hou comes from the underworld.

The next day, Xia Ximo woke up in the warm, soft bed.

A ray of morning sun shone through the window into the room, making her feel somewhat dazed.

She had actually fallen asleep while lying down, still wearing clean nightgown, and there was a faint, unfamiliar fragrance lingering in the bedding and air.

The spirit of the lamp, Wuyou, was sitting on the windowsill pretending to sunbathe. When he saw her wake up, he immediately smiled and teased, "You slept very well last night, thanks to that little girl."

Xia Ximo sat up and saw an incense burner beside the bed, with wisps of smoke rising from it.

Recalling last night, Tianqing served her bathing and changing clothes in the manner of noble ladies in the capital.

The process was extremely complicated, involving not only basic shampooing and cleansing but also various other care steps, which made her lose patience several times, but Tianqing cleverly managed to overcome them.

Finally, after washing away her fatigue, she lay on the bed, and Tianqing took out a fragrant balm called "Red Jade" to massage her calves and nourish her feet.

Xia Ximo had forgotten how she fell asleep, and when she opened her eyes again, it was already dawn.

The feeling was somewhat strange, as if I had suddenly been "reborn" as a person again.

My body also inexplicably became lighter.

She had just gotten out of bed when there were two knocks on the door.

"If Miss Xia wakes up, you may call me in to serve you."

When the door opened, Tianqing was already carrying toiletries, but unlike usual, there were several exquisite and small bottles and jars.

Looking at the dazzling array of goods, Xia Ximo's first feeling was curiosity, followed by some impatience.

"Are all women in the capital this troublesome on a daily basis?"

Tian Qing smiled gently, "The book says, 'A woman adorns herself for the one who appreciates her.' And what woman doesn't love beauty?"

"Let alone someone as celestial as Miss Xia?"

She spoke sweet words, but her hands moved with utmost care.

Applying floral dew to the face and fragrant balm to the hands, each step was done with meticulous care.

Xia Ximo was speechless for a moment, which seemed to be his tacit approval of her behavior.

Tianqing then asked her, "Miss Xia, what color clothes would you like to wear today? Or what kind of makeup would you like?"

"Whatever, as long as it's not too much trouble."

Hearing her say that, Tianqing didn't ask any more questions and quickly took out a set of clothes from the trunk.

Her upper garment was a light blue brocade robe with gold-threaded plum blossom patterns, and her lower garment was an indigo blue plain silk skirt with silver threads.

To avoid "trouble," she simply wore a small vest, styled her hair in the simplest bun, and applied the lightest makeup.

After dressing up, the woman in the mirror was still stunningly beautiful.

Tianqing thought to himself that he had attended many prestigious banquets with the Lady of the Marquis and had naturally met many noble ladies.

However, it is rare to find someone with such beauty and figure as Miss Xia, not to mention her extraordinary and refined temperament.

No wonder the young marquis is so fond of her…

Lost in thought, I only heard Xia Ximo ask, "Are you done?"

Tianqing sensed the impatience in her tone, quickly put down the comb, and bowed his head to the side. "It's done. Miss Xia, are you satisfied with today's outfit?"

Upon hearing this, Xia Ximo glanced at her reflection in the glasses and felt completely unfamiliar with herself.

She never cared about her appearance and hadn't looked in a mirror for a very long time.

But at that moment, a distant fragment flashed through my hazy memory—

The young man in white handed over a flower hairpin, saying, "This is my birthday gift to you. Isn't it beautiful?"

She held the flower hairpin, glanced at its reflection in the water, and wanted to say it was beautiful, but didn't say it aloud...

I don't remember anything more.

Xia Ximo did not answer the question. She indifferently got up and walked to the door, then suddenly turned back and asked, "Is Ren Fengjue at home?"

-

Lord Ren is on leave today.

But early in the morning, he received a message from the Marquis's residence, instructing Marquis Renxuan to return immediately.

The old Marquis rarely summons people unless there's a reason, and when he does, it's sure to be a headache.

Therefore, Ren Fengjue didn't even have time for breakfast before taking a carriage directly to the Marquis's residence.

He originally thought that upon returning to the mansion, he could first have breakfast with the Lady of the Marquis, and then listen to his father's nagging.

No sooner had you entered than a servant stepped forward and said, "Young master, the Marquis said that you should go directly to his study to see him after you return."

Ren Fengjue was somewhat surprised: "So soon? I was thinking of going to my mother's for breakfast first."

The servant replied, "A distinguished guest has arrived at the madam's side. The Marquis has instructed that you must see him first before you can see the madam."

"..."

What distinguished guest?

Ren Fengjue frowned, somewhat displeased.

But then I thought about it again and realized that wasn't right.

It's unlikely that a guest would arrive at this time unless they stayed overnight at the Marquis's residence.

Since this "distinguished guest" was able to be entertained by the Lady of the Marquis, she must have been a female guest.

Could they be from my maternal grandparents' side?

Not right either.

If it were family, the servant wouldn't address them as "distinguished guests."

Thinking of the distinguished guest's identity, Ren Fengjue had a vague sense of unease.

But he did as instructed and went to the study of Marquis Renxuan first.

Marquis Renxuan was teasing his birds in front of his study when he saw his son return. He only glanced at him out of the corner of his eye and asked, "You're back?"

Ren Fengjue observed his father's expression, which seemed normal, and then asked directly, "Father, is there something urgent that you suddenly summoned me back?"

Ren Xuan snorted coldly, but said, "I already know about what happened at Jinxiu Clothing Store yesterday. You really are quite capable."

Ren Fengjue knew his father would ask about the Jinxiu Clothing Store.

After all, it concerns the family's reputation and the face of Marquis Renxuan.

"My son works in the Ministry of Justice; he's just following the law."

Ren Xuan knew that he always kept public and private matters separate, so he deliberately said, "The person is already dead. You should at least show some leniency for the sake of your uncle."

Ren Fengjue remained unfazed. "If my son shows mercy to his uncle, I'm afraid the wronged soul will not rest in peace."

Upon hearing this, Ren Xuan clearly hesitated to speak.

"Alright, now that the matter is settled, I won't say anything more."

"However, this matter has been a great blow to your uncle. I heard he has fallen ill. If you have time, go and visit him more often."

Ren Fengjue gave a casual reply, but then changed the subject, "I just heard from the servant that a distinguished guest has arrived at the manor and is currently with Mother. I wonder who it is?"

Upon hearing this, Ren Xuan's tense expression slowly relaxed, and a rare smile appeared on his face. He said, "It's your betrothed since childhood, General Xia's daughter, Xi Mo."

"..."

Ren Fengjue looked incredulous and asked, "Xia Ximo?"

"Yes."

Ren Xuan was not surprised by her son's reaction, and simply said, "Something happened in her uncle's family, and he only arrived in the capital yesterday."

"Your mother plans to have her stay at the Marquis's residence for a while, and see if you two can get married next spring."

"..."

Ren Fengjue remained silent for a moment before asking, "Father, are you saying she only arrived in the capital yesterday?"