Chapter 83: Snatching Clothes

Just past noon the next day, Li Shi arrived at Jingzhu Courtyard with Jun Jun Zhidie; Jun Jun Zijin and Jun Jun Yiyi were already seated beside the Old Lady's bed, while servants brought over several brand-new winter garments.

Jun Jun Zhidie ignored the other three Young Ladies of the Jun Manor and proceeded to rummage through the new clothes herself.

Li Shi pouted: "These were bought, not custom-made, so they lack refinement. They look fresh, but upon closer inspection, the fabric isn't particularly fine."

In fact, these were the most expensive ready-made clothes available at the tailor shop; the Second House was never satisfied. The Old Lady watched with cold eyes, saying nothing.

Jun Jun Yiyi, who had been silent, rose, glanced at the few garments, grabbed them all, and said, "I want all these clothes. If the Second House wants clothes, go buy them yourselves."

Jun Jun Zhidie's eyes widened: "Eldest Sister, we all have a part in the palace banquet. There are four clothes in total; on what grounds do you take them all?"

Jun Jun Yiyi snorted: "Because I am the legitimate daughter of the First House. You have always worn what I left behind. Today, I want all these clothes." Since Wu Shi died, Jun Jun Yiyi had been full of aggression and could no longer pretend to be a kind, weak little white rabbit.

Hearing this, Jun Jun Zhidie's face flushed red; she turned to Li Shi for help.

Li Shi's face shifted between green and white, yet she forced a smile and said:

"Eldest Daughter, the palace banquet is a major event. If the attire is improper, it may bring shame to our manor. You have taken all four clothes; what will your three younger sisters do?"

Jun Jun Zijin and Jun Jun Shuyan beside her exchanged a glance, shook their heads lightly, and signaled Jun Jun Shuyan to watch the show and say nothing.

Jun Jun Yiyi remained unmoved: "I simply won't give them. What can you do about it?"

Having spoken, she ordered a maid to carry the clothes and leave.

The Old Lady spoke then,

"Enough! This noisy quarreling is unbecoming. One garment each; no one is allowed to snatch."

Jun Jun Zhidie eyed the most beautiful garment, snatched it, and prepared to leave.

At that moment, three little maids walked in from outside, each carrying a tray covered with brocade, hiding what lay beneath. Jun Jun Zhidie, who had been about to leave, stopped and turned to look.

The maids approached and said to the Old Lady and Jun Jun Zijin: "People from the palace have delivered two sets of clothes and jewelry. The Princess's attire is for the Second Young Lady; the other set is for the Fourth Young Lady."

Jun Jun Shuyan stood with her mouth open, too surprised to speak. She turned to glance at Jun Jun Zijin, who nodded gently at her and whispered, "I asked Quan Quan Aoyu to make a set for you as well." Jun Jun Shuyan smiled sweetly and felt relieved; it turned out the Second Sister had commissioned it.

Seeing that the palace had sent Princess attire for Jun Jun Zijin, the Old Lady urged her to return and try it on immediately; if anything was ill-fitting, there would still be time to alter it.

Jun Jun Zijin and Jun Jun Shuyan bowed to the Old Lady, ignored the murderous glares from Jun Jun Yiyi and the Second House mother and daughter, and turned to leave.

The two sisters exchanged a smile:

"Second Sister, you are truly amazing! The palace specially sent clothes for you and even prepared a set just for me." Jun Jun Shuyan held Jun Jun Zijin's hand, her face full of admiration, her eyes sparkling with excitement and pride.

Jun Jun Zijin smiled and shook her head. "This is nothing. I simply did not want you to worry about the matter of clothes."

At dawn, a thin mist lingered; leaves were golden, the sky azure, and sunlight filtered through sparse branches, casting dappled shadows. Fallen leaves carpeted the ground like a golden rug, while the air carried a faint scent of fruit and fresh wood, refreshing the mind and spirit. Now that winter had arrived, a cool breeze brought a touch of chill. Yet the streets, which should have been quiet, were now bustling with noise and lively beyond measure. Today, the palace hosted a banquet, and Jingcheng was setting up flowing banquets along the streets to celebrate Lady Lady Qingping's eradication of the smallpox plague.

Street corners and alleys were adorned with lanterns and colorful flags fluttering in the wind. Men, women, old, and young all wore their finest attire, their faces beaming with happiness and contentment. Children darted through the crowds, playing and chasing each other in joyful uproar, while adults gathered in groups of three or five, chatting and laughing as they spoke of Lady Lady Qingping's glorious deeds. The air was filled with the aroma of delicacies and fruits, turning the entire Jingcheng into a sea of joy. Before the Jun Manor gates, layers of common folk gathered, all eager to catch a glimpse of Lady Lady Qingping's elegance.

"Look! She's out! She's out! The one in the blue dress is Lady Lady Qingping!" someone in the crowd declared proudly, recognizing Jun Jun Zijin.

Jun Jun Zijin wore a floor-length princess gown in royal blue; the bodice was fitted, the sleeves flowing, and the hem embroidered with intricate, exquisite phoenix patterns in gold thread. As she walked, the skirt swayed like drifting cloud ribbons. The dangling hairpins on her head, crafted with unparalleled skill, swayed gently with each step, emitting a crisp, melodious chime that added even more grace and nobility to her bearing.

Jun Jun Zijin walked with calm composure, her demeanor noble and elegant, like a fairy stepping out of a painting, instantly capturing everyone's attention.

The common folk murmured among themselves, their eyes filled with reverence and admiration. Jun Jun Zijin smiled and nodded to the crowd; her smile was warm and kind, as if it could instantly dispel the winter chill.

"Wow! Lady Lady Qingping is truly as beautiful as an immortal, with an extraordinary aura!"

"Indeed! She is not only beautiful but also brings benefit to the people. Truly admirable!"

"Look, the Miss who boarded the carriage with the Princess is also very beautiful!"

"I heard she is the Fourth Young Lady of the Jun Manor, but only a concubine-born daughter."

"How can you be so old-fashioned? What does it matter whether she is concubine-born or not? Such a fine young lady—what family wouldn't want to take her as a wife? Besides, the Fourth Young Lady is Lady Lady Qingping's favorite sister."

Jun Jun Shuyan wore a pale pink dress, the very one sent from the palace yesterday. Naturally, it was made of the finest fabric, embroidered with lifelike patterns that seemed to dance with the wind, adorned with exquisite flowers and butterflies, fresh and ethereal. Several delicate jade hairpins were artfully interwoven in her hair, while pearl earrings dangling from her ears swayed gently, shimmering with a soft glow.

Seated inside the carriage, Jun Jun Shuyan gazed excitedly at the scenery outside through the sheer gauze curtains. She knew she looked beautiful today, and a sweet smile graced her face.

When she heard someone lament that she was a concubine-born daughter, a hint of worry flickered in her eyes. She knew well that as a concubine-born daughter of the Jun Manor, even though she was deeply favored by her Princess sister, her future remained uncertain in a world that emphasized family status and the distinction between legitimate and concubine-born children.

However, Jun Jun Shuyan did not let these worries trouble her for long; she soon let them go. She believed that no matter her origins, as long as she remained kind and resilient, she would find her own happiness on life's path.

Jun Jun Zijin noticed the shift in Jun Jun Shuyan's emotions and gently patted her hand:

"Fourth Sister, rest assured. As long as your elder sister is here, I will surely plan a proper future for you."

Jun Jun Zijin's words were gentle yet firm, her eyes revealing an unshakable resolve.

Hearing this, Jun Jun Shuyan's heart filled with gratitude and trust. She looked up at Jun Jun Zijin:

"Thank you, Second Sister. Jun Shuyan knows that with Second Sister here, I need fear nothing."

Jun Jun Zijin smiled faintly. She knew well that in this era, Jun Jun Shuyan, as a younger concubine-born sister, would inevitably face some injustice and prejudice, but she could not bear to see this sister suffer because of it. As Lady Lady Qingping, she possessed sufficient ability and influence to secure a better future for her sister.

"Fourth Sister, remember this: no matter how the outside world judges you, you are a Young Lady of the Jun Manor, and you are my, Jun Jun Zijin's, sister. Your talents and virtues are far more important than those illusory distinctions of family status." Jun Jun Zijin said with deep sincerity.

Jun Jun Shuyan nodded heavily, her eyes flashing with determination. She understood that her sister's words were not merely comfort but also an expectation. She silently vowed to work even harder, to live up to her sister's hopes, and to prove through her own actions that even a concubine-born daughter could have her own brilliant life.

The carriage continued onward, and the atmosphere inside grew even warmer and more harmonious. Jun Jun Zijin and Jun Jun Shuyan exchanged a smile; that understanding and familial bond seemed especially precious and warm in this turbulent world.