Chapter 83: Snatching Clothes

Just past noon the next day, Lady Li brought Jun Zhiedie to Quiet Bamboo Courtyard. Jun Zijin, Jun Yiyi, and Jun Shuyan were already sitting by the old lady’s bed, and a servant had brought over several brand-new winter outfits.

Ignoring the other three young ladies of the Jun household, Jun Zhiedie went straight to rummaging through the new clothes.

Lady Li pursed her lips: "These store-bought ones aren't as refined as custom-made ones. They look fresh enough, but if you look closely, the fabric isn't very exquisite."

In reality, these were the most expensive clothes that could be bought at the ready-to-wear shop, but the second branch was unsatisfied. The old lady watched with cold eyes and did not chime in.

Jun Yiyi, who had been silent until now, stood up, glanced at the clothes, reached out, and gathered them all up, saying: "I want all of these clothes. If the second branch wants clothes, go buy them yourselves."

Jun Zhiedie’s eyes widened: "Big Sister, we all have a part in attending the banquet at the palace, and there are four outfits in total. By what right do you take them all?"

Jun Yiyi gave a cold snort: "By the right that I am the legitimate daughter of the first branch. You have always worn what I picked over, and today, I want all the clothes." Ever since Lady Wu died, Jun Yiyi had been filled with hostility and could no longer feign the kindness and fragility of a little white rabbit.

Upon hearing this, Jun Zhiedie’s face flushed red, and she turned to Lady Li for help.

Lady Li’s face turned pale and then green, but she still managed to squeeze out a smile and said:

"Eldest girl, attending a banquet at the palace is a major event. If your attire is improper, I fear it will lose face for our household. You have taken all four outfits for yourself; what are you to do about your three younger sisters?"

Jun Zijin and Jun Shuyan beside her exchanged a glance, and she shook her head slightly, signaling Jun Shuyan to just watch the show and say nothing.

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

After speaking, she ordered her maid to hold the clothes and prepared to leave.

The old lady spoke up at this moment:

"Enough. What kind of decorum is this, making such a racket? One outfit per person; no one is allowed to snatch them."

Jun Zhiedie spotted the best-looking outfit, grabbed it, and prepared to leave.

Just then, three young maids walked in from outside, each carrying a tray. The items on the trays were covered by brocade, making it impossible to see what they were. Jun Zhiedie, who was about to leave, stopped in her tracks and turned to look.

The maids reached them and said to the old lady and Jun Zijin: "People from the palace have sent two sets of clothing and jewelry. The Princess attire is for the Second Young Lady, and the other set is for the Fourth Young Lady."

Jun Shuyan’s mouth hung open in surprise, unable to speak. She turned to look at Jun Zijin, only to see Jun Zijin nod at her gently and whisper: "I had Quan Aoyu make a set for you as well." Jun Shuyan smiled sweetly and felt relieved; so it was the Second Sister who had arranged it.

Seeing that the palace had sent Princess attire for Jun Zijin, the old lady urged her to go back and try it on quickly, so there would be time to make adjustments if anything did not fit.

Jun Zijin and Jun Shuyan bowed to the old lady and, ignoring the murderous glares from Jun Yiyi and the mother and daughter of the second branch, turned and left.

The two sisters smiled at each other:

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

Jun Zijin smiled and shook her head, "It is nothing. I just didn't want you to be troubled by the matter of clothes."

Early morning, mist swirled, leaves were golden, the sky was deep blue, and sunlight cast mottled shadows through the sparse branches. Fallen leaves covered the ground like a golden carpet, and the air was filled with the faint scent of fruit and wood, refreshing the mind. It was now winter, and a breeze brought a chill. The streets, which should have been quiet, were now bustling and lively. Today, the palace was hosting a banquet, and the capital was setting up open-air feasts throughout the streets to celebrate Princess Qingping eradicating the smallpox epidemic.

The streets and alleys were decorated with lanterns and colorful flags; men, women, young, and old were all dressed in their finest, their faces beaming with happiness and satisfaction. Children wove through the crowd, playing and chasing each other, full of joy; adults gathered in groups of three or five, chatting and laughing, discussing the glorious deeds of Princess Qingping. The air was filled with the aroma of delicacies and fruits, turning the entire capital into an ocean of joy. Outside the Jun residence, layers of commoners gathered, just to catch a glimpse of Princess Qingping.

"Look, she’s out, she’s out! The one in the blue dress is Princess Qingping." Someone in the crowd said proudly because they recognized Jun Zijin.

Jun Zijin was seen wearing a treasure-blue, floor-length Princess gown. The bodice was fitted, the sleeves were flowing, and the hem was embroidered with intricate and exquisite phoenix patterns in gold thread. As she walked, the skirt swayed like floating clouds. The dangling hairpin on her head was a masterpiece of craftsmanship, swaying gently with her steps and emitting a crisp, pleasant sound, adding to her graceful and noble air.

Jun Zijin’s pace was calm and unhurried, her temperament noble and elegant, like a fairy stepping out of a painting, instantly capturing everyone’s attention.

The commoners discussed among themselves, their eyes filled with reverence and admiration. Jun Zijin smiled and nodded to the crowd, her smile warm and kind, as if it could instantly dispel the winter cold.

"Wow, Princess Qingping is truly as beautiful as a celestial being, with such an extraordinary temperament!"

"Indeed, she is not only beautiful but also brings prosperity to the people; she is truly admirable!"

"Look, the young lady who got into the carriage with the Princess is also very beautiful, isn't she?"

"I heard that is the Fourth Young Lady of the Jun household, though they say she is a daughter of a concubine."

"Why are you so pedantic? What does it matter if she is a daughter of a concubine or not? Such a fine young lady—who wouldn't want to marry her into their family? Besides, the Fourth Young Lady is Princess Qingping’s favorite sister."

Jun Shuyan wore a pale pink dress, the one sent from the palace yesterday. It was naturally made of the finest fabric, and the patterns embroidered on it were lifelike, as if they could dance with the wind, adorned with exquisite flowers and butterflies, fresh and refined. Several delicate jade hairpins were cleverly inserted into her hair, and the pearl earrings hanging by her ears swayed gently, shimmering with a soft light.

Sitting in the carriage, Jun Shuyan looked at the scenery outside through the light gauze curtains with excitement. She knew she looked beautiful today, and a sweet smile hung on her face.

When she heard someone pitying her for being a daughter of a concubine, a trace of worry appeared in her eyes. She knew well that as a daughter of a concubine in the Jun household, despite being deeply favored by her Princess sister, her future remained full of uncertainty in this world that emphasized family status and the distinction between legitimate and illegitimate children.

However, Jun Shuyan did not let these worries trouble her for long; she soon let them go. She believed that regardless of her background, as long as she remained kind and resilient, she would always find her own happiness on the path of life.

Jun Shuyan’s change in mood was seen by Jun Zijin, who gently patted Jun Shuyan’s hand:

"Do not worry, Fourth Sister. As long as I am here, I will naturally plan a proper future for you."

Jun Zijin’s words were gentle yet firm, and her eyes revealed an unquestionable determination.

Upon hearing this, Jun Shuyan’s heart was filled with gratitude and trust. She looked up at Jun Zijin:

"Thank you, Second Sister. Shuyan knows that with Second Sister here, I have nothing to fear."

Jun Zijin smiled slightly. She knew well that in this era, as a younger sister born of a concubine, Jun Shuyan would inevitably face some injustice and prejudice, but she did not want to see this sister suffer because of it. As Princess Qingping, she had enough ability and influence to strive for a better future for her sister.

"Fourth Sister, you only need to remember that no matter how the outside world judges, you are a young lady of the Jun household and my, Jun Zijin’s, sister. Your talent and character are far more important than those ethereal distinctions of family status," Jun Zijin said earnestly.

Jun Shuyan nodded heavily, her eyes flashing with a firm light. She understood that her sister’s words were not just comfort, but also an expectation. She secretly vowed to work even harder, not to let her sister’s expectations down, and to use her own actions to prove that a daughter of a concubine could also have a brilliant life of her own.

The carriage continued forward, but the atmosphere inside the carriage became even warmer and more harmonious. The sisters, Jun Zijin and Jun Shuyan, smiled at each other; that tacit understanding and family affection appeared particularly precious and warm in this turbulent world.