She always seemed to carry an air of seductiveness and vulgarity, completely different from the ladies of the upper class.
Even the innocent young girls of modest families couldn’t compare.
But she indeed had an attractive appearance, and a figure that was second to none, no wonder the Emperor took a fancy to her.
Dai Hanmi felt she shouldn’t dwell on it, but at this moment, she believed the Emperor was unworthy of her aunt, who was peerlessly cultured and sophisticated.
"Mimi?" Chen Danyan called out softly.
Dai Hanmi smiled, "It’s nothing. Sister Ruan is coming today as well. Let’s go find her, it’s been a few days. Why don’t we gather at Huiquan Tower another day and invite Sister Jinnian!"
Both of them remembered that Yun Jinnian had not yet recovered from her childbirth in Auspicious Water and couldn’t help worrying.
But it was not appropriate to visit rashly.
If Yun Jinnian’s mother was in charge, their visit wouldn’t matter, but now that Mrs. He was in control, they didn’t want to deal with her.
They disdained Mrs. He’s innate mercenary instincts and her cruel and unreasonable nature.
When they went to find Ruan Wanrong, they unexpectedly encountered the Countess Xuanping.
The Countess Xuanping pulled them aside and whispered, "Lingling has sent word back that she’s five months pregnant!"
Dai Hanmi gasped in surprise and then burst into joy, "Really? That’s wonderful! Countess, when I go back, I’ll make some baby clothes and prepare some nourishing gifts. Can I send them with you to Sister Hu?"
"I will do the same!" Chen Danyan eagerly added.
Seeing the girls’ delight, the Countess Xuanping felt even more affection for them.
After all, they were her daughter’s close friends and with her daughter’s eventual return to Capital City, she would undoubtedly need their support.
"That would be wonderful. I’ll thank you on Lingling’s behalf."
"No trouble at all, no trouble at all, it’s the least we can do!"
They waved their hands dismissively, feeling happy for Hu Shuiling, yet concerned for Ruan Wanrong.
Ruan Wanrong had been married months earlier than Hu Shuiling, and now Hu Shuiling was already pregnant...
Fortunately, Yun Jinnian had returned, and everything would pass; this thought comforted them somewhat.
The Countess Xuanping had several sons but only one daughter, Hu Shuiling. Although Count Xuanping had other daughters, they were not born to her, so genuine affection was unlikely. Keeping up appearances sufficed—bringing them out for social events like today’s banquet, seeking a somewhat decent match, providing a respectable dowry was enough.
For affection, she probably cared less for them than she did for Dai Hanmi, Ruan Wanrong, and Chen Danyan. For her, their feeling was deeper and more genuine.
The three of them chatted on the side about what gifts to send, Dai Hanmi even spoke of first-month and full-month celebrations, as well as the first birthday.
"If only we could take a trip to Su Hang!" Dai Hanmi sighed.
This separation had lasted over a year. In earlier years, a simple note could bring a meeting, but now, who knows when that might be...
Upon hearing this, the Countess Xuanping’s eyes immediately reddened.
Although her sons were married and she had grandchildren, none of them could compare to her dearly beloved daughter.
Dai Hanmi quickly said, "Countess, perhaps once Sister Hu gives birth and the child gets a bit older, Brother-in-law will bring her to Capital City for the examinations!"
Upon hearing this, the Countess Xuanping smiled again, "Yes, that’s exactly what Lingling said in her letter. Once she gives birth next year and the baby is three or four months old, they will come to Capital City. By then, it will probably be around this time of year. They can familiarize themselves with Capital City, and by the next year, there will be the major examination. When the time comes, you must all keep her company!"