The eighth year of Yuanhe, early February.
The snow had just melted away in Shengjing City, and the buds had yet to sprout from the branches.
Everything seemed barren.
In the Grand Scholar Mansion, servants were busy sweeping away snow and lighting lamps.
In the elegant and delicate courtyard, under the veranda sat a young girl dressed in scarlet.
A white fox fur cloak wrapped her tightly, revealing a very charming face.
Beside her, the maids attended to her, wanting to place a charcoal stove near her feet.
"I’ve worn enough, I don’t like the smell of charcoal, take it away," she said.
Zhuimeng was a bit troubled, if the young lady caught a cold, it would be a problem.
In a month, she’ll be entering the palace for the selection. With her beauty and family background, she’s sure to be chosen.
If she fell ill now, how would she face blame from the master and mistress?
She decided to try and persuade her with a few words.
Unfortunately, the Lan family’s young lady didn’t intend to give her the chance, turning to a scroll of poetry and reading attentively.
"Indeed, the scenery of Jiangnan is beautiful, encountering you again amidst falling flowers."
Whenever she read this line, she would pause momentarily.
Her mind kept drifting to the beautiful sights of Jiangnan.
Winter in Shengjing City was rather long, unlike Jiangnan where it arrived slowly and left early.
By now, the spring waters might have thawed, and the willow branches along the banks would be preparing to sprout.
"I’ve never been anywhere, just trapped within these four corners."
Having said this, Lan Xianya felt a tinge of sadness.
However, Zhuai Yun beside her comforted and said.
"Miss, don’t be sad. Tomorrow, we still have opportunities. I heard the Emperor loves to tour the east and south. If you enter the palace and gain favor, naturally you can travel along too. When that time comes, Jiangnan will not be a hindrance, nor will other places."
Lan Xianya glanced at Zhuai Yun and suddenly chuckled.
The look in her eyes seemed to say "Do you think I’m foolish?" Yet she still patted Zhuai Yun’s shoulder.
"All right, if we do go to Jiangnan, I’ll find you a Jiangnan husband then? How about you explore the broad world I’ve never seen?"
Zhuai Yun, flustered by her words, blushed.
Stamping her foot, she said somewhat angrily and shyly.
"Miss! I won’t speak to you anymore."
Having said this, she turned to the room to arrange the bed.
Lan Xianya laughed so hard she couldn’t straighten her back.
Lady Lan, having just entered from outside, saw this scene and felt delighted too.
"Oh, what did the girls say to make you so happy?"
"Mother is here? Come, have a seat inside!"
She wasn’t keen on letting her family know she loved sitting outside reading, lest she’d be lectured again.
Luckily, the cloak was thick enough, so her hands and feet weren’t cold.
Lady Lan didn’t notice anything, laughing as she entered the room with her daughter.
The room’s decor remained elegant and modest as usual. Lady Lan looked at her carefully nurtured daughter, growing ever fonder.
Thus, she reached to adjust the hairpin in her daughter’s hair and smiled saying.
"The clothes for the palace selection are finished, I’ve rushed to bring them for you to try on. If there’s anything amiss, there’s still time to make changes."
Saying this, she beckoned the nanny beside her to bring the clothes forward.
The outfit was made by embroideresses from Yunxiu Pavilion.
It took six months, with eight embroideresses working tirelessly.
A gown with elaborate craftsmanship—lake blue silk embroidered with butterfly patterns—was unveiled.
The blend of three blues and greens initially seemed ordinary, but after more glimpses, it appeared elegant and fresh.
The hem was densely embroidered with patterns of butterflies and flowers.
Clearly, much thought was invested.
Lan Xianya was quite fond of the clothing, quickly putting it on.
Indeed, the gown suited her aura perfectly once worn.
Walking around, the butterflies and flowers seemed to come to life, captivating onlookers.
The Lan family had always been proud of Lan Xianya’s appearance and demeanor.
Seeing her soon to enter the palace as a concubine, it was a great fortune for the Lan Family.
So, Lady Lan grew more satisfied, praising her profusely.
"My daughter is so beautiful! Even the fairies descending from Nine Heavens might not compare."
Such exaggeration made Lan Xianya somewhat embarrassed.
She rarely went out, occasionally accompanying her mother to social gatherings, merely gossiping with official’s wives and young ladies.
Indeed, she hadn’t met many who could rival her.
Hence, Lan Xianya was quite confident in herself.
Fingers stroking the collar, the silky thread added extra confidence.
Lady Lan, seizing the moment, said.
"I’ve had a new set of jewelry made for you at Treasure House. The shopkeeper said they’re ready. Do you want to go see them yourself, or have them sent over?"
Lan Xianya naturally wanted to go out, or else being cooped up at home every day.
Even a delicate flower would wilt, right?
Thinking about this, she adorably said.
"Dear mother, take me out with you. If I truly enter the palace someday, wouldn’t this be the last time I go out?"
Lady Lan found sense in her words too. Fresh chapters posted on novèlfire.net
After Lan Xianya changed clothes, the mother and daughter headed outside.
The staff had already prepared the carriage and horses, awaiting their departure.
Their lively chatter brought much joy.
Reaching the front yard, they coincidentally met Lan University Scholar just returning.
A young man unfamiliar accompanied him.
It was the eve of the spring examinations, so in recent days, Lan Mansion occasionally saw unfamiliar men visit.
Thus, without guessing much, one could deduce this young man was a Scholar preparing for his exams.
Having caught Lan University Scholar’s eye, he was invited home for "nurturing."
Lady Lan and Lan Xianya showed no reservation, approaching directly to speak.
"This humble self greets the master."
"Daughter greets father."
Lan University Scholar nodded, seeing them dressed in cloaks, ready to go out, he curiously asked.
"Madam, where are you taking Xianya?"
Lady Lan smiled, answering.
"The jewelry at Treasure House is done, I’m taking Xianya over to pick them. Soon she’ll be entering the palace for selection, without nice jewelry to complement, it wouldn’t be proper."
"Hmm, Madam is right! Then Xianya can accompany your mother for a good selection, if anything is lacking, send someone to the accounts room to fetch it."
Lan Xianya entering the palace was the Lan family’s biggest anticipation now.
Naturally, everything had to be prepared meticulously.
"Daughter thanks father."
After they finished speaking, the unfamiliar young man finally spoke.
Observing courtesy, he bowed to Lady Lan, saying.