Floating Song Pavilion.
Song Ruqi held a wolf hair brush, resting her chin in one hand, while her gaze was fixed on the roses outside the window, her thoughts wandering who knows where.
"Second Miss, Third Miss is here," Shuhua called softly, glancing at the rice paper in front of her, noticing the ink had soaked through.
Song Ruqi snapped back to reality and turned her head, "Third Sister is here? She doesn’t have lessons today?"
"Second Sister, I’ve finished my studies," Song Ruwei peeked half her head through the door, smiling at her.
Song Ruqi placed the brush on the Jade Lotus Pen Holder, saying, "Come in, why are you peeking around like that?"
Song Ruwei entered, glanced at the Four Treasures of the Study on the table, and said, "Second Sister is practicing calligraphy?"
"In the boudoir, it’s either practicing calligraphy, doing needlework, or reading. What else can one do?" Song Ruqi pulled her to sit on the beauty couch and said, "Why have you come over? Is the move all done? I saw Third Aunt directing people to move for you earlier today."
"It’s all done." Song Ruwei handed over a delicate little invitation with both hands, "I’m inviting Second Sister to a housewarming party."
Song Ruqi took it and saw that the invitation was exquisitely made, with a faint fragrance of flowers. Opening it, the handwriting was elegant and neat, written beautifully in Flower hairpin style.
"Your writing is not bad."
Song Ruwei blushed slightly and said, "It’s not as good as Second Sister’s."
Song Ruqi wrinkled her little nose and said, "When I was eight, I couldn’t write such pretty characters. Third Aunt has been keeping a close eye on your calligraphy practice, hasn’t she?"
The excellent handwriting was indeed due to Lady Lu’s efforts. Not only did she hire famous teachers to instruct her, but she also taught herself and supervised her daily, constantly admonishing her that one’s writing is a reflection of oneself, and that good handwriting is the basic skill of a talented woman.
"Third Aunt sure is ruthless; you’re still so young. Aren’t you worried about harming your tendons with such practice?"
Song Ruwei lowered her head slightly, thinking that unlike her, who was the Prime Minister’s legitimate daughter, she could only work hard to earn credit for herself. She smiled and said, "I’m used to it."
Song Ruqi, feeling a bit bored, said, "I’ve accepted the invitation, but it’s a pity you don’t have many friends yet. Otherwise, it would be nice to invite some girls over to play. Oh, in a few days, it’s my cousin’s birthday. Have you prepared jewelry and clothes? Don’t embarrass me. If you don’t have them, I’ll lend you some."
Song Ruwei hurriedly said, "I’ve already prepared them. Second Sister can take a look first, and if they’re not good, I’ll change them."
Song Ruqi was very pleased with her obedience and nodded, "Alright, I’ll give you some pointers then. Otherwise, you’ve been in Shanxi for so long, you might not know what’s fashionable in the capital right now, and end up dressed in a rustic way that makes people laugh."
Song Ruwei felt a bit awkward but obediently agreed.
The two sisters chatted for a while, and then Song Ruwei said she had to deliver invitations to Grandmother, and took her leave.
Leaving the Floating Song Pavilion, Song Ruwei’s maid Zhen Zhu couldn’t help but say, "Third Miss, Second Miss was so inconsiderate, almost calling Shanxi a poor backwater and saying you’re rustic."
Song Ruwei was startled and scolded softly, "Shut up. Do you know where you are, daring to gossip about your master here? Do you not want to live?"
Zhen Zhu’s face flushed to the color of pig liver, "I-I was just feeling sorry for you, Miss."
"I don’t feel wronged. Second Sister is willing to take me to the Marquis Mansion’s banquet and guide me in my attire. I am only grateful," Song Ruwei said coldly, warning her, "You’d better change your ways in the future and not cause me trouble. Otherwise, I’ll have Mother replace you."
Zhen Zhu was so frightened that she knelt with a thud and repeatedly said she wouldn’t dare anymore.