Tan Xiuying hurriedly requested Cai Ying and Shao Liu to help applying her makeup. Despite going against the customs of the ancient time, she was determined to maintain her desired appearance, choosing a lighter touch with less heavy makeup and subtler blush on her cheeks.
After a moment, she slowly stood up. Finally, the time had come, and the family drama was about to begin.
She carefully smoothed her clothes before stepping out of the house and into the courtyard, accompanied by Cai Ying and Shao Liu.
As she reached the courtyard that led to the central hall, Tan Xiuying spotted Tan Wenling and her two maids waiting outside.
"Wenling, why don't you go first? What are you waiting for?" Tan Xiuying chided her.
"You're so slack, Sister Xiuying. They've been waiting for you for a long time. It's rude to keep others waiting!" Tan Wenling exclaimed, her eyes wide with amazement as she looked at Tan Xiuying coming out of the passage.
Tan Xiuying was indeed very beautiful and outstanding. They hadn't fully realized it before, but today she looked remarkably different. At first glance, she might have appeared ordinary in her crimson hanfu with a simple hairdo and light makeup. However, upon closer inspection, one could see that her natural beauty was something extraordinary and distinct from her usual appearance.
Before the tragic events unfolded, Tan Xiuying lived a happy and loving childhood. Her mother, Li Huiqing, being her father's first wife, received much love and attention from her father. As a result, Tan Xiuying was cherished and adored by her parents, which made her childhood all the more joyous.
Having two older brothers, Tan Guoliang and Tan Xiaodan, who were studying at the imperial academy, added to her sense of security and protection. They looked out for their younger sister, and she felt safe and cared for under their watchful eyes.
The bond between Tan Xiuying and her family was strong, and they were a close-knit unit that shared many happy moments together. Her parents and brothers doted on her, and she reciprocated their love with affection and respect.
But when her mother died, things changed dramatically for Tan Xiuying. When her stepmother, Li Jiayi, moved in, she brought a dark element into the house that changed the way things worked and led to a number of bad things.
Despite the challenges and adversity she faced, Tan Xiuying held on to the memories of her happy childhood and the love she once shared with her family. It was those cherished moments that fueled her determination to go through the web of deceit and reclaim her true identity in the midst of the cunning and treachery surrounding her.
Indeed, the happiness of Tan Xiuying's childhood was abruptly shattered when her mother, Li Huiqing, passed away from a serious illness when she was just two years old. The sudden loss of her beloved mother was a devastating blow to the family, leaving them heartbroken and grief-stricken.
Before the tragic death, Li Huiqing and Li Jiayi had a very close and amicable relationship. They shared their thoughts, confided in each other, and were like close friends, rather than rivals vying for Marquis's attention. There was no conflict or competition between them; instead, they supported and cared for each other, fostering a bond that seemed unbreakable.
Li Huiqing placed immense trust in Li Jiayi. Even during her battle with illness, she expressed her wish for Marquis Jiujiang to take good care of Li Jiayi. In honor of his beloved late wife's final wish, Marquis Jiujiang fulfilled it by marrying Li Jiayi exactly one year after the passing of his first wife.
After the tragic death of the First Madam, Li Jiayi, who was Li Huiqing's younger cousin and a guest in the household at that time, saw an opportunity to rise in status. She cunningly manipulated the circumstances and managed to become the second wife of Marquis Jiujiang.
Unexpectedly, it was like inviting a wolf in sheep's clothing into their home. When someone appears too good to be true, there's often an ulterior motive behind their actions.
The sudden elevation of Li Jiayi to the position of the second wife brought significant changes to the dynamics of the household. With her cunning nature and ambitious desires, Li Jiayi began to exert influence and control over various aspects of the family's affairs.
She cunningly manipulated the perception of others, subtly undermining Tan Xiuying's image and reputation while trying to boost her own standing in the eyes of the people around her.
As the years went by, the distance between Tan Xiuying and her once-loving family seemed to widen. The genuine love and care that she once received from her parents and older brothers were now overshadowed by the cunning schemes of her stepmother, who sought to shape public opinion to her advantage.
Despite the challenges and obstacles she faced, Tan Xiuying's resilience and determination to uncover the truth about her identity and the mysteries surrounding her life remained unwavering. The journey to reclaim her true self was fraught with deceit and treachery, but she was determined to find her way back to the happiness she once knew.
Madam Marquis, Li Jiayi, seemed to have always loved and cared for Tan Xiuying. She frequently pampered her and granted her every request, earning praise from everyone for her kindness and affection towards her stepdaughter. There was no doubt in anyone's mind about her genuine concern and love for Tan Xiuying.
But in reality, the real Tan Xiuying had been unfortunate. Her reputation suffered, while the cunning Li Jiayi received praise for her false kindness. Li Jiayi deliberately tarnished Tan Xiuying's image subtly, manipulating public opinion to her advantage. What a cunning and deceitful vixen!
The cunning tactics of Li Jiayi didn't stop there. She would often create situations that made Tan Xiuying appear rude or disrespectful in front of others, even when Tan Xiuying was innocent. Li Jiayi would twist words, spread rumors, and subtly plant seeds of doubt about Tan Xiuying's character in the minds of those around her.
Moreover, Li Jiayi would openly favor Tan Wenling, her own daughter, and make sure that Tan Xiuying always felt like an outsider in her own home. She would shower Tan Wenling with gifts and attention, while neglecting Tan Xiuying's needs and desires.
Despite all the hardships and mistreatment, Tan Xiuying tried her best to remain composed and resilient. She knew that she couldn't trust anyone fully, except for her grandmother Liu Meifeng, who had always been a source of love and support for her.
However, Tan Xiuying was determined not to let her stepmother's cunning schemes break her spirit. Instead, she sought ways to overcome the challenges and rise above the false image that had been painted of her. Deep down, she believed that the vixen's true nature would eventually be recognized, and she would reclaim her rightful place in the household.