The twin sons of the Gu family underwent the ritual of bathing, which was requested by Madame Qin to be witnessed by everyone present, signifying the importance attached to the occasion.
In fact, only family members were able to attend the ceremony, as this pair of twin sons were born at an unfortunate time.
Qin Liusi arrived punctually, even though he entered with a yawn, his casual demeanor drew the attention of those present in the hall, eliciting curious glances.
Yesterday, this elder sister (or young lady) had an imposing presence, looking quite intimidating.
Qin Liusi glanced around, his eyes scanning the crowd, noting everyone dressed in simple coarse cloth garments. Indeed, in times of adversity, one quickly adapts to the circumstances.
Her gaze paused for a moment on Madame Wan and the little peach-eyed girl beside her, her eyebrows twitching slightly.
While it's true that clothes make the man, some people are naturally stunning. Even in simple attire, their exceptional beauty shines through.
Her biological mother was such a person, clearly wearing the same coarse cloth garments as everyone else, with her dark hair tied up with just a red cord. Although lacking in flamboyance, she exuded a charm that was both demure and pure, still captivatingly beautiful.
Admiring beauty is a joy to behold, and Qin Liusi admitted to it.
Madame Wan met her daughter's gaze, proudly lifting her chin, as if to say, "My daughter is the most beautiful in the world!"
And Qin Mingchun, who shared the same mother as Qin Liusi, also straightened his chest, his gaze pure and innocent.
Qin Liusi averted his gaze.
Qin Mingchun looked somewhat forlorn as he gently tugged at Madame Wan's skirt, feeling a bit aggrieved.
The other young girls looked at Qin Liusi's attire, their eyes slightly red. They were all about the same age, yet couldn't they have been given one or two sets of her clothes?
Madame Wang supported Madame Qin into the room, and Madam Xie stepped forward. At a glance, she noticed the ornament in her hair. Her expression changed suddenly.
Yesterday, her mother had only given her a small purse, yet today she was wearing a jade hairpin. This Wang Yanru claimed not to have any ulterior motives, yet it seemed she was hoarding wealth!
During the confiscation of property, how did everyone manage to get here? Madam Xie knew very well. Just yesterday, Madame Wang had her hair tied up with a piece of cloth. Today, she had a jade hairpin. Did it fall from the sky?
Without a second thought, Madam Xie spoke, her tone tinged with questioning, "Sister-in-law, this jade hairpin on your head is quite exquisite. I've never seen it before."
Swoosh swoosh swoosh.
All eyes fell on Madame Wang's head, their gazes flickering.
Where did it come from?
Was it newly bought?
What about theirs?
Madame Wang remained unruffled, saying, "You do have a discerning eye. This was filially offered to me by Xier!"
Meaning, if you have the ability, let your daughter also show filial piety?
She looked towards Qin Liusi, her eyes soft. It was strange. Since receiving this hairpin and hearing Qin Liusi's words, she had slept peacefully for several days, and her complexion had improved so much this morning.
Qin Liusi's gaze swept across the position of her children's palace, and he lowered his eyes, rubbing his fingertips together.
Madam Xie was slightly surprised. She glanced at Qin Liusi, then at Madame Wan, and chuckled, "This girl from the west seems to be a bit partial. Madame Wan, don't you think?"
Qin Liusi looked at Madame Wan, who regained her senses and inexplicably said, "I am normal, right? Madam is the wife, and I am the concubine. How can I compare?"
Madam Xie: "…"
Forgot she was a fool.
"Everyone is here. Let's begin," Madame Qin said lightly.
Mrs. Ding had Chuer and the nurse bring the children in. The midwife lit incense and performed the ritual, and soon she took the children and began singing auspicious verses.
Thunk.
Madame Qin threw in two silver ingots, and the midwife was delighted. It seemed that auspicious words were free of charge.
The other adults, more or less, also threw in some copper coins.
Dong.
Two small gold ingots were placed in the wooden basin, and everyone was stunned. Wasn't that ten taels? Was she this wealthy?
Qin Liusi withdrew his hand after placing the ingots, and walked out under the scrutinizing gazes of the crowd.