Indeed, in the eyes of Qin Mingyue and the others, Qin Liu Xi, who has lived in the old house since childhood, is just a country bumpkin.
They used to think that Qin Liu Xi would live a secluded life in Licheng, this small town. After all, how many close friends could she have in Shengjing since she was a child? Even if there were any, they would have changed a lot, just like Shengjing itself. Unlike them, who were born and raised in the capital, and made friends with noble ladies, they usually engaged in various poetry and tea gatherings in high-end circles. And what about Qin Liu Xi?
Although Licheng is good, it's just a small county town after all. How can it compare to the bustle of Shengjing? Moreover, without elders by her side, all alone, who can teach her? Oh yes, I heard she was led and taught by the master of the Taoist temple. She's probably shuttling back and forth between the house and the Taoist temple. How can such an inexperienced country bumpkin grow up to be anything? Naturally, she's just pitiful.
But now, who's more rustic?
Qin Mingyue and the others took a look at their coarse cloth dresses, blushing with embarrassment, feeling a surge of inferiority.
It turns out they were the jesters themselves!
Amidst the embarrassment and inferiority, there was also a hint of jealousy and dissatisfaction. They are all young ladies of the Qin family. When the Qin family declined, why is it that Qin Liu Xi still dresses like a lady?
Jealousy makes one's countenance ugly. Qin Liu Xi swept a silent glance at Qin Mingyue's face, snorting.
"When the Qin family declined, each and every one of you has lost all sense of propriety. Can't even offer a greeting?" Qin Mingyue and the others stiffened.
"Greetings, Big Sister."
"Greetings, Cousin Liu Xi."
"Very well," Qin Liu Xi nodded, saying, "Since you've offered your greetings, you may leave now."
Qin Mingyue's face changed, taking a step forward and bowing again, "We came to talk to Big Sister. Big Sister doesn't even invite us inside. Are we unwelcome?"
"Hmm, not very welcome. Besides, I have things to do," Qin Liu Xi turned and walked away.
"Big Sister, why bother making excuses? You can just say you don't like it, and we'll leave," Qin Mingyue choked up, on the verge of tears.
Qin Liu Xi turned back, smiling, "Do you think I need to deliberately find an excuse to dismiss you?"
Who does she think she is?
Qin Mingyue felt somewhat embarrassed, biting her lip.
"Sister Liu Xi, can we stroll around here?" Song Yuyan also stepped forward.
"This little courtyard can be seen at a glance. What's there to walk around? You can't go to the back either, where I have my medicinal garden. If you're bored, you can stroll outside the courtyard," Qin Liu Xi said plainly. "Qihuang, take them out."
"Yes."
"Ladies, please."
Qin Mingyue and the others were half-invited and half-ushered out of the side courtyard. Standing outside the courtyard, their faces were somewhat embarrassed.
"Big Sister is really not considerate. We've come all this way, and she should at least invite us in for tea and snacks, right?" Qin Mingxin pouted indignantly. "This girl who grew up in a small town really doesn't understand the art of hospitality. She even acts aloof with us and lectures us about manners."
Qin Mingyue whispered, "She's our elder sister after all."
"Elder sisters should set a good example, showing love and care for us younger sisters. Isn't there a saying about elder sisters being like mothers?"
"Stop it. Maybe Big Sister hasn't been taught, so she doesn't understand this."
"Then let's teach her. I'll go tell Mother right now," Qin Mingxin ran off.
Qin Mingyue glanced at the small courtyard and bit her lip with reluctance before following suit.
Song Yuqing followed her elder sister, whispering softly, "Sister, shall we leave too?"
That cousin Liu Xi seems so dignified. I'm a little afraid to look at her.
Song Yuyan nodded, concealing her envy and resentment, and pulled her along. In terms of embarrassment, who can match the three of us, mother and daughters?