An Yang Marquisate

The news of her leaving home, Gao Qian had already found an excuse for her.
Lady Li also found an excuse to cope.
Not many people in the Gao Clan paid attention to her, so Xi Cui remained safe and sound.
After leaving Kong Shan Temple, Gao Qian was initially worried she would be discontent, but seeing Xi Cui still eating and drinking happily as if nothing had happened, his hanging heart finally settled.
His sister was so sensible and obedient; Gao Qian’s heart was actually very complex.
Before she was recognized by her birth family, she had always lived in the countryside, living freely and at ease, less reserved and cautious, less anxious than she was now.
And although he strictly adhered to etiquette, that was merely his personality; deep down, he didn't place too much importance on those rituals.

Just as he was wondering whether to take some time to bring her out for a stroll, Lady Cui of An Yang Marquisate sent an invitation.
Looking at the earthy yellow invitation card, Gao Qian thought for a moment, then called Xi Cui over.
“Lady An Yang Marquis sent an invitation, planning to host a private banquet at the Marquisate on the second day of next month. Do you wish to go?”
Seeing her somewhat indifferent reaction, Gao Qian remained silent for a moment, then continued: “It’s fine to go. Since you returned home, you haven’t left the house. This time, take the opportunity to go out and wander around; it’s much better than being cooped up in the manor.”

What Gao Qian said was not without reason.
Since Gao Di Yu returned to the Gao Clan, apart from going out a bit more frequently in the first two days, she had never attended any banquets.
The Gao Clan had hired tutors and governesses to teach her, and Gao Di Yu also tried hard to learn. But how could what was lacking for more than a decade be caught up in a short time?
Feeling that this Third Sister was useless and of low status, the younger generation also disliked conversing with her.
Among those noble descendants, she always seemed like an outsider.
Those noble descendants were well-educated.
They were bound by etiquette and never openly disdained Gao Di Yu, maintaining an extremely friendly attitude.
But it was only friendliness; not many were willing to befriend her.
On this point, how could Gao Di Yu not realize it?
She was willing to go out alone, and as time passed, others also followed suit.

But Gao Qian never thought that way.
His mother died early, and his father and eldest brother did not manage affairs, so as the Second Brother, he could only shoulder the responsibilities of a mother.
In his eyes, this little sister of his was unique, a raw jade, who should not merely stay at home.
Xi Cui thought seriously for a moment.
Wei Dan Sheng was temporarily elusive; she still didn't know how long she would have to stay here.
No matter how much she tried to avoid it, it seemed inappropriate. She had to go out eventually.
So, she nodded in agreement.

However, after learning that Xi Cui also wanted to go, the other members of the Gao Clan were somewhat displeased.
“Why is she going?”
The one speaking was Sixth Lady Gao Ying, the legitimate daughter of the Third Branch.
All three branches of the family held official positions in the court and wielded considerable power. Gao Ying was very much favored by Old Madam Gao, and her speech and actions were somewhat arrogant, without much thought.
Since childhood, she had admired Gao Qian, always liking to stick close behind him. When Gao Di Yu arrived, Gao Ying felt that she had stolen Gao Qian’s attention from her, so she always found Gao Di Yu an eyesore.
At this moment, hearing that she also wanted to attend the banquet, she immediately pouted in displeasure, muttering to herself that someone like Gao Di Yu, like an abacus, moved only when pushed, timid and fearful. Bringing her out would surely be embarrassing; she wouldn't go to the Marquisate with her.
Normally, Gao Di Yu never attended such banquets.
They were used to this, so when they suddenly heard she wanted to go, not only Gao Ying but everyone else was startled for a moment.
Gao Ying had always been a star surrounded by others; as soon as she spoke, someone would echo her, though their words were not as direct as Gao Ying’s.
“Why does Third Lady suddenly want to go?”
“Indeed, does Third Sister want to reconsider? I know you have no interest in such occasions; you might find it uninteresting then.”

Lady Cui of An Yang Marquisate enjoyed matchmaking.
The private banquet on the second day of next month was actually for children of suitable age from each family to spend more time together, fostering good matches. These things were not stated directly, but everyone else understood them clearly.
As for Gao Di Yu, she probably understood nothing, just blindly following along.
No, perhaps she did understand.
But she didn't even look at her own appearance; she wasn't pretty at all.
Someone scoffed inwardly.
Her appearance, if she were a man, would be handsome.
But as a grown woman, she was neither male nor female.
The Gao Clan was already worried about her marriage, yet she, on the contrary, was shallow, entangled with a pancake seller.
Gao Di Yu was a descendant of the Gao Clan; whether she went or not was her own business.
Now that she wanted to go, why did she act as if she knew nothing?
Xi Cui replied with a solemn face, very politely, yet also very indifferently, without any pretense.
It roughly meant only one thing: she wanted to go.
Such a simple, fresh, and unpretentious answer, time and again, left others speechless.
They had never seen anyone so blind. Gao Ying was choked.
She insisted on going, so even if they were surprised and displeased, they had no reason to stop her.
Those who were a little more sensible could only force a couple of awkward laughs and mediate.

Xi Cui never intended to cause a big stir at the banquet, changing others' opinions of her in one go, shocking everyone or anything like that.
She knew herself well.
But since this was the Marquisate, she couldn't be careless.
She also wanted to take this opportunity to better understand the environment she was currently in.
In the past, when the maids dressed Gao Di Yu, they always tried to soften her cold and stern appearance, dressing her in fresh and elegant attire.
But Gao Di Yu’s features were inherently strong, and dressing like that made her look even more peculiar, always giving off a strange feeling of Gao Qian wearing women's clothes.
Xi Cui found the person in the mirror an eyesore and simply did it herself, no longer letting the maids assist.
After changing clothes, it was time to choose accessories.
She had very few accessories.
The Gao Clan did not lack expenses for her clothing; she had everything a junior should have.
But Tian Yong Liang was not to be outdone, spending money like water. Gao Di Yu had always patched up his holes for him, and last year, Old Man Tian lost money in business, and it was Gao Di Yu who sent money back to pay off debts. After more than a year at home, she had not only saved no money but had also pawned quite a few of the Gao Clan’s jewels, all sent back to her adoptive parents’ home.
Xi Cui couldn't find suitable accessories, so she could only tie a red string with silver thread onto her hair bun.