Because the bronze mirrors of ancient tis were sowhat blurry, obscuring many truths, let alone in the hazy reflection, the heavily made-up face appeared, at first glance, truly to be the most dazzling among beauties. It’s no wonder Mo Xiuzhi, caressing her own face, was full of self-admiration and paid no heed to Madam Ruan’s advice.
In fact, the makeup was ghastly.
Madam Ruan, considering her daughter’s feelings, simply did not say it outright.
"Enough, enough, Mother, please go out. In a little while, when the ti cos, the General will send soone to fetch ."
Mo Xiuzhi impatiently pushed Madam Ruan towards the door.
"It’s still not even light out yet, the ti is still early."
In this era, even the practice of taking a concubine was done with great care. A main wife, married through formal wedlock, would typically enter the household at noon, then pay respects at the ancestral hall to complete the marriage rites, and could be directly led into the bridal chamber afterwards.
However, being of lower status, when a concubine entered the household, she could only be carried in through the back door, and even the exact ti of entry was ticulously selected, at dusk.
So, to put it nicely she was a concubine, but more bluntly, she was hardly different from a servant.
Situ Yongjie, not having a main wife, was sowhat better off. Had there been a Main Wife, the concubine would need to wait outside the Main Wife’s door before dawn, awaiting the Eldest madam to wake up and serve her.
Otherwise, how could Auntie Tang, who was of Commandery Princess status, harbor such deep-rooted hatred towards Lady Li, having suffered such indignities, naturally she despised her to the bone, wishing for her swift removal?
"My child, you are about to be married, let Mother keep you company a bit longer and talk. Otherwise, in the future, it’ll be difficult for us to see each other and speak." Raising her daughter for more than a decade and now having to marry her off, Madam Ruan was very reluctant, her eyes moistening.
"We will be in the sa mansion, how could it be inconvenient?"
"You silly child, we are after all not people from the General’s Mansion, moving out is only a matter of ti." Madam Ruan was quite clear about this fact.
"The General’s Mansion is huge, in the future you can just live here, I will discuss this with the General," Mo Xiuzhi said with the tone of a hostess.
"Good! My daughter is so filial."
"Then hurry up and go out, I want so quiet for a while." Coming to the door, Mo Xiuzhi pushed Madam Ruan outside.
Although today is the day Mo Xiuzhi is to be taken on as a concubine, everything in the General’s Mansion proceeds as usual, and indeed, for just a concubine, there is no need for any fanfare.
In any other mansion, the event would be settled quietly with just a sedan chair carrying her in through the back door.
Not to ntion, Mo Xiuzhi was already residing in the mansion, even sparing the need for a sedan chair.
Refreshing Courtyard.
Today, the Old Madam received a particularly special guest.
It was none other than the famous Divine Doctor of the Capital, also a renowned Imperial Physician, Divine Doctor Zhang.
"Old Madam, judging by your complexion, your spirits have been good lately?"
Divine Doctor Zhang was an old man of about sixty, with entirely white hair and beard, dressed in a black robe, giving off a sowhat ethereal presence.
"Hehe! Indeed, my Jiejie has beco perceptive and blessed with a grandson, how could I not be joyful?" The Old Madam said with a beaming smile.
Indeed, today was a good day. Not only has Jiejie taken on a concubine, but even the rare-to-be-seen Divine Doctor Zhang took the initiative to co and offer his congratulations.
"Congratulations, congratulations!"
"If Divine Doctor Zhang doesn’t mind, would you stay for a al, what do you say?"
"In that case, this old man will respectfully comply with your wishes!"
"Excellent!"
The Old Madam was so joyful she couldn’t close her mouth in smile, as Divine Doctor Zhang holds a very influential position as an Imperial Physician in Moli Country.
It is said in the Itinerant World that even those who have ventured to Yama Hall, if Divine Doctor Zhang is willing to intervene, can be brought back to life.
The Old Madam’s health was in decline, and with increasing age, naturally ca more ailnts, so of course, she hoped for an additional amulet for self-preservation, an extra guarantee for life.
"This old man rudely asks a question, I hope Old Madam won’t take offense!"
"Divine Doctor, feel free to speak your mind."
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