allonlinenovel Chapter 259 Until the very end, the winner and loser are still up for debate.
Chapter 259 Until the very end, the winner and loser are still up for debate.
This world is so strange; sometimes a single word from someone in a position of power can be more powerful than many others.
If Min Siyue receives a dowry from the princess when she gets married, the Sima family will think more highly of her in the future, and they will have to think twice before trying to bully her.
Madam Min breathed a sigh of relief, feeling that Min Siyue's future path might be easier.
Holding a black piece, she placed it on the board, instantly changing the situation. Then, she raised her hand and said, "Please, Princess."
Qin Yizhen smiled, holding a white chess piece in her hand. The piece was as smooth as jade and slightly cool to the touch. She smiled and said, "Madam, don't be anxious. I'm afraid you won't be able to win in such a short time."
"Oh, does the princess think this situation can still be turned around and won?"
Qin Yizhen laughed: "That's not necessarily true. The game can change in an instant. Who knows, the situation might change as the game goes on. In the end, it's still up for debate who will win and who will lose."
“The princess is right.”
After Madam Min and Qin Yizhen played two rounds of games, guests began to arrive at Fengya Xianju. When people came to pay their respects, Qin Yizhen smiled and invited them to sit down, have some snacks and tea, and chat freely without being reserved.
While playing chess with Madam Min, she also listened to everyone's conversation, and occasionally she would chime in on things that piqued her curiosity.
The atmosphere wasn't particularly harmonious, but it wasn't too awkward either. As they chatted, some people got bored and went for a walk in the yard, while others, confident in their chess skills, wanted to play a game with Qin Yizhen.
Qin Yizhen had nothing to do and couldn't leave immediately, so she naturally agreed.
Besides, with so many people here, it would be too noisy if they all started talking. While she was playing chess, these people were able to restrain themselves and keep their voices down.
However, there are also those who are particularly short-sighted and muddle-headed, such as Madam Qian, the wife of the Minister of the Imperial Stud, who has been constantly promoting her husband and son.
She would talk about how capable her husband was, what achievements he had made, and how outstanding her two sons were. She would say that her eldest son would definitely pass the imperial examination this year, and that her younger son was exceptionally good at studying.
After Madam Qian spoke up, several people also started praising their own husbands.
The purpose is obvious.
After Cheng Yan resigned from his position as Vice Minister of War, the position became vacant. Several people were recommended for the position in the court, but for some reason, Empress Dowager Cheng left it vacant.
There are even rumors that Empress Dowager Cheng wants to place someone from Cheng Yan in this position, which is why the number of visiting cards sent to the Marquis of Pingxi's residence has increased recently.
Especially Madam Qian, the wife of the Minister of the Court of Imperial Stud, who kept sending her visiting card back and forth.
The Vice Minister of the Ministry of War was a third-rank official, while the Minister of the Court of Imperial Stud was a third-rank official. Moreover, the Court of Imperial Stud was a place that specifically managed the royal carriages and livestock. Although they were both among the Nine Ministers, they were incomparable to the Minister of the Court of Judicial Review and the Minister of the Court of State Ceremonies.
The Qian family has been making frequent moves and pulling strings to secure this position, practically bubbling up with anxiety.
People in lower-ranking positions at other companies also want to get promoted, so naturally they have their own aspirations.
Qin Yizhen was playing chess with her eyes half-closed, pretending not to hear these words.
Over the past few days, she has also developed the skill of making herself unable to hear certain things. You can say whatever you want, but I didn't pay attention and don't know what you said.
However, as Madam Qian got more and more excited, almost saying directly, "Princess, we have some local products at home that we will send to your residence another day," Qin Yizhen couldn't help but interrupt.
"After autumn arrives, the weather gets colder and colder. The insects and birds that used to chirp and twitter in spring and summer seem to have become less frequent. It's finally a bit quieter, and I can enjoy a few more peaceful days," Qin Yizhen said calmly.
Lady Changting echoed, "That's right. If the birdsong is too noisy in spring and summer, it can really be a headache. Sometimes they perch on branches and call out, and even if you chase them away, they come back. It's really annoying how noisy they are."
The implication was that these people were too noisy, like birdsong disturbing the peace.
Those people understood, their faces turned red instantly, and they finally quieted down.
But before Madam Qian could say anything more, Qin Yizhen glanced at her indifferently, a warning in her eyes: "Bring Madam Qian a cup of tea."
After drinking the tea, close your mouth.
"Madam Qian, the pastries from Fengya Xianju are quite good. You should try them."
The princess had already spoken, inviting her to tea and snacks, and didn't want to hear her talk. If she continued, not only would she not achieve her goal, but she would also become disliked. Even though Madam Qian was anxious and couldn't see things clearly, she should understand something by now.
Just then, Song Pingping led in several maids carrying copper basins and bowed to everyone: "Would the ladies like to cleanse and protect their hands? We have prepared various jade dew perfumes and balms in the residence; you may try them."
"Wash and protect your hands?" Lady Changting had never seen such an interesting practice in a shop before, and she immediately became interested. "How so?"
Song Pingping said, "It's just washing your hands and then carefully applying the fragrant balm. After applying it, your hands will be even more delicate and smooth. Would you like to try it, Madam?"
“I’ll give it a try then.” Lady Changting was very curious and immediately nodded.
Song Pingping immediately had a maid bring forward a copper basin, take out some scented soap for her to wash her hands, and then wipe them with a clean cloth. While waiting for her hands to dry, she asked her to choose a scented balm that she liked.
Once the selection was made, the maid scooped out a spoonful and evenly applied it to Lady Changting's hands, gently massaging it in to allow the balm to seep into her skin little by little.
Sure enough, after a short while, those hands seemed to have become fairer and more delicate.
Upon seeing this, everyone became interested and asked others to help them wash and protect their hands.
Seeing this, Song Pingping had someone bring over the prepared nail polish and used it to color everyone's nails. Before long, a light pink layer appeared on their nails.
Unlike perfumed balm, nail polish is made from flower petals and needs to be left on overnight to achieve a cherry-red color like peach blossoms. This process was repeated three times before applying a light pink.
However, it also made the ladies' hands appear fair and delicate, with rosy fingers, which were very beautiful. Everyone was delighted to see them, especially since the maid had gently massaged their hands, making them feel very comfortable.
"Madam Song, do you usually make these kinds of things in your shop?"
“It’s all done, not just on the hands, but also on the face.”
Fengya Xianju caters to women's needs. On weekdays, sisters can gather to drink tea, wine, and snacks, read storybooks, and listen to music. They can also wash and clean their hands and apply makeup.
Then someone asked, "Does that mean there's a charge?"
Song Pingping said, "Madam is too kind. It's all included in the tea and snacks bill."
That means they won't accept it anymore.
The ladies were even happier.
Although they weren't short of money, and their maids could do these things, doing them here felt like getting a bargain, which naturally made them happy.