Li Rou and Qi Xuanxuan exchanged glances and said in unison, "Really?"
Qi Zhenzhen nodded, "Of course, it's true."
Ancient whitening powders contained lead powder. Excessive lead was not only harmful to the skin but also very detrimental to the entire body. Of course, these were findings from later generations; there was no such notion in ancient times.
"Then I won't use powder anymore," Li Rou and Qi Xuanxuan said in unison.
"You two young girls, so young and tender you could squeeze water out of you, why would you bother with rouge and powder? Just take good care of your skin daily," Qi Zhenzhen said. "Even I, who am older than you, don't use those powders. At most, I use a lip tint."
"Second Sister, you really don't use it?" Li Rou was somewhat disbelieving. Her skin was like congealed fat, and her lips were like stained vermilion. She had always thought Qi Zhenzhen used the finest rouge and powder.
"No. I just meticulously cleanse my face every evening, then apply a hot towel compress, and then mix egg white with honey and some other things to apply to my face. After it dries, I wash it off." Qi Zhenzhen said.
Of course, these were luxuries she only began to enjoy after returning to the Marquis's mansion.
"I've read in books that honey is good for women, but isn't that for drinking?" Li Rou asked.
"Drinking it is good for the body, so applying it must be good for the skin."
It made sense. The two younger girls remembered everything Qi Zhenzhen said. These were not expensive items, and they could afford them. For good skin, they would have to stick to it from now on.
Seeing their keen interest in skincare, Qi Zhenzhen went on to share many simple skincare methods. The two girls listened, mesmerized. After Qi Zhenzhen finished, they eagerly went back to try them out.
After everyone had left, Qi Zhenzhen stood up, stretched her limbs, and began to sort through the items Gu Sinian had sent.
Besides rouge, powder, and palace flowers, there was also a box of stones and a case of storybooks.
The stones came in various patterns and shapes. Whether it was the patterns or the shapes, they were all naturally formed, not artificially carved. Looking at them, one couldn't help but marvel at the wonders of nature.
"Second Miss, there's a letter from the Young Marquis." After Feixu went out, Er Xi immediately took out a slender bamboo tube from her sleeve.
Qi Zhenzhen drew out the rolled-up letter from the bamboo tube—
He asked if Qi Zhenzhen liked the gifts he sent, saying that the pastries Qi Zhenzhen made were delicious and that he and his mother both liked them. Then, he shifted the topic to Xiao Niu.
Qi Zhenzhen was very surprised that Xiao Niu was getting married.
No, what surprised her even more was that the bride was Song Mingyue.
What had happened during the time she was away from Xinghua Village? These two, who used to bicker whenever they met, were now getting married. Could this be a case of "lovers quarrel"?
Mingyue was Qi Zhenzhen's best girlfriend, and Xiao Niu was like family to Qi Zhenzhen.
Since they were getting married, she couldn't just do nothing.
Thinking that she hadn't been out since entering the Marquis's mansion, Qi Zhenzhen started to ponder if she should find a way to go out and explore. Life as a young lady of a noble family was comfortable, but it was too restrictive. When she was in Xinghua Village, she could go wherever she pleased, riding her horse alone, living a carefree life. Since returning, she had only been confined to this small area, which felt stifling.
It was acceptable for a young lady to go out for a short while with plenty of attendants, but not for an extended period.
Qi Zhenzhen lingered in the Chaohui Hall, persistently pleading, "Grandmother, think about it, once I'm married, there will be so many things to manage, and I'll have even less time to go out."
What she said was true, and the Old Madam felt it deeply. But wasn't this the life every woman led? She couldn't let her go out alone just for this reason!
"No, no, it's always inconvenient for you to go out alone," the Old Madam flatly refused.
"But if I bring many people, with a grand entourage, it would attract too much attention. I'm returning to a place I used to live, and if someone were to notice, who knows what they might dig up. Er Xi, who is by my side, is very skilled in martial arts. If I take her with me, it will definitely be fine," Qi Zhenzhen said.
"Can't you not go? You can send more gifts, which would be a token of your regard," the Old Madam suggested.
"But I promised Mingyue that no matter where I was, I would find a way to return for her wedding. Mingyue treats me like a sister, and our mother and I were greatly helped by the Song family in Xinghua Village. Without the Song family, our mother and I might have already..."
Qi Zhenzhen wasn't exaggerating; the Song family had indeed provided them with considerable assistance.
The Old Madam still didn't agree directly, saying she needed to think about it.
Qi Zhenzhen could understand the Old Madam's thoughts. After all, she was already a young woman who was betrothed. By rights, she should behave herself until her wedding. Otherwise, if anything went wrong, no one could bear the responsibility. Furthermore, there were other young ladies in the mansion. Those girls might go out shopping or to pray at a temple for half a day, and that would be that. If it were for a longer period, it would certainly be with a senior member of the household.
But none of them had requested to go out on their own.
Fortunately, there was still some time before their wedding, so there was no need to worry. She could gradually persuade her.
Upon returning to her own courtyard, Qi Zhenzhen ground ink and prepared paper to write her reply—
She thanked Gu Sinian for the gifts, saying she liked them very much. She also mentioned that he didn't need to go to such lengths, as she remembered their agreement. Moreover, this marriage had already brought significant benefits to her, her mother, and her brother, and she couldn't let Gu Sinian spend so much, or she would feel uneasy. She also mentioned that she wanted to return for Xiao Niu and Song Mingyue's wedding, but the Old Madam was reluctant. She wrote about many such things.
Gu Sinian unfolded the letter and, looking at the entire page of text, his lips unconsciously curved into a slight smile.
But after reading a few lines, the smile vanished.
His little wife said she remembered their agreement.
That agreement...
Gu Sinian was now very regretful. Why had he used such an excuse back then?
Zhenzhen firmly believed that he liked men and not women. Furthermore, to facilitate this marriage and have the Marquis's mansion willingly exchange her for Zhenzhen, he had spread rumors outside about how much he liked male prostitutes. Was this not a case of lifting a rock only to drop it on his own foot? It seemed the path to winning her over would be a long one!
However, once the person was by his side, everything could be managed. With constant proximity, was he afraid that affection wouldn't grow over time?
She wanted to go to Xiao Niu's wedding? The Old Madam disagreed? That was simple; he was here.
Two days later, Qi Zhenzhen was summoned by the Old Madam, who said she had agreed to her going to Xinghua Village.
She had originally thought it would take some effort to get her grandmother to agree, but she hadn't expected her to consent so quickly. Her grandmother was truly exceptionally good to her.