Hongshang quickly draped a cloak over Mo Lixia's shoulders. "Miss... be careful not to catch a cold. Have some mung bean soup first."
"Yes, Miss! Drink up while I fetch the fabric and needles," Xiqiu added, scurrying out of the room.
Lixia sipped the chilled soup, the cool sweetness washing away the summer heat. "Hongshang, sit down and have a bowl with me."
"Miss, I... I couldn't," Hongshang stammered, looking toward the door. "If the General's wife found out, I'd be severely punished."
"In my room, we don't follow those stuffy rules," Lixia said, pouring a bowl and nudging it toward her. "When no one is around, there's no need for such formality. Sit."
Hongshang sat down tentatively, a wave of warmth spreading through her heart. She and Xiqiu were orphans, sold and resold until Madam Mo bought them years ago to train them specifically to serve the Young Miss. They never expected their mistress to be so kind.
Soon, Xiqiu returned, clutching a roll of premium cotton. She knew Lixia preferred soft, breathable materials. "Miss, I chose a solid color. Do you like it?"
"I love it. Look at you, all flushed from the sun. Sit and drink some soup," Lixia commanded, pouring another bowl.
Xiqiu froze, glancing at Hongshang. "M-Miss... did I do something wrong?"
"No, you've both done exceptionally well," Lixia laughed softly. "I lived in the mountains for years; I don't know how to be a pampered noble lady who needs to be waited on hand and foot. We need to be on the same page if you're going to stay with me."
The "Top Idols" of the Capital
As the heat outside intensified, Lixia lounged on her bed, sketching while the maids worked nearby. She was attempting a portrait.
"Miss, is that... the General?" Hongshang asked, leaning over the inkstone.
Lixia raised an eyebrow. "You recognized him?"
"Yes! The features are exaggerated, but the spirit is unmistakably Master's. It's very vivid!"
"It's wonderful!" Xiqiu added, peering over. "It's better than what the professional painters in the city produce."
"You flatter me," Lixia teased. "The painters I know are far better than this. By the way, tell me more about these 'talented men and beautiful ladies' you mentioned."
Xiqiu's eyes lit up instantly. "Oh, Miss! The Capital is full of them!" She proceeded to give Lixia a rundown of the city's elite, summarized below:
NameTitle / StatusDescriptionBeiye YinmanFirst Beauty & TalentPrime Minister's daughter. Has won the poetry competition three years in a row.Princess MutongThe "Stout" SecondHigh-ranking noble's daughter. Placed second in painting this year, but is isolated because of her weight.The "Miracle Doctor"The Ethereal White-HairedSilver-white hair, exquisite features, and a smile that makes one feel like they've seen a fairy.Prince Su (Yi Lingfeng)The Wild & BroodingHealthy, sun-kissed skin and sharp features. Rumored to be cold, but is devoted to Miss Beiye.Prince Liujing (Yi Liujing)The Charming PrincePerfect smile, cherry-blossom lips, but with a hint of cynical distance in his eyes.
"Wait," Lixia interrupted, amused by Xiqiu's vivid descriptions. "Xiqiu, you should really be a professional storyteller. You've described them so well I feel like I'm in a dream!"
"It's all true, Miss! Ask Hongshang!" Xiqiu pouted, stomping her foot playfully.
"She's mostly right," Hongshang whispered, "though maybe a bit dramatic."
"Drama is good! It makes for a better story," Lixia shrugged. "Too bad I haven't seen them. I could never draw them accurately without seeing their faces."