Doted By The Regent King-Chapter 578 - 577: The Two Purposes

At the entrance ahead, a figure approached from the backlight, making it hard to discern whether it was the brilliance of the light or the person who was too dazzling that, for a moment, clarity eluded the onlookers, until she stepped over the threshold and the light seemed to suddenly spill out, leaving just speckles trailing behind her.

Lady Du’s eyes widened, trying to scrutinize the radiant young girl from head to toe, wondering what it was exactly that attracted the County Magistrate so much.

This County Magistrate of theirs, quite young and from a distinguished family, was yet to be married. For a son of such a family, a legitimate wife couldn’t be someone of Miss Wufu’s status, but if it were a lady whom men found desirable, becoming a noble consort could indeed be possible.

If Miss Wufu were aware of what Lady Du was thinking, she would likely burst out in anger, a noble consort? She would have to laugh out loud in disbelief.

The young girl came forward with a smile on her lips, dressed in a bright and suitable jacket and skirt ensemble. Her top was a sky blue embroidered with auspicious clouds on wide sleeves, paired with a bottom of bright red hibiscus scattering flowers on a gather skirt. Her black hair was loosely gathered at the temples and bound casually at the back of her head with a colorful beaded hair band, giving her a languid yet refreshing look.

As the girl drew closer, Lady Du could see her features more clearly. Her oval face was not particularly outstanding. However, her black eyes were very spirited and bright, ineffable, and her lips slightly pursed, a touch too thin perhaps, but the pinkish hue of her lips and the rosy, fine, and smooth complexion of her cheeks spoke of a healthy young lady.

Yu Shuangshuang was also curious as she observed Miss Wufu, her gaze falling on the hem of her skirt where, astonishingly, a butterfly embroidered with beads seemed to flutter as if about to take flight, truly beautiful.

"Miss Wufu, this is the wife of the Magistrate," Madam Zhou said, leading her daughter by hand for the introduction.

As Miss Wufu entered, she was not just being sized up by Madam Yu, but she was assessing her in turn. Sharp and thin facial features, a gaunt face with prominent cheekbones, and creased brows. Even with a smile, the hints of her acerbic nature were hard to conceal.

"Miss Wufu pays her respects to Madam Yu," Miss Wufu greeted with a curtsy.

Lady Du had risen to her feet, lifted her hand with a smile, and said, "Please, rise, quick, rise," then once again examined her face and praised, "Such a beautiful girl, truly well-born." With those words, she took a purse from her maid, drew out a jade bracelet from it, and slipped it onto Miss Wufu’s wrist: "As this is our first meeting, and I don’t know what you like, this jade bracelet is for you to wear and enjoy."

Miss Wufu glanced at the bracelet, a white jade bracelet of medium quality and precise but commonplace craftsmanship, then smiled her thanks and invited her to sit down before turning to sit opposite her.

Yu Shuangshuang’s eyes widened when she saw the hair band that Miss Wufu used to tie her hair. How pretty that band was, casually worn, yet looking so charming and elegant.

Yet she didn’t know that Miss Wufu’s hair bands were usually just silk ribbons. It was only because a few maids thought it was too plain that they chose some beads from a boxful of jewels Miss Wufu had bought from the town and sewed them onto the hairband. This made it not overly plain and added a bit of luster; sometimes the beads hidden in her hair would scatter gleaming light.

"My visit today, first of all, is to apologize to Miss Wufu. My brother is too careless and didn’t realize that the girl from Suixin Restaurant had also caught his eye. Luckily, no serious misunderstandings arose, or else I would feel ashamed to visit," Lady Du sipped her tea and got straight to the point with a smile, "And secondly, we are new in town and don’t know many people. My daughter doesn’t have many lady friends either, and you are both of similar age, so it only makes sense for you to socialize more."