She picked out another hairpin for her.
"My lady, this gemstone fragment hairpin is lovely, and the color is so understated!"
Xia Ruqing was also very satisfied.
"Let's go with this one..."
Honored Lady Lan and Honored Lady Xi were seated, having tea.
Not long after, Xia Ruqing finished preparing herself and came out.
The three were of equal rank, so there was no need for formalities, and they exchanged a few pleasantries.
"We're practically neighbors now..." Honored Lady Xi said.
"To visit Elder Sister Xia, we no longer need to cross the Imperial Garden!"
Honored Lady Lan was quite happy as well, but she didn't know quite what to say and just sat there smiling.
Xia Ruqing was very polite.
"If you like my place, you are welcome to come often..."
Though her words seemed inviting, upon closer examination, they carried a hint of distance.
Honored Lady Xi, seemingly oblivious to the subtext, remained enthusiastic.
"The two of us have our little places too..."
