The Hundred Longevity Scroll was painted with Qi Zhenzhen's help. On specially made cardstock, a complete picture was drawn, with a hundred large and small squares forming a large character for "longevity." Xuan paper was attached to this cardstock, and longevity characters in various calligraphy styles were filled into each square.
Fifty longevity characters had already been filled onto the Hundred Longevity Scroll. Qi Xuanxuan first wrote each character, and then Qi Zhenzhen copied them, achieving a level of imitation that was almost indistinguishable from the original, before filling them one by one onto the scroll.
For Qi Xuanxuan, the current life she had was not only due to Qi Zhenzhen's help but, more importantly, the attitude of the Old Madam. This was a kindness to her, and she was eager to express her gratitude. The Old Madam's birthday was an excellent opportunity. Having nothing of her own, her food, clothing, and daily necessities were all sent by her father and the Old Madam. None of these items could be used as birthday gifts. Finally, Qi Zhenzhen helped come up with this idea. Because the Old Madam knew she was currently learning to read and write, she also encouraged her to study hard, saying that daughters of the Marquis's mansion did not need to be virtuous without talent; if the daughters of the Marquis's mansion wanted to study, they could.
Thus, the Hundred Longevity Scroll was decided.
It was fitting for the occasion and could showcase the results of her calligraphy practice, a win-win situation.
Qi Zhenzhen followed Qi Xuanxuan to Fangfei Garden. The side room next to the main house had been specially converted into a study, where Qi Xuanxuan usually read and practiced calligraphy.
"Second Sister, look, Zisu says I'm getting better and better," Qi Xuanxuan said, unfolding the half-finished Hundred Longevity Scroll before Qi Zhenzhen as if presenting a treasure.
"It is indeed getting better and better. Grandmother will surely be happy when she sees it," Qi Zhenzhen praised. "In a few years, you'll definitely be a talented lady."
Qi Xuanxuan chuckled coquettishly, "Second Sister is teasing me again. Second Sister is the truly talented lady."
"No, I'm not interested in the title of talented lady," Qi Zhenzhen waved her hand. "By the way, besides preparing the Hundred Longevity Scroll, you mustn't slack off on etiquette. Ask Sister Zisu to reinforce it for you these days. There will be many guests at home then, and you mustn't make any mistakes."
Qi Xuanxuan nodded vigorously, "Second Sister, don't worry. I practice every day, and Sister Zisu even praises me for learning quickly."
Qi Zhenzhen affectionately poked Qi Xuanxuan's dimples, "Also, in crowded situations, you should try to maintain this state, just like when you're with me."
The little girl was smart and good-looking, learning everything quickly. The only drawback was her extreme lack of confidence.
When there were many people, she became timid and hesitant, exuding an air of timidity. Qi Zhenzhen knew this was caused by her previous living environment. To put it this way, the little girl was only somewhat relaxed in front of her now.
As expected, when Qi Zhenzhen mentioned this, Qi Xuanxuan immediately wilted, "Second Sister, I'll just privately wish Grandmother a happy birthday. It's always like this every year. I, I don't want to appear in front of everyone. I'm scared."
"No," Qi Zhenzhen said very seriously. "Can you avoid appearing in front of people forever? You are already eight years old. In a few more years, you will be considered for marriage. If you always hide, how will people know that the Marquis's mansion has a third young lady?"
"Can't I just not get married?"
"Grandmother is getting older, and Father's mind is not on the inner courtyard. If you don't arrange a marriage while Grandmother is still healthy, then once you fall into the hands of the Madam, you will have no say. Grandmother told me that a woman's marriage is a second rebirth."
Qi Xuanxuan fell silent, lowering her head and not speaking.
"Second Sister will accompany you then," Qi Zhenzhen pulled her to her side and hugged her.
After leaving Fangfei Garden, Qi Zhenzhen sighed, "I don't know if Xuanxuan will be able to hold steady then."
"Miss, you don't need to worry. I see that Third Miss has changed a lot these days, much better than when we first met," Feixu said.
Qi Zhenzhen shook her head, "What you see is only her appearance in front of me. Because she trusts me, she is relaxed in front of me. But in front of outsiders, even with me present, she will still be anxious, lack confidence, and be timid. This kind of personality, formed by long-term oppression, cannot be improved in a short time."
"Miss has done her best. As for the outcome, we'll see then." Feixu also had no good solution for this matter.
On the tenth day of the sixth month, the mansion was exceptionally lively. Lian Bei went out to inquire and learned that the Old Madam's maternal family had visitors. There were eight masters alone, and it was said they had traveled for nearly a month to arrive.
Among them, the one of similar age to the Old Madam was the Old Madam's sister-in-law, Madam Lu, who brought two daughters-in-law and five younger relatives to wish the Old Madam a happy birthday.
Among the five younger relatives, there were two boys and three girls.
One boy was about fifteen or sixteen, and the other was five or six years old.
The three girls were all around Qi Zhenzhen's age, about twelve or thirteen years old.
"I asked the long-time residents of the mansion, and it seems this is the first time the Old Madam's maternal family has visited in recent years," Lian Bei said. "In the past, it seems they just sent servants with birthday gifts and that was all."
Qi Zhenzhen pondered for a while. As expected, she would meet the visiting relatives in the evening. She didn't need to give gifts to the elders, but what about the peers? According to etiquette, gifts should be exchanged upon first meeting.
She turned over a fan cover embroidered with bamboo and prepared four boxes of zodiac cloth dolls. She had made them with a few maids when she was idle. The maids had loved them when they were made, and Qi Zhenzhen felt they were suitable gifts. Although not valuable, they were novel and unique.
Fearing that Xuanxuan might not have thought of it, she sent Lian Bei to remind her.
As expected, in the afternoon, Ziling, the Old Madam's newly appointed head maid, came to invite them. Besides the small gifts, Qi Zhenzhen also brought two types of pastries.
When they were leaving, Qi Xuanxuan happened to come with Zisu, "Second Sister, I've prepared sachets and handkerchiefs, embroidered with the flower patterns you gave me, and a pair of brush cases."
Qi Zhenzhen nodded, "You've prepared them very well."
When they arrived at Chaohui Hall, Qi Tianming, Qin Shi, Qi Mingzhu, and Qi Yi were all present.
"Zhenzhen, Xuanxuan, come here. Grandmother will introduce you. This is my sister-in-law from my maternal family. These two are my sister-in-law's daughters-in-law, and these are your cousins." The Old Madam smiled and pointed to the people as she introduced them.
"Greetings, Old Madam. Greetings, two maternal aunts. Greetings, cousins. Greetings, elder sisters. Greetings, younger cousins." Qi Zhenzhen and Qi Xuanxuan paid their respects to this group of people together.
"Look at these two girls, so beautiful and graceful, like fairies from heaven. None of my granddaughters can compare to them," Madam Lu said with a smile. "Here, this is for you."
Each of them received a pair of fine bracelets made of red gold twisted wire, which looked extremely finely crafted.
In addition to Madam Lu's gifts, the two also received meeting gifts from the two maternal aunts, which were a white jade hairpin and a pair of hollowed-out white jade carved dragon pearls earrings, respectively.