He Rufang did not really believe in ghosts, gods, or retribution, but she felt that no one could discover what she had done, so she believed a few of Wang Qingyao's words.
Wang Qingyao took her back to the Ding'an Prince's mansion.
Wang Qingyao had already spoken with the Old Dowager, who fully supported her plan.
"It's just adopting a goddaughter; it's no problem to adopt ten or eight. In families like ours, who doesn't have a few idle goddaughters?"
The Old Dowager was very open-minded.
Some girls with poor family backgrounds would adopt a godmother from a prominent family through various means, thereby elevating their status and making them more attractive in the marriage market.
It was just that the Old Dowager had not expected He Rufang to be so beautiful.
Although Wang Qingyao had already mentioned her beauty, she had not expected her to be so stunning.
Even the Old Dowager, an old woman, looked at her several times. However, although the girl appeared steady and dignified, her eyes could not help but dart around.
The wealth of the Ding'an Prince's mansion dazzled her, and she struggled to suppress the upward curve of her lips.
Such a shallow person, nurtured in a humble household since childhood, could not hide it no matter how hard she tried.
Everyone loved beauty, and beautiful women received much more favor in the outside world than ordinary-looking women.
As He Rufang walked in, she had already garnered countless admiring glances.
This made He Rufang feel even prouder than being admired in Liang County.
This was the Ding'an Prince's mansion, the residence of the wealthiest family in Da Sheng.
If even the wealthiest family was amazed by her, did that mean she could be considered the most beautiful woman in Da Sheng?
He Rufang held her head higher, allowing people to get a better view of her delicate and beautiful face.
"Miss He is truly beautiful," the Old Dowager praised, but her tone was indifferent, not very warm.
He Rufang did not notice and smiled shyly, "Your Ladyship is too kind."
Wang Qingyao wanted to give the Old Dowager a look to remind her to be more enthusiastic.
Unfortunately, she was now "blind," and using too many gestures would reveal her deception.
She lowered her head and coughed lightly.
The Old Dowager came to her senses, shifted her position, and warmly pulled He Rufang to sit beside her.
"I liked you the moment I saw you. How old are you? What do you usually like to do?"
He Rufang was delighted and softly answered all the Old Dowager's questions.
"I was reluctant when the Princess Consort first said she would give me a goddaughter. No matter how eloquently she spoke, I didn't quite believe her. Now that I see you in person, I realize that her words were far from describing even a tenth of your true self!"
The Old Dowager was also a shrewd person, full of sweet words that made He Rufang blush prettily.
The servants attending in the room also smiled, as if happy that the Old Dowager had gained such a lovely goddaughter.
"I've decided on you as my goddaughter!" the Old Dowager laughed, patting her hand. "Come, call me 'Mother' and let me hear it."
He Rufang was overjoyed to have gained the Old Dowager's approval so quickly.
She appeared shy and hesitant, opening her mouth several times before finally making up her mind.
However, before she could utter "Mother," Madam Jing, who was attending the Old Dowager, stepped forward and said with a smile, "If the Old Dowager likes Miss He so much, she must not mistreat her. How can one casually make someone their daughter? Should there not be a grand banquet, inviting relatives and friends, and announcing it to the world?"
"Oh, my, in my excitement, I completely forgot such an important matter." The Old Dowager suddenly realized, looking He Rufang up and down with a satisfied smile. "You are truly more beautiful the more I look at you. Rest assured, I will not mistreat you."
The Old Dowager looked at Wang Qingyao. "Yaoyao, draft the invitations in the next few days and send them out. It would be best to invite the Crown Princess and several other Princess Consorts. Oh, and aren't Princess Nangge and County Princess Mu Jin your good friends? Invite them as well."
Wang Qingyao nodded obediently. "Yes."
He Rufang's heart pounded with excitement.
Good heavens, the Crown Princess, Princess Consorts, Princesses, and County Princesses – these were all noble figures she would never encounter in her lifetime in Liang County, and now they were to be guests celebrating her becoming the Old Dowager's goddaughter!
The happiness came too suddenly, and He Rufang felt her head spin.
At this moment, she felt genuine gratitude towards Wang Qingyao.
He Rufang's small courtyard was called Fangfei Pavilion, but due to unexpected issues with its renovation, she could not move in for the time being.
"Perhaps the timing was not right. I will pick an auspicious day to restart the construction, and there will be no problem," Wang Qingyao said with a gentle smile.
Speaking of this, He Rufang remembered Wang Qingyao's mention of dreaming about Old Madam Wang, and her expression became somewhat unnatural for a moment.
The Old Dowager acted as if she hadn't noticed and said kindly, "Until Fangfei Pavilion is repaired, you will stay in my courtyard. Our mother and daughter will have plenty of time to cultivate our affection."
He Rufang nodded.
"Oh, I almost forgot," the Old Dowager suddenly remembered something and turned to Madam Jing. "Madam Jing, bring out the items. Let's see if Fangfang likes them."
Madam Jing replied, "Yes," and turned to go into the inner room. After a short while, she came out holding a small box.
The Old Dowager took the box, opened it, and pushed it towards He Rufang. "These are all prepared for you. I don't know if you'll like them. If not, I'll have the shop make new ones."
He Rufang gasped upon seeing the contents, her nostrils flaring with excitement.
The box was filled with jewelry and ornaments.
Headwear, necklaces, bracelets, and waist adornments – a complete set was prepared.
The styles were the most fashionable in Duanjing.
Each pearl was the size of a grape, and various gemstones were present. The gold ornaments were all solid, shining with a golden luster, and incredibly lovely.
The Xiao family's wealth was indeed well-deserved.
He Rufang's face was filled with joy, but to leave a good impression on the Old Dowager, she forced herself to control her emotions. She first stood up to thank the Old Dowager and then politely declined, "Fangfang is not a person who craves wealth. If it weren't to fulfill my great-aunt's dying wish, Fangfang would not have agreed to Princess Consort's suggestion.
Although Fangfang comes from an ordinary background, she knows that one should not be greedy or covetous, and one should be content. Your Ladyship's willingness to accept Fangfang as a goddaughter is already a great kindness, how can Fangfang allow Your Ladyship to spend more money?
Fangfang appreciates Your Ladyship's good intentions, but these ornaments, Fangfang absolutely cannot accept."
It had to be said that He Rufang had some skill.
Facing such temptation, she could actually harden her heart and refuse, and she said it with such sincerity.
Those in the room who were unaware of the truth looked at He Rufang with admiration. She disdained wealth and was beautiful and principled; such a person was rare in the world!
The Old Dowager pondered for a moment and then, cooperating, waved her hand, asking Madam Jing to take the box away.
"Good child, it was my oversight. I know you are not that kind of person."
Madam Jing closed the lid and took the box inside.
He Rufang's gaze swept over it quickly, and her heart ached with every beat.
It's alright, she comforted herself.
She didn't care about these small favors.
Once she truly became the Old Dowager's goddaughter, would these things be lacking?