Chapter 416: Chapter 416
On the first day of Father Zhou's recovery, the family, for once, sat together neatly around the round table. Their expressions, however, were more or less somewhat dazed.
Even the usually dignified and steady Lady Jiang and Eldest Young Lady Zhou were no exception. Under the table, An Ning reached up and pinched her third sister's thigh hard, which finally made Third Miss Zhou barely manage to regain some semblance of normalcy.
Eldest Young Master Zhou, already eighteen this year, even subconsciously raised his hand to touch his own face.
Was his father... always capable of being this handsome with just a slight weight loss?
In fact, this appearance could no longer be simply summarized with the word 'handsome.' Under the gazes of the whole table, who were barely concealing their astonishment, Eldest Young Master Zhou instinctively focused his eyes:
The Changping Earl was originally thirty-six this year. His features were already strikingly handsome, and having grown up amidst luxury and riches since childhood, his face was naturally much younger than others'. Moreover, having been deeply fond of poetry, calligraphy, painting, and the arts of elegance for many years—though his achievements couldn't exactly be called remarkable—his overall bearing was, after all, not vulgar.
In his youth, he was a famously handsome man. It was only in recent years, due to unfulfilled ambitions and a slight weight gain, that his looks had suffered.
Now, perhaps due to the serious illness, he had slimmed down, and his skin tone had become almost pale to the point of translucency. His thin shoulders and the faint redness at the corners of his eyes undoubtedly gave him a unique, fragile quality.
The facts proved that a beautiful person looks good no matter what.
Though the facial features vaguely resembled his former self, at first glance, it was as if he had become a different person.
Was this still their father?
Sigh! So, their mother had actually been holding them back all along?
During the intervals of silently eating with their heads bowed, everyone looked at each other, their hearts feeling as if they had fleas in them—restless and eager, yet their moods couldn't help but be somewhat complicated.
After who knows how long, it was Lady Jiang who reacted first. She took the tea from a servant's hand and personally presented it to the side, looking at her master with unconcealed concern as she said:
"Master, you have truly lost a lot of weight during this period of illness. Your health is of utmost importance. This humble wife had already given orders earlier; from now on, every day at the hour of You, the kitchen will send additional nourishing soups."
"Master, rest assured, these were all specially consulted with the physician..."
"It's fine!" Before Lady Jiang could finish, Zhou Baiyan, dressed in a cyan cloud-patterned brocade robe with sleeves exquisitely embroidered with large patches of green bamboo, casually waved his hand:
"Ah, Madam, don't worry. It's merely being a bit thinner, not a big deal."
As he said this, a slight smile unconsciously appeared on Father Zhou's face. With a light flick of his sleeve, he looked even more refined and elegant, truly exuding the air of a literary scholar.
The expressions on everyone's faces became chaotic again for a moment.
If one were to ask who in this family accepted this change the best, it was undoubtedly Father Zhou himself.
After all, who doesn't love beauty, especially when the great beauty is oneself? In previous dynasties, there was even a trend among men to apply powder and wear hairpins with flowers. Although these customs are gone in the current dynasty, it doesn't stop those young masters and talented scholars from competing to be more dashing and romantic.
Especially since it was the very literati style that Father Zhou loved most. Although that indescribable touch of fragility between his brows and eyes made him somewhat inexplicably displeased, compared to the overall handsome and imposing demeanor...
Father Zhou generously indicated that this was still acceptable.
Alright, as long as you're happy, old man.
Unable to conceal her delight, An Ning took the plain handkerchief handed by her maidservant Amber and leisurely wiped her small hands.
Not to mention the next day at the morning court assembly, what kind of reaction the assembled court ministers had upon seeing the obviously greatly transformed Changping Earl before them.
In any case, upon hearing the news, Second Master Zhou from next door even specially came over for a visit, for which he even lost nearly a thousand taels in silver notes. Even so, when he left, the whole person was still in a daze.
Seriously, was big brother this good-looking when he was young?
What was this called? Becoming charming in old age? Or was it that the impact of physique on beauty was actually this great?
Raising his hand to touch his clearly protruding belly, Second Master Zhou subconsciously took a deep breath. Unfortunately, with the movement, the stubborn abdominal fat showed no sign of diminishing at all.
Ah, forget it. He was a grown man anyway; he didn't need to rely on good looks to make a living.
Even so, the next day during the meal, Second Master Zhou still subconsciously ate half a bowl less rice.
In short, due to the suddenly maxed-out beauty level of the Changping Earl, the mansion experienced a bit of a small commotion.
However, all of the above were just minor interludes. After many days, the three sisters finally gathered at the pavilion again, though this time the atmosphere among the sisters was not as lively as before.
Especially looking at Eldest Sister, who had noticeably lost weight in such a short time. With the Late Emperor's mourning period now over, it was heard that recently, ministers had been frequently submitting memorials mentioning the matter of the imperial selection.
There were even rumors that the Imperial Household Department had already begun preparations.
As the one bearing the family's expectations, Eldest Young Lady Zhou's studies had undoubtedly become much heavier these past few days. Ordinarily, even An Ning and the others found it hard to disturb her.
That she could come out for a breather now was only because Zhou Yun had not made any mistakes for several consecutive days, and the matrons had reluctantly loosened their grip.
"Alright, it's rare for us to come out; we should all be happy." Afraid of spoiling the mood, Eldest Young Lady Zhou quickly smiled and changed the subject:
"By the way, in a few days it will be the Grand Princess's birthday. Have you prepared the poems for the banquet?"
"I heard His Majesty has already specially issued an edict earlier. This year, the Grand Princess's birthday celebration will be held in the palace. At that time, both court ministers and female relatives of officials' families must go to the palace to offer congratulations."
Truly befitting the Grand Princess, who enjoys such deep imperial favor!
Thinking of her own situation, Zhou Yun couldn't help but feel a bit envious.
"Of course!" The Third Young Lady beside her nodded in agreement. Seeing no one else around, she then lowered her voice to speak:
"I heard that for the current Emperor to ascend the throne so smoothly, the Grand Princess contributed significantly. Moreover, she is his only full-blooded elder sister, the Empress Dowager's own daughter."
No wonder she enjoys such unique honor and favor!
And from the sound of it, this one is quite a formidable person.
"It's just a pity. The former Imperial Son-in-Law passed away so young. Her Highness the Princess has been alone all these years. Having to manage state affairs while also raising young children must be so hard!"
Hearing this, An Ning couldn't help but twitch her brow slightly:
The hardship is real, but being alone... that might not necessarily be the case...
Recalling the gossip the system had transmitted earlier, An Ning couldn't help but click her tongue inwardly.
"What's wrong, Fifth Sister?"
Seeing An Ning remaining silent for a long time by the pavilion, Zhou Zhi beside her couldn't help but look over curiously. An Ning quickly curved her eyes and giggled:
"It's nothing. Probably didn't sleep enough yesterday, feeling a bit drowsy now..."
"Hmph! Serves someone right for not paying attention in class!"