After her transformation and rebirth, she manipulates the innocent and ruthless to overthrow the wor

Xia He deftly styled her hair, while Xiao Lan and Chun Tao helped select jewelry. Although the jewelry wasn't as valuable as the one the lady had given her, their skillful touch made it look unique and refreshing.

In the mirror, Xiao Ran's hair was exquisitely styled, and although the hairpin was simple, it made her appear even more elegant and refined. She gently touched the hairpin in her hair, a faint smile flashing in her eyes.

"Let's go, it's time to pay our respects to my aunt." She stood up, a cold smile in her eyes.

Several people responded and escorted her out of the room.

The morning light bathed her, casting a soft glow upon her. Even without her extravagant jewelry, her elegance remained outstanding, like a graceful pear blossom blooming alone amidst the hustle and bustle.

The main hall of the general's mansion.

Xiao Mu had just stepped out of the main hall when Xiao Ran walked in. He Shi's celadon teacup trembled, spilling a few drops of scalding tea that spread a dark brown stain on the table.

"Ran'er?" Madam He hurriedly put down her teacup and rushed to help Xiao Ran: "The palace banquet is at dusk, why are you dressed so plainly?"

Xiao Ran stood in front of the hall, the morning light shining through the crimson gauze window, illuminating her moon-white dress. Her hair was adorned only with a few plain silver hairpins, and she wasn't even wearing earrings.

"The hairpin that Auntie gave me is too precious, I'm afraid I'll lose it," Xiao Ran said softly, her fingertips tracing the undried tea stains on the table.

Madam He's heart tightened, but she forced a smile and said, "But today is a palace banquet, so we have to wear them..."

“But Aunt,” Xiao Ran suddenly turned to look at her, “Ran’er grew up in the countryside and always dressed as a boy, so she doesn’t know what the fashionable clothes in the capital are like… But Ran’er has seen the jewelry that Aunt sent before.”

The little girl in front of her had wide, innocent eyes, but in He's eyes, they inexplicably sent chills down her spine and made her feel disgusted.

"Ran'er, do you not like it?" Without pausing for a moment, Madam He said to the maid behind her, "Siji, go and get the makeup box I prepared for Wan'er."

Before long, Siji brought over a white jade makeup box. He reached out to open the box, but Xiao Ran gently pressed her hand down.

"What are you doing, Auntie?"

Madam He was taken aback, her nail guards leaving fine marks on the makeup box: "Didn't Ran'er dislike the jewelry that Auntie sent? Here..."

Before she could finish speaking, Xiao Ran interrupted softly, "Auntie, Ran'er only said that she had seen it, not that she disliked it."

Seeing the astonished expression on Madam He's face, Xiao Ran couldn't help but think of the phrase "protesting too much."

“That’s a misunderstanding, Auntie. Then…”

“If you, Aunt, are so kind, it would be against your wishes if Ran’er refused. Chun Tao, Xia He.” Xiao Ran turned to look at the two maids beside her. As soon as she finished speaking, Chun Tao and Xia He understood and stepped forward, skillfully and deftly taking the white jade makeup box from Si Ji’s hands.

Madam He glared fiercely at Siji, then quickly adjusted her expression, her face once again filled with a gentle smile, and looked at Xiao Ran, saying, "Ran'er, this box contains everything Wan'er will need today, look..."

Xiao Ran lowered her eyes slightly, as if pondering, and after a moment spoke softly, "What Auntie says is absolutely right." After speaking, she slowly got up and walked towards Chun Tao and Xia He.

Seeing this, Madam He finally felt relieved. She had indeed been too nervous, afraid that the girl would discover her thoughts. Fortunately, the girl was as foolish and uncouth as ever, spending all her time with men and having no idea about the hidden meanings in these jewelry pieces.

I was overthinking it.