On a spring day in the continent of Four Spirits, the sky was high and the air was refreshing, with a gentle breeze and light clouds.
In the imperial city of the Eastern Tomb Kingdom, within the large mansion of the Xia family, there was a secluded and dilapidated courtyard.
"Sister, how do I win the affection of the Fifth Prince?"
"The Fifth Prince favors beautiful and adorable girls. If Lianqiao could enhance her beauty and cuteness, the Fifth Prince will certainly like her."
The open door of the house gave way to this conversation. One voice was sweet, innocent and cautious. The other was laughing, coaxing and leading.
Xia Lianqiao, the seventh daughter of the Xia family often ridiculed as foolish, raised her head, her large eyes filled with confusion as she looked at the glamorous woman next to her, "How do I become more beautiful and adorable?"
The woman laughed maliciously, "Come, let me teach you..."
She pushed Xia Lianqiao down onto a chair, picked up the cheap rouge and powder on the table, and poured it all over her face without hesitation.
"Women look the most beautiful when they have makeup on. Lianqiao, these are the top-notch cosmetics I bought from outside. It will definitely make you more beautiful. The Fifth Prince is of noble status, only the first beauty in Eastern Tomb Kingdom is worthy of him. The Fifth Prince will be arriving soon, Lianqiao, you must perform well..."
"And this dress, your dress is too ugly, let your sister help you change into a beautiful one."
With swift movements, she stripped Xia Lianqiao's outer garment and wrapped her up in the colorful bed sheet by the side.
After the woman's vigorous "makeover", in just a short while, the evidently beautiful young girl was transformed into a hideously made-up specter, even uglier than demons and ghost!
Her entire face was pale, yet her cheeks were bright red, a big mouth, and dirty, murky eyes.
The bed sheet wasn't large enough, covering the upper part of her body but exposing the petite and fair feet, and her thin shoulders.
Despite this clear malice, Xia Lianqiao was oblivious and asked in confusion, "Sister, does Lianqiao look beautiful?"
The young lady's eyes flashed with a touch of mockery and disgust, yet she had a blooming smile on her face. "You're absolutely stunning! The Fifth Prince will definitely be fond of you! In our Dongling Kingdom, a beauty would express her feelings to the one she likes with a kiss. The Fifth Prince is particularly fond of bold and outgoing girls, so remember to rush and kiss him when you see him."
Xia Lianqiao immediately brightened up and hopped around, "The Fifth Prince likes Lianqiao, my love likes Lianqiao..."
Her joyful cheer filled the room.
Taking advantage of Xia Lianqiao's momentary distraction, the young lady slipped away and briskly exited the courtyard, her face revealing a successful and sinister smile. "What a complete fool and waste, anyone with half a brain would know she does not deserve the Fifth Prince. She thinks she's the most beautiful woman in Dongling? I think she's the ugliest woman in Dongling. Xia Lianqiao, I want to see how you're going to lose face this time!"
Outside the Xia estate, it was bustling with excitement.
The Fifth Prince, followed by a multitude of spiritual guards, arrived in a grand manner.
Whispers of the crowd filled the air.
"Look, that's the Xia family head - Old Master Xia."
"The Fifth Prince really is the emperor’s favorite son - his looks are handsome and his demeanor dignified!"
"Eh, who is the lady standing next to the Fifth Prince?"
"You don’t know her! That is the much-touted darling of the Xia family, Old Master Xia's most beloved granddaughter: Xia Peipei! Just look, she’s the epitome of Dongling's feminine grace and elegance, and she is indeed a match for the Fifth Prince!"
Just as the head of the Xia family, Xia Zhengguo, was about to lead the Fifth Prince in...
From within the mansion, someone ran out. "My love!"
Everyone turned their heads, startled.
What a sight it was, the entire street boiled over with excitement.
The person standing at the door was draped in a bed sheet, with a pallid face, looking hideously ugly like a female ghost!
"Whoa! What is this? So ugly!"
The one who had come was indeed Xia Lianqiao!
Xia Peipei, who was standing alongside the Fifth Prince with a coy expression, flickered her dainty eyes, her face showing surprise, "Oh, Lianqiao sister, how did you become like this?"
This statement let everyone, whether they knew her or not, recognize her!
"Woah…"
"Is this the renowned, naturally foolish and useless Seventh Miss of the Xia family? The betrothed of the Fifth Prince?"
The Fifth Prince, who was right in the center, immediately had a change in complexion.
The surrounding discussions embarrassed him. The most shameful thing in his life has been to have such a naturally foolish and useless betrothed! And today, he regretted not marrying this child bride off earlier and letting this fool create such a ruckus!
"Xia Lianqiao, what on earth are you doing?" Xia Zhenguo looked at Xia Lianqiao's form, his eyes turning cold with murderous intent.
Xia Lianqiao, looking at Xia Peipei who was holding onto the Fifth Prince, paused, "Sister, you…" Before she could finish, she suddenly remembered something, grinned, and ran forward to kiss the Fifth Prince.