The Rebirth of an Ill-Fated Consort

Chapter 39: Who is Whose Foil?

* Be a foil to/for somebody/something - to emphasize the good qualities of another person or thing, by being very different from them. In fiction, a foil is a character who contrasts with another character, usually the protagonist, to highlight particular qualities of the other character.

The word foil comes from the old practice of backing gems with foil to make them shine more brightly.

Liu Ru Yi looked at Jiang Lisa somewhat strangely, probably not expecting that she would select the brightest bolt of material. She paused for a moment in thought before smilingly saying, "Eldest Miss Jiang, your fair skin will contrast well against this red."

Jiang Lisa smiled faintly. "Shopkeeper Liu, I think Nancy niang must have selected the white bolt of fabric."

"Oh, yes, Second Miss Jiang has always favoured quiet and unobtrusive colours." After she said this, Liu Ru Yi had a sudden flash of understanding. When she looked at Jiang Ruan again, her eyes held a different expression. "The people in the capital all say that Second Miss Jiang is quietly elegant, and is matchless in her fairy-like beauty. However, from what I have seen today, Eldest Miss Jiang is even more an object of envy."

Liu Ru Yi sighed inwardly. This Eldest Miss Jiang with her 'seven-aperture heart'[1] . . . Usually, in comparison to Jiang Nancy's simple elegance, fresh and vibrant colours would appear common and vulgar. However, if the colour in question was a fiery red, and if the person wearing the clothes was herself extraordinary in nature, then it would be very difficult to prevent her from taking the limelight. Second Miss Jiang wanted to be the focus of attention. However, without even being slightly aware of it, she was going to be someone else's foil.

[1] Qi qiao ling long xin ( 七窍玲珑心 ) - literally, a heart with seven holes. Figuratively, a person with such a heart is said to be able to communicate with and understand all creatures/ people, and is highly talented e.g. able to adapt quickly to situations, think innovatively, see what others can't. 七窍 = the seven 'holes' in the head i.e. 2 eyes, 2 ears, 2 nostrils, 1 mouth; 玲珑 = clever, nimble. An example of this phrase in Chinese literature is found in 封神榜 (Feng Shen Bang), English title 'Investiture of the Gods'. Have a look at the reference here.

Liu Ru Yi was a very frank and straightforward person. Previously, she had already had a good impression of Jiang Lisa. Now, she added to this a tremendous appreciation of Jiang Lisa. Thus she said, "Eldest Miss, do not fret. I guarantee that the dress from Ruyi Lou will be to your satisfaction. When the time comes for you to make a public appearance, you will be presentable and impressive, and all eyes will be drawn to you."

Jiang Lisa also smiled. "Many thanks, Miss Liu."

Thus, measurements were taken and the dresses were made. Several days later, Ruyi Lou sent the dresses over. Because all of the young ladies of the Jiang household had been measured for the dresses at the same time, all the clothes were sent to the Old Jiang Madame's Gui Lan Yuan. By the time Jiang Lisa and Lian Qiao reached Gui Lan Yuan, Jiang Nancy had already arrived. When she saw Jiang Ruan, she smiled and said, "Is Da Jiejie also here to look at the dresses?"

Jiang Lisa nodded, only to hear Jiang Nancy carry on, "However, it is just a few items of clothing; I don't understand why zumu must always have us gather. It's the same every time, the dresses are more or less the same, there is really nothing to see." She said this with an innocent and indifferent tone, like an ethereal, soaring fairy, who had not an iota of interest in jewellery or clothing, nor the least hint of desire. It seemed as if this kind of girl did not belong to this crude earth. Rather, she should have been hidden right from birth in the palm of one's hand, dearly cherished and taken care of, to live a life of innocence.

In Jiang Lisa's previous life, Jiang Nancy's talents and reputation were well-known throughout the capital, yet she did not seem like the other girls who were greedy for fame and wealth. Everyone praised her highly, and Jiang Lisa had also thought this younger sister had no understanding of such worldly matters. It was only when she reached the final moments of her previous life that she realised it was not that Jiang Nancy had no desires, or that she viewed fame and wealth as nothing better than a discarded shoe; she did want them, and she had always aimed for the highest position in the world. Anything else was beneath her contempt. In this current life, Jiang Nancy was still young, and it was uncertain if, presently, she had that same force of determination.