“Aunt, Zi Yuan mentioned that you wished to discuss the arrangements for my coming-of-age banquet. Is there anything that needs to be prepared in advance?”
She picked up a piece of Su Lao and put it in her mouth, surprised by how delicious it was.
“Nothing much, really. Your father likely won’t be able to return from his travels. A girl’s coming-of-age is a significant event, so I naturally must bring you into the palace to personally oversee the preparations to set my mind at ease. There are still three ten-day periods left. Qing’er must not fall behind in her studies, so we’ll bring her along when the time comes.”
Good. So far, everything was unfolding exactly as in the original story.
She needed to make the most of this month to improve the male lead’s favorability toward her.
She didn’t expect to erase his hatred entirely, but at least they shouldn’t be at each other’s throats whenever they met.
She cheerfully continued eating the Su Lao.
“Yin’er, why is there a torn corner on your sleeve?”
Yuan Siyin paused briefly, then pretended to be embarrassed as she scratched her head. “Aunt, on my way here, I saw a jade-colored butterfly and thought to catch it for you to see. But I was careless and…”
The Empress Dowager nodded understandingly, reaching out to affectionately tap her nose. “You, unlike a proper young lady.”
She paused, then continued with a smile, “But you do remind me of myself in my younger days. It so happens that I had some new clothes tailored. Feicui, take Yin’er to change into them. It’s time she dressed up properly and looked more like a young lady.”
“Yes.”
Feicui curtsied gracefully and led Yuan Siyin to the side chamber that had been specially prepared for her.
In the center of the side chamber stood a Zitan wood table carved with exquisite patterns, surrounded by various delicate and petite jade artifacts. The chairs were covered with thick white fox fur blankets.
The overall decor was luxurious yet not ostentatious; instead, it exuded elegance everywhere, with a faint, subtle fragrance drifting in the air that lifted one’s spirits.
Yuan Siyin was guided by Feicui to sit by the Zitan wood table. She accepted a cup of freshly brewed clear tea, then watched as Feicui turned and entered the inner chamber, opening the pear blossom carved wooden cabinet. From it, she took out several sets of dresses and had the palace maids present them to Yuan Siyin on wooden trays.
“These are the latest styles newly made by the palace embroiderers. Does the young lady have a preference?”
All the dresses were uniformly red, as vibrant as flames, with golden thread embroidering peonies, Chinese peonies, and other floral patterns on the cuffs, appearing both magnificent and dignified.
Yuan Siyin carefully examined the several sets of clothing before her, feeling somewhat regretful.
The craftsmanship of these dresses was flawless, leaving no room for criticism, but the color was a bit too flashy.
It wasn’t that she disliked bright colors—she loved them—but she preferred to wear colors she genuinely liked, not ones chosen to conceal her true self. Doing so made her feel somewhat uncomfortable.
However, this matter couldn’t be rushed. She needed to gradually adapt to this place first; everything else could be planned later.
“This one will do.”
Since they were all red anyway, she randomly pointed to one, then looked up and instructed the palace maids attending her, “You may all withdraw.”
“Yes, we take our leave.”
The maids curtsied in unison, placed the clothes on the table, and turned to leave. Feicui also followed the other palace maids out.
Only after they had all left did Yuan Siyin go behind the screen to change into the new dress.
Once changed, she stood in front of the mirror, examining herself from left to right, and nodded in satisfaction.
Although the color was somewhat overly flamboyant, fortunately her fair complexion could carry it well. The pearls adorning the dress further accentuated her snow-white skin, so delicate it seemed it would break at the slightest touch.
“It truly suits you perfectly, Miss,” Feicui remarked sincerely as she entered, carrying a jewelry box.
Yuan Siyin smiled at the compliment. “Auntie has excellent taste, after all.”
While Feicui styled her hair, she made an effort to recall the details of the coming-of-age banquet’s plot.