Shen Xuan followed the familiar stone path toward her elder sister’s courtyard.
Before she had even stepped through the moon gate, cheerful laughter drifted toward her with the gentle winter breeze.
The sound alone caused the corners of her lips to curve upward.
"It seems everyone has arrived before me."
As she entered the courtyard, she immediately saw several familiar figures gathered inside the warm reception room.
Her mother, Madam Gu, sat beside her second aunt with a gentle smile on her face. Shen Xuan’s younger cousin, Shen Wan’er, was happily nibbling on a plate of pastries while Old Madam Shen’s senior maid occasionally reminded her to eat more slowly.
In the center of the room sat today’s main character.
Shen Yuerou.
Dressed in an elegant crimson ceremonial hanfu embroidered with soaring phoenixes in golden thread, she looked breathtakingly beautiful.
Her long black hair cascaded over her shoulders like flowing silk, while only a few simple jade ornaments decorated her hair for now. The elaborate ceremonial hairpins would only be placed upon her head during the Ji Li ceremony.
Her gentle smile seemed capable of soothing every heart that looked upon it.
Seeing Shen Xuan standing at the entrance, Shen Yuerou immediately smiled.
"Our little Awu is finally here."
Her tone was full of affectionate complaint.
"You are late."
Shen Xuan quickly walked over before obediently lowering her head.
"I’m sorry, Big Sister."
"I encountered an annoying rat on the way."
Madam Gu’s brows immediately knitted together.
"A rat?"
She turned toward her senior maid.
"Inform Steward Zhou to thoroughly inspect every courtyard."
"The residence has welcomed many distinguished guests today. Such negligence must not occur."
"Yes, Madam."
The senior maid immediately acknowledged the order.
Standing behind Shen Xuan, Xiao Mei and Xia Cao lowered their heads at once.
Both girls’ shoulders trembled slightly as they desperately held back their laughter.
Only they knew exactly who their young miss’s "rat" truly referred to.
Shen Xuan secretly stuck out her tongue toward them.
The two maids almost burst into laughter.
Fortunately, they managed to compose themselves before anyone noticed.
Shen Yuerou gently pinched Shen Xuan’s soft cheek.
"Our little Awu still loves making people worry."
Shen Xuan smiled sweetly before looking at her elder sister with sparkling eyes.
"Big Sister..."
"You are truly beautiful today."
The room immediately filled with approving smiles.
Shen Yuerou’s cheeks flushed faintly.
"You little flatterer."
Shen Xuan honestly wasn’t flattering her.
Looking at Shen Yuerou now, she couldn’t help sighing inwardly.
"Big Sister is gentle, talented, beautiful, and loved by everyone..."
"Why wasn’t she the heroine of the novel?"
"Instead..."
"The author chose me..."
"Someone who only wants to eat, sleep, and lie around all day."
Just then, hurried footsteps sounded outside.
A servant respectfully stopped outside the room before bowing deeply.
"Madam."
"Eldest Miss."
"The phoenix carriage of Her Majesty the Empress Dowager has entered the residence."
"Her Majesty the Empress accompanies the Empress Dowager."
"The Master requests all members of the family to proceed to the ceremonial courtyard."
Madam Gu nodded.
"We understand."
The servant bowed once more before quietly withdrawing.
Inside the room, everyone immediately stood.
The maids carefully straightened Shen Yuerou’s sleeves one final time before accompanying her outside.
Shen Xuan naturally moved to her sister’s side.
"I’m walking with Big Sister."
Shen Yuerou smiled gently.
"As long as Awu doesn’t secretly run away."
"...I won’t."
"...Probably."
The surrounding maids laughed softly.
Together, the Shen women slowly made their way toward the ceremonial courtyard.
The central courtyard of the Shen Residence had been transformed beyond recognition.
Scarlet silk fluttered gently beneath the winter sky.
Hundreds of exquisite lanterns hung beneath every corridor.
Fresh plum blossoms decorated each table.
Elegant bronze incense burners released thin wisps of sandalwood fragrance into the crisp air.
Rows of seats had been carefully arranged according to rank.
Madams from distinguished noble households sat together gracefully.
Young ladies whispered quietly behind embroidered fans.
Young masters remained respectfully in another section of the courtyard.
Every servant moved with utmost care, afraid of making the slightest mistake.
At the highest seat sat the Empress Dowager.
Though advanced in years, her bearing remained dignified and imposing.
Time had added wisdom to her features rather than taking away their grace.
Beside her sat the Empress, elegant and composed, dressed in magnificent robes embroidered with golden phoenixes.
Their arrival alone demonstrated the immense favor the imperial family bestowed upon the Shen family.
The moment Shen Ruiwen led his family into the courtyard, everyone respectfully bowed.
"This subject greets Her Majesty the Empress Dowager."
"This subject greets Her Majesty the Empress."
The Empress Dowager smiled kindly.
"There is no need for excessive ceremony."
"Today is Princess Zhangyang’s coming-of-age ceremony."
"We have come to celebrate."
Only then did everyone rise.
Soon afterward, the ceremony officially began.
The wife of the Minister of Rites, a woman once celebrated throughout the capital for her elegance and virtue, stepped gracefully into the center of the ceremonial platform.
With a calm voice, she announced the beginning of Shen Yuerou’s Ji Li.
Soft melodies from the guqin and xiao flute floated gently through the air.
Shen Yuerou slowly stepped onto the platform.
Every movement she made was graceful beyond compare.
The presiding lady first gathered her long hair before placing the first ceremonial hairpin upon it.
She then spoke words of blessing.
"May your virtue be steadfast."
"May your heart remain kind."
"May your family prosper."
Following ancient custom, Shen Yuerou changed into a second ceremonial robe before returning once more.
Another hair ornament was placed upon her head.
Again came blessings.
Finally...
She appeared wearing her final ceremonial robes.
The brilliant crimson fabric embroidered with golden phoenixes made her appear almost ethereal beneath the winter sunlight.
The entire courtyard fell silent.
Even the noble ladies watching couldn’t help sighing in admiration.
After completing the final rites, Shen Yuerou respectfully bowed.
First to Heaven and Earth.
Then to the ancestral tablets.
Then to her parents.
Finally...
She respectfully bowed toward the Empress Dowager and the Empress.
The Empress Dowager smiled warmly.
"Come."
Shen Yuerou stepped forward.
Personally, the Empress Dowager took an exquisitely carved jade phoenix hairpin from the tray held by a palace maid.
She gently inserted it into Shen Yuerou’s hair.
"This jade phoenix has accompanied this Empress for many years."
"Today..."
"I bestow it upon Princess Zhangyang."
"May you remain virtuous, wise, and fortunate throughout your life."
The entire courtyard erupted into admiration.
Such an honor...
Very few noble young ladies would ever receive.
The Empress also smiled before presenting Shen Yuerou with a pair of white jade bracelets.
"They suit you well."
Shen Yuerou respectfully accepted both gifts.
"This subject’s daughter thanks Your Majesties."
Applause and congratulations soon filled the courtyard.
The Shen family could hardly conceal the pride on their faces.
Only Shen Xuan quietly clapped while smiling brightly.
"Big Sister truly deserves all of this."
Soon, servants began presenting the countless congratulatory gifts from each noble household.
Watching beautifully wrapped boxes pile higher and higher...
Shen Xuan suddenly froze.
"...Eh?"
Her eyes widened.
"My gift!"
"I left Big Sister’s embroidery in my room!"
She looked around.
Everyone’s attention remained fixed upon Shen Yuerou.
Xiao Mei and Xia Cao had already gone to assist the kitchens due to the overwhelming number of guests.
Taking advantage of the distraction...
Shen Xuan quietly slipped down from her chair.
Like a little cat...
She silently disappeared from the bustling courtyard.
A/N: It’s so nice to be a princess.....
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