After eating and drinking their fill, the two girls left Fuju De Restaurant.
Gu Zhizhi took Yu Hua’s hand and led her to the capital’s largest embroidery shop, Nishang Pavilion.
Nishang Pavilion was the most luxurious tailor shop in the capital, gathering fabrics and ready-made clothes from all over the country.
“Hua’er, to celebrate your new official position, pick any clothes you like.”
Yu Hua was overjoyed, her earlier sadness from leaving the house completely gone.
Gu Zhizhi smiled warmly at her excitement.
This time, I’m really going to splurge, Yu Hua thought.
She looked left and right, choosing her favorite garments.
Gu Zhizhi was slightly puzzled. “Hua’er always comes up with such fresh expressions… ‘splurge’? Am I a ‘tycoon’? Is she going to hit me? I’ve been so nice to her—she wouldn’t hit me. Maybe I’m misunderstanding.”
Yu Hua paused in front of a pale yellow silk dress, her eyes sparkling with delight.
“If you like this one, you can try it on,” Gu Zhizhi suggested.
Yu Hua was momentarily stunned. Wait… you can try on clothes in an ancient clothing shop?
Seeing her blank expression, Gu Zhizhi explained, “In the capital, tailor shops often have private rooms for trying on clothes. The customers here are all high-ranking officials or wealthy families, so the shopkeepers dare not offend them.”
Yu Hua realized her ignorance and felt a bit embarrassed.
The shop owner quickly stepped forward. “Miss, we have a private room for trying on clothes. If you like this one, you may go and try it on with your maids accompanying you.”
The owner was shrewd and knew that some noble ladies didn’t even know how to wear their clothes properly, and might be shy, so he had the maids accompany them.
“Go ahead, Hua’er. I’ll have some tea here while you try it on,” Gu Zhizhi said.
Accompanied by Hua’er’s maids, Huamei and Dujuan, Yu Hua entered the private room.
By the time a cup of tea had passed, she emerged wearing the pale yellow dress with subtle patterns, embroidered lotus motifs along the neckline and sleeves, silver piping highlighting her fair skin.
Over it, a translucent silken shawl, tied at the waist with a red silk sash, adorned with jade fish pendants.
The hem was embroidered with delicate begonia branches, swaying with each step like a spring breeze.
Her hair was pinned with a red-gold ornament with dangling jade, perfectly complementing the dress, showing the gentle elegance of a refined young lady while still retaining a lively charm.
Gu Zhizhi was genuinely impressed. “Hua’er, this outfit makes you shine even more. If I were a man, I’d be begging my elders to come propose to you.”
“You always tease me, Zhizhi,” Yu Hua said.
“Just this one for now, I’ll put it on my tab,” Gu Zhizhi told the shop owner.
The owner bowed repeatedly. “Yes, Miss Gu.”
Gu Zhizhi, as the legitimate daughter of Prince An’s household, often came to these shops, so the merchants recognized her immediately.
Yu Hua was about to change back in the private room, but Gu Zhizhi stopped her. “Hua’er, this one is perfect. No need to change. Remember to wear it to court tomorrow.”
After leaving Nishang Pavilion, Gu Zhizhi bought several pieces of fine jewelry from Treasure Pavilion for Yu Hua. By the time they returned to the Yu household, night had already fallen.
Upon entering, they saw a eunuch in palace attire waiting anxiously.
Yu Jinghong rushed forward. “Hua’er, you’ve finally returned. Eunuch Li has been waiting for you.”
Li Shun, the chief eunuch at Emperor An Yi’s side, had been sent personally by the emperor to deliver the edict to Miss Yu in person.
Li Shun saw Yu Hua arrive and hurried up. “Yu Hua, legitimate daughter of the Yu household, receive the edict!”
Yu Hua was caught off guard. Before she could react to Yu Jinghong, Li Shun’s words hit her again.
“What are you waiting for? Kneel and receive the edict!”
Yu Hua quickly knelt down.
“By the Mandate of Heaven, the Emperor decrees: The Astronomical Observatory has observed auspicious omens descending upon Yu Hua, the legitimate daughter of the Yu household. Reports say she is skilled, poised, gentle, virtuous, and wise. Therefore, she is hereby appointed Anshun Envoy. So it is decreed!”
Two junior eunuchs then opened large chests containing gold, silver, jewels, rare antiques, and luxurious silks.
Yu Jinghong snorted inwardly. The emperor really went to great lengths to come up with all these compliments for Hua’er.
He knew his daughter well. Auspicious omen? The household is always chaotic with her around. She rolls on the floor if she can’t go out, cries and screams, even digs holes to sneak out. What auspicious omen is that?
Gentle and virtuous? She constantly teases her second brother, making the whole Yu household aware. Every time she’s punished, those big eyes tear up, and her brother bears the blame.
Soft and compliant? Every time she begs for pocket money, she clings and nags until she gets her way.
Elegant and graceful? She’s like the wind, lying in the lounge chair looking at a sketchbook, then running wildly outside, even crawling through dog holes. Graceful, indeed.
Dignified and modest? In summer, she pulls her sleeves up to her arms, never letting them down. Truly dignified.
Intelligent and quick-witted? Half true. Quick-witted? Maybe. When it comes to things she doesn’t want, she runs faster than anyone. Trying to practice writing or memorize texts? She runs faster than anyone.
Yu Hua’s eyes lit up when she saw the treasure-filled chests. “Mine! All mine! I’m a little rich lady now!”
“Is all this for me?” she asked.
“Of course. These are gifts from the emperor to the Anshun Envoy.”
Yu Hua jumped up excitedly. “Wonderful! I’m finally rich!”
Yu Jinghong sighed helplessly. “Hua’er, Eunuch Li is still here. Go thank him!”
Yu Hua sweetly said, “Thank you, Your Majesty. Thank you, Eunuch Li.”
Li Shun watched her actions and muttered inwardly, If the emperor saw Anshun Envoy like this, what would he think? All those compliments in the edict—she doesn’t live up to a single one!
“Since our duty here is done, we shall return to report,” Yu Jinghong said, escorting Li Shun to the gate. From his sleeve, he produced three silver notes.
“Eunuch Li, my daughter is unworthy, but please continue to look after her at court.”
“Master Yu, you are too polite. Consider it done,” Li Shun said, secretly slipping the notes into his sleeve.