Shang Yunrou reluctantly returned the gilded hair ornament. In front of her, Shang Shiyan ordered Hubo to polish it again and again.
Shang Yunrou left with an ugly expression. She had thought Shang Shiyan was still the same fool, easy to trick. But after the cliff incident, Shang Shiyan held a grudge. Was it really worth tearing their relationship apart just because she had “forgotten” to bring her back to the estate?
After Shang Yunrou departed, Shen Zuizhi took out a jade hairpin and placed it in Shang Shiyan’s hair. “This set of ornaments was an imperial gift when your grandfather earned merit. Your grandmother passed it to you so that your coming-of-age ceremony would be glorious. How could you let it fall into Yunrou’s hands? If someone damaged it, you would regret it forever.” She tapped Shang Shiyan’s forehead gently with her finger.
Shang Shiyan knew her little scheme couldn’t fool her mother. She threw herself into Shen Zuizhi’s arms. Mother, how did you know?”
“This was an imperial gift. Without your consent, Chunhua would never dare steal it. Such tricks might fool your brothers and Yunrou, but not me.”
Shang Shiyan hugged her tightly. “Mother, I just felt Chunhua was treacherous. I treated her so well, yet she betrayed me to serve Shang Yunrou. Keeping such a traitor close is a disaster.”
“You did well.” Shen Zuizhi’s eyes shone with pride. “Our Ah Yan has grown up—she has learned to be shrewd.”
Shang Shiyan lifted her head from her mother’s embrace, her little face full of mock grievance. “Mother, are you laughing at how foolish I used to be?”
Shen Zuizhi couldn’t hold back her laughter. “You silly girl.”
Looking at her mother’s smile, Shang Shiyan suddenly recalled the image of her mother’s suicide in her past life—her body cold and lifeless on the floor of her grandmother’s house. She gripped her mother’s hand tightly. Such a good mother—she must protect her.
“Mother, there’s another important matter. For tomorrow’s coming-of-age ceremony, did you send the invitation to Prince Lin’an’s residence?”
“You mentioned it yesterday evening, and I already sent someone.” Shen Zuizhi gently pinched her cheek, her gaze tender. “Prince Lin’an is feared by all. The court officials dislike him. Inviting him will surely stir trouble. But since he saved you, we must repay the favor.”
Shang Shiyan nodded repeatedly. “Yes, yes, we must repay kindness.”
Whether Gu Peice came or not, the invitation had to be sent. And after the ceremony, she would personally visit to thank him.
The next day.
Before dawn, Hubo and Zhenzhu dragged Shang Shiyan out of bed.
“Miss, today is your coming-of-age ceremony. You mustn’t oversleep.” Zhenzhu said seriously as she lifted Shang Shiyan’s quilt.
Shang Shiyan had grown up pampered, with a slightly arrogant temperament. Hubo and Zhenzhu, however, were very proper and rule-abiding. Their strictness often offended Shang Shiyan, so in the past, she hadn’t liked them much. Now that she knew they truly had her best interests at heart, even though her eyelids were heavy with sleep, she obediently got out of bed.
Hubo carried in freshly boiled water, with Qiuyue following behind.
“Why wake her? Miss could sleep a little longer—there’s no rush,” Qiuyue said.
Zhenzhu frowned, displeased. “Qiuyue, today is the coming-of-age ceremony. On such an important day, nothing can go wrong. If Miss oversleeps, it will harm her reputation.”
Qiuyue dismissed her concern, glancing at Zhenzhu before pushing her aside and taking Shang Shiyan’s arm. “Miss, I know you love to sleep. Everything outside is already prepared. Sleeping a bit longer won’t matter.”
Shang Shiyan gave Qiuyue a cool look. Qiuyue was always like this—meticulous, cautious, outwardly flawless in her care, but secretly arranging things so that if anything went wrong, the blame would fall on Hubo and Zhenzhu.
In her previous life, she had listened to Qiuyue and slept longer. That nap delayed her by half an hour, nearly missing the auspicious time for the ceremony. Guests waited in the main hall, and her reputation suffered. Shang Yunrou seized the chance to step forward, soothing the guests while implying Shang Shiyan had always been spoiled and careless.
Qiuyue tried to guide her back to bed. “Miss, sleep a little more.”
Shang Shiyan shook off her hand. “You’re all making such a racket—I’m wide awake now. Why should I sleep?”
Qiuyue immediately turned to glare at Zhenzhu. “It’s your fault. Why wake her for no reason?”
Zhenzhu’s face flushed red.
But Shang Shiyan frowned. “Leave. Today Zhenzhu will attend me.”
Qiuyue froze, wondering if Chunhua’s downfall had implicated her. Then Shang Shiyan added, “Today, the Empress herself will come. You go wait outside.”
Qiuyue’s doubts eased. She forced a smile and withdrew.
Shang Shiyan’s coming-of-age ceremony was unique in the capital—the honored guest was none other than the Empress. And she was already betrothed to the Crown Prince, the future Crown Princess.
After Shang Shiyan was simply dressed, word came that the Empress and Shen Shian had arrived at the estate.
Shang Changhe and Shen Zuizhi stood together at the steps to greet the guests. When they learned the Empress and Crown Prince had arrived, they hurried forward to bow.
The Empress was escorted to the seat of honor, and the guests all took their places to watch the ceremony.
When the auspicious hour arrived, Shang Changhe rose and addressed the guests. “My daughter, Shang Shiyan, comes of age today. Thank you all for attending. Let the ceremony begin—please welcome my daughter to pay respects.”
Inside, Shang Shiyan had bathed, dressed in ceremonial attire, and sat waiting.
At the call, she rose and stepped into the main hall.
All the guests lifted their eyes to her. The young woman’s beauty was fresh and refined, her bright eyes shimmering like water.
In the past, rumors in the capital painted Shang Shiyan as arrogant and domineering, which made people overlook her beauty. Compared to the much-praised Second Young Lady, she was in fact no less striking.
Shang Shiyan walked gracefully forward, kneeling as the attendant began to arrange her hair.
Empress Song sat in the seat of honor, her gaze soft as she looked at Shang Shiyan. In her heart, she marveled—this girl who had once been a swaddled infant had now grown into a poised and elegant young lady of a noble family.
The Empress rose, washed her hands, and stepped forward to recite the ceremonial blessing.
“Your Majesty, please wait.” Shang Shiyan suddenly spoke.
The guests turned in surprise, seeing her lift her resolute eyes. “Your Majesty, this humble daughter has something to say. I beg you to hear me before deciding whether to bestow the hairpin.”
The Empress lowered her eyes, puzzled by Shang Shiyan’s words.
Shang Changhe, her father, immediately frowned. His face darkened. “Ah Yan, today is your coming-of-age ceremony. Do not make trouble.”
But Shang Shiyan ignored him, still looking at the Empress. “Your Majesty, you came as the honored guest because in your heart, I am the future daughter-in-law. But today, I must say—the Crown Prince already has someone he loves. I do not wish to marry a man whose heart belongs elsewhere, only to become a resentful wife. I beg Your Majesty to withdraw the decree and annul my betrothal to the Crown Prince.”