54. Dress Up

“Madam, please choose your outfit for this afternoon.” Lily pushed a mobile clothes rack in front of her for her to choose from.

The most eye-catching thing on it was a crinoline petticoat with an enormous diameter, and a corset next to it. Just looking at it made Ye Zhenzhen feel like she couldn't breathe.

"Um, is the crinoline skirt the only option?" Ye Zhenzhen asked.

“I’m sorry, madam, today’s offerings are all crinol,” Nancy stepped forward and bowed. “However, these are all handmade by the best tailors in Y country, and they will certainly not diminish your beauty.”

Ye Zhenzhen turned to look at the other clothes racks, which were also filled with exaggeratedly large skirts. The largest petticoat was almost 2 meters in diameter.

“Alright,” Ye Zhenzhen stepped forward helplessly, her slender fingers stroking the dresses covered in lace and embroidery, and casually asked, “Are all the clothes different?”

“Yes, each person’s outfit is a unique haute couture piece.” Lily, watching her reaction closely, showed her an ivory-white dress.

"Madam, would you like to try this one?"

"This one will do." Compared to other dresses that were either off-the-shoulder or adorned with jewels and gold and silver embroidery, Ye Zhenzhen chose the simplest one.

"Please follow me, the stylist is waiting in your private dressing room." Nancy led the way.

Lily quickly grabbed the other accessories and petticoats and followed behind them.

Ye Zhenzhen went to the fitting room and changed into a white linen slip dress. She then went to the mirror in the outer room and stretched out her arms.

After all, she couldn't possibly wear all those other layers of clothing herself.

As the straps on her back tightened, the pressure from her chest to her ribs increased, forcing Ye Zhenzhen to straighten her chest and take a deep breath.

"The bra doesn't need to be so tight. I don't care about having a tiny waist." She turned to stop the two of them and solemnly explained.

“Yes, Madam.” Lily’s voice sounded somewhat regretful.

Next, a petticoat was tied around the waist.

Ye Zhenzhen chose the smallest one, which was still nearly 1.8 meters in diameter.

It has an elegant bell shape and is made up of several rings of evenly thick ribs connected by delicate cotton straps, forming a birdcage-like structure.

Those wheel bones are tough and flexible. When you press them lightly, they will bend slightly and quickly return to their original shape when you release them.

"Is this crinoline made of whalebone?" Ye Zhenzhen pinched the cartilage, noting its completely different texture from metal.

“Yes, Madam, the dress made for you is made with the finest materials,” Lily said, her hands moving swiftly.

She skillfully took out several petticoats made of fine cotton fabric, in a completely retro style, without zippers or buttons, only ropes, with the several petticoats tied together at the waist by belts.

Ye Zhenzhen initially thought she was reciting lines, but she quickly realized that this outfit was anything but simple.

In the blink of an eye, four layers of petticoats of different materials were layered on top of the petticoat, ranging from solid colors to those with subtle patterns, and then to those with exquisite embroidery and lace, becoming increasingly elaborate.

This is just the petticoat underneath.

Only when the outer skirt was put on did Ye Zhenzhen see its full appearance under the light.

When it was hanging on the shelf, because it was a solid color, she couldn't see its details clearly.

Only when you wear it now can you see the subtle luxury in the details.

The ivory-white solid-color silk fabric has a luxurious pearlescent sheen.

The square neckline features delicate pleats that accentuate her slender neck; the leg-of-mutton sleeves have been modified into double-layered petal sleeves, with an inner layer of tulle and an outer layer of lace cascading in waves, from which a section of her slender arm extends; at the front, thousands of round pearls are hand-sewn, forming a vine-like pattern that extends to the skirt, creating three-dimensional pleats on the hem, with each flower inlaid with diamonds, like dew on a rose.

A hint of doubt crossed her mind: the Swire family was really going all out to promote their castle tourism project!

If tourists are provided with clothing of this quality, it's hard to imagine how much they would have to charge each day to break even...

Lily helped her sit in front of the Rococo-style vanity mirror and thoughtfully adjusted her skirt. Nancy then fixed her hair. Her thick black hair was styled in a middle part.

The hair on both sides is combed back and fixed into loose curls, with the ends falling naturally to the shoulders. The bangs are slightly curled, showing youthful vitality.

When the door was knocked on, Nancy was putting a pearl ribbon decoration on her.

The person who opened the door was dressed in a dark blue servant's uniform. The rough fabric and poor tailoring couldn't hide the man's broad shoulders and narrow waist.

Behind him, Gu Sinan had also changed into a classic outfit: a dark green double-breasted wool coat, shorts, white knee-high socks, and black leather shoes. He looked every bit the little English gentleman.

"Nannan, come here and let me see you." Ye Zhenzhen held out her hand to the child, and as he walked over, she looked him up and down. "So cute, my little gentleman!"

"Mommy is so beautiful too, like a princess." Gu Sinan leaned against her affectionately, her little face slightly flushed.

Gu Tingshen stepped forward, his right hand, gloved in white, pressed against his left chest, and bowed slightly in greeting. “Madam, the carriage is ready downstairs and we can depart at any time.”

"Oh, okay, old man, uh," Ye Zhenzhen's eyes fell on the mirror, where Nancy was still fixing her hair.

She was unsure how to address Gu Tingshen, so she simply omitted it and smiled at the man, "Are you sure it's a carriage?"

“Yes, your own private four-wheeled carriage.” Gu Tingshen stepped forward with a silver tray in one hand, placed the tray on the dressing table, and picked up the lace gloves inside.

Ye Zhenzhen reached out to take it, and the man took her fair, jade-like hand and bent down to put on the pearl-adorned gloves for her.

The movements were careful and delicate, as if they were holding some rare treasure.

Then he picked up a beige cashmere shawl, unfolded it, and draped it over Ye Zhenzhen's shoulders.

Lily stared blankly at the interaction between the two, only snapping out of her daze when Nancy kicked her. Meeting Nancy's warning gaze, she silently took a few steps back and lowered her head.

The room became so quiet you could hear a pin drop.

“Let’s go then,” Ye Zhenzhen withdrew her hand, clenched her fingers, and stood up. “Where are Sister Liqing and the others?”

"They left first; each family has a horse-drawn carriage."

Thanks to the tight corset and huge skirt that clung to her upper body, Ye Zhenzhen was able to stand up smoothly with Gu Tingshen supporting her arm.

Gu Sinan was separated from her mother by a lot by the hem of her skirt and couldn't hold her hand, which made her a little unhappy.

After comforting the child, Ye Zhenzhen pulled her cashmere shawl tighter around her shoulders. She was extremely grateful that the original owner of this body had studied in Y country and had rehearsed classical operas in the drama club during her university years. Otherwise, she wouldn't have been able to walk in this outfit.

---

"Oh my god, the thought of having to dress like this for the next few days is starting to make me feel hopeless," Ye Zhenzhen muttered as she stood up.

“Madam, once you’re out of the room, you can only confide in me.” Gu Tingshen bent down to straighten her skirt. “Be careful that the other residents of the 19th century don’t overhear.”

"So what? Are you going to arrest us?" Ye Zhenzhen rolled her eyes and took a deep breath. "Let's go, my dear manservant."

“Madam, you may call me by my first name. It is my honor to serve you.” The man’s voice was deep and pleasant, with an aria-like elegance.

Ye Zhenzhen looked at him suspiciously. Was this guy getting a little too into character?

Gu Sinan remained calm. His father had already told him while he was changing clothes that for the next few days, they would be playing the roles of time travelers like actors.

The kid looks calm on the outside, but he's actually super excited inside. That's so cool!

Today is a rare sunny day in L City. The gilded and ornate carriages look exquisite and luxurious under the sunlight.

Four pure white horses, adorned with silver bridles and manes woven with silver silk threads, clattered their iron hooves on the asphalt road.

The coachman sat high on the lacquered seat, his dark gray uniform neat and tidy. When he saw Ye Zhenzhen approaching from afar, he eagerly jumped down from the carriage, opened the door, and at the same time lightly kicked the bottom edge of the carriage with the tip of his boot, causing the folding footrest to slide out with a sound.

Gu Tingshen stepped forward and stretched out his arm to block the top of the car door to prevent it from being bumped.

The two maids behind her lifted her skirt and helped her into the carriage.

"Aren't you coming up?" Ye Zhenzhen asked curiously as she sat down, looking at Gu Tingshen, who was still standing by the car.

“As your male servant, my place is over there.” Gu Tingshen pointed his gloved hand to the side of the coachman.

“Then, I order you to sit in the carriage,” Ye Zhenzhen said, raising her chin in an imperious manner. But as soon as she finished speaking, she laughed at herself. “Come in quickly, I have something to ask you.”

"Yes, my master."

Lily and Nancy exchanged a glance, one sat down next to the driver, and the other went to the footboard at the back of the carriage.

Inside the train carriage.

"Are you addicted to acting? Can't you speak properly?" Ye Zhenzhen was bound by a chest binder, so she could only maintain an upright sitting posture with her chest out and head held high. She glanced at the man and rubbed the goosebumps on her arms.

"Master" sounds so strange!

“Don’t forget this is Y country in the 19th century,” Gu Tingshen gestured for her to look at the camera on the roof of the carriage.

"..." Ye Zhenzhen was speechless for a few seconds. "There are only the two of us transmigrators here, no natives. Can't we discuss what to do next? I feel that there is a lot of room for maneuver in the rules the director mentioned. We need to resolve your status as a male servant."

She was focused on thinking of a solution when she turned around and saw the man take out a plate of exquisitely crafted English pastries from the carriage drawer. His movements were slow and deliberate, showing no sign of urgency.

"Try it, it's sweet but not cloying, just your taste." Gu Tingshen smiled and comforted her as he saw her eyes widen in anger.

"It's like the emperor isn't worried but the eunuch is; you're quite adapting to your new identity!" Ye Zhenzhen took a big bite.

Hmm! The sweetness is just right, not bad.

She turned and handed one to Gu Sinan.

"You really don't care?" Ye Zhenzhen glanced sideways at the composed man. "Once we get to the castle, you'll be left with us eating while you watch, and us sitting while you stand."

Gu Tingshen's smile deepened. "Don't worry, I have a plan."

Ye Zhenzhen couldn't figure out what his so-called method was, but she could tell that this man genuinely enjoyed working as a male servant.

Ye Zhenzhen and the three of them successfully reunited with the other guests.

Kande Castle is a Gothic-style castle whose interior decoration and furnishings exude a sense of historical weight.

Led by the butler, the group toured the castle.

The spiral staircase is made of oak and is over a hundred years old. It is carved with exquisite patterns and has a warm luster from the passage of time.

They walked through the long corridors adorned with portraits of the castle's ancestors, pausing to admire the delicately painted portraits and still lifes, and listening to the butler explain the stories behind the paintings in elegant British accents.

Gu Tingshen always lagged behind Ye Zhenzhen by one step, walking behind her.

But Ye Zhenzhen never ignored his presence, because at every staircase and corner, the man would support her lower back or lift her skirt, silent and attentive, just like a real personal male servant.

Finally, the butler led everyone to the warm and elegantly decorated living room.

The butler apologized, saying that the master was tied up with official business and was not at the castle at the moment.

After bowing, we withdrew and invited everyone to enjoy a leisurely afternoon tea.

"Wow, this butler is so stylish! He fits all my impressions of Western butlers!" Zhang Siqing, wearing a burgundy off-shoulder dress, casually picked up a pastry and stuffed it into her mouth. "Mmm, delicious!"

Liu Wei, standing beside him, was dressed in a Prussian blue woolen officer's uniform. He entered with an imposing air, but looking at his wife's eating habits, his face was full of unspeakable displeasure.

"What's with that expression?" Zhang Siqing kicked his riding boots with the pointed toe of her high heel. "You're a live-in son-in-law now, you know that? Go get me a glass of water!"

"Yes, yes, my lady." Liu Wei stood up and begged for mercy as he poured her more tea.

Several men, uninterested in the women's tea party, decided to take their children for a walk in the garden. Liu Wei was the most enthusiastic, turning around to perform a bizarre, awkward bow, leaving behind a group of people bursting into laughter.

The sunlit living room was suddenly empty except for four ladies.

"Zhenzhen, where is President Gu?" Wang Liqing, dressed in an elegant purple dress, finished laughing and watched the men's departing figures, then suddenly realized that one person was missing.

"He went to the kitchen, saying he wanted to familiarize himself with his colleagues and work environment for the next few days." Ye Zhenzhen carefully sat down, lifting her skirt.

The other three looked at each other, asked no more questions, and started talking about clothes.

"I've had enough of this foreign torture. That chest binding thing is simply inhuman! When those two young girls were binding me, they almost suffocated me!" Zhang Siqing no longer needed to maintain her image, and tugged at her elaborate skirt. "I asked them to loosen it up so I could breathe again."

“Otherwise, noblewomen back then would have had to bring maids with them,” Wang Liqing said, taking a sip of red tea and inhaling slowly. “Without help, they couldn’t even put their clothes on properly, and once they were dressed, they couldn’t even bend over.”

“They say beauty always comes at a price.” Lano fiddled with the jeweled tassel at her waist. “Our clothes are so elaborate, it’s rare that they all match.”

She was a wealthy businesswoman, wearing a misty blue silk dress adorned with jewels, and a massive sapphire necklace around her neck.

“Yes, if tourists come here to experience this level of service, then this trip is truly authentic.” Ye Zhenzhen sat on the piano bench, her fingers lightly strumming the black and white keys, and the beautiful notes immediately filled the entire room. “The clothing details are highly accurate, and these furnishings are full of historical charm. Every shot is a masterpiece.”

"I don't know what the plans are for tomorrow. Does this mean I have to wear this kind of dress for the next few days???" Zhang Siqing slumped back in her chair, looking utterly dejected. "My internal organs feel like they're about to shift!"

…

At dinner time, all the guests took their seats at the long table in the restaurant to enjoy a 19th-century-style dinner.

Gu Tingshen stood by, dressed in a male servant's uniform.

As the maids served the food, everyone kept their eyes down, seemingly focused on enjoying the meal.

In reality, their eyes were all glancing at that tall and slender figure.

The man, wearing white gloves, held a knife and fork and cut the tough steak on Ye Zhenzhen's plate into small pieces with silent and elegant movements.

Ye Zhenzhen ate the most comforting yet most difficult meal to swallow.

She feels comfortable because the man always takes care of all her needs, with tableware, water, and food in the most appropriate places and in the most convenient condition for eating.

The reason it's hard to swallow is because my proletarian soul cannot bear the oppression of my fellow citizens by the bourgeoisie!

Ye Zhenzhen told herself this in her heart.

It's not because I feel sorry for him!

Servants should indeed be swept into the dustbin of history!

[Author's Note]

There's so much information to research, I'm having a bit of a writing slump, please forgive me, my little darlings~~

Also, the maid's name was changed in the previous chapter, but it doesn't affect the reading experience.