Chapter 238 The Capital Fashion Gathering
The next day.
The autumn sky was clear and the air was crisp. The clear sunlight gilded the palace with a bright golden glow. Although it was already autumn, the afternoon breeze still carried a hint of the warmth of late summer.
The "Beijing Fashion Party" was held as scheduled in the Imperial Garden.
This is the grandest event in the palace this autumn, and the garden has already been carefully decorated according to the season.
Amidst the winding corridors, a gossamer-thin, moon-white veil hangs, its fluttering movement resembling drifting clouds as the early autumn breeze stirs it.
Throughout the garden, seasonal flowers and trees are arranged in a pleasing and orderly manner. Osmanthus blossoms are just beginning to open, with clusters of tender yellow stamens surrounding the branches, wafting a subtle fragrance; hibiscus flowers change color three times a day, from white in the morning to red in the evening, making it the perfect time to enjoy them.
The edges of the leaves of several tall ginkgo trees have just begun to turn a light yellow, and it will take some time before the trees are covered in golden leaves.
On the branches, the pomegranates have lost their greenness and are beginning to blush red, hanging plump and heavy.
Beside the white marble bridge, the eunuchs meticulously crafted bonsai of "New Autumn Offerings" using early autumn flowers and trees, such as newly blooming hibiscus, lush amaranth, and still green honeysuckle vines. The arrangement was exquisite, full of charm, and fully demonstrated the vibrant beauty of early autumn.
As the hour of Chen approached, the Empress and her entourage were already waiting quietly.
Everyone was dressed in new autumn clothes designed by Lu Zhaoruo, a magnificent gathering, waiting for the Empress Dowager's arrival.
The vibrant autumn colors of the garden, along with the elegant attire and graceful figures, create a picturesque scene of a prosperous and tranquil autumn.
It is Chen Shi (7-9 AM).
The clear, melodious sounds of bells and chimes pierced the tranquility of the Imperial Garden as a solemn eunuch announced, "The Empress Dowager has arrived—"
The Empress Dowager arrived slowly, surrounded by palace attendants, with a magnificent procession.
Today, she wore a long-sleeved gown with the theme of "Pine and Crane Longevity". The dark blue brocade fabric was dignified and elegant, and the pine and crane patterns woven with silver thread shone with a soft luster under the clear autumn sun. Her whole demeanor was calm and dignified.
The Empress immediately led all the concubines, noblewomen, and ladies-in-waiting present to straighten their clothes, bow their heads, and kneel in unison according to their rank, chanting in unison: "Welcome back to Your Majesty the Empress Dowager!"
The Empress Dowager walked to the main seat on the phoenix chair and sat down. Her gaze swept gently over the magnificent garden, and she raised her hand with a smile. Her voice was steady and dignified: "Rise. Today is a festive occasion, ladies, please do not be too formal. Just enjoy yourselves."
After the ceremony, the atmosphere in the garden began to liven up.
The Empress stepped forward with composure, gave the Empress Dowager an elegant bow, and said in a gentle and sincere voice: "Your Majesty, your 'Pine and Crane Longevity' attire today is truly a perfect match. The pine's upright posture and the crane's graceful shadow perfectly complement Your Majesty's calm and far-sighted demeanor and your enduring blessings."
Today she wore a wide-sleeved robe with peonies and phoenixes. The phoenixes, embroidered with gold thread, were poised to take flight on the bright red satin, while the peonies bloomed in layers, radiating brilliance. Her demeanor was dignified and noble, complementing the Empress Dowager's solemn elegance.
The Empress Dowager examined the scene for a moment, then nodded slightly, her voice clear and calm: "Yes, the Empress's demeanor is extraordinary today. The 'peony and phoenix' pattern is valuable because it is intricate yet not chaotic, and vibrant yet not vulgar, perfectly balancing the Empress's nobility and majesty. Yongfu, your strong recommendation of Lu Zhaoruo this time truly demonstrates your discerning eye."
Yongfu's face immediately lit up with a bright smile, even happier than if he had been praised himself. His voice was clear and melodious: "Thank you for your praise, Mother and Sister-in-law! Lady Lu is clever and quick-witted, and what's most commendable is her thoughtfulness. She often says that clothes are meant to complement the wearer, and only when they match the wearer's demeanor can they be considered a success."
She lifted the hem of her skirt, which was adorned with a butterfly and flower pattern, and twirled gracefully, saying with a smile, "Mother, look, aren't the colors of these butterfly wings bright enough? Sister Lu said that this color is called 'Autumn Fragrance,' and it matches this garden full of osmanthus blossoms perfectly!"
Upon hearing this, the Empress Dowager's gaze lingered on Yongfu's cheerful smiling face for a moment before settling on the vibrant "Qiuxiang" color.
She didn't answer immediately, but picked up her teacup, gently stirred the foam, and then spoke slowly, her tone revealing little emotion: "Hmm, the colors are bright, which makes you look lively. Madam Lu... truly has an exceptional talent for color matching."
Then, the Empress Dowager turned her gaze to the garden full of gorgeous clothes and said, "Today's grand gathering, all the ladies are radiant, living up to the name 'Capital's Splendor. Yongfu, you have worked hard in managing this matter."
Yongfu immediately restrained his playful nature, gave a proper curtsy, and spoke with unprecedented composure: "Your subject dares not take credit. To receive a word of praise from the Empress Dowager for 'extraordinary qualities' makes Lu Niangzi's months of hard work worthwhile. Today's grand gathering is entirely due to the blessings of the Empress Dowager and my sister-in-law, which has made this magnificent scene of people in splendid attire possible. Your subject has merely been running errands and delivering messages, doing my part to show my appreciation."
She paused briefly, looked up at the Empress Dowager with clear eyes, and continued, “Now that Lady Lu is waiting outside the garden, since your ingenuity has been appreciated by Your Majesty and my sister-in-law, I think it would be a waste to use her talent for such a grand occasion only. Therefore, I humbly request Your Majesty and my sister-in-law’s grace—may Lady Lu be entrusted with the design and procurement of the formal and auspicious garments required by the various ladies of the palace and noblewomen in the future? If Your Majesty and my sister-in-law wish to purchase new clothes in the future, they can simply summon her to the palace to present the new designs. In this way, the palace’s supplies can always be kept fresh, further demonstrating the royal family’s virtue of valuing talent. Wouldn’t that be the best of both worlds?”
Upon hearing this, a fleeting, almost imperceptible look of surprise crossed the Empress Dowager's eyes.
Her daughter, spoiled since childhood, had no manners and was extremely unruly. She had never been so eloquent, thoughtful, or even knew how to plan ahead for the future.
What I just said sounded humble, but it was actually a progressive statement.
The Empress Dowager's gaze sharpened slightly as it fell upon Yongfu's seemingly innocent face, and she instantly understood.
Such a calculated and shrewd mind... could not possibly have come up with something like this on her own.
It must have been Lu Zhaoru who gave him a heads-up beforehand.
This woman... seems to possess not only skillful technique, but also a keen understanding of human nature and a talent for planning.
She had actually taught Yongfu to be so tactful and capable... This profound wisdom made even the Empress Dowager, who was used to seeing all kinds of storms, look at her in a completely different light.
The Empress Dowager did not respond immediately. Instead, her gaze swept calmly over the magnificent robes in the garden before finally settling on Yongfu's face. She said, "This matter concerns the expenses of the palace and is of utmost importance. We will discuss it later."
After a moment's thought, she instructed the lady-in-waiting beside her, "Summon Lu Zhaoruo to the garden for an audience."
Then, as if suddenly remembering something, she said in a calm tone, "Besides, Her Highness the Grand Princess has not yet arrived. She has the most discerning eye, so I wonder if she is satisfied with today's grand fashion event."
Upon hearing this, everyone in the park who knew the situation felt a chill.
The Empress Dowager sat upon it, her mind as clear as a mirror.
The Grand Princess and Madam Lu have a grudge because of the County Lady. If I were to rashly agree now, wouldn't I be openly slapping that young lady in the face?
Royal dignity and harmony among the royal family are far more important than the talent of a craftsman.
Let's take another look.
Let's see if Lu Zhaoruo can remain calm and composed in front of the Grand Princess.
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