Chapter 240 The Grand Princess Arrives
"The Book of Songs says, 'Like the flourishing pine and cypress, none will fail to benefit you.' I, a humble woman, believe that the pine's strength and the crane's nobility perfectly embody the image of the Empress, who is a model of virtue for the world and benefits all living beings. Therefore, I have boldly chosen a deep blue brocade as the base to symbolize the vastness of the heavens and the virtue of the crane; and I have used silver thread to weave the pine and crane, taking the meaning of 'the clear light of the Milky Way,' to reflect the Empress's serene and far-reaching majesty."
She spoke earnestly, paused slightly, and continued calmly:
"In the design and layout, I adhere to the ancient concept of 'pine and crane symbolizing longevity,' striving for the pine branches to be strong yet graceful, and the cranes to be in various postures, all conveying auspiciousness. In my humble opinion, the soul of clothing lies in 'using patterns to express virtue and using ornamentation to enhance one's character.' It is my greatest fortune to be able to tailor clothing for a mother as virtuous as a mountain, as upright as a pine, as graceful as the moon, and as elegant as a crane. Only by exhausting my ingenuity can I do not fail to live up to even a fraction of your grace."
The garden was quiet, save for the soft rustling of the autumn wind through the gauze curtains.
Even the usually aloof Princess Li couldn't help but nod slightly.
This insight goes far beyond the scope of ordinary craftsmen.
Lady Di and Lady Xiao exchanged a glance, their eyes filled with pride and satisfaction.
Yongfu's eyes lit up as he listened.
The Empress looked at the Empress Dowager, her eyes smiling, with a hint of inquiry in them.
The Empress Dowager sat upon it, her face still calm, but the icy scrutiny in her eyes had quietly melted a little.
She remained noncommittal, but turned her gaze to Yongfu beside the Empress and said calmly, "Yongfu, what is the meaning behind the 'Butterfly and Flower' intertwined branch pattern on your body?"
Upon hearing this, Lu Zhaoruo nodded slightly in Yongfu's direction, her voice becoming softer and brighter: "Your Majesty, the 'Butterfly and Flower' pattern worn by His Highness Yongfu is inspired by the scene of butterflies playing among flowers in late spring and early summer."
"The commoner's dress is based on the color of autumn fragrance, symbolizing the warmth and harmony of the sun; the butterfly wings are brightly colored and adorned with gold threads, taking the auspicious omen of 'butterflies dancing in the golden autumn'; the winding and lively intertwined flowers subtly reflect His Highness's lively nature."
She looked at Yongfu with warm eyes, her words carrying a tender affection like that for a younger sister: "The pattern and layout do not need to be neat and symmetrical, but rather innocent and charming. The butterflies fluttering around the flower branches, seemingly alive, are just like Your Highness in your prime, with a clear mind and joyful heart. My wish is to weave this moment of spring light and carefree joy into a garment, so that it may always be by Your Highness's side."
Upon hearing this, Yongfu's eyes immediately lit up as if they were filled with stars.
She couldn't help but let out a soft "Ah!" and, disregarding her manners, lifted the hem of her "Butterfly and Flower" skirt and twirled lightly in place like a happy little butterfly, so that the butterfly pattern on her skirt could be fully displayed.
"Mother! Listen to what Sister Lu said!"
Her voice was cheerful, with the charming naiveté of a young girl, “‘Innocent and whimsical,’ ‘Joyful and carefree’! I knew it! Sister Lu understands me best! She not only sewed spring and happiness into my clothes, but she also knows exactly what’s on my mind!”
She turned to Lu Zhaoruo, her eyes filled with unreserved adoration and affection: "Sister Lu, Yongfu loves this auspicious omen of 'Butterflies Dancing in Golden Autumn' the most! Next time, you must make me clothes like this, filled with stories and blessings!"
This innocent and genuine joy, like a spring breeze brushing across the water, instantly lightened and warmed the originally solemn atmosphere.
Even the Empress Dowager at the head of the table, the last trace of frost in her eyes melted into a hint of helpless indulgence and warmth.
Her gaze swept over the garden full of gorgeous clothes again, and finally settled on Lu Zhaoruo: "In that case, Madam Lu, please tell me about the autumn scenery of this garden for me and all the ladies."
"This humble woman obeys your command."
Lu Zhaoruo bowed deeply.
She did not rush to speak, but calmly surveyed the surroundings, taking in the demeanor of each piece of art and each wearer, before speaking slowly.
Her voice was not loud, but it reached everyone's ears clearly, like a clear spring babbling on jade, without the slightest flattery, only a devotion to art and insight into people.
She looked at the Duchess of Di and said in a warm tone, “The ‘Abundant Harvest’ painting by the old lady uses earth tones as the background and gold thread to embroider the grains. The pattern is full and thick, symbolizing abundance and peace, which is just like your kind and benevolent appearance and your long-lasting blessings.”
His gaze shifted to Madam Xiao, a hint of warmth appearing in his eyes: "Madam Xiao's 'Autumn Hunting Scene' outfit, with its ochre and camel base, features a spirited hunting pattern, while the scrolling grass pattern adds a touch of elegance. Just like you, Madam, beneath your dashing and heroic bearing lies a broad and magnanimous heart."
Then he looked at Consort Rong and Princess Li, his words becoming even more elegant and respectful: "Consort Rong's 'Longevity and Prosperity' is embroidered with round and full bat wings, and the stitches are fine and even, showing a profound inner peace; Princess Li's 'Golden Chrysanthemums Defying Frost' is made with extremely exquisite use of gold thread, and the petals are gracefully curled, revealing a cool and elegant spirit in its magnificence, which is a true reflection of the character of the two consorts."
She did not overlook the newly promoted Imperial Concubine, speaking in a calm and objective tone: "Your Highness's 'Jade Hall of Wealth and Nobility' has a moon-white base with light purple magnolia tints. As you walk, there is a wonderful flow of light and shadow. It is elegant and unparalleled yet delicate, which is very rare."
In this way, calmly and unhurriedly, she meticulously examined each garment, as if reciting a familiar story, perfectly combining the fabric, color scheme, pattern, and stitching with each person's identity, temperament, and even subtle inner pursuits.
The garden was completely silent.
All the previous whispers and disdain about her humble origins in Jizhou, her divorce, her lawsuit against her husband's family, and her business dealings vanished in the hearts of all the noblewomen at this moment.
Instead, a spontaneous and pure admiration arose.
Regardless of whether they like Lu Zhaoruo as a person, they cannot deny one fact: this woman's talent has reached a state of perfection.
She not only possesses exquisitely skillful hands, but also has a keen eye for understanding people's hearts.
The Empress Dowager sat upon it, taking in the changes in everyone's expressions.
Only the Grand Princess is left!
At that very moment.
A slightly nervous eunuch announced in a loud voice, "Her Highness the Grand Princess has arrived!"
The laughter and chatter in the garden came to an abrupt halt, and everyone's attention was instantly drawn to the entrance.
Grand Princess Linglang slowly entered.
She was dressed in a black dress with gold phoenix patterns, not the formal dress that Lu Zhaoruo had prepared for her at the Rainbow Dress Gathering today.
The magnificent dress that should have been worn by her was now being held steadily on a sandalwood tray by a solemn-looking old woman behind her.
What's most startling is that her appearance bears a striking resemblance to Lu Zhaoruo, who stands quietly to the side! They share the same eyebrow and eye contours, and a straight, elegant nose. However, Lu Zhaoruo is as aloof as the moon, calm and reserved, while the Grand Princess's eyes and brows exude a sharpness and domineering aura honed by years of power, radiating an imposing presence without anger.
The striking resemblance stirred a sense of astonishment and doubt in everyone present.
Lady Di thought to herself, "Could there really be such similar people in the world? If it weren't for their different temperaments, I would almost suspect that they are blood relatives."
Madam Xiao saw it clearly, and was shocked: "Those eyebrows and eyes... if I didn't know Zhao Ruo's background, I would really think..."
Even the Empress Dowager, seated at the head of the table, glanced between the two men, a faint hint of inquiry flashing in her eyes.
Linglang's arrival instantly turned the warm atmosphere in the garden to freezing point.
The Empress Dowager and the Empress exchanged a glance, their expressions becoming more solemn.
Yongfu subconsciously moved closer to the Empress Dowager.
Consort Rong maintained a gentle smile, as if she had not noticed the delicate situation.
Princess Li looked towards the entrance, a cold smile playing on her lips: "This 'grand finale' fetish has remained unchanged for decades, even more so than when the late Emperor was alive."
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