Chapter 241 The Grand Princess Makes Things Difficult
Shu Linglang walked to the front of the palace, gave a slight nod to the Empress Dowager and Empress as a greeting, and said in a steady but somewhat distant voice: “Sister-in-law, Empress. I am late.”
Her gaze, sharp as an icy blade, fell precisely and coldly upon Lu Zhaoruo, who stood with her head bowed.
There was no curiosity or appreciation in that gaze, only an undisguised, condescending scrutiny.
However, when her gaze actually fell upon Lu Zhaoruo's lowered profile, Shu Linglang's pupils contracted almost imperceptibly.
picture.
They look so alike.
Those eyebrows, those curves of the nose... they bear a striking resemblance to my own when I was young, six or seven points!
A strange, unfamiliar thrill, mixed with a feeling of being offended and anger, surged into my heart in an instant.
This glaring resemblance, instead of fostering any sense of closeness, aroused her undisguised coldness, annoyance, and strong rejection.
At the same time, Lu Zhaoruo, who slightly raised her eyes, also saw the face of the legendary Grand Princess in that instant.
With just one glance, Lu Zhaoruo felt her breath catch in her throat, and her fingers unconsciously tightened in her sleeve.
This high and mighty Grand Princess looks exactly like me!
However, her own face was more aloof and gentle, like a plum blossom under the moon; while Linglang's face was more like that of a lone eagle on a snowy mountain, with a sharp and arrogant look honed by years of power, making people afraid to look directly at her.
Their eyes met, but only for a fleeting moment.
The Empress Dowager sat on the phoenix throne and asked, "Why did Linglang not wear the wedding dress that Lady Lu prepared for you today?"
Linglang calmly withdrew her gaze, the scene before her departure coldly flashing through her mind—
Before leaving, Yunxiu bit her lip and tugged at her sleeve, whispering, "Mother, why don't we secretly tear a hole in the hem of your clothes and make Lu Zhaoruo lose face on the spot!"
Upon hearing this, Linglang's gaze suddenly turned cold, but she did not look at her daughter. Instead, she lightly brushed her fingertips across her sleeve, her tone so indifferent that it revealed no emotion: "Such a vision is ultimately inferior. It only arouses suspicion and lowers one's own status."
She didn't say anything more, but Yunxiu had already awkwardly let go of her hand and dared not say another word.
Although her mother doted on her, if she were truly angry, a single look from her was enough.
Linglang could indulge her daughter, but she would never tolerate such clumsy scheming.
Shu Linglang turned to the Empress Dowager, her eyes expressionless, completely ignoring Lu Zhaoruo's presence: "Thank you for your trouble, Sister-in-law and Empress. As for this dress—"
She turned slightly to the side, and the old nanny responded by presenting a sandalwood tray to her.
"The craftsmanship is extremely skillful."
Her tone was calm, but her voice suddenly turned somber at the end, "Unfortunately, it doesn't suit my taste."
The words "not to one's liking" fell like ice to the ground, silencing the entire garden; even the wind seemed to have stopped.
The ladies in the garden, all dressed in their own impeccably tailored gowns, were secretly admiring Lu Zhaoruo's ingenuity when they heard her words and were all taken aback.
This is hardly a matter of the clothes not meeting one's expectations; it's clearly an excuse to stand up for Lady Yunxiu!
For a moment, everyone's eyes met, and although no one dared to speak, they all understood perfectly well that this Grand Princess was going to give Lu Zhaoruo a hard time in front of the Empress Dowager.
Despite the suffocating pressure, Lu Zhaoruo stepped forward, bowed respectfully, and spoke in a clear and calm voice, without a trace of panic or grievance: "This humble woman thanks Your Highness for speaking frankly."
She raised her head, her gaze clear and earnest, and met Shu Linglang's cold scrutiny with composure: "If Your Highness finds this unsatisfactory, it must be because I have failed to accurately perceive the supreme demeanor and bearing that Your Highness upholds in your daily life. It is my fault."
A faint hint of surprise flashed across Linglang's eyes.
This woman was neither anxious nor argumentative; instead, she took the blame upon herself, showing remarkable composure.
Lu Zhaoruo spoke earnestly, continuing, "For such important occasions, even the slightest error in the attire can lead to disastrous consequences. Since Your Highness has already noticed the impropriety, I humbly request that Your Highness try on the garment while I observe quietly. Your Highness's unparalleled elegance will surely reveal any imperfections or inconsistencies at a glance. Only then can I understand the specific flaws and learn from them forever."
Shu Linglang's gaze narrowed slightly.
His composure and quick thinking are truly extraordinary.
However, Yunxiu is still the apple of my eye. I would never say a harsh word to her, so how could I allow outsiders to bully her? If I let this merchant's daughter get away with it so easily today, what face will Yunxiu have in the capital in the future!
Her red lips parted slightly, her voice as indifferent as ever: "No need."
They just don't give you a chance at all!
Lu Zhaoruo frowned slightly.
She knew the Grand Princess would make things difficult, and had considered many ways she might do so, but she never expected the Grand Princess to simply say, "It doesn't suit my taste."
The Duchess of Di and the Princess Consort of Li exchanged a glance, both knowing that if the matter remained deadlocked, it would be against propriety.
Lady Di, the Duchess of Di, spoke first, her voice gentle yet weighty: "Your Highness, what Lady Lu said makes sense. Today's grand event is ultimately a result of His Majesty and the Empress Dowager's good intentions. The imperial robes are a matter of national dignity, and even if there are minor flaws, they should be clearly pointed out to the craftsmen so that they can recognize their mistakes and correct them, thus demonstrating Your Highness's dedication to supervision."
Princess Liqin also spoke calmly, her tone cool and direct: "Linglang, since you've already arrived, why not give it a try? If it's really not suitable, we can have Lady Lu revise it on the spot, which will also fulfill the 'perfect' intention of today's Ni Chang event. The Empress Dowager and the Empress are still watching from the head of the table."
The two elder members of the imperial clan spoke in unison, offering a way out while also subtly imposing pressure.
Shu Linglang glanced at the two men, knowing that their words represented the attitude of the elders of the imperial clan.
She could disregard Lu Zhaoruo's feelings, but she couldn't disregard the Empress Dowager and these two old nobles.
She hadn't expected that.
A mere commoner woman from a merchant family actually received help from the Princess Consort of Prince Li and the Duchess of Di.
What a...
He's no ordinary person.
A cold glint flashed in her eyes, and she finally spoke indifferently: "Since that's the case, I will give it a try."
Linglang said no more, turned around with a flick of her sleeve, signaled the nanny to carry her clothes and follow her, and went straight to the side hall for changing.
With a cold expression, she allowed the palace servants to help her put on the dress.
She had already prepared her answer in her mind; all she needed to do later was point out that the waistline was slightly loose or the pattern was too complicated.
However.
As the last ribbon was tied, she glanced up at her reflection in the mirror and her breath caught in her throat.
The person in the mirror is her, yet not her.
The black background, solemn and profound, made the sharpness between her brows appear even more majestic and natural.
The phoenix pattern woven with gold thread shimmered with a subtle brilliance under the candlelight, exuding an indescribable nobility that perfectly complemented her overall demeanor.
She subconsciously shifted her body slightly to the left and right, and the reflection in the mirror moved accordingly.
The precise tailoring, like a second skin, made her figure appear even more upright and slender; the harmonious color scheme and the magnificent patterns perfectly highlighted the dignified and imposing presence of the princess that she usually deliberately concealed.
As her clothes swayed, a subtle shimmer appeared, and not a single flaw could be found.
This garment transcends the realm of mere craftsmanship.
It seemed to see into her soul, revealing without reservation the true Linglang hidden beneath the dignified mask—that proud, powerful, and unquestionable self.
a long time.
Only then did Linglang conceal the shock that she couldn't hide in her eyes, forcibly reverting to her usual cold and stern demeanor.
She took one last deep look at herself in the mirror before slowly walking out.
When she reappeared in the Imperial Garden, the entire garden fell silent for a moment, followed by a chorus of suppressed gasps of amazement.
The clothes suited her perfectly.
Shu Linglang walked back to her seat with steady steps, her face cold and stern, without uttering a word.
The Empress Dowager, seated at the head of the table, scrutinized Linglang's robes, a flash of amazement in her eyes. Then, she asked the question that had been on everyone's mind: "Linglang, Madam Lu has indeed put a lot of effort into this outfit you're wearing. Now that you've changed, how do you feel about it? If there's anything inappropriate, please feel free to speak up."
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