Chapter 32: Coming of Age
Time flies, as if in just the blink of an eye, the fragrance of autumn's golden osmanthus has not yet completely dissipated, and the first snow of winter has quietly embellished the palace eaves.
Inside Fengyi Palace, an atmosphere of busyness and festivity even greater than that of the New Year had already spread.
Because, the coming-of-age ceremony of Princess Fuxing Dongfang Yuning is here!
This was a truly auspicious occasion! The Empress Dowager herself served as the guest of honor, and the Emperor decreed that the coming-of-age banquet be held in the square in front of the Hall of Supreme Harmony in the Imperial Palace, with the utmost royal ceremony!
The high standards and great favor were enough to make all the unmarried ladies in Beijing envious.
On this day, the weather was nice, the sky was clear and blue, and the warm winter sun cast its golden light, dispelling the cold.
The square in front of the Hall of Supreme Harmony had already been decorated with solemnity and splendor, featuring a red carpet, brocade curtains and screens, and a high incense table. The royal family, distinguished ministers, and their families, all invited to observe the ceremony, were dressed in formal attire and stood solemnly according to their rank, their gaze fixed on today's protagonist.
Dongfang Yanru, his wife Li, and the three sons of the Dongfang family - Marquis Dongfang Liezheng, the elegant Minister of Rites Dongfang Qichen, and his third brother Dongfang Linyuan, who had just rushed back from Jiangnan and was accompanied by his niece, Princess Nangong Yue - all stood at the front.
Mrs. Li looked at her little daughter who was dressed up and about to have her coming-of-age ceremony. Her eyes were already wet and she had to hold back her tears.
In the blink of an eye, the delicate little girl in the cradle has grown into a graceful young lady and become the most dazzling pearl today.
【Mom, don’t cry! 】
Dongfang Yuning was pressed in front of the bronze mirror by the dressing nanny. Looking at the strange yet familiar self in the mirror with a complicated bun and gorgeous pearl flowers, her heart was beating fast.
"Tong, I'm so nervous! My hair is combed like a pagoda, it's so heavy! And this dress is pretty, but I feel like I'm going to fall down when I walk! Why is the coming-of-age ceremony so complicated?"
System 118:
[Ding! Host, calm down! This is the highlight of your life! Think about the 'adulthood' achievement you're about to unlock! Think about the coming-of-age gift red envelope you're about to receive (important!)!
Think... ahem, think about the dazzling equipment your golden-legged prince has prepared for you! Hang on! For gold! For freedom!
Dongfang Yuning:
[…Yes! For gold! For freedom! Fight!]
She took a deep breath and tried to straighten her body.
At this moment, Nangong Ye was standing at the front of the crowd, wearing a prince's dragon robe, his posture was as straight as a pine tree, and his handsome face was full of excitement that was difficult to conceal.
His gaze remained fixed on the entrance to the inner hall, waiting for that figure to appear. After the coming-of-age ceremony... he would be able to declare Ning'er his!
She was the only princess in Nangong Ye's life! In his sleeve, the imperial edict that had been prepared long ago to grant marriage seemed to carry a scorching temperature.
He had already made careful preparations for this moment. At this moment, the Empress Dowager's most capable maidservant was waiting by her side, holding a luxurious red sandalwood dressing box inlaid with gold and various precious stones.
Inside was a complete set of head ornaments that he had collected rare treasures from all over the world and had skilled craftsmen spend months making: a phoenix-wearing-peony hairpin with red gold, kingfisher feathers and rubies, a moon-shaped pendant with oriental pearls, a hairpin made of mutton-fat jade, and other hairpins inlaid with various gems, which were magnificent, gorgeous and priceless.
Next to it, there is a floor-length gown woven with gold and silver threads mixed with peacock feathers and embroidered with a pattern of birds paying homage to the phoenix. It glows with a dreamy, colorful luster in the sunlight.
[The prince's hand... is too scary! ]
The nanny holding the dressing box was trembling in her heart.
[I'm afraid there aren't many things comparable to this in the national treasury! It seems that Prince Yong emptied the entire palace treasury to save face for the princess!]
Nangong Ye didn't care about it. His little thing deserved the best. The best jewelry, the best clothes, the best ceremony, only then could it barely match the weight she held in his heart.
He even felt that it was not enough and he wanted to bring all the treasures in the world to her.
"The auspicious time has arrived—!"
Following the ceremonial officer's high-pitched and long chant, drums and music began to play.
Everyone's eyes instantly focused on Dongfang Yuning, who slowly walked out of the inner hall, supported by two palace maids in gorgeous attire.
In an instant, the entire square seemed to be silent for a moment.
The girl was wearing the colorful dress that Nangong Ye had given her. The light flowed as she walked, as if she was covered by the nine-day rosy clouds.
On her bun, the filigree golden phoenix hairpin bestowed by the Empress Dowager herself was placed in the center, and on both sides were embellished with kingfisher feather and ruby hairpins prepared by Nangong Ye. They swayed gently with her steps, reflecting dazzling light.
A cinnabar flower on her forehead accentuated her fair skin and picturesque features. Her usually lively and ethereal temperament, in this solemn and luxurious attire, was imbued with a breathtaking, nascent splendor and purity.
[Oh my god! Ning'er...]
Empress Dongfang Qiwu, acting as today's patron (the person assisting the main guest with formalities), stood beside the empress dowager. Seeing her younger sister arrive in all her splendor, she felt a mixture of shock and pride, her eyes slightly warm. Her Ning'er had grown up.
Li couldn't hold back any longer, tears rolled down her cheeks, but she quickly wiped them away with a handkerchief, a smile of extreme relief on her face.
The men of the Dongfang family were also filled with amazement and pride. Dongfang Linyuan smiled and whispered to Nangong Yue beside him:
"Did you see that? Our little ancestor has outshined all the noble ladies in the capital today!"
Nangong Yue looked at her radiant aunt and nodded vigorously:
"My aunt is the most beautiful!"
Nangong Ye's breath stopped the moment Dongfang Yuning appeared. He knew she was beautiful, but he had no idea that she could be so beautiful in her gorgeous attire...breathtaking, as if she had gathered all the splendor in the world.
His hands clenched slightly in his sleeves, his heartbeat was like a drum, and a strong emotion called possession surged. She was his! Only his!
Dongfang Yuning himself was actually a little confused.
[Tong... I feel like a moving jewelry display... So heavy! And everyone's looking at me, so embarrassing!]
She tried to maintain a dignified pace, but she was complaining wildly in her heart.
System 118: [Ding! Host, please maintain your elegance! You are now the most beautiful person in the room! A mobile gold mountain!]
Think about the look in the prince's eyes... Tsk tsk, it's almost stuck to you and can't be pulled off! The golden thighs have 'turned' into perverted legs! Hahaha!]
Dongfang Yuning:
[…Shut up! Don’t ruin the atmosphere!]
Her face flushed slightly as she tried to ignore the gazes from all directions, especially the one that was so hot that it almost set her on fire.
The coming-of-age ceremony officially begins.
Amidst the solemn and dignified music, Dongfang Yuning knelt down according to ancient rituals, worshipped the ancestors of heaven and earth, and listened to the teachings of his parents.
Dongfang Yanru spoke earnestly, while Li choked up and told her daughter to be polite and righteous, and live in peace and happiness in the future.
[Don't worry, Daddy and Mommy! I will definitely make a lot of money and let everyone live a good life!]
Dongfang Yuning swore silently in his heart, and his eyes became a little red.
Next comes the "three additions" ceremony.
Chujia: The Empress Dowager personally stepped forward, took off the ordinary hairpin on Dongfang Yuning's bun, and pinned her with a plain jade hairpin that symbolized an adult woman, implying that she had shed her childishness.
[The Empress Dowager’s hands are so warm…]
Dongfang Yuning felt the changes in his hair.
In addition: The Queen Mother put a more gorgeous gold hairpin on her head, symbolizing the woman's virtue and beauty.
[This gold one...seems pretty valuable too?]
A certain money-obsessed person's thinking started to go astray.
Finally, the Queen Mother solemnly placed the exquisitely gorgeous red gold, kingfisher feather, and ruby inlaid phoenix and peony hairpin prepared by Nangong Ye in the center of her bun! In an instant, it was radiant and noble!
[Wow! This hairpin! Such luster! Such heft! It's definitely worth a fortune!]
Dongfang Yuning's mind was full of calculations.
[Nangong Ye's big... ah no, it's my fiancé, he's really willing to spend a lot of money! Reliable!]
Among the crowd watching the ceremony, many noble ladies were filled with naked envy and jealousy when they saw the unique hairpin that was obviously made by the top craftsmen in-house.
Prince Yong's favor for Princess Fuxing is simply outrageous!
The “three additions” are followed by the “three bows”.
Dongfang Yuning bowed in turn to the Empress Dowager, her parents, and all the guests. Her movements were a little awkward, but she was incredibly serious, carrying the solemnity and gratitude of a young woman growing up.
The entire ceremony was solemn and heartwarming. When the ceremonial officer sang "The ceremony is over—," warm applause and congratulations erupted in front of the Hall of Supreme Harmony.
"Congratulations to Princess Fuxing on her coming of age!"
"The princess's beauty will last forever!"
Dongfang Yuning stood in the center of the venue, basking in the warm sun and the blessings of everyone. Her face flushed with excitement and shyness, and she was incredibly beautiful. She secretly breathed a sigh of relief:
[Huh…it’s finally over! My neck is about to break!]
System 118:
[Ding! Congratulations to the host for completing the Ancient Women's Coming of Age Ceremony achievement! Received a 'Dignified (Fake)' skin experience card (valid until the ceremony ends).]
Bonus points +1000! Host, you're an adult now! You can... hehe, you can now legally flirt with the prince!]
Dongfang Yuning: [...Get lost!]
After the coming-of-age ceremony, a grand palace banquet followed.
Just as everyone was about to move to the banquet, Nangong Ye suddenly strode out of the queue. In the astonished eyes of everyone, he walked to the bottom of the imperial steps, knelt on one knee in front of Nangong Yu who was sitting on the dragon throne, and said loudly:
"Your humble servant, Nangong Ye, begs for your royal permission!"
Nangong Yu looked at his normally stern brother, who was now unable to conceal his excitement. He understood, but also felt a little complicated. He nodded slightly.
"allow."
The father-in-law immediately stepped forward, unfolded the bright yellow scroll he had prepared, and read in a sharp and clear voice:
"The Emperor, in compliance with the Will of Heaven, proclaims: I have heard that Dongfang Yuning, the daughter of the Duke of Zhenguo, Dongfang Yanru, is gentle, virtuous, graceful, dignified, and quiet, capable of restraining herself, peaceful and auspicious, and pure and harmonious.
Now I have reached the age of marriage and am waiting to be married. When my younger brother, Prince Yong, Nangong Ye, is ready to marry, I will choose a virtuous woman to be his partner.
Dongfang Yuning is still unmarried, and you and Prince Yong are a match made in heaven. In order to fulfill her beauty, I hereby betroth you to Prince Yong as his princess.
All ceremonial rites shall be jointly handled by the Ministry of Rites and the Imperial Observatory, and an auspicious date shall be chosen for the wedding. Announcement shall be made to the whole nation and abroad. "I decree—"
After the imperial edict was read, the entire square was silent, and you could hear a pin drop.
Then, there was a huge uproar!
A Granted Marriage! Prince Yong and Princess Fuxing! The Emperor actually granted the marriage in public at the Princess's coming-of-age ceremony!
"Congratulations, Prince Yong! Congratulations, Princess Fuxing!"
"It's a match made in heaven! It's a match made in heaven!"
Congratulations came like a tide.
Dongfang Yuning was completely stunned!
[Wha…what?! An arranged marriage?! Now?! In public?!]
Her mind went blank and she subconsciously looked at Nangong Ye who was kneeling in front of her.
Nangong Ye also raised his head at this moment, his gaze piercing the crowd and accurately capturing her. In those deep phoenix eyes, there was undisguised affection, joy, and... determination. He nodded slowly and solemnly at her.
[Ahhh! General! He nodded! What does he mean?! This imperial decree...he already knew about it?! No! He asked for it?!]
The little man in Dongfang Yuning's heart was screaming,
"This is so sudden! I'm not ready! Princess? That sounds scary! Will I be able to open a shop casually from now on?"
System 118:
[Ding! Host! Stay calm! What's wrong with the princess? The princess is also a human being! The princess needs to make money! The princess has a salary!]
Think of your princess salary! Think of the key to the prince's private vault! Think of the naming rights to the business empire you'll soon own!
This is a leap in status, a bonus of capital! It is... the official certification of legal possession of a golden thigh! 】
Dongfang Yuning:
[… Seems… makes sense? Salary? Key to the vault?]
The money-obsessed person's thinking was instantly led astray.
[Then... then being a princess seems... okay too? ]
Unlike her ignorance (and money-obsessed nature), the men of the Dongfang family had much more complicated feelings.
Dongfang Yanru and Li Shi were both relieved and sad. Their daughter had grown up and would eventually get married.
Prince Yong... is indeed a rare talent, and his treatment of Ning'er is impeccable, but why does he feel so bad in his heart?
It’s like a rare and famous flower that has been carefully cultivated for more than ten years, but in the blink of an eye, it is about to be taken away with the pot!
The three young masters of the Dongfang family had interesting expressions on their faces.
Big brother Dongfang Liezheng: As steady as he is, he also frowned at this moment, looking at Nangong Ye with eyes full of scrutiny and... dissatisfaction!
[This brat! He's so fast!]
The second brother Dongfang Qichen: His gentle smile was a little stiff, and the folding fan in his hand creaked.
[My sister... is she already chosen like this? Have you asked us brothers?!]
Third brother Dongfang Linyuan: The biggest reaction! He almost jumped up!
[What?! A granted marriage?! Nangong Ye, you old fox! I was wondering why you were so focused on Ning'er's business! Turns out you were waiting here! Trying to use the imperial decree to trap my sister?!]
No way! Wait... Ning'er became the princess, so my women's club and her partnership with Yunzhongxian... are they considered royal merchants? It seems... not bad at all?]
The third brother's thoughts jumped back and forth between anger and business interests, and his face turned pale and blue.
Nangong Ye felt the murderous gazes coming from the direction of the Dongfang family men that almost pierced through him, and his back straightened even more.
He laughed in his heart:
The looks from my brothers-in-law... well, they're familiar. Back when my brother married my sister-in-law, the elders of the Dongfang family looked at him the same way. It seems this hurdle won't be easy for me. But... for Ning'er, it's worth it!
Just as the atmosphere was warm and subtle, a crisp female voice rang out:
"Your humble servant, Liu Pan'er, congratulates Princess Fuxing on her coming of age! I offer this gift to wish her everlasting happiness, longevity, and good health!"
When everyone looked over, they saw Liu Pan'er, dressed in a fiery red riding uniform and looking heroic, standing out from the crowd. She was holding a long and narrow rosewood box that looked quite heavy in both hands, smiling brightly, and strode towards Dongfang Yuning.
"Sister Pan'er!"
When Dongfang Yuning saw his friend, his eyes lit up, and his previous ignorance and shyness were much diluted.
Liu Pan'er handed the wooden box to her, blinked, and said in a low voice:
"Open it and take a look? I guarantee you'll like it! It's much more practical than those gold, silver, and jewelry!"
Dongfang Yuning curiously opened the box. Inside lay a dagger, sheathed and still in its scabbard. The dagger's shape was simple and sleek, its sharkskin sheath soft to the touch. When he pulled it out, the dagger shone with a chilling gleam, its blade like autumn frost. It was a peerless divine weapon, capable of slicing through metal like mud!
The most special thing is that there is a pigeon blood ruby inlaid at the end of the dagger handle, which sparkles in the sun, which is both gorgeous and deadly.
[Wow! Dagger! So cool!]
Dongfang Yuning fell in love with it instantly.
[Sister Pan'er understands me! This is much more interesting than a hairpin! A great self-defense weapon, a must-have for home and travel! Can it also... cut fruit?]
System 118:
Ding! Detected a gift from 'Sassy Girlfriend': Black Iron Meteorite Dagger (Hair-severing, priceless). Note: This item is extremely effective for self-defense (or melon-slicing). Friendship Points +100! Gained the 'Increased Safety Factor' aura!
Nangong Ye looked at the dagger that was shining with cold light, then looked at his little one's eyes that were shining with excitement, and the corners of his mouth twitched slightly.
[Miss Liu...this gift is truly...ingenious.]
He was a little worried that his own princess would use him for "sparring" in the future...
"Thank you, Sister Pan'er! I love it so much!"
Dongfang Yuning held the dagger box, her smile showing from ear to ear. This was the most satisfying gift she had received today!
Mrs. Li looked at her daughter holding the dagger with such joy as if she had obtained some rare treasure, and then looked at the priceless hairpin on her head... She held her forehead with her hand helplessly, but also found it funny.
Her daughter is really... different.
"Alright, alright, the auspicious ceremony is complete, the marriage has been announced, and all the nobles may move to the Qionghua Palace to celebrate the birthday of Princess Fuxing!"
Nangong Yu spoke at the right time, breaking the complicated atmosphere in the field.
The drums and music started again, and laughter and joy filled the square again.
Dongfang Yuning was surrounded and walked towards the banquet. In one hand, he held the precious dagger given by Liu Pan'er, and with the other hand he subconsciously touched the heavy hairpin on his bun.
[Princess…Salary…Key to the Private Treasury…Business Empire…]
The little abacus in her heart began to crackle again.
[It seems... the future is bright? Nangong Ye... well, considering how 'sensible' he is, this future husband... doesn't seem unacceptable?]
Nangong Ye, who was walking beside her, clearly caught the little murmurs and hesitations in her heart, and a doting and complacent smile appeared at the corner of his lips.
He leaned slightly to the side and very naturally reached out his hand to help her smooth down the colorful bridal veil that had slipped off her shoulders. His movements were gentle, yet filled with an unmistakable intimacy.
"Ning'er,"
His low voice sounded in her ears, with endless smiles and expectations.
"We still have a long way to go."
Dongfang Yuning looked up and met his deep, smiling eyes, in which her gorgeously dressed figure was clearly reflected. She was his whole world.
Her heart skipped a beat, and a strange, sweet throbbing sensation quietly grew. She quickly lowered her head to hide her slightly red cheeks and muttered softly:
"...Well, let's open the milk tea shop first!"
Nangong Ye looked at her awkward yet cute appearance and laughed softly. The laughter was joyful and melted the winter chill.
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