The collar of the pajamas was neatly overlapped, but red spots from being bitten were visible on the collarbone. If you looked further down, you could see plum blossoms blooming on the snow, densely packed.
Even Song Tangxue was somewhat taken aback.
"Let the two matrons in."
A few days ago, red silk and lanterns were hung up at the Song residence. As soon as it got dark, the lanterns were lit, and from a distance, the place was bright and golden-red.
A breeze blew through the night, causing the double happiness symbol on the large red lantern to sway incessantly.
From yesterday until the sky began to lighten with the first hint of dawn, lanterns were hung high.
Before dawn, servants and maids were bustling in and out of the gate, everyone was very busy. Everyone knew that the Song family was marrying off their daughter, and to the Crown Prince no less.
In Song Tangli's room, Old Madam Song and Madam Song were helping her with her makeup.
"One comb to the head, two combs to the tail, three combs to the white hair reaching the eyebrows..." Looking at her daughter in the mirror, Song's mother was filled with mixed emotions. She had raised her daughter for more than ten years.
Their bond was stronger than that of blood relatives; the girl in the mirror, though not stunningly beautiful, was still quite pretty.
The heavy wedding dress draped over her added to her air of nobility.
With a heavy heart, Song's mother placed the phoenix hairpin in her hair, saying, "Ali, after you get married, you'll be someone else's wife..."
With delicate white hands, she wiped away the tears from the corners of Song's mother's eyes: "Mother, today is a joyous occasion, you mustn't cry."
"Yes, Ali will be the Crown Princess after tonight. This is a joyous occasion, something to be happy about. Don't cry." Old Madam Song was reluctant to part with her granddaughter, after all, she had raised her for a long time.
“Mother, Grandmother, Ah Li is leaving the Song family today, but Ah Li will always be a member of the Song family.” Song Tangli held her mother’s hand: “Mother should be happy for me.”
Mother Song reached out and tapped the tip of her nose: "After you get married, you absolutely must not be so spoiled."
Song Tangli nodded. From this day forward, she would be the Crown Princess. Let's see how Song Tangxue will compete with her in the future.
Thinking about all this, Song Tangxue's heart pounded. She carefully checked her makeup, determined to outshine Song Tangxue today.
"Alright, it's getting late. You go over there and keep an eye on things, just in case something goes wrong." Old Madam Song glanced at the sky and urged Song's mother.
Following her instructions, Song's mother glanced at Song Tangli with lingering reluctance.
Upon arriving at Plum Garden, the two matrons stepped into the room: "Please stop, matrons. Today is my daughter's wedding day, so let me help her with her hair and put on her veil."
Granny Geng was somewhat skeptical. Could Song's mother really be so kind? Accompanying her were dozens of boxes of dowry behind her.
"What does the Crown Princess think?" Granny Geng was unsure, but decided to ask Song Tangxue anyway. The Empress Dowager valued Song Tangxue, so she should also pay some attention to her.
Seeing Granny Geng blocking the doorway, Song's mother's heart pounded. What if Song Tangxue changed her mind at the last minute...
"Let Mother in." Song Tangxue's voice was like heavenly music. Song's mother breathed a sigh of relief, went inside, and closed the door.
Looking at the plain jewelry on Song Tangxue's table, Song's mother twirled the jade bracelet on her wrist and said in a good mood, "I have a set of jewelry. I'll make you my male consort today, so that people won't say that our Song family mistreats our daughter."
“Okay.” Song Tangxue didn’t care and casually agreed.
Song's mother had nothing to say to her, and the two remained silent. Song Tangxue quickly packed her things.
There wasn't much to bring.
"Is this all your dowry?" Mother Song had already instructed that her dowry be kept at the back gate of the courtyard and that she would take it there herself.
However, the dowry given by the Empress Dowager must not be touched at all!
Looking at the several boxes of dowry, Song's mother felt a lump in her throat: "Never mind, I'll give you some money."
"Once you're all ready, go out through the side door. Don't let anyone notice anything amiss," Madam Song instructed with a stern face before turning to deal with the two old women.
She didn't want to stay with Song Tangxue for even a second longer. After she left, Song Tangxue took off all the jewels from her head and said, "You can pawn them today."
Cui Xi took the jewelry box with a blank expression.
"It's not unreasonable to make a little money on your wedding day, is it?" Song Tangxue picked out an inconspicuous earring for herself, smiled slightly, and the reflection in the mirror smiled along with her.
Her hair was black and flowing, adorned with jade belts and pearl flowers. Even her bright wedding dress paled in comparison. Her shoulders were like those of a sculpted figure, her waist slender and graceful, her skin like solidified cream, and her fragrance like a delicate orchid. She was charming and alluring, with a captivating beauty that seemed to transcend all boundaries.
Like a celestial being banished from heaven.
Cui Xi suddenly remembered the question the second young lady had asked earlier: who was more beautiful, her or the eldest young lady? How could they be compared?
Ten young ladies couldn't compare to Song Tangxue's every gesture and smile, especially her captivating eyes, with their lazy, slightly upturned corners, exuding a languid yet alluring charm. A single glance from her seemed to steal one's soul.
After a moment's thought, Song Tangxue took out the small porcelain bottle that had previously contained the face-damaging cream, scooped out half of it with a small spoon, and placed the remaining half bottle in a conspicuous position on the dressing table.
Cui Xi asked in confusion, "Didn't Miss say that this medicine would disfigure someone?"
“Yes, the higher you climb, the harder you fall.” Song Tangxue stood up. “Similarly, the higher your expectations, the greater your disappointment.”
Song Tangxue pulled the red veil off the bed and went out the back door. Song Tangli was already waiting there, pacing back and forth anxiously.
Why hasn't Song Tangxue come out yet? Could it be that she changed her mind at the last minute?
Upon seeing Song Tangxue come out, he quickly stepped forward, grabbed her arm, and examined her closely: "Sister, you look so beautiful today."
This face is beautiful, but it might not be so in a little while.
Thinking of this, Song Tangli looked at Cuixi beside her, smoothed the swaying phoenix crown on her head, and said in a good mood: "I'm sorry to trouble you today, sister. When I become the Crown Princess in the future, I will certainly not mistreat you."
"No need. Only you would treasure the position of Crown Princess. I wouldn't even bother with it," Song Tangxue replied coldly.
"I know you're unwilling, sister." Song Tangli took a step closer, her eyes smiling. "But since things have come to this, it's best for you to accept it calmly."
"This immense wealth and honor will never be yours, won't you, Your Highness?" Song Tangli smiled lightly, "You are destined to kneel at my feet for the rest of your life."
Song Tangxue took a step back: "Then I wish my sister all the best in achieving her wish soon."
Cui Xi avoided her gaze and went out the door. Song Tangxue pushed Cui Xi away and said, "Do you still remember what I told you?"
Cui Xi nodded repeatedly: "I'll go to the kitchen right away."
"Okay, remember to put in plenty." The path that Song Tangxue and her group used to switch things out today had been blocked off by the Song family beforehand, and no one was allowed to enter or leave.
The road was unusually quiet now, free from the annoying suona music.
Today was already a mixed bag of people, and the Song family had even invited chefs from outside the mansion to help out, so it was exceptionally easy for Cuixi to sneak in.
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