Today is the first day of the Lunar New Year. Everyone eats dumplings for breakfast, a hearty meal! Wishing everyone a happy and prosperous new year, with all your wishes fulfilled and your families filled with joy. Happy New Year!
"Oh dear, Granny, what are you doing?"
An older maid saw a palace matron holding a handkerchief that she was about to throw into the fire, and quickly went to the matron's side.
"Granny, Granny, you can't burn this, you can't burn it!"
Why?
The old woman, holding the handkerchief in her hand, asked in confusion.
"These are the lady's belongings, which Miss cherishes very much..."
The old woman held the light blue handkerchief in her hand and looked at it. "But now that I've succeeded to the position of High Priest, everything in the room must be replaced with new stuff."
"Granny, please be lenient with me."
The older maid took out some silver, walked over to the old woman, and quietly slipped it to her.
"Alright, alright, go ahead and burn it."
"yes"
After the maid took the handkerchief, she took it away.
Then the old woman looked at the group of people in front of her and asked, "How are the preparations going with Miss Ganenara?"
"Reporting to you, Granny, everything is ready. We're just waiting for the appointed time to depart."
The old woman nodded and looked at a young palace maid, "Go check if Young Master Xiao is alright. If he is, bring him here."
"Yes, Granny."
After the young palace maid agreed, she left the courtyard, while the old woman turned and went into the room. Seeing Xiao Liyan dressed in sacrificial robes, she sighed softly.
The entire garment is predominantly navy blue, with silver thread used to trim auspicious cloud patterns up to one centimeter wide at the collar, cuffs, and hem. Two cranes are embroidered in silver thread from the left shoulder to the chest. The sleeves are wide, with auspicious cloud patterns followed by flowing water patterns at the edges. The waist is cinched, alternating between white and navy blue, and an antique-looking sachet hangs from it, with bells dangling below. The hem is also embroidered with incomprehensible characters and patterns in silver thread; without close inspection, they might be mistaken for unique designs.
"Miss Ganenara, everything is now ready; we await the appointed time."
"Thank you for your hard work, Granny."
"Miss Ganenara, you're too kind," the nanny said, then noticed a hairpin on the tray, picked it up, and walked behind Xiao Liyan.
“Miss Ganenal, this hairstyle is unique to the High Priest. The hair in the front must not be messy, and the hair draped over the back must be even more so.”
"The number of times our house will be demolished is predetermined."
"Just like this hairpin in my hand, you need to carry it with you at all times. Even though you won't be wearing ritual robes in your daily life, you'll still need this hairpin to style your hair."
Xiao Liyan took the hairpin from the nanny and thanked her, saying, "Thank you for reminding me, Nanny."
“Miss Canaanar, remember, you must not speak a word to your younger brother before the priesthood ends. Your first words to him must be after the ceremony. Don't forget.”
"Granny, I don't understand why I had to say that to him?"
The old woman walked to Xiao Liyan's other side, looking at the prepared items on the tray, and said, "His Majesty means that your younger brother will become the head of the family in the future."
Xiao Liyan paused for a moment after hearing this, then lowered her eyelids. "Thank you for informing me, Granny."
Just then, a palace maid entered and announced, "Granny, it's time."
"Young Master Xiao is already waiting outside the door."
The old woman nodded. "Miss Ganenara, it's time for you to depart as well."
"Yes, Granny."
Xiao Liyan followed the nanny out of the room. Neither of them spoke when they saw Xiao Shida. They only exchanged a glance, and then Xiao Shida followed behind Xiao Liyan.
After leaving the Xiao residence, Xiao Liyan boarded a carriage with openwork panels and sheer curtains, while Xiao Shida rode outside on horseback.
Not long after, the carriage stopped at the sacrificial site.
After the nanny extended her hand, Xiao Liyan placed her hand in the nanny's hand and got off the carriage.
Then, holding the brocade box that proved his identity as the high priest, he walked up the steps to the high platform.
Upon reaching the high platform, Xiao Liyan handed the brocade box in her hand to the Imperial Preceptor, and then knelt on the ground.
The Imperial Advisor placed the brocade box on the table, opened it, and took out the bracelet inside.
The bracelet has seven different colored stones and a bell.
Xiao Liyan extended her right hand, and the Imperial Advisor placed the bracelet on her wrist. After it was on, he faced downwards and looked at the civil and military officials and common people below.
"Today, Ganalay Liyan, daughter of the former High Priestess Ganalay Rongyu, officially assumes the position of High Priestess of the Southern Kingdom."
"Now, please welcome the Dharma Master to begin the lecture—"
Then the monks began chanting various scriptures.
Xiao Mansion
"Why? Why should Xiao Liyan get all the good stuff?"
"I am also a member of the Ganenara family, why can't I serve as a priestess?"
"She took all the limelight."
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