On the first day of the sixth lunar month, the capital city was indeed more lively than usual.
The coming-of-age ceremony of the eldest daughter of the Left Prime Minister's family is a major event. Her father is the powerful Left Prime Minister, and her future husband is the Seventh Prince, the Prince of Yan, who commands a large army. Naturally, this coming-of-age ceremony is no ordinary event. It is said that the eldest princess has been invited to be the chief guest...
Early in the morning, Bai Chuxiao was dragged out of bed by Lanxiang to get dressed. First, she changed into the sky-blue, long-sleeved dress she was going to wear that day.
Bai Chuxiao sat in front of the bronze mirror with blurry eyes, letting Lanxiang apply her makeup. Lanxiang was skillful and finished in no time, arranging her hair in a bun.
Looking at herself in the mirror, Bai Chuxiao was no longer sleepy, but felt that the exquisite look was a bit monotonous, so she drew a plum blossom decoration between her eyebrows.
Lanxiang smiled and said, "Miss looks so beautiful."
Bai Chuxiao usually prefers a simple and elegant style, but today she looked radiant and beautiful, and Bai Chuxiao nodded in satisfaction.
Before long, Auntie Kong, Madam Kong, Kong Xihan, and Zhang Yue arrived at the room.
Bai Chuxiao asked in surprise, "Second Aunt, what brings you here?"
Madam Xie had been feigning illness, so her second aunt had been helping to arrange the banquet today, with Madam Kong also providing assistance.
My second aunt snorted coldly, "The Xie family and Miss Bai are greeting us up ahead, so we don't need to come. We just came to see how things are going on your end."
Madam Kong retorted sarcastically, "This Madam Bai is no ordinary woman; I've certainly seen her for myself today."
That's absolutely right. What kind of matriarch has such magnanimity? Not only does she completely ignore the coming-of-age ceremony of the eldest daughter of the household, but she also arranges everything perfectly and then dresses up in luxurious attire to steal the credit. Just now, if you didn't know better, you would have thought it was her daughter Bai Chuwan's coming-of-age ceremony. She didn't mention Bai Chuxiao at all.
Bai Chuxiao smiled faintly, "Aunt Kong, you flatter me."
Kong Xihan didn't think much of it. Looking at Bai Chuxiao's brow, she smiled and said, "Xiaoxiao, you look so beautiful today, especially this plum blossom..."
My second aunt teased, "You've finally dressed up properly today. No one would have guessed you were the eldest daughter of a high-ranking official before."
Bai Chuxiao sighed helplessly, "Second Aunt, are you saying I've embarrassed you all the time?"
Madam Kong laughed and said, "How could that be? Xiaoxiao is usually elegant and refined, but today she is truly radiant and beautiful. I was just saying that I would do your hair today, but since you have invited the eldest princess, I can't very well take the job away from you."
Bai Chuxiao looked at her and chuckled, "I remember all the kindness Aunt Kong has shown me."
The front courtyard was packed with guests. Bai Linan and the old lady sat in the main seats, their faces beaming with joy. Normally, young ladies would invite only their close friends on their coming-of-age ceremony, but today, not only women were present, but also many important officials, princes, and scions of noble families.
The eldest princess, accompanied by Princess Lingxiang, was sitting with the Prince of Yan and the Prince of Xiang, drinking tea.
It's not surprising that the Prince of Yan and his entourage have come, but what's the Prince of Xiang doing here? Chu Tianze, holding his teacup, squinted and said, "I didn't expect you to be so free, Fifth Brother."
The Prince of Xiang smiled faintly, "Seventh Brother, why do you say that? After all, we will be family from now on, so it's only natural that I should come and offer my congratulations."
Chu Tianze raised an eyebrow. "Oh? Your Highness and the Princess's wedding is just around the corner, isn't it? How are the preparations going?"
The eldest princess smiled upon hearing this, "I didn't expect you, Seventh Brother, to care about these things. Are you planning to attend the wedding?"
It wasn't appropriate for a foreign princess to live in her residence, nor was it very convenient for her. Naturally, she wanted Lingxiang to get married soon so she could have some peace and quiet.
Princess Lingxiang smiled gently, "I will naturally inform His Highness Prince Yan in advance."
The Prince of Xiang echoed, "Indeed, but I have troubled my elder sister quite a bit these past few days."
The eldest princess chuckled, "It's alright, you are all my brothers. I'm happy to see you all getting married one after another."
Just then, a servant announced loudly, "Your Highness Prince Qi, Princess Changyun has arrived!"
Madam Xie hurriedly led Bai Chuwan forward to greet them. Chu Tianling, surprisingly, didn't have a sour face today but instead appeared as a refined gentleman. Princess Changyun was dressed very elegantly today, and was still wearing the headdress she had snatched yesterday.
Princess Changyun had no intention of accepting the warm welcome from Madam Xie and Bai Chuwan. She looked up at Bai Chuwan, who was also dressed very formally today, and snorted disdainfully, "Hmph, you shameless vixen."
Previously, rumors circulated throughout Kyoto that the Crown Prince and this woman were deeply in love. Now, although she couldn't marry the Crown Prince, this woman also couldn't become the Crown Princess, so naturally, she had to make a few sarcastic remarks.
Bai Chuwan's face turned ugly. "Princess, what do you mean by this? What have I done to offend you?"
Princess Changyun sneered, "Some people want to rise above their station and become a phoenix, but they don't even know their own worth."
Madam Xie also looked somewhat displeased. "We haven't been negligent at all, why is the Princess being so sarcastic?"
"Hmph, looking at you all dressed like this, anyone who didn't know better would think you were coming of age. Too bad, these people are only here for your eldest sister."
She wasn't standing up for Bai Chuxiao; she simply disliked Bai Chuwan's behavior even more than she disliked Bai Chuxiao.
Xie and Bai Chuwan were furious, but dared not retaliate.
Chu Tianling said calmly, "That's enough."
Princess Changyun then said nothing more; she refused to lower herself to speak with them and walked with Chu Tianling toward the eldest princess.
"Greetings, Your Highness; greetings, Cousin."
The eldest princess looked at them as they approached and her smile faded. She knew about their conflict with Bai Chuxiao. Could it be that they came to offer their sincere congratulations today?
So he said calmly, "What brings you two here?"
Chu Tianling chuckled, "Since you're all here, I naturally wanted to join in the fun too."
Princess Changyun tugged at the eldest princess's sleeve and muttered, "Cousin, are you implying that Changyun isn't welcome? Cousin is just being biased."
The eldest princess was somewhat helpless, but still instructed, "I didn't mean that, but no fooling around today."
Changyun whispered, "I understand."
However, she came today to cause trouble; if Bai Chuxiao wanted things to go her way, she wouldn't allow it.
The time was almost up, and Lanxin entered, bowed, and reported, "Miss, it's time to go to the front yard."
In the main hall of the front courtyard, as Bai Chuxiao and her entourage approached, everyone ceased their conversation and sat down to prepare for the ceremony. Looking at the woman slowly walking towards them, a hint of amazement flashed in their eyes; the Prince of Yan was truly blessed.
A smile flickered in Chu Tianze's eyes; his Xiaoxiao would always be so beautiful.
Just as everyone was marveling at the sight, a servant's loud announcement rang out, "Your Highness, the Crown Prince's Consort has arrived!" Everyone quickly bowed in respect.
Chu Tianyou laughed and said, "Get up, everyone. I'm here today to congratulate Miss Bai, so there's no need for you to entertain me, Prime Minister Bai."
The guests have all arrived, and the auspicious time has come. "The coming-of-age ceremony begins!"
The eldest princess stood smiling on the high platform. Bai Chuxiao then bowed to the guests and slowly walked up the platform, followed only by Madam Kong carrying a tray.
Lady Kong presented the hairpin, and the eldest princess walked up to Bai Chuxiao and said loudly, "On this auspicious day of this month, you are formally dressed. May you cast aside your childish ways and embrace your virtuous character. May you live a long and blessed life." She then combed Bai Chuxiao's hair and placed the hairpin on her head.
After the coming-of-age ceremony was completed, Madam Kong presented the hairpin, which the eldest princess accepted. She then proclaimed, "On this auspicious day and month, may you adorn yourself with fine clothes, show respect for your dignity, cultivate your virtue, live a long and healthy life, and enjoy boundless blessings!" She then placed the hairpin in the princess's hair.
After the second hairpin-adding ceremony, the eldest princess came before Bai Chuxiao again and loudly proclaimed, "In accordance with the beginning of the year and the order of the month..." She removed the hairpins and added a crown; this was the third hairpin-adding ceremony.
With the ceremony concluded, Bai Linan rose with a smile and said, "Welcome everyone to my daughter's coming-of-age ceremony. The Prime Minister's residence has prepared a simple feast; please enjoy yourselves."
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