Bathing, hairdressing, changing clothes — through everyone’s combined efforts, Feng Jiu’er became a beautiful bride-to-be.

The phoenix crown, the robes, the design — all exquisite, giving everyone a refreshing sense of novelty. And yet…

Feng Jiu’er held the phoenix crown atop her head with both hands, finally managing to sit up straight. “Are you all sure this is the one I have to wear?”

“Of course!” a cool, clear woman’s voice called out from outside.

Everyone turned to see a woman in red, striking and full of spirited grace, walking in.

“Mother.”

“Sister Hua.”

“Sister Hua, that outfit looks absolutely gorgeous on you!”

Everyone greeted Tang Xiaohua warmly.

Tang Xiaohua’s complexion glowed with radiant color, as though she had grown several years younger in an instant.

She came over to stand behind Feng Jiu’er with a smile, resting both hands on the back of the chair, meeting Feng Jiu’er’s eyes in the mirror.

“Not bad!” Tang Xiaohua nodded repeatedly. “Truly not bad! Your beauty could topple a city — you have half the presence I had back in my day.”

“I wouldn’t dare say that!” Feng Jiu’er covered her lips and laughed, raising her eyes. “How could I possibly compare to you, Sister Hua? But still…”

“Could we swap out this phoenix crown for something else?”

The phoenix crown really was heavy — it made even holding her head up a strain.

“I know Sister Hua had this crown made of pure gold for me, and it must have cost a fortune, so of course I’m grateful. But something like this doesn’t really seem meant to be worn on the head — it should…”

“No, no, no, absolutely not!” The moment Feng Jiu’er tried to take off the crown, everyone rushed forward to stop her.

“Jiu’er, the hour has arrived — you can’t do that!”

“There’s no time to change it now.”

“What Sister Hua prepared is even more magnificent, even more beautiful, than what the Prince prepared!”

“That’s right, Jiu’er. We know you like diamonds, but with this bright red ceremonial robe, gold really suits it better.”

“It’s fine! Everyone wears crowns like this — it’s only for a little while. Can’t you just bear with it?”

Amid the chorus of voices, the words Feng Jiu’er had been about to say — that fine things ought to be carefully preserved rather than worn — were swallowed back down.

“Of course this one is good! It’s an auspicious item — it can’t be taken off now!” Tang Xiaohua turned to look at the person behind her.

“Where’s the red veil? The groom will be here any moment.”

“Right here.” Xiao Yingtao brought over a red veil, squeezing in beside Feng Jiu’er.

“Jiu’er, like I said, this is Sister Hua’s order — nobody dares defy it. Just bear with it a little longer.”

“I’ve kept the diamond crown your husband prepared for you safe. It won’t get lost.”

Xiao Yingtao crouched down, murmured a few words, then stood up immediately. “Veil on — now!”

Two unmarried young women carefully placed the red veil over Feng Jiu’er’s head.

Feng Jiu’er sat up straight and offered no further objection.

“There, that’s better. Can’t even endure a little hardship — have you thought about everything your man has done for you?”

Tang Xiaohua stood off to the side, studying her from every angle, but didn’t move to help.

By Feng Clan custom, the red veil had to be placed by unmarried women for the marriage to be auspicious.

Beneath the veil, Feng Jiu’er’s eyes shifted, but she didn’t argue with Tang Xiaohua’s words.

If it meant good fortune, she would simply do whatever Sister Hua said.

Feng Jiu’er thought about how she was about to become someone’s wife, and suddenly felt a flutter of nervousness.

Tonight, she and her Ninth Imperial Uncle would truly be together.

From now on, they would be husband and wife, able to do everything husbands and wives were meant to do.

“The hour has come — please welcome our beautiful bride!” someone outside called out.

Everyone inside immediately grew tense.

“The hour’s here, Jiu’er, hurry!”

“Have you all gathered everything you need? Don’t leave a single thing behind.”

“Quick, quick, there’s no more time to waste.”