Chapter 242 Second Update
The Empress Dowager’s flower viewing event carried a few more explicit implications than the last boating trip.
She invited not just the most venerable ladies from prominent families but also some of the young wives from these families. Only a few Old Madams from the Shiping Aristocratic Clan, the Zong Sheng Aristocratic Family, and Hejian Aristocratic Family were invited to attend. The rest, such as the Liugui Aristocratic Clan, Fu Feng Aristocratic Family, Jiumu Aristocratic Clan, Nanan Aristocratic Family, and so on, had their legitimate daughters invited, and even some legitimate daughters from noble ladies of less distinguished origin had not received an invitation.
Thus, everyone who could attend was naturally elated, but even so, before coming, they were all diligently reminded by their mothers to be careful with their words and actions.
Therefore, on this day, early in the morning, many aristocratic families started to get dressed and made up from before dawn, making sure not to stand out too boldly and steal the spotlight from others, focusing instead on subtlety in their appearance.
Lady Zou got ready early in the morning, wearing an embroidered Cloud Brocade robe over an indigo skirt with understated patterns, exuding restraint and elegance. After getting ready, she personally went to her daughter’s courtyard and saw Nanmen Yuyan in a new robe of blue sky and cloud patterned brocade, with a skirt made of dark flowered silk pleats—an outfit gifted by Her Majesty the Empress Dowager.
Lady Zou nodded in satisfaction and personally selected a gold hairpin with gathered silk for her daughter.
"Mother, is this too conspicuous?" Nanmen Yuyan shyly lowered her head. The gold hairpin was also a gift from the Empress Dowager, and its implication was clear—thinking about this made Nanmen Yuyan’s face turn even redder.
Lady Zou placed her hands on her daughter’s shoulders. Even though her son was filial and capable, he couldn’t compare to the warmth her daughter brought her.
"Yuyan, today you will follow your mother. There is no need to be too cautious. Show the poise of our Shiping Aristocratic Family, and let the Empress Dowager see your abilities," Lady Zou said, looking at her daughter in the mirror, beautiful as a blooming flower, filled with confidence.