Chapter 189: Venturing into the Palace (2) (1/2)

The court dresses for the noble madams, from the first-ranked to the last, were all dark in colour. The styles were also passed down from the previous dynasty, very traditional and old. Even a young lady would seem old wearing them.

However, the court dresses for female members of the imperial family, which included imperial princesses, royal princesses, feudal princesses, and honoured ladies, were always made in the latest styles of the dynasty. The honoured lady’s court dress had a pale pinkish-purple base and embroidered golden flowers on the collars and sleeves. The main part of the dress was a bright red Jacquard weave with peonies sewn on top with golden brocade. Such a fresh, tender colour complemented Chu Lian’s equally tender age well. A broad sash tied at the waist completed the outfit, making her waist look even more slender than before.

One of the jade hair ornaments that the Emperor had given her was set on the top of her head. The dignified hairstyle served as the figurative cherry on top- it emphasized her blossoming femininity and discarded the last bits of her childish girliness.

Matriarch He had obviously been blown away by Chu Lian’s getup today. She nodded inwardly, appreciating the beauty of Sanlang’s wife.

Beauty is loved by all, and Matriarch He wasn’t an exception to the rule. She chuckled and waved towards Chu Lian. “Sanlang’s wife, come over to Grandmother’s side. Let Grandmother take a good look at you.”

After Chu Lian bowed in greeting to Matriarch He and Madam Zou, she quickly moved over to Matriarch He’s side.

The matriarch looked her over in satisfaction before helping her adjust the jade hairpin on her head that had gone slightly askew.

Although there was still a trace of a smile on Madam Zou’s face, her inner heart wasn’t at all as peaceful as her expression suggested. She suppressed the anger within and said, “Third Sister-in-Law, since you’re preparing to enter the palace to give thanks today, you should have gotten ready earlier. How could you let Grandmother wait in the parlour like this?”

Chu Lian was momentarily stunned. She hadn’t expected Madam Zou to make trouble for her right in front of the matriarch.

Actually, she wasn’t late at all. The matriarch had instructed her to meet at this time in the outer court so they could leave together. Matriarch He was older, so it was easier for her to get up in the morning. Thus, she had happened to arrive at the parlour just a moment earlier.

The matriarch’s outstretched hands that were helping to straighten Chu Lian’s hair suddenly froze.