Chapter 15 The Coming-of-age Ceremony And A Gift (2/2)
Yun Shang saw from the reflection in the mirror that Qin Yi was staring at the two dresses in her hands, the bright pink one and the crimson one. She seemed unable to make a decision.
Yun Shang smiled, ”Today is Princess Hua Jing's Coming-of-age Ceremony. She likes crimson. I'd better not wear the same color.”
Qin Yi thought for a moment, and then put the crimson one aside. She came over with the bright pink one, and helped Yun Shang dress.
When done with the dress, Yun Shang had the maid comb her hair into a bun. She had dozed off till she heard an eunuch. ”Your Imperial Highness, the Coming-of-age Ceremony will be held on the Penglai Island in the Taiye Pond...”
Yun Shang nodded, ”Got it. I will be there on time.”
She lingered in the chamber until five o'clock in the afternoon. She was well prepared before she went to the Penglai Island with Qin Yi and Qin Meng. As soon as she set foot on the island, she got a glimpse of The Empress and Princess Hua Jing. There were already many people on the banquet. Three chairs had been prepared at the far end. The Empress and Princess Hua Jing were seated on either side of the chair prepared for Emperor Ning. It's not surprising that Hua Jing had indeed worn a crimson robe for today. She seemed more joyous because of the color.
Yun Shang looked at the surroundings before taking her seat at the end opposite from her father, mother and sister.
Yun Shang had been barely sat down before Hua Jing's spoke in a cold voice, ”Our Princess Yun Shang went to Ning'guo Temple to pray for the people just a couple of days ago, and brought back Master Wu Na's holy decree, which said it's going to rain today. But as far as I can see, today's weather has been excellent, a blue sky without a single cloud. I wonder on what part of Ning it is going to rain.”
Hearing this, some of the noble members and senior officials also chimed in, ”That's right. There's no sign of rain today.”
But The Empress cut in coldly, ”Jing'er, it's time to get changed. Your Coming-of-age Ceremony will start as soon as His Majesty arrives. Go and change your dress.”
Hua Jing clenched her teeth to suppress her anger, and left with her maids in obedience to The Empress's order.
”His Majesty is here...” the singing tone of an eunuch alerted all to the arrival of The Emperor. All in attendance stood up to sweep a deep courtesy. Emperor Ning, in his dragon robe, walked to his chair. He turned and spoke, ”Dear courtiers, today my eldest daughter, Hua Jing, will come of age, and I hold this Coming-of-age Ceremony for her on this island. Let's celebrate for her.”
All guests swept another courtesy before they could sit down.
The praiser invited for Hua Jing's Coming-of-age Ceremony was the granddaughter of the Grand Councilor, and therefore, Hua Jing's cousin. She went to the middle, and looked at Hua Jing, who wore an outfit befitting a teenage-girl. Her hair had been styled in a two-ring bun, which signified that the girl was unmarried. Hua Jing swept a courtesy towards the people. The praiser took a comb from the tray held by a court maid, and started to comb Hua Jing's hair.
(*TN: A praiser is a female guest in a girl's Coming-of-age Ceremony who helps the girl finish the ceremony by carrying out special rituals, all the while, praising the girl's good behavior and qualities, and wishing her good luck.)
After she was done with Princess Hua Jing's hair, the Hand-washing Ritual began. The Grand Councilor's wife and The Empress stood to help Hua Jing.
(*TN: A Hand-washing Ritual begins with elderly people washing their hands before they help girls or boys comb their hair into a grown-up style.)
The Grand Councilor's wife took the handkerchief and hair pin presented by the maids, walked towards Hua Jing, and spoke words of blessing for Hua Jing. Then she inserted the hair pin into Hua Jing's hair. It was at this moment, when everyone was speaking praises and blessings for Hua Jing that the sky began to darken. Before long, thunder roared across the heavens.