Chapter 23 Visiting the Princess
Inside the car, Yun Yi gently opened the curtains, "Miss, we have arrived at the Princess's residence."
Su Wanyu took the hand that Yun Yi extended to her and got out of the car gracefully.
Today, she was wearing a silver-white silk dress with delicate solid patterns on it, and a sky-blue cross-collared gown on the outside. On the gown, a few white magnolia flowers bloomed, making her look elegant and refined. This outfit was specially prepared for her visit to the eldest princess, and she spent two full days carefully selecting and matching it.
At the gate of the Princess's residence, a third-class maid named Chenxiang was already waiting. She was graceful and bowed respectfully: "Madam, please follow me into the residence."
Following Chenxiang's guidance, the two walked through the mahogany corridor, shaded by green bamboos and surrounded by clear water in the garden, and finally arrived at the Fangxie Garden where the princess received guests.
In the garden, a bridge spans the stream, and pavilions are hidden behind the flowers. The surroundings are dotted with exotic flowers and plants. It is spring, the fragrance of flowers is in the air, and the eyes are full of colorful flowers.
For Su Wanyu, although this was not her first time to step into the Princess's Mansion, she came and left in a hurry last time due to urgent matters and did not have time to appreciate it carefully.
Compared with the silence and solemnity of winter, the Princess's Mansion in spring seems to have put on gorgeous new clothes.
Thanks to her experience of following her father in business since childhood, she is knowledgeable and experienced. Even though she is surprised inside, she still maintains a calm smile on her face.
Chenxiang led her into the hall, and gently lifted the curtain near the west side. Behind the curtain was where the eldest princess took her daily nap. The curtain was thin and translucent, and a figure could be vaguely seen inside.
"Your Highness, the Second Young Mistress of the Marquis of Changping's Mansion has arrived."
A pleasant laughter came from behind the curtain: "Is it the young lady of the Su family? Come quickly, have someone serve tea."
Unlike ordinary people, the eldest princess always calls her "Miss Su".
Her husband's family was rarely mentioned in her speeches, and this made Su Wanyu feel a special kind of respect.
Soon, as the curtain opened, a woman in a goose yellow skirt slowly walked into the hall with the help of her maid.
The woman's figure was slightly plump, but the tight dress cleverly showed off her graceful lines. Not only did she not look bloated, but she also added a bit of mature charm.
This is the masterpiece of Su Wanyu. She has superb embroidery and tailoring skills. Even though she is not a professional tailor, she can make the wearer look rich or noble, with a prominent status. For example, the dress worn by the eldest princess is still loved by her and worn often even though half a year has passed.
Facing the eldest princess, Su Wanyu behaved elegantly, bowed slightly, and saluted with the most standard etiquette: "The daughter-in-law of the Marquis of Changping's mansion pays respects to Her Royal Highness the eldest princess."
The princess slowly walked to the armchair beside her and gently raised her hand, "Stand up, there's no need to be so reserved. I'll have to trouble you to help me adjust the pattern of my clothes this time."
Su Wanyu straightened her back, lowered her eyes humbly, and said respectfully: "It is really my fault that I was careless and made a mistake in the pattern of Your Highness's clothing in such an important matter. I deserve death."
The eldest princess had a gentle and round face, with kindness and warmth flowing in her slender eyes. The pink flower ornament on her forehead looked even more charming under the candlelight, and her hair was covered with golden hairpins sparkling with luxurious luster. Her dress was unique in the entire capital, and no one could match her.
Compared to those noble ladies in the Marquis of Changping's Mansion, although they appear to be arrogant and domineering on the surface, they are actually reluctant to wear even a slightly luxurious gold chain in private. The eldest princess's undisguised dignity and generosity makes people feel awe and yet close to her.
Facing Su Wanyu's self-blame, the princess still smiled gently, "It's okay, it's best that you can come back in time. Speaking of which, a few days ago I was thinking about how cold it was in Chenyang and wanted to go back to the capital, but you helped me make this decision."
There was no trace of blame in the eldest princess' tone, but instead there was a hint of relief and easygoingness.
Afterwards, the princess ordered her maid to fetch the skirt that needed the pattern revised and handed it to Su Wanyu: "I hope to wear this dress at the emperor's birthday celebration. There is still plenty of time, several months left, so you don't have to be impatient, just do it slowly and carefully."
Su Wanyu took the piece of clothing with both hands and found that it was a wide-sleeved fairy dress made of the finest imperial red satin. The patterns on it were all carefully embroidered with gold thread. The stitches were delicate and the workmanship was exquisite. Every detail revealed an indescribable beauty. Even the experienced embroiderers in the palace would find it difficult to achieve such superb skills.
Although she did not receive direct guidance from her mother, Su Wanyu became the best embroidery master in the capital besides her mother with her talent shown since childhood and her unremitting efforts.
Just looking at this piece of clothing, you can tell that it is priceless.
She promised solemnly: "Your Highness, please rest assured. I will modify this dress to perfection before the Dragon's Birthday."
As she spoke, she bowed again to express her determination and respect.
The princess gently helped her up, with a smile on her face, and changed the subject, "There is one more thing I would like to trouble you for help with."
"Your Highness, please feel free to speak." Su Wanyu responded quickly.
The princess turned her gaze towards the inner room, with a gentle smile on her lips. "What a coincidence! My son is also in the mansion today. Please measure his size and make him a piece of clothing that fits him."
Su Wanyu's heart trembled slightly, and she looked in the direction the princess pointed. Through the layers of veil, she saw a blurry figure sitting there quietly, holding a book in her hand, with a lazy and casual posture.
It was not until this moment that she realized that from the moment she stepped into the room, the legendary presence of the Regent had been quietly accompanying the eldest princess behind the curtain.
Seeing her delicate expression, the princess comforted her: "Don't be afraid. Although my son is usually serious, he is easy to get along with. Just design it according to your own preferences."
Easy to get along with?
A big question mark appeared in Su Wanyu's mind.
As everyone knows, perhaps the eldest princess and the emperor are the only ones in the capital who dare to face the regent head-on, and the adjective "easy to get along with" does not seem to match the image of the regent.
Su Wanyu did not dare to refuse, and bowed again, saying, "I will obey your orders and will not let you down."
Normally, tailors do not need to take measurements personally when making clothes, but Su Wanyu insists on her own way.
She believes that only by seeing the figure with her own eyes can each piece of work reach the highest level of perfection.
The figure behind the curtain remained silent, leaving only a deep blue silhouette.
Even though his face could not be seen clearly, his slender and upright figure, and the calm temperament that he exuded inadvertently, were enough to make people feel his extraordinary demeanor.
A breeze blew by, causing the curtains to sway slightly, bringing a faint scent of osmanthus, adding a bit of vitality to the room.
The scene is just as described in the poem: "The young man, with his clothes filled with fragrance, walks straight into the study through the winter snow."