Bai Siruo's eyes lit up when she saw Feng Jinyao walk in.
She knew A'Yao was beautiful, but she always appeared without any makeup. Today, after being meticulously dressed, she was truly radiant!
"If I were an unmarried young gentleman, seeing a pretty girl like you, I'd definitely come with a heavy dowry to propose!"
Her expression and actions were like a lecherous rogue, causing Feng Jinyao to glare at her.
"Greetings, Maternal Grandmother, Eldest Maternal Aunt, Fourth Maternal Aunt, and Sister-in-law."
The family members present did not require elaborate courtesies.
Old Madam Bai looked at her granddaughter's appearance, reminiscent of Madam Feng's coming-of-age ceremony back in the day.
Her eyes welled up with tears, but she held them back.
She dabbed at the corners of her eyes with a handkerchief and then beckoned Feng Jinyao over.
"Good child, come closer and let your maternal grandmother have a look. My A'Yao has finally grown up. After today's capping ceremony, you are a woman."
Her affectionate expression towards her juniors was genuine, and Feng Jinyao was deeply moved.
"Eldest Sister was the most beautiful woman in the capital city back then. I think A'Yao is just as beautiful now."
The Eldest Maternal Aunt was always very sweet when complimenting people. Even though Feng Jinyao's heart had long been trained to be calm and composed, she couldn't help but blush at her words.
"Alright, alright. Since A'Yao is here, let's hurry to the Begonia Courtyard. Everyone is waiting, aren't they?"
Princess Wenyi interjected appropriately.
Everyone nodded, and Old Madam Bai, holding Feng Jinyao's hand, proceeded grandly towards the Begonia Courtyard.
Everyone present was of considerable standing.
Today's protagonist was Feng Jinyao, and Feng Hai and Madam Feng were also dressed rather formally.
The two brothers of the Feng family, being men, were in the front hall entertaining guests.
Upon entering the Begonia Courtyard, they saw it filled with wine vessels, bowls, hairpin sets, washbasins, incense burners, straw mats, cushions, trays, and candles.
These were all necessities for a capping ceremony.
Upon closer inspection, they were much more exquisite than those used by ordinary families.
The items were personally prepared by the two maternal aunts of the Bai family, using only the finest materials.
Today's principal officiant was the wife of the Duke of Zheng.
She was not only long-lived and blessed, but also had a harmonious marriage and a house full of children and grandchildren. She was a rare individual in the capital city who possessed both virtue and talent, as well as fortune and longevity.
The capping ceremony also required a sponsor and attendants. Since Feng Jinyao had no elder sisters, her cousin Bai Siruo served as the sponsor.
All the etiquette had been explained to her beforehand, and the occasion could not afford any mistakes. Therefore, Bai Siruo took a deep breath and stood beside the wife of the Duke of Zheng to assist her.
The attendant who was to hold the tray for Feng Jinyao was entrusted to Meng Jie'er.
She would also have her capping ceremony next year. She was still a young girl, and although she was not as stunningly beautiful as Feng Jinyao, she possessed a lively and charming demeanor. Many ladies, upon seeing her, secretly took note of her.
Although her background was a bit lacking for the eldest daughter-in-law of the main branch, she would be an excellent choice for a younger son's bride.
Other relatives and guests were observers, standing by with smiles, watching another young lady undergo her capping ceremony.
While marveling at the beauty of youth, they also felt a touch of melancholy about their own aging.
In the Begonia Courtyard, Feng Hai and his wife sat at the head of the table. Before them, on a tray, lay the hairpins for Feng Jinyao's capping ceremony.
One was crafted with a pearl from the East Sea as its base, exuding a brilliant, flowing radiance.
Another was a cloud-patterned hairpin carved from the finest Hetian jade, possessing an elegant and refined aura.
The third was a phoenix hairpin adorned with gold filigree and rubies, exuding grace and opulence.
Feng Jinyao walked obediently before them and knelt on the brocade cushion, carefully listening to the blessings.
As the father, Feng Hai naturally spoke first.
"My youngest daughter is now fifteen years old. We have chosen this auspicious day and time to invite guests and hold this capping ceremony."
After saying this, his eyes reddened slightly. Madam Feng beside him also dabbed at her eyes with a handkerchief, her face beaming with a happy smile.
The wife of the Duke of Zheng took over, speaking kindly according to the etiquette of the capping ceremony.
"Today is the capping day for the youngest daughter of the Feng family. Over a decade has passed swiftly, with much love from her parents. Now, at an auspicious time, the first hairpin is placed. From now on, you must abandon childish ways, cultivate virtue and longevity, and be eternally blessed."
As soon as this was said, Feng Jinyao bowed to the elders, and Madam Feng inserted the first hairpin into her coiffure.
"On this auspicious day and time, with fine attire, a new phase begins. From now on, you must learn loyalty, filial piety, benevolence, and righteousness, living a peaceful and happy life."
Feng Jinyao bowed again, and the second hairpin was placed in her coiffure.
"In the proper season, according to the lunar calendar, you shall receive your robes. With parents above and siblings beside you, treat them with respect and receive the blessings of heaven."
Feng Jinyao bowed a third time, and the third hairpin was placed in her coiffure.
With this, the ritual of bowing and hair-pinning was completed, and the next step was to receive instructions.
Feng Hai spoke again, "The capping ceremony is nearing its end. I hope A'Yao will abide by the teachings and rituals in the future, and be a good wife and mother."
"Your daughter is untalented, but I will respectfully accept my father's teachings and will never forget them."
After saying this, she finally stood up. The wife of the Duke of Zheng declared with great joy, "The ceremony is complete!" Immediately, the relatives and guests who had come to offer congratulations burst into auspicious wishes to liven up the atmosphere.
Feng Jinyao sincerely accepted these blessings, looking at Madam Feng with deep gratitude.
"Light refreshments and delicacies have been prepared in the front hall. We hope everyone will enjoy themselves and depart contentedly."
After Feng Hai said this, he led the way towards the front hall, followed by the ladies and young ladies who had come to witness the ceremony.
At the banquet, Feng Er was the happiest person.
Although he was a little reluctant that his sister would face the issue of betrothal and choosing a husband after her capping ceremony, he hoped that if she could find a suitable person, she would live a happy and smooth life.
It was not until all the guests had departed that Feng Jinyao returned to Ning'an Courtyard.
After being busy for most of the day, her face felt almost frozen from smiling, and she was very tired.
Lamei had prepared hot water in advance, intending for her to have a good bath.
After washing away the fatigue, Feng Jinyao returned to the main room. Yunxu and Lamei used handkerchiefs to dry her hair one by one.
"Miss's hair is truly beautiful, black and shiny, and very soft."
Saying this, Lamei used some magnolia-scented hair oil mixed with it and applied it to the ends of her hair, meticulously caring for it.
Feng Jinyao held a leisure book in her hands, flipping through it casually.
Her capping ceremony was over, and tomorrow they would depart from the capital city and head towards Jinling City in Jiangnan.
What would happen? Feng Jinyao did not know.
As for the capping gift from Prince Ding, she had completely forgotten about it, only remembering to look for it many days later.
This matter aside for now.
When she slept at night, she specifically burned some calming incense, and Feng Jinyao slept soundly, waking up the next morning.
All the luggage and attendants had been prepared long ago. Therefore, after Feng Jinyao and her brother Feng Jinlin had breakfast with the family, they officially set off.