Yu Mingyue had long prepared a hairpin for the coming-of-age ceremony, a peacock hairpin she personally designed and commissioned from the finest craftsman.
She had seen a peacock that could fan its tail in a book on mechanisms and suddenly thought of making it into a hairpin.
However, it was quite troublesome to make, and her own craftsmanship was not sufficient. She conveyed her idea to the goldsmith, who surprisingly managed to create it.
Gu Youyou naturally loved it; the peacock fanning its tail hairpin was perfect for such an occasion.
"Sixth Sister, thank you. Quickly, help me put it on," Gu Youyou urged impatiently.
She had seen many fine things, but never such an exquisite hairpin.
"Youyou, you are already adorned like a blooming flower today. With this hairpin from Mingyue, you'll truly become a peacock," Mo Yuxi chuckled.
"I want to be a peacock, the most beautiful one," Gu Youyou's smile was bright and unrestrained.
Yu Mingyue felt this was perhaps happiness.
In truth, she didn't understand much about matters of the heart.
But as a good friend, she naturally blessed whatever Youyou liked.
After the coming-of-age ceremony, the elders departed first, leaving behind a group of young people for their night of revelry.
Gu Youyou suggested setting up a barbecue and having some wine. They were returning to the capital tomorrow, and it was a rare opportunity to relax like this.
With a mere command from the young lady, someone below would arrange everything perfectly. Soon, all was prepared.
Gu Tingyun gracefully approached Yu Mingyue, clad in a snow-white straight-collared robe, cinched with a moon-white sash adorned with auspicious cloud patterns, from which hung only a piece of mutton-fat jade of exceptional quality.
He exuded the demeanor of a noble young master. The maid behind him placed a bowl of soup before Yu Mingyue: "Sister Mingyue, although this is fruit wine, it can still intoxicant. Drinking some of this soup will make you feel more comfortable."
"Thank you, Brother Tingyun," Yu Mingyue tilted her head and smiled, her eyes as bright as stars.
Gu Tingyun sat in the seat next to Yu Mingyue. Chi Dan and Chi Hua exchanged glances, their gazes turning towards their young lady with tacit understanding.
But Yu Mingyue offered no response, her gaze quickly returning to Gu Youyou, who was dancing.
Gu Youyou was already exceptionally skilled at dancing, and under these circumstances, she performed to her utmost. She moved like a startled swan, graceful as a swimming dragon. Even the legendary Luo Shen would be no more than this.
Gu Tingyun skillfully flipped the meat, sprinkling seasonings. The sizzling sound of the barbecue and the aroma filled the air, incredibly enticing.
Gu Tingyun cut the grilled meat and placed it on Yu Mingyue's plate: "Be careful, don't burn yourself."
Gu Youyou's dance had just concluded. Seeing her brother doting on someone, she quickly exclaimed with a laugh, "Why don't I see you being so attentive to me?"
Gu Youyou had always hoped Yu Mingyue would marry her brother. Now that her father had agreed to her engagement with Jing Zhan, she would continue to live in the Gu family, and they could be sisters for a lifetime.
Gu Tingyun turned his head, looking at Yu Mingyue with an expression of indulgence. Yu Mingyue fanned herself with a round fan, a mischievous look on her face: "You have a fiancé who is attentive and caring. Are you going to snatch Brother Tingyun away from us? Yuxi, am I right?"
"Indeed! Youyou, today you are the protagonist. Let us have Brother Tingyun!" Mo Yuxi joined in the teasing.
Mo Yuxi also had her own private hopes. She wished her own brother would marry Sixth Sister, but her brother was not present. The Imperial Academy only had one day off every ten days, and the instructors were very strict, so he wouldn't dare to take leave.
Others chimed in with their agreement, and the group burst into laughter.
Gu Youyou stomped her foot: "Jing Zhan, look, they're all ganging up to bully me."
Jing Zhan's face showed a rare gentleness as he repeatedly soothed her, and only then did Gu Youyou relent.