Tiao Hong knew that Song Chao Yu was also angry and did not dare to say more.
Song Chao Yu feared that she had frightened Tiao Hong, so she softened her tone: "It's nothing. You are all my head maids, and she has been by my side longer, so her temper is more arrogant. Now that you are together, you are bound to be wronged. If she makes things difficult for you, remember to tell me. Don't let yourself be bullied and just endure; it will only make her push her luck."
"Yes."
Tiao Hong had always been steady and did not report Xun Lu's misdeeds, which Song Chao Yu found commendable.
ā
Perhaps it was because the young ladies of the mansion were all preparing to go to the palace, but the Song mansion was unusually quiet for these two days.
Song Chao Yu knew that the First Madam was eager to buy all the finest fabrics in the world and send them to Song Yan Jiao's room.
Song Yan Rou was not to be outdone. Although she couldn't wear anything more ostentatious than Song Yan Jiao, tailors and embroiderers had been invited to their courtyard for the past two days.
It was unclear what kind of elaborate clothing they intended to make for Song Yan Rou.
Only their Huashu Academy was quiet. The day to enter the palace was fast approaching.
Although Song Chao Yu did not need to dress too elaborately, she still had to be solemn.
She wore a lilac-colored Suzhou embroidery robe with auspicious clouds and mist patterns, which was not overly flashy. Concubine Liu chose a set of pearl-adorned hair ornaments from her grandmother for her. It was elegant and precious without being too attention-grabbing.
Song Chao Yu stood up, and Concubine Liu personally fastened a peach blossom sachet she had made onto her: "My Yu'er has grown up. She is even more beautiful than I was in my youth. I am so happy!"
Song Chao Yu was also happy. In this life, being by her concubine mother's side, she was determined to do her utmost to protect her concubine mother and the child in her womb!
Once dressed, it was time to go.
The Song family's carriage was waiting at the entrance. Because many people were entering the palace today, a large carriage had been prepared.
Song Chao Yu was the first to go. After waiting by the carriage for a moment, she saw the First Madam arrive with Song Yan Jiao.
The First Madam, being the Minister's wife, would often enter the palace to pay respects to the Empress, so she had her own ceremonial attire and wore it.
As for Song Yan Jiao, who followed behind the First Madam, her attire today could be described as "dazzling."
The First Madam had found the finest moon gauze for her, making a hundred-lily trailing skirt with orioles playing among willows. The light pink moon gauze shone brightly under the sunlight, and the pattern of orioles playing among willows was lifelike. Coupled with the extremely precious pink gemstone peach blossom gold filigree hair ornaments she wore, it did not overshadow her naturally elegant and fairy-like beauty. Instead, it made her appear even more delicate and graceful, like a noble flower that did not belong to the mortal world.
Song Chao Yu paid her respects to the First Madam and praised Song Yan Jiao: "Sister, you look truly beautiful today, like someone who has stepped out of a painting!"
The First Madam also looked Song Chao Yu up and down, seemingly satisfied with her attire today: "Hmm, not bad. You haven't overstepped the rules. It seems your concubine mother understands propriety."
Song Yan Jiao searched Song Chao Yu's hair but did not find the magpie hairpin. Seeing that Song Chao Yu had grown up gracefully, even in her simple attire, it did not hide the clarity and beauty of her face. Just like the colors of her clothes, from a distance, Song Chao Yu seemed like a modest lilac flower, yet one that bloomed so as to be impossible to ignore. Although she knew that based on today's attire and appearance, Song Chao Yu was still far behind her, Song Yan Jiao's face showed a inexplicable displeasure: "The hairpin I gave you, why aren't you wearing it? Your attire for entering the palace is too simple!"
Song Chao Yu's expression was troubled. She touched the small tassel adorned with pearls on her head: "These hair ornaments were given by Grandmother, and they are likely not cheap. Third Sister liked that magpie hairpin very much, so Iā"
"Second Sister, Fourth Sister, I'm here!"
Before Song Chao Yu could finish speaking, Song Yan Rou's voice rang out from behind them. They all turned and saw Song Yan Rou, who was like a colorful butterfly. The dress she wore today was exactly the same as the colorful silk hundred-butterfly-and-flower-patterned trailing skirt that Song Chao Yu had worn by the pond that day! Even the angle at which the golden magpie hairpin with a pearl in its beak was inserted into her flying immortal bun was very similar to Song Chao Yu's that day. Her entire ensemble was a perfect imitation of Song Chao Yu's attire from that day!
Song Chao Yu finally understood. It turned out that the tailors and embroiderers they had invited to their courtyard these past few days had been rushing to imitate her outfit! Although Song Yan Rou looked pretty with her bright and charming appearance, this particular outfit was too eye-catching. Even the First Madam couldn't help but frown and scold: "Why are you dressed so gaudily? Are you afraid people won't see you when you enter the palace?"
Song Yan Jiao also frowned, her gaze fixed on the magpie hairpin with a pearl, but she couldn't say anything in front of Song Chao Yu.
Song Yan Rou pretended not to hear the First Madam's words. After paying her respects, she excitedly took Song Yan Jiao's hand: "Second Sister, you look so beautiful today! I am just a commoner next to Second Sister! When we enter the palace today, Second Sister must take me with you. I am ignorant of the world and must rely on Second Sister!" She walked over, and the strong scent of cosmetics wafted towards them, causing Song Chao Yu to cough lightly. She covered her mouth and nose with a handkerchief before her breathing felt smooth.
Song Yan Jiao subtly pushed Song Yan Rou away and then helped the First Madam into the carriage: "Let's go, don't be late." She cursed Song Yan Rou in her heart for being useless, but still maintained a smile on her face. As a concubine's daughter, Song Yan Rou, like Song Chao Yu, was entering the palace for the first time. So, she chattered incessantly until they were close to the palace gate, and after the First Madam reprimanded her, she finally quieted down.
The carriage stopped at the Taiye Gate on the north side of the palace walls. Officials' families like them could only enter the palace on foot from the Taiye Gate and then proceed towards the Dengque Hall, where the Consort resided. They had not arrived early; many carriages from officials' families were already parked there. The First Madam, outside, had good relations with others and began greeting and chatting with other noble ladies after alighting. Song Yan Jiao followed her, naturally receiving compliments from others. Then came Song Yan Rou and Song Chao Yu. Song Chao Yu silently followed behind them, observing the rules, and only when asked by others did the First Madam confirm that she was the maid brought back from the estate. The First Madam nodded in affirmation, but then heard someone whispering behind her. They were talking about Song Yan Rou! The tone was filled with mockery: "Look! Aren't those the daughters of the Song family? Why are they dressed so ostentatiously?"