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"To fetch it from Fengyi Palace, but I wonder if Lady Shen’s attire will fit?" The Empress agreed readily, yet she also worried as she and the Crown Prince hurried back.

Xiao Jinyan could not be concerned about the fit at this moment; retrieving it was the most crucial thing, for he did not wish for this matter to delay the Grand Ceremony of the heir’s establishment.

Meanwhile, inside Hehuan Hall.

The seamstress arrived at Hehuan Hall immediately and was equally shocked when she saw the state of the auspicious attire.

"The auspicious attire was meticulously made from scratch by us, how could it turn out like this?"

Shen Chuwei said, "Never mind that now, see if it can be remedied."

"Remedying it isn’t an issue, it’s just a matter of time," the seamstress said as she opened her embroidery kit, which contained leftover gold threads from sewing the auspicious dress.

The old maidservant asked, "It’s only a short time until the auspicious hour, can we make it in time?"

"Hard to say, but I will do my best," said the seamstress, who specialized in fine work and wasted no words as she threaded the needle and set to work.

Shen Chuwei held two beads in her hand, nearly identical to the auspicious and fortunate beads, almost indistinguishable unless examined closely.

The flaw was that these two beads were cheap silver-plated arts and crafts.

As time slipped away.

The old maidservant reminded her, "The bridal sedan is already waiting at the door."

"It’s too late; everything is scheduled precisely, from leaving the East Palace to ascending the stairs of Jinluan Hall during the auspicious hour. Any later, and we will miss the proper time."

Shen Chuwei lowered her gaze to the two beads in her hand, realizing they probably would not be used after all.

"Young mistress, young mistress, I have returned," Chun Xi called out as she hurried in, cradling a large box.

Shen Chuwei, puzzled by the object Chun Xi held, asked, "What’s in your arms?"

"Young mistress, it’s the auspicious attire," Chun Xi placed the box on the table, then used the key to unlock it, urgently calling out, "Nannies, please help dress my young mistress quickly!"

The moment the box was opened, one could feel what was meant by ’glittering jewels and luminescent pearls.’

Shen Chuwei looked at the auspicious attire inside with joy and couldn’t help but laugh and touch it, "Chun Xi, where is this auspicious attire from?"

"The Empress fetched it; when the Empress was the Crown Princess, there was ample time, so the Emperor had the Sewing Bureau custom-make two sets and let the Empress choose one. The other set has been well-preserved," Chun Xi finished and laughed joyfully.

Seeing that the auspicious attire was ready, the maidservants began urging, "Come on, let’s dress Lady Shen."

Until the official conferment, one could only address her as a Lady; after the procedure is completed, she will become the Crown Princess.

Shen Chuwei was meticulously assisted by the maidservants into the Crown Princess’ auspicious attire.

Although it was over twenty years old, the craftsmanship and fabric were in no way inferior to contemporary ones, with chest beads even larger and brighter.

However, it genuinely was heavy, layers of clothing weighing at least several pounds.

"Fits very well," the maidservant exclaimed with joy.

"Even the heavens are helping Lady Shen; she is destined for great wealth and honor," the old maidservant complimented as well.

The happiest was Chun Xi, as her young mistress was only wearing the new auspicious attire.

Under the escort of the maidservants, Shen Chuwei walked out of Hehuan Hall at a measured pace.

At the entrance to Hehuan Hall, stopped an eight-man sedan, entirely red with gold trimming and each corner adorned with a Phoenix spitting pearls - festive and luxurious.

Indeed different from the common bridal sedan, but significantly more opulent and imposing.

Shen Chuwei was supported by two maidservants as she seated herself in the sedan.

The procession from the East Palace to Jinluan Hall was meticulously timed to coincide with the salute of each step.

Seated in the sedan, Shen Chuwei ensured her posture was more upright and proper than ever before.

This was her first departure from the East Palace in such a way, and she found it all quite novel.

When they arrived at Jinluan Hall’s staircase, Shen Chuwei, supported by the maidservants, descended from the sedan.

"Crown Princess, be slow on the steps," the maidservant reminded her.

Now was the time to address her as Crown Princess.

Shen Chuwei nodded, "Mhm."

She looked up towards the top of the stairs, where Xiao Jinyan in his red auspicious attire stood centrally positioned.

It was her first time seeing Xiao Jinyan in red garments; being auspicious attire, both the fabric and accessories were extremely luxurious.

As she ascended the steps, she could not hitch up her skirt, so each step had to be taken with great care.

Shen Chuwei had been learning to walk with the help of the guiding maidservant, and though she hadn’t mastered it fully, she had managed to grasp about eighty percent.

Xiao Jinyan stood tall and elegant, casting his gaze downwards at his wife as she approached step by step, his excitement was self-evident, reflected plainly upon his face.

The dressed-up Xiao Jiu remained beautiful, yet he still preferred seeing her bare-faced.

Actually, Xiao Jiu was very smart and learned things quickly.

It’s just that her only interests were in eating, drinking, and sleeping; because of this, everyone thought that was all she was good for.

As soon as Shen Chuwei climbed the steps, Xiao Jinyan eagerly moved forward two steps, extending his hand to her.

Shen Chuwei, observing the pristine hand before her, slowly placed her own hand in his broad palm.

Once they were closer, Xiao Jinyan asked in a low voice with a smile, "Does the auspicious attire fit well?"

Shen Chuwei nodded, "It fits very nicely, but..."

Xiao Jinyan pressed, "But what?"

Shen Chuwei whispered softly, "It’s very heavy."

"Just endure a bit longer, it will soon be over," Xiao Jinyan said, holding Shen Chuwei’s hand and leading her upwards.

Xiao Jinyan knew the hem of the auspicious dress was long, and that Xiao Jiu could easily trip, so he walked slowly, to ensure Xiao Jiu could keep pace with him.

In Jinluan Hall

The Emperor, draped in a Dragon Robe, sat upright on the Dragon Throne. He turned to glance at the Empress, who also wore a Phoenix Robe and crown, radiating the majesty of a mother of the nation.

Her gaze was fixed on the great doors of Jinluan Hall, filled with anticipation.

He realized that ever since the Empress returned from Fuyao Residence, she seemed like a changed person; before, she was ill-tempered, at least she would vent on him occasionally.

Now she appeared dignified and virtuous, not confronting him and showing great respect.

It seemed as if the Empress’s heart remained in Fuyao Residence...

ps: Second update