Empress Yu was momentarily stunned, her disbelief almost turning into a sharp blade.

She abruptly stood up. “Zanying, what are you wearing?”

Zanying tilted her head slightly, looking up at the person on the steps.

Her dark bangs covered her brows, making her youthful face appear even more innocent and pure.

“Following Her Majesty’s teachings over the years, I’ve been told that extravagant clothing and makeup are not appropriate. Simple and clean garments are deemed elegant. I have always dressed this way for over a decade. Today, as always, I am following Her Majesty’s advice by wearing plain clothing. Is there something wrong with that?”

From childhood, the clothes delivered to Yuzhu Palace had always been in hues of yellow, light blue, or various shades of white—moon white, jade white, or faded pink.

Unaware of fashion’s allure as a child, Zanying thought this was how things should be.

When the Headmaster Du, presented bright red or emerald satin to the palace, she was occasionally tempted, but Empress Yu’s comment—”too flashy, not suitable for you”—always made her rethink and continue wearing her usual plain attire.

“You—”

Empress Yu stared at Zanying as if she didn’t recognize her, her expression shifting.

She forced a smile. “Good child, being plain is fine usually, but today is your special day. You should wear something festive. The Crown Prince will be coming later. Wouldn’t it be better if he saw you in bright and beautiful attire?”

Mentioning the Crown Prince only made Zanying more resolute.

She slowly fanned herself with a silk fan, her tone still leisurely. “No, if I change now, it would be considered rude when guests arrive.”

Her slow response only made the Empress more anxious, her concerns growing, but she couldn’t bring herself to be angry.

Instead, she patiently tried to persuade her. “How could it be? You are the guest of honor today. Even if there is something, I will explain it. Zanying, please go change.”

“It’s not about that.”

Zanying lowered her head to adjust her clothes. “People always say I was taught by the Empress. If I show poor manners, it will reflect badly on you. I thought this outfit was quite suitable. Is it that if I don’t wear green and red for my coming-of-age, others will think you mistreat me? Empress, you needn’t be so anxious.”

Empress Yu choked, caught off guard by Zanying’s words.

At this point, if she couldn’t discern the underlying message, she would be unfit to hold the Phoenix Seal for over a decade.

No wonder, she thought, that when Madam Lu mentioned Zanying had changed, she hadn’t taken it to heart.

It turned out that she was both bold and independent, starting to form her own ideas, and choosing today to make a scene.

Her years of experience and authority could not be overshadowed by a mere young girl.

Empress Yu finally dropped her pretense of kindness and adopted the full authority of her position.

With a cold gaze, she said, “The way of respect and obedience is a great courtesy for women. Today, you are to be the bride of the Li family. If you refuse to listen to your mother, do you intend to defy her?”

Zanying felt a chill at her words.

It was a fear engraved deep in her bones.

Whenever Empress Yu adopted this stern demeanor, she had been too frightened to cry, laugh, or make mistakes as a child.

Later, the woman would hug her, feed her a sweet date, and soothe her with countless reassurances, convincing her that it was all for her own good, leaving her without any resentment.

In this new life, even having faced death, the shadow of that fear still clung to her like a maggot.

But she could not retreat.

No one was here to support her in this moment; she had to stand firm on her own.

Zanying tightened her grip on the fan, slowly raised her eyes, and looked directly at Empress Yu with dew-like bright eyes. “What does it mean to defy? Is it just enduring humiliation, fearing others, and remaining subservient? Empress, with your great fortune, I know the admonitions for women even better than you.”

The once obedient child suddenly spoke with sharpness, not only addressing her as “you” but openly using a direct tone.

For Empress Yu, these words stung like a bee sting, and her expression turned stormy.

Just as she was about to order someone to take this troublesome girl away to change clothes, a ceremonial announcement came from outside—the Wang family’s matriarch had arrived.

Empress Yu’s face darkened for a moment but quickly recovered.

With so many prestigious guests today, among them were likely those with hidden motives.

Even though the Tang family’s wealth had long been declared forbidden territory, it was hard to ensure no one was secretly coveting it.

Whether it was the Emperor’s intention or her personal considerations, today’s event had to proceed without any mishaps.

Empress Yu quickly assessed the situation, giving Zanying a warning look and signaling her attendants to keep an eye on her.

Then, with a bright smile, she personally stepped out of the pavilion to greet the guests.

The Wang clan of Langya was considered the foremost contributor to the Jin dynasty’s establishment after their crossing of the Yangtze River.

When the court migrated south, the Wang family used its influence among the northern aristocracy to rally and win over the great families of the south, ultimately helping the founding Emperor solidify his rule.

In return, they secured the position of prime ministers for generations, maintaining their prestige to this day.

However, Zanying knew that the Emperor had intentions to suppress the power of noble families.

In her previous life, when Li Jinghuan succeeded his father, he continued this policy.

Yet, the Wang family, seasoned in political maneuvering, likely understood the Emperor’s thoughts.

Moreover, the Wang clan was at odds with the Yu clan and had long supported the second prince, born of Consort Liang.

Empress Yu, astute and calculating, was surely aware of the Wang family’s stance.

Nonetheless, as long as the esteemed Lady Wang, matriarch of the Wang clan, graced the occasion, Empress Yu had to rise to welcome her.

This was the weight of a great family’s influence.

Zanying had deliberately timed her late entrance to leverage this situation.

She knew that Empress Yu, concerned with maintaining her reputation, wouldn’t openly show her displeasure or embarrass Zanying in front of the guests, no matter how much she might disapprove.

Besides Lady Wang, other esteemed guests arrived, including the ladies of the Chen clan of Chen Commandery, the Xi clan of Gaoping, the Sun clan of Fuchun, along with the wives of several high-ranking court officials.

The garden was filled with lavish carriages, splendid gowns, and exquisite accessories, a dazzling display of nobility.

Over the years, Zanying had been “protected” by the Empress and hadn’t attended any gatherings or banquets outside the palace.

As such, many of the guests had never seen the young lady of the Fu family before.

Upon arriving at the pavilion, the ladies couldn’t help but want a glimpse of the Crown Princess, whom the Empress guarded so closely.

When they first spotted the figure dressed in white, they were visibly surprised.

But upon seeing Zanying’s face clearly, their eyes all flickered with admiration.

In the Southern Dynasties, unlike the North’s barbaric and wild customs, the aesthetic ideal was delicate and ethereal.

This was why even many men wore powdered faces, scented sachets, and adorned themselves in pursuit of beauty.

Zanying, naturally slender and delicate, appeared even more striking today in her plain white attire, long hair, and a face devoid of makeup.

In the midst of a garden filled with vibrant silks and elaborate costumes, her simple outfit didn’t diminish her charm; instead, it highlighted her elegance and ethereal demeanor.

However, it was widely known that the Empress treated the Fu family girl as if she were her own.

Why, then, would she be allowed to attend her coming-of-age ceremony dressed like this?

The wife of the Censor-in-Chief, who was not known for her subtlety, was the first to compliment, “The Empress truly knows how to raise a young lady. Today, I finally understand what it means to be naturally beautiful. Compared to her, my own daughter is like a burnt piece of parchment.”

Madam Wang, who had overseen two queens from her lineage, was famously critical when it came to evaluating a young lady’s grace and demeanor.

Yet, upon seeing Zanying, she too nodded slowly.

“Her form is graceful, her bones refined, and her aura pure and noble—a true reflection of her father.”

To Empress Yu, Zanying’s attire was like a thorn in her side.

With each guest’s lingering gaze, the discomfort deepened.

The compliments felt like slaps to her face.

However, bound by decorum, she could only maintain a polite smile.

The only solace she found was that the girl knew her boundaries and had refrained from speaking out of turn.

Zanying, indeed, conducted herself impeccably, neither servile nor arrogant, as she greeted the guests.

After completing her formalities, she glanced around and noticed that, apart from Xiao Yu’s companion, Cui Xin, all the attendees were elder ladies; there were no other young girls of her age at the banquet.

She had lived many years in vain, limited in her actions, and had yet to make a single close friend.

Zanying lowered her lashes and heard the announcement that Mr. Fu had arrived.

Her gaze deepened as she turned to look, just as in her previous life, Fu Ze’an had come with Fu Zhuangxue.

As Fu Ze’an approached, he bowed deeply to the Empress, saying, “My grandmother is unwell, so I was sent to attend the ceremony on her behalf.”

Zanying’s lips twitched slightly.

Everyone knew that she had no parents, and today, on her coming-of-age day, even the matriarch of the Wang clan, who was at odds with the Yu family, had come with a cane.

Yet, her grandmother had sent her regards due to illness.

Whether she was truly ill, only heaven knew.

Throughout the ceremony, Zanying didn’t cast a single glance at Fu Zhuangxue.

The young woman standing behind Fu Ze’an stared blankly at Zanying, clearly a bit dazed.

Fu Zhuangxue had deliberately chosen a moon-white, light cloud-patterned dress for the occasion.

With her fair and delicate face, the outfit accentuated her natural grace.

She had chosen this attire with a particular intent.

Knowing that Zanying would surely be dressed in grandeur, she had seen that face before and knew that no matter how others competed in splendor, they could not overshadow Zanying’s brilliance.

Instead, she decided to go against the grain, opting for simplicity and modesty in hopes that the Crown Prince might notice her.

Fu Ze’an had originally disagreed with her choice, saying that plain colors were inappropriate and lacked formality.

However, she had begged him, saying that she did not dare to be ostentatious at the grand banquet and did not want to outshine her sister.

Reluctantly, Fu Ze’an had agreed.

But Fu Zhuangxue could never have anticipated that Zanying would wear an entirely white outfit.

She seemed like ice and snow, pure and striking.

In comparison, Fu Zhuangxue ended up appearing like an imitation.

Fu Zhuangxue forced a smile while her fingers instinctively curled.

Fu Ze’an was still frowning at Zanying’s attire.

Noticing his younger sister’s discomfort, he came to his senses and introduced her to the assembled ladies, saying, “This is my younger cousin, who has come to the capital to visit. Our grandmother, being concerned for the young girl, asked me to bring her along to see the world. I hope the ladies will take care of her.”

As soon as he finished speaking, a beautifully dressed woman in a fitted skirt and adorned with five-jewels hairpins emerged from the crowd.

She was Cheng Yun, the new bride of the Xie family. With a deliberate smile, she said,

“At the peach blossom banquet some time ago, wasn’t the eldest son with her? Rest assured, with a brother who cares for his sister as if she were a precious gem, others will naturally look after her.”

Her words were bland yet pointed. Fu Ze’an felt a pang in his heart and instinctively looked towards Zanying.

Their eyes met, and Zanying’s gaze was cold and indifferent, showing no concern.