Chapter 9

During Feng Yuanyuan’s recovery, the embroiderers in Wang Mansion made four sets of summer clothes for her. Princess Huarong also called the most famous jewelry store in Ningzhou City to personally select various types of jewelry for her.

After washing her face, Feng Yuanyuan obediently sat in front of the dressing table, watching as Weiyun styled her hair in the mirror.

She marveled at Weiyun’s skillfulness, while Weiyun silently appreciated how the local environment in Ningzhou nourished people. Feng Yuanyuan used to live with poor families, yet her face and neck were fair and tender, even her hair was smooth and shiny, black as satin. Growing up by the princess’s side, she wondered how she would become beautiful and charming.

Perhaps it had nothing to do with the environment, as Feng Yuanyuan, like the princess, was naturally beautiful.

It is said that beauty recognizes beauty, and the princess had pity for this child, just like one beautiful woman to another. If Feng Yuanyuan’s looks were ordinary, she might not have touched the princess’s kind heart.

“The princess may seem cold, but she is actually easy to get along with. Just follow her instructions obediently, and never be timid or annoying, which would only irritate the princess,” Weiyun advised softly while changing Feng Yuanyuan into her new clothes.

Feng Yuanyuan nodded.

Weiyun continued, “Of course, you should be respectful to the princess, but remember that your every word and action represents the princess’s dignity. Don’t shrink back and think of yourself as an ordinary commoner when dealing with people outside the princess’s circle.”

Feng Yuanyuan nodded again, feeling a little uneasy. What exactly constituted dignity?

Weiyun noticed and patted her shoulder with a smile, saying, “Don’t worry, the princess will slowly teach you what you need to learn. Today, just keep your head high.”

Feng Yuanyuan immediately straightened her small waist.

Weiyun took her hand and said, “Let’s go, I’ll accompany you to pay respects to the princess and the prince.”

Fengyi Hall.

Princess Huarong sat on the left side of the mahogany chair with carved flowers, her gaze lowered as she played with the jade bracelet on her wrist, exuding a lazy and relaxed aura.

Zhou Wen sat on the right side, holding a folding fan and leisurely fanning himself.

Yingyue and two little maids stood respectfully with their eyes lowered.

If it weren’t for the princess’s moving hand and the prince’s swaying fan, this scene could easily be mistaken for a painting of the inner chambers.

Finally, the sound of footsteps broke the silence.

Princess Huarong stopped admiring the jade bracelet, and Zhou Wen put away his fan. Both of them looked towards the entrance.

Weiyun led Feng Yuanyuan in.

This morning, Feng Yuanyuan wore a pale pink shirt, with a red-gold jade pendant hanging on her chest. Below the pendant, there were five delicate golden chains with gemstone tassels that swayed gently as she stepped through the door.

She had two cute and round buns on her head, with a small pink peony silk flower inserted on one side, complementing her dress and making her look lovely and charming.

Princess Huarong nodded imperceptibly.

When Zhou Wen saw Feng Yuanyuan last time, she was sick and couldn’t see her true appearance. But now, with her fair cheeks and watery almond eyes, dressed in luxurious clothing and jewelry, there was no trace of an ordinary orphan. One could even believe she was the princess’s biological daughter.

“Yuanyuan pays respects to the prince and the princess,” Weiyun let go of Feng Yuanyuan’s hand, and she remembered the etiquette Weiyun had taught her, stepping forward to pay her respects.

The Princess Huarong, who was familiar with her face, and the handsome prince, who she had seen in her dreams, both had a gentle and approachable demeanor, so Feng Yuanyuan was not afraid.

“Dispense with the formalities,” Princess Huarong said.

Feng Yuanyuan stood up straight, quickly glancing at the two dignitaries.

Zhou Wen noticed that this child seemed fearless and sensible. It was her first time meeting them, yet she showed no signs of nervousness or excessive curiosity.

Princess Huarong asked about Feng Yuanyuan’s health, “Do you still feel uncomfortable anywhere today?”

Feng Yuanyuan: “Princess, everything is fine now.”

Princess Huarong nodded, and without beating around the bush, she asked directly, “I have no daughters of my own, and I feel a connection with you. Are you willing to be my adopted daughter?”

Dreams are always ethereal, but now it was really happening, and Feng Yuanyuan couldn’t help but feel excited.

She looked at Princess Huarong with excitement and gratitude, and her almond-shaped eyes sparkled brighter than the morning star.

“Yes, I am willing to be your daughter!”

Remaining calm was impossible, and Feng Yuanyuan clumsily knelt in front of Princess Huarong.

Grandpa Li, always dirty and wanting to exchange her for silver, while the fairy-like beautiful princess wanted to adopt her as a daughter. How could she not be willing?

Which child doesn’t want a mother?

Feng Yuanyuan had a biological mother, but she died too early, and she never had the chance to call her “mother” face to face.

She could only watch from a distance as other girls had their mothers to comfort and cherish them, even when they were scolded and cried by their mothers. She envied them.

Overwhelmed with joy and sorrow, Feng Yuanyuan’s eyes welled up with tears the size of beans, streaming down her face.

From now on, she would also have a mother!

Princess Huarong regarded adopting a daughter out of pity for Feng Yuanyuan, but there were also factors related to her own situation.

Although they had become mother and daughter, their bond had not yet grown deep.

As a noble princess, she had little patience for comforting children. Fortunately, Feng Yuanyuan was beautiful and cried quietly, still within the limits of her tolerance.

“Don’t cry.”

She said lightly.

Feng Yuanyuan quickly wiped her tears with the back of her hand.

But there were so many tears, and her hands were small, so the more she wiped, the messier it became.

Before Weiyun could bring a handkerchief, Zhou Wen smiled and stood up, helping Feng Yuanyuan up and wiping her tears away.

Feng Yuanyuan stared blankly at him.

This was also the first time she faced such a handsome and noble man.

“Being recognized as a daughter is a happy event, so don’t cry.”

Zhou Wen’s gaze was gentle. While Feng Yuanyuan was still stunned, he wiped her face for her.

A faint chuckle came from behind, and Zhou Wen looked embarrassed. He smiled at Feng Yuanyuan and returned to his seat.

Princess Huarong looked at Yingyue.

Yingyue smiled and brought over a tray of tea. Wei Yun took the brocade cushion from the little maid and placed it in front of Princess Huarong.

“Miss, come and serve tea to the princess.” Wei Yun turned her head and reminded Feng Yuanyuan.

Feng Yuanyuan hurriedly knelt down.

The tea cup was filled to about seventy percent, and she carefully held it and trembled slightly as she offered it to Princess Huarong. “Mother, please have some tea.”

Princess Huarong nodded, took the tea bowl, and took a sip.

After putting down the tea bowl, Princess Huarong looked at Feng Yuanyuan again and said, “I will write a letter to the capital, requesting the emperor to grant you the title of a county princess. From now on, the servants in the mansion will also address you as County Princess. You should get used to it.”

Feng Yuanyuan didn’t care about being a county princess or not. She was just happy to have a mother and smiled foolishly at Princess Huarong.

Princess Huarong thought that although this smile was silly, it was still better than crying for no reason.