The Chrysanthemum Garden Party was set for the afternoon, but early in the morning, a delivery from Qingrui Cloth Shop arrived with the much-anticipated Liuxian dress. The shop assistant couldn't stop praising its craftsmanship.
Xiaocao carefully carried the dress into the main house. Even though Jiang Huaiyu had designed it herself, she couldn't help but feel a sense of awe. It was no wonder so many people adored Hanfu—the timeless beauty it embodied was captivating. Whether it was dignified or playful, the intricate layering and stitching of the fabrics created a unique charm that was hard to resist.
The pale autumn yellow of the outer sheer robe was elegant, perfectly complemented by the soft lotus-pink of the underdress. The combination was delicate yet proper, the subtle shades blending harmoniously for an effortlessly graceful look.
For someone like Jiang Huaiyu, who had always loved the aesthetics of ancient styles, being transported to this era—despite its many inconveniences—felt like fate.
"I never understood why people were so obsessed with buying clothes," she mused, pulling out a white silk lining to wear beneath the dress. Once she had donned the lotus-pink gown and layered the autumn yellow robe over it, the embroidered patterns of sweet osmanthus flowers came to life. The embroidery was exquisite, each tiny flower seeming to flutter with movement. Against the yellow fabric, it felt as though the fragrance of osmanthus filled the air.
"Madam, you look like someone from a painting! Truly stunning!" Zhuzhu exclaimed, covering her mouth in amazement.
The three of them—Zhuzhu, Xiaocao, and Old Madam Xu—showered Jiang with similar praise, leaving her wondering if she had been depriving them of new clothes too often. Their enthusiasm made her secretly laugh.
"Alright, alright, any more compliments, and I might start to believe them," she teased, unable to suppress her grin.
"But it's true!" Xiaocao said, her eyes sparkling.
After lunch, they took a short rest before boarding the waiting carriage. As the driver called out to the horses, the vehicle began its journey toward the Chrysanthemum Garden.
"Xiaocao, are you nervous?" Jiang Huaiyu asked, breaking from her thoughts about the upcoming event. She opened her eyes to find Xiaocao's face a mix of tension and anxiety.
"I'm worried I might embarrass you, Madam," Xiaocao admitted. She knew the party would be filled with noblewomen and ladies from prominent families, and she feared her lack of refinement might reflect poorly on Jiang Huaiyu.
"Just stay close to me and do as I do," Jiang reassured her. "This is a chance for you to see more of the world. Don't overthink it—it's just a gathering for chatting and admiring flowers."
Xiaocao nodded, visibly relaxing at her words.
"Remember: maintain composure, speak and act with consideration, and be mindful of your surroundings. This applies not just for today but in everything you do," Jiang added with a smile. "There's nothing to worry about."
"You're right, Madam!" Xiaocao agreed earnestly.
The carriage came to a halt at the outskirts of the northern part of the city. The driver turned back and said, "Madam, the area ahead is restricted to carriages. You'll have to walk from here. I'll wait for you here."
"Thank you," Jiang Huaiyu replied, stepping down with Xiaocao's assistance. Together, they began the short walk toward the garden.
The northern part of the city bordered the imperial palace and was home to sprawling gardens and government offices rather than residences. The Chrysanthemum Garden had originally belonged to a merchant who adored chrysanthemums. Its pavilions and flowerbeds were said to host ten thousand varieties of chrysanthemums, though it was likely closer to ten thousand pots. Financial troubles had eventually forced the merchant to sell the property, which now belonged to the Grand Princess.
As Jiang walked toward the garden's grand entrance, she saw finely adorned carriages passing by, each bearing a nameplate identifying the household they belonged to. Guards patrolling the area allowed them through without question.
At the garden gate, an elderly maid with silver-streaked hair stood with several younger maids, checking invitations and directing guests inside. Jiang handed over her card with a polite smile.
The maid glanced at the card, and her initial polite smile brightened further. "Ah, Lady Jiang, such an honor to have you here. Please, come in. Cui Zhi, guide Lady Jiang to the Ziying Pavilion to rest."
Nodding in thanks, Jiang followed the maid through the entrance.
The interior of the garden was breathtaking. Every possible space was adorned with chrysanthemums—decorative arrangements teetered on the edge of excess. It felt as though the entire space was enveloped in a sea of flowers. Even the carved beams and columns were etched with chrysanthemum motifs.
"Lady Jiang, the Ziying Pavilion offers the best view of the garden's rarest chrysanthemums. Please rest there while I fetch some chrysanthemum tea for you," said Cui Zhi, curtsying before excusing herself.
Leaning against the lacquered red railing, Jiang gazed at the vibrant flower petals that covered the pond below. The blossoms swayed gently, creating the illusion of waves in a sea of color.
"It's quite refined," Xiaocao remarked softly, noticing that they were alone except for the faint presence of others walking along a nearby corridor.
"Refined, perhaps," Jiang replied with a sly smile, "but a bit lacking without some steamed crabs to go with the view."
The mention of golden crabs immediately conjured images of them served with vinegar and ginger. Her mouth watered at the thought. "Tomorrow, we'll buy a few and enjoy them at home. Then we'll have elegance and full bellies."
"A woman who talks about eating crabs at such a fine gathering! If you dislike the event so much, why did you even come?" A sharp voice cut through the air.
Jiang turned to see a young woman ascending the steps to the pavilion. Her opulent attire and ruby headpiece made her noble lineage clear. However, her overly ornate dress seemed to overwhelm her youthful features.
Jiang met her gaze calmly. "Food, clothing, shelter, and travel are life's essentials. I accepted the invitation and find the scenery delightful. Naturally, it inspired thoughts of pairing it with good food. It's no different than poets writing verses upon seeing a beautiful view. Why would such musings be considered inappropriate?"
Meanwhile, in a nearby tower, the Grand Princess He Linglong paused, setting down an untouched pastry. "Where is my ninth sister? Hasn't she arrived yet?" she asked her attendant, Ruyi.
"She should be here by now. I'll go check," Ruyi replied. Exiting the room, she encountered a maid who confirmed the Ninth Princess's arrival. However, the maid added, "She mentioned wanting to spend time at the Ziying Pavilion with a friend."
Hearing this, Ruyi's expression shifted. She immediately returned to the Grand Princess to report.
"She's at the Ziying Pavilion?" He Linglong murmured, frowning. "And who is this 'friend'?"
At the Ziying Pavilion, He Linglong's worries proved justified. Her normally imperious younger sister, He Jinyu, was seated on a stool with several other noblewomen, all clustered around Jiang Huaiyu.
"Jiang, you really think crab prepared that way will taste better?" He Jinyu asked eagerly. "Can you show me? Or maybe I'll have the palace chefs try it tomorrow."
The Grand Princess froze at the scene. Was this her haughty, sharp-tongued sister?