Rebirth: Phoenix Riding the Ninth Heaven

Today, the sun was shining brightly, and Li Ruoyue, along with Madam Hua and Li Ruoliu, visited the Second Prince's maternal grandmother's coming-of-age ceremony. The woman in question was the Second Prince's cousin and the granddaughter of the Left Prime Minister. She was a slender, graceful young woman, with a face as beautiful as a fairy and elegant manners, a sight to behold.

At the coming-of-age ceremony, she wore a gorgeous gown and delicate hair accessories, looking exceptionally beautiful. Her family and relatives were all proud of her and sent her blessings and gifts.

Li Ruoyue and his family sat in the middle. This seating arrangement was just right, neither too conspicuous nor too overlooked. The front seats were reserved for the bride's relatives and some dignitaries of prominent status and esteemed position. These people were obviously prominent figures, and their presence made the entire scene appear particularly solemn and formal. Although the Weiyang Marquis Mansion where Li Ruoyue was located was not an important official in the court, their status was not bad, enough to be comparable to that of the other guests present. This subtle seating arrangement not only reflected the host's respect for the guests from all parties, but also cleverly maintained a harmonious atmosphere.

Amidst the clamor, a loud cry suddenly rang out: "The time has come!" Like a bolt from the blue, it instantly shattered the chaotic atmosphere. Everyone stopped what they were doing and turned to look at the source. A woman stood high up, her expression solemn and loud, "Begin now!" Her gaze swept over the crowd, an unmistakable authority evident in her.

A girl's Jiji ceremony is considered a crucial rite of passage in her life. It not only marks a girl's transition from youth to maturity, but also carries the family's honor and expectations. The grandeur of a Jiji ceremony is often showcased through elaborate arrangements, solemn rituals, gorgeous attire, and a grand banquet, each element imbued with a sense of ritual and cultural significance.

This spacious and bright hall was awash in vibrant red. Flaming red silk curtains hung high from the ceiling, as intense and dazzling as a blazing flame. Golden tassels swayed gently in the breeze, gleaming with dazzling golden light like tiny stars falling to earth.

In the center, a long table covered with an exquisitely embroidered tablecloth sat quietly, a dazzling array of offerings displayed. Fresh fruit exuded an alluring aroma, exquisite pastries were mouth-watering, and curls of incense smoke rose from incense burners, filling the air with a sense of tranquility and peace. Delicate flowers, bursting with vibrant colors, added a touch of vitality and energy to the space.

The walls are covered with exquisite calligraphy and paintings, depicting beautiful stories with delicate brushstrokes, allowing people to immerse themselves in them and feel the charm of art. The ground beneath their feet is covered with thick red carpet, soft and comfortable, and every step feels like stepping on clouds, light and elegant.

In the center of the hall, a huge palace lantern hangs high in the air, emitting a warm and soft light, illuminating the entire space as if it were daytime. This palace lantern is not only a lighting tool, but also a work of art. Its presence fills the entire hall with a solemn and warm atmosphere, making people feel extremely comfortable.

The "Jigui" ceremony, a ceremony held in ancient China upon women's coming of age, signified their marriageable age. Ma Qianqian, the protagonist of this story, is described in exquisite detail, both in appearance and figure. She possesses a small, round face, fair skin, and a slightly plump figure, yet this does not diminish her beauty. Her features are exquisitely refined, especially her bright, lively eyes, which shimmer like stars.

The attire of the jiji girl is undoubtedly the focal point of the entire ceremony. She wears a vibrant dress carefully selected by the family elders. This dress is usually dominated by red or pink, and the hem of the skirt is embroidered with exquisite patterns, such as vibrant peonies and phoenixes ready to take flight. These patterns not only represent the girl's beauty and nobility, but also symbolize wealth and good fortune, implying a happy and fulfilling future.

The girl's hair was skillfully combed into an exquisite bun, held securely in place by a crown woven from gold and silver threads. The crown was adorned with precious ornaments such as pearls and jade pendants, giving her an appearance of elegance and luxury. The few carefully styled strands of hair that dangled down her back added a touch of playfulness and cuteness to her look.

The young woman wore an exquisite jade necklace around her neck and a pair of gold and silver bracelets on her wrists. These accessories not only highlighted her noble status but also reflected her family's honor and position. Her makeup was fresh and elegant, her eyebrows and eyes revealing a natural beauty, and her lips were slightly raised, revealing a confident and optimistic smile. This outfit made her look like a fairy descended from the earth, which was very charming.

The coming-of-age ceremony is presided over by the elders of the Ma family. Before the ceremony begins, they have the girl perform a grand ceremony of kneeling three times and kowtow nine times to heaven and earth, ancestors, and the elders present. This ceremony expresses reverence for heaven and earth, ancestors, and elders, while also showing respect for them. This etiquette embodies the traditional Chinese culture of respecting nature and valuing family ethics.

As the ceremony progressed, Granny Ma chanted the order of the coming-of-age ceremony loudly and solemnly: "First, bow to heaven and earth; second, bow to ancestors; third, bow to relatives; the ceremony is complete!" Each word was filled with deep blessing and anticipation. Ma Qianqian followed the instructions carefully, her movements graceful and her eyes focused and determined.

This action symbolizes the girl's awe of heaven and earth, and shows that she is willing to obey the laws of nature and accept its guidance; it also expresses her remembrance and gratitude to her ancestors, and gratitude for their contributions to the family; finally, it is also a sign of respect for the elders, indicating that the girl will follow the family's rules and traditions, and respect the opinions and suggestions of the elders.

After the ceremony, the most important step comes next: inserting a hairpin. At this point, the most respected female elder in the family will personally perform the "ji ji" ceremony for the young girl. They will carefully insert a hairpin, a symbol of adulthood, into the girl's carefully combed hair. This simple yet profound gesture signifies that the girl has officially become an adult woman in the family, reaching the age of marriage, and announces that interested parties can now propose marriage.

A delicate golden hairpin sat on a sandalwood tray. The carved patterns were delicate and clear, and the peony image was lifelike, with layers of petals and stamens as soft as silk, as if a peony were actually blooming in the hair. It was luxurious and majestic, shimmering with golden light, and it was so captivating.

The head of the family took the golden hairpin and gently inserted it into Ma Qianqian's hair. This gesture symbolized the family's inheritance and continuation, and also represented the elders' blessings and expectations for the bride. The golden hairpin sat firmly in Ma Qianqian's bun, adding a touch of nobility and elegance to her beauty.

When the golden hairpin was inserted into her hair, everyone applauded and congratulated her. The atmosphere was warm and cheerful. At this moment, Ma Qianqian stood aside shyly and smiled.

The insertion of the hairpin is not only a ritual but also a token of affection. It testifies to the bond between Ma Qianqian and her family and foreshadows a bright future. At this special moment, everyone feels the warmth and happiness of family and looks forward to creating a happy life with her future husband.

The eldest daughter-in-law of the Ma family wore a lavender gown, the hems swaying gently like a flower in the breeze. Draped in a bright red quilt, she resembled a blooming peony, vibrant and eye-catching, exuding an air of nobility and confidence. She stood tall and proud in the center of the hall, seemingly the center of attention. Her voice, clear and melodious, echoed like a spring breeze, caressing the crowd: "Thank you all for coming to my youngest daughter's coming-of-age ceremony!" Her smile was bright and sincere, her eyes sparkling with gratitude.

Her words were filled with respect and warmth for the guests, revealing her deep joy. Then, with a smile, she invited everyone to enjoy the food and drinks, wishing them a happy meal. Her gaze swept over everyone in the hall, a warm smile radiating warmth and care. Finally, she thanked everyone again and encouraged them to fully enjoy this wonderful moment without any restraint or hesitation. Her words were sincere and heartfelt, deeply moving. As befits the daughter and daughter-in-law of a prominent family, their words and actions were impeccable.

Li Ruoyue and Luzhu were whispering to each other at the table. Their eyes swept across each table, and then they began to discuss quietly. "Who is this?" "Oh, I know that lady, she is..." In this way, the two of them continued to comment on who the people at each table were and which mansions they came from. Sometimes they would mention some rumors or interesting stories about these people. For example, when they were discussing a lady at a certain table, Luzhu suddenly lowered her voice and said, "I heard that this lady once had a very unpleasant quarrel with someone because of a trivial matter!" After hearing this, Li Ruoyue's eyes lit up, and she curiously asked for details.

When talking about a certain table, Li Ruoyue pointed to the table opposite and said, "Look, that's Madam Hong from Duke Qian's mansion, her second daughter-in-law, and her daughter." Lu Zhu followed her finger and nodded in agreement. Then, Li Ruoyue added, "It is said that their eldest daughter-in-law and her child are not favored. They didn't bring Dafang to the banquet this time, saying that Dafang was sick and not suitable to go out. However, they didn't even bring Madam Dafang and her granddaughter, which shows how much they dislike their eldest daughter-in-law and her child." Hearing this, Lu Zhu couldn't help but sigh, "How pitiful!"

Li Ruoyue sighed helplessly and said with emotion: "Don't mention the wealthy families, even ordinary people have their own likes and preferences. Some people like big ones, some people prefer small ones. This preference often leads to conflicts and disputes. The root of these problems often lies in the inaction of the older generation. It is precisely because of their negligence and Li Xian's preference for the child he likes that the discord and estrangement between the brothers have occurred." Her words are full of insights into life and thoughts on human nature, which make people fall into deep thought.