The cruel little princess

As soon as the news of His Royal Highness Prince Jin's personal proposal spread, the entire capital erupted in excitement. Like a spring breeze, the news spread to every corner. People were buzzing with discussion about the noble Prince Jin, his wealth and his doting on his fiancée! Meanwhile, from within the palace of Concubine Shu, the sound of shattering porcelain could be heard. Upon hearing the news, Concubine Shu was so enraged that she smashed all of her beloved Ru kiln tea sets, newly gifted to her. These exquisite tea sets, originally intended for entertaining distinguished guests, had now become a tool for venting her anger.

"Hmph!" Consort Shu slammed her palm on the table, her face frighteningly gloomy. "I was clearly the one who set my eyes on that coral first! I begged His Majesty for ages, but he wouldn't give it to me! And now it's quietly appeared among the Ninth Prince's betrothal gifts! Hmph! His Majesty is clearly partial to the Ninth Prince!" Her tone was filled with resentment and resentment, as if she had been deeply wronged.

"Your Majesty!" Zizhu, the trusted maidservant of Concubine Shu, knelt on the ground in fear, her face etched with panic. "Your Majesty, be careful with your words! Your Majesty, calm down!" She knew that Concubine Shu was extremely angry at the moment, and if she didn't stop him in time, the consequences would be disastrous. Fortunately, they were in the palace now, without anyone around. If others knew about this, and the concubines were to criticize the emperor behind his back, they would be courting death!

"How can I calm down? The Ninth Prince is just a child without his mother's affection, yet His Majesty favors him in every way! How can I accept this?" Consort Shu's delicate hands tapped softly on the table, making a crisp sound. Her fingers were long and white, her nails painted with vibrant polish, gleaming with a captivating sheen. Her movements were graceful and elegant, captivating. Yet, her face was filled with deep resentment and jealousy.

Zizhu carefully raised her head and looked at Concubine Shu's fingers, secretly sighing in her heart: "The Concubine's fingers are so beautiful, like a work of art." But she didn't dare to show it at all, just lowered her head, silently waiting for Concubine Shu's anger to subside.

"Zizhu, help me bathe and change clothes! And ask the small kitchen to stew some wolfberry, cordyceps and pork liver soup. I will take it to His Majesty later!" As soon as Concubine Shu raised her right hand, Zizhu quickly offered the back of her hand and helped Concubine Shu into the inner room to wash and dress.

What Concubine Shu said to His Majesty was unimportant; what mattered was that she left the Imperial Study with a smile on her face. Not long after, His Majesty's gifts trickled down to her chambers. While not as unique as the coral, they were still priceless and extremely valuable treasures.

Meanwhile, with the assistance of the Ministry of Rites and the Imperial Observatory, the Fifth Prince, Prince Rui, finally selected an auspicious date and prepared to visit the bride's family to present the betrothal gifts. This date was imbued with auspicious meaning, foreshadowing a happy and fulfilling marriage.

Upon learning of this, Concubine Shu immediately took action. She took out all the rare treasures, silks, and exquisite jewelry she had collected over the years and presented them to His Royal Highness Prince Rui as a betrothal gift. She hoped that these generous betrothal gifts would demonstrate the royal family's generosity and sincerity, ensuring that her son would not be disrespectful when making his betrothal proposal, and would not be left behind!

Under the constant comparison of Concubine Shu, His Royal Highness Prince Rui married his cousin, Zhang Yuyan.

Time flew by, and it was already the first day of September. Around the fifteenth day of the eighth lunar month, the Mid-Autumn Festival, Shen Duanfang had submitted a memorial to the emperor, stating that he wanted to bring his son back to the capital to oversee the affairs of state. With the emperor's approval, Shen Duanfang and his son, Shen Zijin, returned to the capital on the second day of September.

The Shen Mansion suddenly became bustling with activity. Shen Duanfang secretly felt lucky that the Emperor had bestowed upon him a mansion with five courtyards last year. Otherwise, if the whole family still lived in the courtyard with only three courtyards, it would have been difficult to accommodate so many guests and friends!

Shen Duanfang had been serving in a foreign post for a long time and was unfamiliar with the capital, let alone wedding planning. Therefore, he decided to ask the Right Vice Minister of Rites, Wu Siqi, for assistance. After all, Wu Siqi was not only Prince Jin's eldest cousin, but also a close family member. By leaving the tedious formalities to him and his son, Old Man Shen could finally relax and unwind.

But there's one thing Old Man Shen is quite reliable about: he's chosen Madam Zheng as the "Full-Blessed Lady" to dress Shen Youyou. Censor Zheng is of noble status, and her family is harmonious and loving. Madam Zheng has a vibrant 73-year-old mother-in-law, three sons and one daughter, and a large and happy family. Furthermore, Censor Zheng has never taken a concubine! Furthermore, she claims that the Princess of Rui'an is her savior! Given her close relationship with Shen Youyou, it's only fitting that she be chosen as the "Full-Blessed Lady"!

Shen Youyou was woken up by Chuntao early in the morning. Before she could even eat or drink water, she was forced to put on makeup in front of the mirror at the dressing table!

Shen Youyou yawned and looked at herself in the mirror sleepily. Her hair was tied into an intricate bun, adorned with many ornate accessories, giving her a solemn look. Her face was lightly made up, giving her a fresh and natural look. Her lips were painted with bright lipstick, making her look even more charming and attractive.

Chun Tao helped Shen Youyou comb her hair while whispering, "Miss, today is your big day."

Shen Youyou smiled slightly, a hint of shyness and anticipation flashing in her eyes. She knew that this day was of great significance to her and was also an important turning point in her life.

Time ticked by as Shen Youyou sat at her dressing table, her maids dressing her. Madam Zheng had unknowingly come up behind her, taking the comb from Chuntao's hand and gently combing Shen Youyou's cascading hair. As she gently combed, she gazed at the radiant, beautiful woman in the mirror, a wave of emotion welling up in her heart.

At this time last year, she was suffering from diabetes, unaware of her condition. Fortunately, she met the Princess of Rui'an at a plum blossom viewing banquet hosted by her cousin, Madam Zuo. It was the Princess's miraculous healing touch that cured her of her chronic illness. Since then, she and the Princess have formed an indissoluble bond.

Mrs. Zheng was filled with gratitude and whispered blessings, as if every word was a prayer for the newlyweds' happy life: "Comb your hair once, all the way to the ends; comb it twice, and your hair will be as white as your eyebrows; comb it three times, and you will have many children and grandchildren..." These ancient blessings carry the elders' good expectations and wishes for the newlyweds.

At the same time, several sisters who were close to Shen Youyou, such as Zuo Qingqing and Xu Qingxue, also came early to add to Shen Youyou's makeup. They brought precious gifts and good wishes, and stayed with Shen Youyou the whole time, chatting with her to relieve her boredom and share their joy and expectations.

At this special moment, Shen Youyou felt the warmth of family and friendship, and her heart was filled with happiness and emotion. She knew that no matter what difficulties and challenges she would encounter in the future, she would not be alone because she had a group of family and friends who truly cared about her.

As time passed, Shen Youyou finally finished dressing. She donned the red wedding gown sent by His Royal Highness Prince Jin, embroidered with an elaborate dragon and phoenix pattern, symbolizing good fortune and prosperity. Madam Zheng personally placed the phoenix crown and bridal veil on her head, holding the red veil as she prepared for the upcoming wedding ceremony.