Marrying the Crown Prince

Zhou Zhou's birthday is approaching, and Old Madam Zhou has begun to restrict her from going out, explaining the rules of the coming-of-age ceremony to her.

"The guest of honor is the old lady of the Marquis of Beiping." Old Madam Zhou paused here, "It's strange, our family doesn't have much of a relationship with the Marquis of Beiping's family."

Zhou Zhou was stunned, and after a long while, she asked, "Then... why did you invite the old lady of the Marquis of Beiping to be my guest of honor?"

"This was decided a few days ago. At that time, I went to the banquet with Heng'er, and the Lady of Beiping happened to be sitting next to us."

"As we were chatting, she recommended that her mother-in-law be the guest of honor."

The old lady of the Marquis of Beiping, the mother of Empress Chu and the Marquis of Beiping, is now in her seventies and lives a secluded life. Even Emperor Chenze rarely disturbs her.

Hearing Grandma Zhou say that this matter had been decided beforehand, a sweet feeling slowly welled up in her heart.

Zhou Zhou would never believe that this matter was not stirred up by Li Ziyan.

The old lady of the Marquis of Beiping is highly respected. Inviting her as the principal guest will not only benefit the marriage but also the reputation of the entire Yongjing Marquis's mansion.

Hearing the old lady recount the deeds of the old lady of the Marquis of Beiping, Zhou Zhou's mind was once again filled with the image of Li Ziyan—they had not met since they revealed their feelings for each other.

Thinking back to that day, a smile appeared at the corners of Zhou Zhou's eyes.

As they were talking, someone from the Marquis of Beiping's residence came over, saying that the old lady was giving Zhou Zhou a coming-of-age gift.

"Young Lady Zhou has come of age, and my matriarch is overjoyed. She specially ordered me to come and present these gifts to Young Lady Zhou." As she spoke, the old woman held up a wooden box carved with golden chrysanthemums in bloom with both hands.

Zhou Zhou accepted it with both hands and said, "Please thank me for me, Granny."

After everyone left, Zhou Zhou opened the box at the prompting of Old Madam Zhou. Inside the wooden box were three items: a hairpin, a hair ornament, and a hair ornament crown.

All three items are engraved with intricate patterns and are exquisitely crafted; it's clear at a glance that they are quite valuable.

Grandma Zhou picked up the hairpin, looked at its exquisite craftsmanship, and sighed softly, "What I prepared for you is still far inferior to this."

Zhou Zhou blinked, and an idea popped into her mind.

She knew that what her grandmother had prepared for her must have been good, but it still couldn't compare to what the old lady of the Marquis of Beiping had sent.

So let's make a bold guess: perhaps the old lady... knows about her relationship with Li Ziyan?

Realizing this, Zhou Zhou felt a sweet warmth in her heart.

Soon, the day of her coming of age arrived. Zhou Zhou stayed in the east room, wearing a light blue soft silk long gown with a front opening. Her hair was styled in the double buns that children often wore, wrapped with a pearl chain, making her look like an eleven or twelve-year-old child.

The purpose of dressing like this was to tell everyone that she was a minor before today.

Soon, the guests were all seated, and Du finished her opening remarks. Zhou Zhou slowly walked to the main seat, bowed to the guests, and then knelt upright facing due west.

At this moment, Li Zixi stepped forward. She untied Zhou Zhou's hair bun, picked up a comb, and slowly combed her long hair, smoothing it out. Finally, she neatly tied it up, leaving not a single strand of hair.

The mission was finally completed, and Li Zixi's tense heart relaxed.

The two of them stood up together and bowed to each other.

After tidying up her hair, Zhou Zhou changed her position to face due east, still kneeling.

The official Zhou Heng presented the hairpin and handkerchief. The matriarch of the family, the old lady of the Marquis of Beiping, slowly walked up to Zhou Zhou. Her eyes were bright, and when she stared at him quietly, it was as if she was trying to see into his heart.

She recited a blessing: "On this auspicious day of the month, you begin your coming-of-age ceremony. May you cast aside your childish ambitions and cultivate virtue and talent."

After saying that, she put a hairpin in Zhou Zhou's hair.

When the old lady of the Marquis of Beiping looked at the hairpin, her smile became more genuine, because it was a gift from her.

After Zhou Zhou's hair was styled, Li Zixi received a sky-blue plain dress from Zhou Heng, and Zhou Zhou followed closely behind, returning to the east room.

After changing her clothes, Zhou Zhou returned to the group under Li Zixi's guidance.

According to custom, Zhou Zhou faced the main gate and performed a kowtow. This kowtow was to heaven and earth and all things, to thank them for nurturing so many living beings, and also to thank them for nurturing him.

After performing the formalities, Zhou Zhou sat down facing east again.

The old lady of the Marquis of Beiping took off her hairpin, and this time, she put a hairpin on Zhou Zhou.

Then, the old lady of the Marquis of Beiping gave her her blessings, and Zhou Zhou was finally relieved, shrinking into a small ball like a quail egg.

Zhou Zhou went back to the house to change his clothes, then came to Zhou Laowu and Du Shi and knelt down to pay his respects to his parents, expressing his gratitude for their upbringing.

Soon, the old lady of the Marquis of Beiping removed her hairpins and put on her hair crown.

Finally, the last step arrived. Zhou Zhou, now dressed in wide-sleeved clothes, knelt before the old lady of the Marquis of Beiping. This gesture was to show respect to her teacher.

Then Du stood up and walked to Zhou Zhou's side. All the spectators also stood up, and the chief guest, officials, and attendants also went to the viewing platform.

Madam Du led Zhou Zhou to the front of the viewing platform, and the two bowed together, saying, "My daughter Zhou Zhou's coming-of-age ceremony is complete. Thank you all for participating."

After the crowd dispersed, Old Madam Zhou warmly invited the Old Madam of Beiping and Li Zixi to stay for a simple meal. Meanwhile, Madam Du and Madam Zhang led Zhou Zhou to pay their respects to Empress Chu, Consort Mei, and... the nanny sent by Consort De to observe the ceremony.

Consort Mei is the aunt, and Empress Chu had given prior instructions, so it was normal for these two to send people over.

As for Consort De, the nanny she sent said, "Her Majesty always remembers that Miss Zhou once called her 'Auntie,' so she specially sent this old servant to observe the ceremony."

Zhou Zhou: "..."

I thanked her.

The old nanny beside Empress Chu hurriedly reached out to help Zhou Zhou up, "Eighth Miss, we can't bear to part with her."

“Your Excellency is an elder and a lady-in-waiting in the palace. It is my honor to be able to pay my respects to you,” Zhou Zhou replied respectfully.

On the day of coming of age, one should pay respects to an older, blessed person in order to receive their good fortune and blessings.

Thus, the old woman had no choice but to let go and accept Zhou Zhou's bow.

After the ceremony, the nanny stopped talking and smiled frankly, "Her Majesty is waiting for me to return and report, so I won't stay any longer."

The nanny beside Empress Chu said not to keep them, and the other two were too embarrassed to say they would stay, so the three of them went back together.

After watching them leave, Zhou Zhou turned to greet the remaining guests. She hadn't had a moment to rest all day.

When we finally rested, it was already late. The sun had set halfway down the mountain, its afterglow painting half the sky red, vibrant and beautiful, bathing everything in its glow. Birds chirped merrily in the trees, and it felt as if time had stopped. Everything was so peaceful and beautiful.

Zhou Zhou simply had someone bring a bench to the porch, where he sat and quietly admired the wonders of nature.

Just as they were admiring it, Jufang came over, handed them a box, and whispered, "This was sent by His Highness."