The purple silk robe with golden phoenixes on her shoulder had more than 2,000 pearls, and it was inlaid with more than 100 gems of various colors. The peacock patterns on it were woven with peacock feathers, and the tail was inlaid with real peacock feathers.
Every detail was filled with hints of respect and etiquette that could not be surpassed.
From the bottom of their hearts, they felt a strong sense of oppression, making them feel ashamed of their inferiority. They suddenly felt like kneeling and submitting.
Hearing her three daughters-in-law discussing the nobleness of the princess’s outfit, Old Madam Xie couldn’t help but smile and look proud.
Yu Youyao muttered, “How can it be so exaggerated?!”
Her voice was soft and obedient, making people subconsciously ignore her noble status. They couldn’t help but want to dote on her and not let her suffer a little.
The aunts looked at one another and couldn’t help but smile.
After chatting for a while, a servant came over to report, “Young Miss, Eunuch
Li and the others have already arrived at the entrance of the Yu Garden. Old Master has brought three uncles and five young masters to welcome them outside.’
The group quickly got up and checked each other to see if their clothes were appropriate. After waiting for a while, they finally heard a voice from outside.
Not long after, they saw Eunuch Li wearing a vermilion eunuch’s uniform. He was invited into the front hall by Old Master Xie and the others.
Behind him was a smart eunuch holding a golden tray with a bright yellow phoenix embroidery decree on it.
When he suddenly saw Princess Shaoyi, who was wearing a crown and looking dignified, even Eunuch Zhu, who was used to seeing nobles in the palace, couldn’t help but take a deep breath.
For a moment, even his straight back subconsciously bent a little. His expression and actions consciously revealed a hint of humility.
It was all because Princess Shaoyi!s crown clothes were actually according to the rules of the dynasty’s legitimate princess.
However, on closer look, there were still some subtle differences between the two.
On the crown clothes of the legitimate princess, there would be some dragon patterns to symbolize the bloodline of the royal family and the status of an imperial descendent.
Meanwhile, Princess Shaoyi had been recorded as an “adopted daughter” on the imperial jade plate. She was not of the royal family’s bloodline, so there were peacock patterns on her crown.
Others couldn’t tell the difference at first glance, but those with good eyesight could tell that she was the daughter of an external minister who had been conferred the title of princess.
However, often, the daughters of foreign ministers enjoyed the rights that only legitimate princesses had. Instead, they were even more important.
Eunuch Li, who had gained power in the palace, thought even more.
The emperor had been obsessed with alchemy since he was young and had not recruited anyone for many years. He did not have many children. After the eldest son of the first wife died prematurely, the Empress had been sick in the palace for a long time and did not have any more children.
Although Princess Lishan was the legitimate princess, everyone in the court knew that she was from the Ning Residence to begin with. She was the daughter of a concubine. She was not of the royal bloodline to begin with.
Putting aside the fact that her status was a little unpresentable, even the emperor did not like her very much. Her current dignity was all thanks to the Empress Dowager’s praise.
This dynasty valued the first wife and the eldest son. Princess Lishan seemed to be dignified, but her background was inferior to Yu Youyao, who was from a famous family and the daughter of the first wife,
In terms of status, Princess Shaoyi was only a princess on the surface. She seemed to be a little inferior to the princess, but in terms of status, Princess Shao Yi was even superior to Princess Lishan.
Furthermore, the Imperial Court had also treated Princess Shaoyi well. They had given her the dignity she deserved without any hesitation.
How could Princess Lishan compare?!
Eunuch Li had a plan in mind. He quickly took a step forward and bowed to
Princess Shaoyi. “Greetings, Princess.”
Yu Youyao quickly dodged. “That won’t do. You’ve received the emperor’s order to come on a mission this time. You’ve worked hard and contributed a lot. Besides, it’s been a long journey. It’s too much.”
Eunuch Li was amazed.
Her words were simple, but her meaning was not vague at all.
He had the emperor’s order, so there was indeed no need for him to deliberately show such etiquette. This etiquette was completely for the sake of befriending Princess Shaoyi. Furthermore, the person he was working with this time was also Princess Shaoyi.
Princess Shao Yi accepted this kindness, but not this etiquette.
The reason was also very reasonable. Not to mention that the emperor’s order was absolute, just on account of the hard work of passing down the decree and giving her rewards, she shouldn’t have received such etiquette.
But was that the truth?
Princess Shaoyi was a popular person now. Other than a few nobles in the palace, what kind of etiquette could she not accept?!
Not to mention that it was the etiquette from a eunuch like him!
Princess Shaoyi’s words and actions revealed a gentle and benevolent side. She was also magnanimous and dignified. Such upbringing was not something that many large clans could raise.
No wonder Eunuch Zhu always said, “Princess Shaoyi is a pure and kind person. ”
At this point, Eunuch Li followed suit and did not mention etiquette. He swept his gaze and saw Old Master Xie and the others maintaining etiquette.
A smile appeared on his face again, and he quickly said politely, “Oh, you have to stop. The Xie family has contributed greatly to the successful implementation of the national policy in the North by the Imperial Court. You’re all heroes. The Empress Dowager even publicly praised the Xie family in the royal court. She praised the Xie family for being a family with accumulated kindness and will definitely have a celebration. She even personally wrote a document of commendation to praise the Xie family.” During this period of time, the Baotong Bank had been frequently transferring money from all over the country. Such a big move could not be hidden from the Imperial Court. The Xie family had stood out and donated most of their assets. This matter had long spread throughout the world.
The implementation of the national policy was led by King Yue Fei. Princess Shaoyi played a role, but no one could erase the contribution of the Xie family to national policy.
The Imperial Court had publicly praised the Xie Residence for the sake of all the merchants in the world. They also wanted to set a typical example for the Xie Residence and teach all the merchants in the world a lesson.
They couldn’t be careless at all.
Old Master Xie and the others were immediately flattered. “The national policy is for the sake of the country, so it’s only right for everyone to follow them. We only did our best, so we don’t dare to take credit. Thank you for the
Empress Dowager’s kindness and the Imperial Court’s grace. The Xie family is grateful.”
Eunuch Li nodded in satisfaction. After saying a few more polite words, he was led to his seat by Princess Shaoyi. Immediately, a maidservant served tea.
Eunuch Li took a sip but did not eat much tea.
Seeing Eunuch Li’s strange expression, Yu Youyao explained, “There’s no good tea in the Liaodong area to entertain you. You’re used to using good things in the palace. 1 think the old tea last year wasn’t suitable for you either. I made the Rougui tea myself and added some spices and medicinal herbs to make medicinal tea. Fortunately, the older this medicinal tea is, the more fragrant it is. It’s refreshing and can relieve fatigue.”
Those who knew tea could tell the quality of the tea as soon as they tasted it. Anyone who came were guests. No matter what guests they were, it was not good to let others misunderstand that the residence was neglectful..