Love at First Sight - Chapter 33 A Woman Dresses to Please the One She Loves

The sun had risen high, the morning mists of early winter had long since dispersed, and now it was already noon.

In front of the Third Prince’s residence, a carriage stood still as two young attendants bustled about busily.

One after another, they carefully unloaded ten bolts of the finest silk and five sets of exquisite garments from the carriage. Each outfit was wrapped in delicate satin; their movements were meticulous, as if fearing even the slightest brush or tear. Such precious goods were beyond their means to replace if damaged or soiled.

Before long, Liu Jiu arrived at the entrance with several servants in tow. He led the group into the front courtyard, where Tong’er was sitting by the doorway.

“Liu Jiu, what brings you here? What are all these?” she asked, rising to her feet.

“These are gifts His Highness purchased for Miss Wen,” Liu Jiu replied with a gentle smile.

Tong’er’s eyes widened in delight as she gazed at the luxurious fabrics, her heart swelling with happiness for Wen Yueqing.

“Just leave them in the outer room,” Tong’er instructed, “and be careful not to disturb Sister Qing.” At this hour, Wen Yueqing was still asleep.

Liu Jiu waved his hand. “Take them inside.”

The two attendants, heads bowed, didn’t dare so much as glance at the treasures as they carried them in and quickly withdrew.

Tong’er unwrapped the satin bundles and admired the clothing. “Oh, the colors and patterns are beautiful! The craftsmanship is so fine—Miss will look wonderful in these.”

As she was marveling over them, Liu Yi arrived with more servants, each carrying ornate jewelry boxes.

“And these?” Tong’er stepped outside to ask.

“Jewelry His Highness selected for Miss Wen,” Liu Jiu explained, instructing the servants to set everything in the outer room.

Tong’er was astonished and envious. “So much jewelry! His Highness is truly too generous to Miss.”

“Indeed,” Liu Jiu grinned, “I’ve been in this residence for ages, but this is the first time I’ve seen His Highness bestow such lavish gifts on anyone.”

He leaned in closer and lowered his voice conspiratorially, “If you ask me, His Highness means to make Miss Wen his own. Your lady is about to have her fortune made.”

With that, Liu Jiu muffled a laugh with his hand, fully convinced that, any day now, Miss Wen would rise to a place of honor.

Tong’er gave him a quick smack and whispered, “Don’t say such things. Nothing is settled yet. If others were to hear, it wouldn’t be good.”

Liu Jiu shook his head with a sigh. “Come now, do I even need to say it? Who in this household hasn’t noticed? Just you wait and see.”

“Go on, then! And don’t go spreading rumors,” Tong’er said, feigning annoyance as she gave him a little shove.

Liu Jiu chuckled and hurried off. “Alright, I’ll get back to work.”

Tong’er returned indoors to tidy up. Before long, Wen Yueqing awoke.

Still feeling the effects of last night’s wine, she sat up and called out, “Tong’er, bring me some hot water.”

“Right away!” Tong’er put down what she was holding and rushed to fetch water.

After drinking, Wen Yueqing felt much better. Recalling what she’d learned yesterday, she decided to seek out Zun You.

“Sister Qing, you should eat something first. I saved breakfast for you,” Tong’er said, thinking she looked pale from hunger.

“Thank you, Tong’er. I’ll eat something first,” Wen Yueqing replied, climbing out of bed and heading off to wash up.

Entering the outer room, she noticed the heap of gifts and smiled, asking, “Were these delivered this morning?”

“Yes, Sister Qing. I looked through them already—so many things you picked out yesterday!” Tong’er replied, bringing over the meal as she chatted with Wen Yueqing.

“By the way, Tong’er, if you see anything you like, take it—I’m giving it to you,” Wen Yueqing said over breakfast.

Tong’er shook her head. “These were gifts from His Highness for you, Miss. I wouldn’t dare.”

“Why be so formal with me? They’re mine now, so take whatever you want. Be good.” Wen Yueqing smiled, amused by the girl’s shyness.

“Really?” Tong’er asked.

“Of course. When have I ever lied to you?” Wen Yueqing replied earnestly.

Overjoyed, Tong’er thanked her and carefully chose a few modest pieces of jewelry.

Seeing her so happy, Wen Yueqing laughed. “Next time I go out, I’ll take you with me.”

“Wonderful! I’ve been wanting to go out myself,” Tong’er said, and the two chatted cheerfully.

Wen Yueqing selected a bolt of silk for Tong’er as well, telling her to make a dress to her liking.

Examining the new clothes, Wen Yueqing picked out a yellow, flower-splashed pleated skirt and paired it with a Moonlight Brocade blouse embroidered in Suzhou style. The outfit fit her perfectly.

Tong’er styled her hair into a low chignon with multiple leaf-like loops to match the ensemble, and Wen Yueqing was delighted with her new look.

Next, she chose some jewelry—a floral hair chain with dangling pearls for her forehead, and a pair of South Sea pearl earrings.

She applied a light touch of makeup, skipping the lipstick; her lips were naturally tinted like cherry blossoms, soft and pink.

Gazing at her reflection, Wen Yueqing saw a vibrant, radiant young woman and couldn’t help but smile.

She thought, “Since Zun You bought these for me, I ought to let him see them—otherwise, the money would be wasted.”

The thought made her sigh softly, a touch of resignation in her voice. “Ah, so this is what it means—‘a woman dresses up for the one she loves.’”

Tong’er overheard her and giggled quietly to herself. It seemed Sister Qing truly was about to rise in the world.

“Go see if His Highness is awake,” Wen Yueqing said, not knowing what amused Tong’er.

“Right away,” Tong’er replied, quickly going and returning.

Hearing that Zun You had finished his breakfast and was reading, Wen Yueqing stood and made her way to his study.

Zun You was engrossed in a book. He felt no discomfort that morning; in fact, he’d enjoyed himself thoroughly with Wen Yueqing the day before and was in great spirits.

Fearing she might be tired, he’d let her sleep in, not sending anyone to rouse her.

“Your Highness, may I come in?” Wen Yueqing called to Liu Yi before entering.

Zun You hadn’t expected her, but when he looked up and saw her, a pleased smile broke across his face. He was very satisfied with her appearance today.

He thought, “Indeed, my little moon deserves only the finest silks and jewels—nothing less will do.”

Wen Yueqing sensed his admiring gaze and walked over briskly.

“Your Highness, I have a secret to tell you,” she said, pulling up a stool to sit beside him.

He was used to such things from her and simply smiled, turning to look at her. “What secret could you possibly have? Come, let me hear it.”