CHAPTER 336: CHAPTER 336: TWIN LOTUS

They were not from distinguished families, so their words tended to be quite direct.

It made Miss Feng’s cheeks turn red, saving the need for peach blossom powder.

Two embroideresses from Yunxiu Pavilion came to help Miss Feng put on her wedding dress. To prevent too many alterations, some room was already made available within the folds when it was being made.

Miss Feng wasn’t exactly delicate and fragile, so while not voluptuous, she wasn’t particularly slender either.

When she put it on, it fit just right.

It truly was custom-made for her, fitting perfectly everywhere.

Once the wedding dress was on, Mrs. Feng’s eyes reddened with emotion.

After raising her daughter for seventeen years, she now had to send her away.

Thinking of this, she couldn’t help but wipe away her tears, although her face and eyes were filled with joy.

"Mother..."

Seeing her mother moved to tears with joy, Miss Feng couldn’t hold back either.

Her nose turned red too, as a sudden feeling of sadness about leaving home set in.

It was indescribable.

"Oh dear, Miss Feng, please don’t cry, or your eyes will swell, and the makeup won’t look good afterward."

With that, she distracted her by bringing over a brand new brocade box.

Inside were eyebrow pencils, face powder, blush for the cheeks, and lipstick.

They then set to work on her face.

The skillful Linglong Workshop Master added a few strokes to Miss Feng’s forehead, and soon a blooming double lotus appeared between her brows.

Delicate and exquisite, it added even more beauty.

When she was led to stand before the bronze mirror, she was taken aback by her reflection.

She had always dressed rather plainly and elegantly.

Though she grew older each year, her overall demeanor remained as pure as a child’s.

Today, her appearance suddenly blossomed like a flower bud.

Every smile and every glance was captivating.

The older women and maids accompanying Mrs. Feng were surprised but also joked among themselves.

"With Miss looking like this, the groom might just be enchanted."

"Indeed, I’ve never seen such a beautiful bride."

Everyone was full of praise, leaving Miss Feng somewhat dazed.

Mrs. Feng took the headpiece from the side and placed it securely on her.

With that, her entire look, including the makeup and auspicious clothes, was complete.

Everyone was delighted, and Miss Feng’s beauty was on full display.

In the courtyard, cries of surprise and praise could be heard.

Meanwhile, in the Feng family’s study, the expressions of Master Feng and his son Feng Qi were solemn.

"I can’t fathom the reason behind the Emperor’s decree. But on this journey, you must be cautious. Three thousand troops aren’t enough to match the Northwest Army, so negotiate everything carefully, and avoid offending the Marquis of Northwest and the Liu Family, understand?"

"Don’t worry, Father. I’m not going there to fight. Since the Emperor has given such an order, there must be a deeper meaning. I’ll just follow it."

Feng Qi was known more for his steadiness and reliability than for quick wit.

He was the type who could strictly enforce military orders when stationed outside.

But Jiang Huanqing was different; he had been navigating the complexities of Shengjing City since childhood.

He had seen the ways of survival at the grassroots level and the intrigues within grand mansions.

Moreover, his years of experience with the Imperial Armor Army had tempered his once-impulsive nature.

Thus, the two of them made a fitting pair.

The Emperor recognized this, which is why he arranged for them to go together.

No deadline was set, so their return date was unknown.

But seeing how many cities there are in the Northwest and how many people need to be relocated, it seems it would take years to accomplish.

Days passed by busily, and soon it was the joyful day for the Lin and Feng Families.

Early on the morning of December 18th, Yihua Palace buzzed with activity.

The Second Prince, who understood, was naturally happy to leave the palace.

The younger children saw Lin Wanyi happy, so they were happy too.

The Emperor had spent the night at Yihua Palace.

Being promoted to consort was most convenient for Lin Wanyi and the Emperor here.

The Emperor could openly spend the night in her palace.

If she were merely a Noble Lady, she’d still have to follow the rules and serve in the Qian’an Hall.

Neither Lin Wanyi nor the Emperor liked that.

The main hall of Yihua Palace, with its scent of milk, remained the most comfortable.

Lin Wanyi was so excited she hadn’t slept well, tossing and turning all night, yet she felt no fatigue upon waking today.

She prepared to get out of bed quietly to organize things, only to be rolled over and pinned down by the Emperor.

Without opening his eyes, he mumbled softly.

"What hour is it?"

"Your Majesty, it’s already five a.m."

In winter, the sky wasn’t fully bright yet, so there was still a misty gray outside.

Lin Wanyi patted the Emperor’s back like coaxing a child, a smile spread across her face.

"Alright, Your Majesty can’t delay me. I still need to wash and dress up. It’s my brother’s big day, and I must dress nicely for the occasion."

"Aren’t you afraid of outshining the bride?"

The Emperor teased.

But Lin Wanyi replied with a smile.

"I doubt I could overshadow her. I heard the wedding dress was designed by Mother herself. Your Majesty doesn’t know, but my mother’s needlework far surpasses mine."

There was no jealousy in her tone, but rather admiration.

At this moment, Lin Wanyi was unaware that the Emperor was already preparing a phoenix crown and auspicious clothes for her to be crowned Empress.

So the Emperor intended to keep it a secret and surprise her later.

"Alright, get ready, and call me when it’s almost time."

Saying that, he buried his head in the crook of her neck for a moment before letting her go.

He turned to face the inside of the bed and drifted back into a half-sleep.

Today, Lin Wanyi intentionally dressed to overshadow Princess Rongkang and the second branch of the family.

She shifted from her usual simple elegance to luxurious opulence.

Her beauty was already exceptional, and her meticulous preparation further enhanced her allure.

Today, Chunqi styled her hair into a Tongxin Bun.

She adorned it with a Red Gold Pointed Jade Phoenix Coming Ornament, befitting her status.

This was sent by the Inner Court Department on the Emperor’s orders a few days ago, specifically for today’s adornment.

Her makeup simplified the complexity, as her attire and jewelry were already quite extravagant. With heavier makeup, she might earn the title of Evil Concubine before even stepping out of Yihua Palace.

Once Lin Wanyi was ready, she sent Xia An to fetch the children.

She then went to the curtain to coax the Emperor out of bed.

When he first heard the commotion, the Emperor didn’t react.

But as he slightly opened his eyes to look, he was stunned by Lin Wanyi’s beauty.

From the first time he saw Lin Wanyi, the Emperor was captivated by her looks.

It was only after getting to know her that he deeply fell in love.