"Who says we have no waist? That’s utter nonsense."
From a young age, Xingyao had been free-spirited and unrestrained. Even now, at an age where she ought to observe decorum, her posture and manners were impeccable, yet her lively, mischievous eyes still sparkled with an innate cleverness that drew attention effortlessly.
The Grand Princess took one look at her and was instantly smitten, sweeping the girl into her arms with delight. Lady Lu stood nearby, her heart a mix of astonishment, joy, and trepidation, fearing Xingyao’s youthful naivety might lead her to say or do something improper in front of such esteemed company.
The Grand Princess, sensing her unease, offered gentle reassurance as they walked.
"You’ve raised your children splendidly. Lu Chao is kind-hearted and sincere, while little Xingyao is delightfully spirited and bright. Even the names you’ve chosen for them reflect your deep affection."
Lady Lu, relieved by the Grand Princess’s warmth, relaxed slightly.
"You flatter us, Grand Princess. This child has been quite the handful since she was little."
"She’s perfect just as she is."
It wasn’t until the Grand Princess met Xiao Zheng that she understood why Xingyao had insisted on wearing a waist sash. Setting aside all else, had she been twenty years younger, she would have commissioned one for herself—the outfit was simply dazzling!
As the entourage escorted the Grand Princess into the banquet hall, the elegant strains of music filled the air, marking the beginning of the coming-of-age ceremony.
Lady Lu accepted an ornate box handed to her by a servant and withdrew an exquisite hairpin, which she gently fastened into Xiao Zheng’s hair.
"By heaven’s grace, you may now call me ‘Mother.’ This jade hairpin is a small token of my wishes for your happiness, health, and prosperity."
Xiao Zheng’s throat tightened, and she responded with a soft murmur of gratitude.
The Grand Princess, her gaze tender, slowly inserted a ceremonial hairpin into Yunshu’s chignon, reciting, "With this pin, you are granted your courtesy name, and the rites are complete. May all your wishes come true, and may peace and fortune follow you."
"The ceremony is concluded!"
As the officiant’s voice rang out, drums resounded, and Xiao Zheng rose to bow in thanks.
Mo Zhao stood quietly to the side, her gaze fixed on the figure seated at the head of the hall. Envy coiled like vines in her heart, its bitter tang lingering stubbornly.
Wang Jiayu, noticing her distraction, gently patted Mo Zhao’s hand, her smile warm and soothing.
"Sister Zhao, what has you so lost in thought? Let’s go offer our congratulations to General Xiao together. We mustn’t miss this joyous occasion."
Mo Zhao seemed to snap out of her daze, flustered. "Oh! Yes, of course. Let’s go."
Wang Jiayu’s betrothal to Prince Kang had already been decreed by imperial edict. Though the wedding had yet to take place, her presence at such events now represented the prince, lending her demeanor an unconscious grace and dignity.
"General Xiao, I offer my sincerest congratulations. May your future be as radiant as brocade."
Wang Jiayu dipped into a slight curtsey.
Xiao Zheng, unaccustomed to such formalities from noble ladies—having spent most of her years guarding the frontier—stepped aside awkwardly.
"Thank you. I’m deeply moved by everyone’s kindness today."
Xingyao suddenly appeared at Xiao Zheng’s side, holding a box of vibrantly colored pouches, her eyes twinkling.
"Ladies, blessings for you all!"
Wang Jiayu opened her pouch to find a delicate bell adorned with a strikingly vivid feather at its end.
"What’s this?"
Xiao Zheng, recognizing the red kite feather, explained, "It’s a custom from Shuozhou. At a girl’s coming-of-age ceremony, guests are given bells made with red kite feathers—symbols of courage and good fortune."
The iridescent feathers shimmered under the sunlight.
"How beautiful!"
"I’ve read in ancient texts that red kite feathers can ward off evil and ensure safety. To see one in person is extraordinary!"
"Sister Zheng, could you tell us about Shuozhou? I’ve never traveled far and am so curious!" Xingyao’s childish voice piped up, drawing giggles from the others.
"How can you say ‘since childhood’ when you’re still so little?"
"Exactly!"
"How wonderful! I’ve never even left the capital!" Mo Zhao sighed wistfully.
Hearing the familiar voice, Xiao Zheng turned. Was that her?
Her fair complexion, petite lips, and honeyed tone made her utterly endearing—a picture of delicate charm.
Xingyao tilted her head proudly.
"Ah! Then I’m luckier than Sister Mo. I lived in Yingchuan as a child and now reside in the capital. I’ve been to two places!"
With Xingyao’s lively interjections, the young ladies clustered around Xiao Zheng, their initial reserve melting away.
Speaking of Shuozhou, Xiao Zheng had endless tales to share—the vast grasslands, herds of cattle and sheep, the jagged snow-capped mountains, the warm and spirited people, the galloping steeds, the nighttime bonfires. The girls listened, enthralled, as if transported to the northern frontier.
A hush fell over the hall. Xiao Zheng glanced back to see the Grand Princess and several matrons equally captivated.
Perhaps her vivid descriptions of Shuozhou were so enthralling that even the final dessert became a center of attention. The exquisitely arranged milk cakes melted on the tongue, their rich flavor earning praise from the capital’s ladies.
By the ceremony’s end, it was a resounding success, and Xiao Zheng had unwittingly gained a few admirers.
"Sister Zheng, you must come to my next banquet! We still haven’t seen your archery skills!"
Xiao Zheng nodded. "If time permits, I will."
As the guests dispersed, Xingyao finally exhaled like a weary adult.
"Hosting a banquet is exhausting!"
Suddenly, her eyes lit up with mischief as she turned to Xiao Zheng.
"Sister Zheng, aren’t we the best of friends?"
Xiao Zheng’s heart warmed at her expression. With solemn sincerity, she replied, "Of course!"
Delighted, Xingyao wriggled like a playful kitten, clinging to Xiao Zheng’s arm.
"Then let me see you shoot arrows before anyone else! Please?"
At that moment, Xiao Zheng would have granted her the stars if she’d asked.
"Nothing easier! I’ll have the bows fetched at once!"
Before she could finish, Lady Lu’s stern voice cut through.
"Lu Xingyao!"
Xingyao stuck out her tongue, casting a guilty glance at her mother before waving at Xiao Zheng.
"Sister Zheng, you must be tired today. I’ll visit you at the general’s manor another time, alright?"
Lady Lu patted her head fondly, then smiled at Xiao Zheng.
“We can’t spoil her any longer. You’ve been busy all day—go back and rest. I’ll take Xingyao home first.”
Only after seeing Lady Lu off and returning to the courtyard did Xiao Zheng feel a daze lingering over him. As he absentmindedly lifted his gaze, a familiar silhouette abruptly came into view, standing quietly in the depths of the courtyard.
