Li Yuyu was also recalling Zhang Chongyuan, as the information in the book was too scarce, and she only recently heard Hua Yin and Feng Yin mention her a few times.
She was a delicate beauty similar to Lin Daiyu.
As she was thinking, Zhang Chongyuan, dressed in a wide-sleeved long gown with silver-white inked floral embroidery, arrived slowly with the help of her chief palace maid, Ke Le, her long skirt trailing a long distance on the palace floor.
Zhang Jiao Jiao’s jade-like face was slightly paler than others’, likely because she had put on makeup beforehand, making her appearance delicate and beautiful.
Li Yuyu had already known that Yan Xiu’s harem was filled with beauties, but now, upon seeing Zhang Chongyuan, she understood what it meant to be a celestial beauty who doesn’t partake in worldly affairs.
This overall aura, isn’t it the embodiment of a fairy descended from the heavens?
"Greetings to Li Xiurong, and congratulations on Lady Xiu’s relocation."
Zhang Jiao Jiao performed a very proper ceremonial bow, but it was not a kneeling bow; it was a Fuli.
Li Yuyu didn’t care what kind of bow Zhang Jiao Jiao gave.
As someone who appreciates beauty, Li Yuyu was particularly forgiving towards those who fit her aesthetic preferences.
Sitting in a high seat, watching Zhang Jiao Jiao’s movements, Li Yuyu found it pleasing to the eye, so much so that she became entranced. If it weren’t for the many people below, she would have wanted Zhang Jiao Jiao to sit beside her so she could fully appreciate the celestial beauty of this fairy.
Zhang Jiao Jiao maintained the posture of the Fuli.
Ke Le, holding a box, was kneeling on the ground with her head lowered.
Beauty Qing and the others were first surprised that Zhang Chongyuan didn’t kneel, and then amazed at Li Yuyu’s large stance, daring to publicly embarrass Zhang Chongyuan by not letting her rise.
For a moment, no one spoke in Yao Hua Palace.
Zhang Chongyuan maintained her ceremonial posture; as Li Yuyu didn’t allow her to rise, she wasn’t in a hurry or pretending to feel uncomfortable.
"Lady Xiu," Hua Yin reminded from the side.
Li Yuyu: ?
She slightly turned her face towards Hua Yin, but her eyes still remained on Zhang Jiao Jiao below, finding her increasingly beautiful.
"Lady Xiu, Zhang Chongyuan has yet to rise."
Li Yuyu: ?
!
Forgotten...
Li Yuyu was flustered inside but didn’t show a hint of it on her face. She decided to stand up from her chair without Hua Yin’s help, standing before Zhang Chongyuan.
"Zhang Chongyuan can come, Yao Hua Palace is graced with your presence. You and I share the same rank; there’s no need for such formalities, Chongyuan, please be seated."
Li Yuyu personally held Zhang Chongyuan’s arm, guiding her to the top seat, inviting her to sit down.
"Thank you, Lady Xiu. Although we share the same rank, there are distinctions within, and my rank is below Lady Xiu’s, so naturally I must present my respects; it is the rule." Zhang Chongyuan’s absolutely stunning face showed no sign of distress.
She looked into Li Yuyu’s eyes, speaking softly.
What a beautiful pair of eyes!
The same thought crossed both Li Yuyu’s and Zhang Jiao Jiao’s minds simultaneously.
Unlike Li Yuyu’s willow leaf eyes, Zhang Jiao Jiao possessed a pair of lively water eyes, their deep black brightness pure and transparent.
They say eyes are the windows to the soul; looking into those eyes, Li Yuyu felt a sense of beauty.
The same feeling arose in Zhang Chongyuan’s heart.
But it was only for a moment before they parted ways, with Li Yuyu returning to her main seat, and Beauty Qing and the others sitting down according to their ranks.
"Lady Chongyuan, you are indeed stunning, having never met before, seeing you today is indeed unforgettable, no wonder the Emperor dotes on Lady Chongyuan, continually sending supplements and tonics to Shuijing Hall."