The gilded gates of the Marquis's Mansion were flung wide open, and crimson lanterns stretched in an unbroken line from the porch all the way to the inner courtyard, every single one painted with a Twin Lotus pattern, glowing like burning clouds in the twilight. Jiang Wan stood at the second gate to welcome the guests, wearing the moon-white brocade gown with gold-threaded embroidery bestowed upon her by Old Madame, and the Feicui double-fish pendant given by Lu Jingyuan tied around her waist. As she moved, the pearl hairpin at her temple trembled softly, making her face look all the more bright and clear like the autumn moon.
"Miss Jiang truly looks radiant today." As soon as Madam Zhao of the Duke of Qi Estate stepped through the threshold, she took Jiang Wan's hand, her gaze sweeping over her. "Is this gown's fabric the newly arrived tribute cloud brocade from Suzhou and Hangzhou? Paired with this Feicui pendant, you two are truly a match made in heaven."
Jiang Wan smiled faintly and replied gently, "Madam Zhao flatters me too much. Today is a joyous day for the Marquis's Mansion, and I hope you will thoroughly enjoy yourself."
Chapter 193