On the third day after my coming-of-age hairpin ceremony, sunlight filtered through the carved lattice windowpanes, casting dappled shadows across the bluestone pavement. I stood before the overwhelming array of silks in the draper's shop, my fingertips gently brushing against a bolt of moon-white cloud brocade. It was embroidered with delicate intertwined lotus patterns, and its subtle texture seemed to whisper a gentle, tender story.
"My lady, this fabric is truly stunning. If it were made into a gown and worn by you, you'd look like an immortal descending from the heavens," my maid Cui'er exclaimed cheerfully beside me, her eyes full of envious admiration.
The corners of my lips curved upward into a slight smile. "We'll take this one. Cut it into a ruqun, and pair it with a pearl hairpin; I imagine it will suit me quite well."
Chapter 214