The handprint on Yuelan’s cheek had faded on its own by later that same evening and she spent the remaining days preparing to attend Liling’s wedding. The three items she had chosen for a gift were packed carefully into a red and gold chest so they wouldn’t be damaged and the gown that Granny Bing Mei had made was brought for a fitting then put away carefully to wait for the day of the wedding.

The first day of summer Yuelan was woken early by Laurel. She ate breakfast, then dressed in the new, green gown and embroidered slippers with some assistance from Willow before sitting down and allowing Laurel and Willow to do her hair while Camphor explained what Yuelan would need to do for the wedding and wedding banquet. Since Yuelan was a guest and not part of the wedding party, there wasn’t actually much for her to do. She only needed to show up, deliver the gift, greet the imperial family, and take her seat to watch the proceedings and eat the food after.

Once hair and makeup were finished Yuelan turned to look in the full-length mirror. Half her long, raven hair had been wrapped around wires to form two loops that stood up and the rest flowing down her back. Elegant accessories made of silver and pearls adorned the spot where the loops met and a string of pearls had been carefully positioned to appear like a circlet. The formal, ancient style felt odd to Yuelan and it all seemed rather heavy. Seeing her appearance in the mirror, Yuelan felt like she was staring at another person from some period drama back in Kilin instead of looking at her own image. It wasn’t the first time she’d felt that way, but this time the feeling was the strongest. Most of the time her hairstyles were simple, but elegant with only a few accessories. She’d dressed up that way for the new year celebrations every year, so it wasn’t such a big deal. Even the cherry blossom viewing she’d attended hadn’t been as formal as this wedding and hadn’t required such an intricate style.

“Very well done,” Yuelan complimented her maids, who both looked quite pleased with themselves. “I don’t even recognize myself.”

The maids smiled and Willow opened her mouth to speak: “Miss, this style is the simplest formal style. There are many more we are capable of and we would be happy to style Miss’ hair this way at any time…”

Yuelan waved her hand. “I appreciate the offer, but I much prefer the simple styles you do every day,” she told them.

Laurel and Willow both sighed, clearly wanting to be allowed to make their mistress look more elegant every day.

The corner of Yuelan’s mouth twitched and her green eyes sparkled in amusement. “Let’s go. I need to be at the wedding soon, don’t I?”

“Yes, Miss,” all three maids agreed before gathering around her and heading out of the courtyard a couple steps behind her. They followed Yuelan to the carriage while discussing quietly among themselves. Once Yuelan was inside Camphor and Laurel got in with her and Willow stayed behind.

***

The wedding banquet was being held at the Chang family’s residence, though Liling had informed Yuelan that she and Chang Biming would be moving into the princess’ estate the emperor had prepared after the first month of their marriage. Liling had seemed quite excited discussing it and her cheeks had flushed a rosy pink, so Yuelan knew the princess was pleased with the marriage, even if she hadn’t had a say in who she married at all.

Yuelan’s carriage stopped in front of the Chang residence and Camphor and Laurel helped her out of the carriage, then took up their places behind her while a couple of servants got the red and gold trunk containing the paintings and vase Yuelan was gifting and carried it to the gates to deliver it to the manor’s servants.

The entire manor had been decorated in red and gold ribbons and plaques with the characters for “happiness,” “wealth,” “longevity,” and “fertility” painted on them hung from the ribbons, doorways, walls, and other surfaces.

Yuelan had never met the old general, but the middle-aged man was standing in the entrance to the manor greeting the guests as they entered. When Yuelan stepped up to the general she gave him a polite salute, but the general gave one that was much deeper and more formal.

“Lady Long,” the older man said in a deep, gruff voice that carried easily to all the guests. “You honor my home with your presence.”

Never having had anyone actually salute her so formally, Yuelan wasn’t quite certain what to do and her cheeks turned a little pink. “Please, there’s no need to be so formal,” she said in her softer, higher voice. “Today is a joyous occasion for Liling and the young general.” Fortunately, the spartan training Yuelan had received both in Kilin and from Granny Mei took over and allowed Yuelan to ease through the situation.

The older general stood and grinned at Yuelan. “Thank you, my lady. My son says most of the princes have high praises for you and the first princess enjoys your company greatly.”

“I can’t speak for the princes or Princess Liling, but I do enjoy Princess Liling’s company. The young general is fortunate to have such a beautiful and kind wife,” Yuelan replied. She nodded to the general and excused herself so he could greet other guests as she followed another member of the Chang family to the tables.

All of the princes except for the fourth prince were present, though the rest of the imperial family had not arrived and were presumably still at the imperial palace with the bride participating in the part of the ceremony where the groom had to go and claim her. Yuelan saluted the princes. “Your Highnesses,” she said, giving the four young men a polite smile.

The princes smiled back at her and returned her greeting, though the sixth prince grinned at Yuelan and waved cheerfully like a young child, his innocent eyes sparkling. Yuelan turned and followed the girl from the Chang family who was escorting her to her seat, which happened to be at the same table as the princesses from the royal family. Because the princesses had yet to arrive, Yuelan was all alone at the table.

Other guests were mingling and Yuelan watched them all curiously. Having never attended a wedding banquet and never seen so many families still adhering to traditions her country considered antiquated, she was curious.

After a few minutes of Yuelan observing others, Guangfeng approached her and smiled. “I’ve seen the look on your face before,” he teased. “It’s the same look you had the first day you arrived here. Are things so strange for you?”

Yuelan smiled and shook her head. “That’s not it,” she replied. “The traditions are similar in both our countries, even though there are some differences. I’ve just never been to a wedding before.”

Guangfeng chuckled and sat beside her. “Do you have any questions?”

“Not really.” Yuelan smiled and chuckled as well. “Granny Mei made sure to go over every single detail with me every day for the last two weeks. How could there possibly be any remaining questions?”

The third prince smiled and leaned back, the aura around him relaxed and calm. “Not even questions about the people attending?”

“I prefer to observe and learn for myself,” Yuelan answered. “When they’re not sure who you are people tend to act more naturally. Those are the interactions I’m most interested in.”

Guangfeng nodded. “You’re at a table for the imperial family, though, so most will be trying to get on your good side.”

She shrugged. “I’m already used to that. I’ve had plenty of people try to get close to me since I started attending events with my father when I was a child. With enough experience you learn to distinguish between who is genuine and who wants something from you.”

“What of those who are both?” Guangfeng asked, his gaze losing its lazy feeling and becoming more intense.

Yuelan turned her head to look at him and shrugged. “It depends on the person and what they want from me. In your case, I’m in no rush to make a decision.”

“Mm, so I noticed. You should do your hair up like this more often. It looks good on you.” The prince stood after giving the compliment and returned to his seat with his brothers.

A bit startled, Yuelan’s cheeks turned a bit pink and she forced herself to look out at the other guests instead of at the princes.