Chapter 628: The Demon Lord Princess's Daily Life of Slacking Off Chapter 721: Capping Ceremony (1)
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Protagonist:
Yan Qianqian
Princess Changyang smiled broadly as she gently stroked Qianqian's soft, smooth hair, speaking softly: "Oh my, look at our Qianqian—she really looks just like Seventh Brother!
Especially that high nose bridge and those lively eyes, as if carved from the same mold! But look closer, that oval face and cherry lips bear quite a resemblance to your mother's grace back then! Tsk tsk tsk, she's really grown!"
Saying this, Princess Changyang suddenly remembered something and continued excitedly: "Oh, right! When I returned this time, I brought my two beloved daughters back with me! When the time is right, I'll have you children get to know each other properly! After all, you're around the same age, so you should get along very harmoniously and happily!"
Hearing this, Qianqain couldn't help but grow curious, blinking her big eyes and asking in confusion: "Imperial Aunt, you just said... two elder sisters?"
Beside her, An Wangfei also looked doubtful and interjected: "Imperial Sister, did you perhaps add another daughter later?"
Seeing this, Princess Changyang quickly waved her hands to explain: "Haha, of course not! This is a long story. Actually, many years ago, when I was traveling outside on a cloud journey, I happened to meet a little girl with a tragic background.
She said her birth father was originally a dart escort, and on one escort mission he unfortunately fell victim to mountain bandits and was murdered; upon hearing the terrible news, her birth mother was grief-stricken, unable to accept such a cruel reality, and ultimately chose death to prove her resolve.
The poor little thing thus became an orphan, alone and miserable, wandering everywhere. Those so-called relatives and friends—none of them were willing to lend a hand to adopt this pitiful child, fearing she would become a burden.
Left with no choice, the little girl had to rely on begging on the streets to survive, living days of hunger and cold.
At first, I only gave her a steaming hot mantou because I couldn't bear to see her so hungry her chest stuck to her back.
Who knew this little imp would stick to me like cowhide candy and refuse to leave no matter what. Since our trip this time was just for sightseeing and playing in the mountains and waters, our travel speed was relatively slow.
Just like that, the carriage traveled all the way for over ten li, but she kept following behind without stopping. That determined and persistent gaze, containing strong longing and an unyielding spirit, finally successfully touched my heartstrings.
You see, I've always been soft-hearted, and besides, there was Qi'er beside me begging with tears in her eyes! So in the end, I still felt compassion and decided to take her in.
After asking around, I learned that this little girl was actually two years younger than Qi'er.
So, for now, let's just count her as another daughter added to the family.
Speaking of which, this child is truly kind-hearted. Though she's younger than Qi'er, she usually cares for and protects Qi'er very attentively.
After An Wangfei and Qianqian heard this, they were also deeply surprised.
An Wangfei spoke first: "She must be a poor child with a tragic background..."
Immediately after, Princess Changyang smiled and replied: "If so, when I'm often in Jingcheng in the future, I might as well let these two little ones come play together."
After speaking, Princess Changyang turned to Qianqian and explained in detail the matters concerning the upcoming Capping Ceremony, and roughly introduced the general flow of the entire ritual.
Qianqian listened with full attention, afraid of missing any detail.
The sun shone brightly, a gentle breeze brushed the face. In a solemn and dignified atmosphere, a grand and solemn Capping Ceremony was about to begin.
The officials held trays, standing carefully beneath the western steps, with focused and respectful expressions.
At the same time, Qianqian had already finished dressing up carefully in the Dongxiang Room. She put on a simple yi dress, wore yi shoes, and quietly waited for that important moment to arrive.
The melodious music suddenly sounded, like a clear spring flowing, instantly breaking the silence.
This beautiful melody was like a signal, heralding that the Capping Ceremony officially began.
Princess Changyang was graceful and elegant, stepping lightly and slowly up onto the high platform in front.
An Wang and An Wangfei hurried forward, bowing and saluting Princess Changyang in the most standard and solemn manner.
Princess Changyang sat on the main guest seat, her dignified and elegant bearing drawing everyone's attention.
The guests below took their seats in the viewing area one by one according to their respective identities and statuses.
After everyone in the hall was settled, An Wang and his wife then moved to their own seats and sat down.
After everything was ready, the music stopped abruptly. At this moment, An Wang stood up, his gaze sweeping around, and the hall instantly fell silent as everyone held their breath and waited for him to speak: "Today is the Capping Ceremony of my beloved daughter Qianqian. Here, I sincerely thank all relatives and friends for taking time out to attend, and I especially thank Imperial Brother and Imperial Sister for gracing this banquet. Next, please welcome Yan Qianqian to appear and pay respects to all the honored guests!"
After speaking, thunderous applause erupted at the scene, lasting for a long time. Immediately after, Qianqian lightly stepped out from the Dongxiang Room.
Everyone's gazes seemed to be attracted by an invisible force, all focusing on her pure and ethereal figure.
She walked steadily, each step appearing so calm and unhurried; her face was solemn and dignified.
Qianqian slowly walked to the exact center of the table, stood facing south, and then bowed deeply to the guests below, her movements elegant and generous, as natural and smooth as flowing clouds and water.
Afterwards, she turned to face west and came to the seat that had long been prepared.
At this very moment, Qi Xi, who had been waiting for a long time, also quickly took action.
She first washed her hands, then stepped forward, standing silently behind Qianqian without a sound.
Picking up the wooden comb, Qi Xi carefully held Qianqian's black hair that fell like a waterfall over her shoulders, combing it gently with the comb, her technique skilled and tender.
After straightening the hair, she placed the comb on the south side of the mat, then silently withdrew from the stage.
At the same time, Princess Changyang also completed the hand-washing ritual beneath the eastern steps and wiped her hands clean.
After doing all this, she stepped up onto the high platform. At this moment Qianqian was kneeling quietly on the mat, and the official holding a tray came forward, respectfully presenting it before Princess Changyang.
Princess Changyang gazed for a moment at the exquisite silk handkerchief and hairpin on the tray, then loudly chanted: "On this auspicious month and day, you begin to wear the adult cap. Abandon your youthful aspirations, follow your mature virtue. May you enjoy long life and great fortune, and be blessed with boundless blessings."
End of Chapter
