Inside Lingxin Hall in the Zhou Kingdom Imperial Palace.
A woman dressed in wedding robes sat before a silver mirror as palace maids came to help her with her makeup.
"How could there be such a beautiful woman in all the world?"
Empress Dowager Yan stood beside her clan's young lady, growing more satisfied the longer she looked.
Besides, this young lady of her clan had read countless books and was steeped in scholarly refinement.
If only Ruxue could cultivate.
Otherwise, Empress Dowager Yan felt she would have done everything in her power to send Ruxue to the academy to cultivate.
"Reporting to Your Majesty, we have finished preparing Miss Yan."
After a little under half an hour, Huang Shangyi bowed to Empress Dowager Yan.
"Come, come, let me have a good look."
Empress Dowager Yan stepped forward and helped Yan Ruxue to her feet, holding the woman's delicate, boneless arms in both hands.
"Beautiful. Truly beautiful."
Empress Dowager Yan had no idea how many times she had praised Yan Ruxue, but each time she still felt it wasn't enough.
"That's right, Miss Yan is truly beautiful. I've never seen such a lovely bride!" One of the maids was entranced, too.
"You girls..." Empress Dowager Yan chuckled. "From now on, you should address her as Empress."
"Your Majesty, today is only a rehearsal. Ruxue hasn't entered the palace yet." Yan Ruxue lowered her head, her eyes glimmering with a hint of bashfulness.
"Hahaha! Though it's a rehearsal, once today is over, your position as Empress will be set in stone, Ruxue. If any other ministers still have something to say, they'll first have to ask whether the rites agree, and whether the people of the realm agree."
Empress Dowager Yan held Yan Ruxue's fair, delicate hand.
"Besides, who but you,