1242 Coming-of-Age Ceremony (2)
After taking a bath early that morning, she changed into her clothes before sitting quietly inside the eastern room.
Soon afterwards, her entire coming-of-age hairpin ceremony proceeded in a systematic fashion under her parents' supervision.
The guests of honor had now been welcomed and were seated in the hall. Thys, when the music started playing, Qiao Zhongbang and his wife watched as their daughter, dressed in formal attire, walked over from beyond the crowd.
At the sight, the couple exchanged emotional gazes, with the sentiment that their daughter was now grown up.
Meanwhile, the guests of honor that had come to attend Qiao Mu's hairpin ceremony were the family members of prestigious officials in the capital.
After Qiao Zhongbang cupped his fists and relayed some words of courtesy, he announced the commencement of his daughter Qiao Mu's coming-of-age ceremony.
After giving a series of greetings, the eighth princess Mo You, who had volunteered to be Miss Qiao's master of ceremonies, stepped forward.
The eighth princess solemnly curtsied toward all the guests present at the ceremony.
Afterwards, she turned around and winked at Qiao Mu before picking up her comb and brushing Qiao Mu's hair with it.
It was rare for Qiao Mu to not be the least annoyed by the overelaborate rites.
When the three bows were done and Madam Ren picked up the hairpin that Mo Lian personally crafted, a frantic announcement was made outside. "Her Majesty the Queen is here, Her Majesty the Queen is here!!"
Everyone was stunned, but as they were all madams and ladies who had their share of life experiences, they promptly stood up composedly as they curtsied together with a sonorous greeting to the queen.
Queen Zhao, dressed in a wide-sleeved brocade robe with a multi-colored phoenix coronet in her hair, walked in imposingly through the front door while surrounded by her retinue.
"You may all rise," remaked Queen Zhao lightly. She then walked up to Qiao Mu and inspected her carefully before giving a nod.
Subsequently, she stretched out her right hand, and Elderly Nanny Huaxuan immediately walked up and opened the lid of a long jade box. Elderly Nanny Huaxuan stooped over and took out a violet jade hairpin from within before handing it respectfully to Queen Zhao.
"This item is the heavenly phoenix violet jade hairpin that Her Majesty the Queen Dowager used for her coming-of-age hairpin ceremony." Queen Zhao stroked that hairpin as she smiled at Qiao Mu. "It was also crafted personally by the former king."
Everyone couldn't help but gasp when they heard this.
Heavens, they had heard of this heavenly phoenix violet jade hairpin before. That item was not just a simple accessory. It could also save the wearer's life at critical junctures.
It was even said that it could ward off all attacks under the divine realm three times!
In fact, this heavenly phoenix violet jade hairpin indeed saved the queen dowager's life before. At this time, it was a divine item that could save one's life two more times, yet the queen dowager bestowed it to the crown prince consort without batting an eyelid!
How highly did she view this young crown prince consort!
Qiao Zhongbang and his wife said apprehensively, "This item is too precious, Your Majesty the Queen, our young daughter…"
However, Queen Zhao raised her hand to stop the couple's words. She then picked up that heavenly phoenix violet jade hairpin and slowly arranged it in her hair.
"Many thanks to Grandmother. Thank you, Royal Mother."
Qiao Mu raised her head and looked across the hall with bright eyes.
Crown Prince Mo, who was standing there, was straining his eyes to peer at his wifey.
His Qiaoqiao had come of age!
Crown Prince Mo felt his heart pounding persistently. At this time, his eyes had already filtered out everyone present. Only that slender figure entered his eyes and passed into his heart…
"Haha, I did not come late, right." A chuckle rang out from afar.
Everyone looked up at that person in bafflement. Mu Jingrui, that Seventh Master from the Mu Clan who supposedly hailed from the Divine Province, had come uninvited.
Yet the moment Qiao Zhongbang and Wei Ziqin saw this person, their expressions changed.
Wei Ziqin even grabbed Qiao Mu's small hand, grasping it tightly!
