All Hail Cousin Brother

This golden thread was not simply a thread, but one that was made of actual gold.

At a glance, it looked magnificent and bright.

Yu Youyao lowered her eyes.

Indeed!

Princess Liyang was bright and beautiful. After entering the inner hall, she walked straight to the Empress Dowager and bowed. “Greetings, Grandmother.’

Without waiting for the Empress Dowager to answer and finish bowing, she sat on the couch beside her and said in a delicate voice, “What did Imperial Grandmother say about me just now?”

The smile on the Empress Dowager’s face became much more genuine. She turned to look at Yu Youyao and introduced, “This is Liyang.” Then, she smiled and said to Princess Liyang, “This is the eldest daughter of the first wife of the

Left Assistant Minister of the Ministry of Official Personnel Affairs, Yu

Youyao. Not long ago, she was conferred the title of County Head of Shaoyi. She’s a good person with both virtue and talent.”

Princess Liyang looked at Yu Youyao curiously.

Her head was combed into an ingot bun, and she was wearing a phoenix crown with pearls in it. The crown was inlaid with pearl jade. When she tilted her head, the tassels on the crown swayed lightly.

In the Great Zhou Dynasty, accessories like hairpins, flowers, crowns, and tassels were popular. Therefore, such accessories were also varied and exquisite.

Yu Youyao couldn’t sit still anymore. She quickly stood up and bowed. “Greetings, Your Highness.”

As the daughter of an external minister, she had to be polite and introduce herself personally.

Princess Liyang quickly stood up and walked up to Yu Youyao. She kindly held her hand and helped her up. “You’re Grandmother’s delicate guest today. You don’t need to be so generous.” Her lips curved into a bright and benevolent smile. “Two years ago, I heard Grandmother mention the County Head of Shaoyi. Seeing you today, you’re indeed beautiful.”

As she praised her, her eyes landed on Yu Youyao’s slender waist. Such a slim and weak waist was like a willow branch, as if it would break with a snap.

It was really enviable.

Her own frame was a little bigger. No matter how she tried, she looked thicker.

Yu Youyao quickly said, “Your Highness, you flatter me. Grandmother often mentions that Your Highness is bright and generous, and as beautiful as a hibiscus.’

Princess Liyang smiled and changed the topic. “Speaking of which, we are rather fated.’

Yu Youyao’s eyelashes trembled slightly. She had already guessed what she was going to say next.

Indeed!

Princess Liyang changed the topic. “I wasn’t in good health when I was young. It was also because Imperial Grandmother pitied me that she sent Auntie Xu to me to take care of me for a few years. I originally wanted to beg Imperial Grandmother to let Auntie Xu stay and serve me, but Auntie Xu wanted to leave the palace, so I gave up. Later, Auntie Xu entered your family.”

Yu Youyao pursed her lips and chuckled. “I see. Auntie Xu rarely mentions anything about the palace after entering our family, but I don’t know about

Princess Liyang smiled and asked, “How’s Auntie Xu?”

Yu Youyao replied, “Auntie is still the same, Your Royal Highness.”

Princess Liyang nodded in relief. “That’s good. Auntie has been in charge of the palace for half her life, and it’s been hard on her. Imperial Grandmother often says that your Yu Residence is loyal and righteous, and is a rare good family. When Auntie went to your family, she could also enjoy a good life. This way, I can feel more at ease.”

They seemed to be chatting, but the meaning behind Princess Liyang’s words was exactly the same as the Empress Dowagers.

From the looks of it, it was not unreasonable for Princess Liyang to be doted on by the Empress Dowager.

Yu Youyao blushed. “It’s also because the Empress Dowager thinks highly of our family. Auntie usually teaches and takes good care of me. Our family should take good care of her.”

Princess Liyang smiled and changed the topic, asking about what was happening outside the palace.

The two of them came and went clueless, chatting warmly.

At least in the eyes of others, that was right.

The Empress Dowager turned to look at Old Madam Yu. “The two of them hit it off at first sight. Let them play as they please. The two of us are old and can talk nicely.”

Old Madam Yu was about to say, “Yes—”

The eunuch’s sharp voice came from outside, “Concubine Lan has arrived.” Princess Liyang and Yu Youyao stopped talking.

The Empress Dowager’s expression darkened a little. “Please come in!”

After a while, the bright yellow curtain was lifted on both sides, and Concubine Lan entered the inner hall.

She had combed her hair into a peony bun, and she was wearing a large peony flower inlaid with red and gold. Every petal of the peony was as thin as a cicada’s wing. As she walked lightly, it trembled slightly on her head. She was wearing a ten-pleated dress, and each pleat at her waist was of a color. There were ten colors, and every pleat was embroidered with flowers and birds, inlaid with jewelry.

Concubine Lan was beautiful, as graceful and luxurious as a peony. She was absolutely dazzling.

Concubine Lan stepped forward with a smile and bowed. “Greetings, Empress

Dowager.”

The Empress Dowager said calmly, “Don’t stand on ceremony!’

Concubine Lan stood up and sat in the seat below the Empress Dowager. Only then did she look at Old Madam Yu. “After Old Master Yu passed away, Matriarch Yu didn’t enter the palace much anymore. Speaking of which, I haven’t seen you for many years. Have you been doing well?”

Her tone was a little quiet.

Old Madam Yu couldn’t sit still anymore. She quickly stood up and bowed to Concubine Lan. The little palace maid in front of Concubine Lan cleverly stepped forward to stop her.

Concubine Lan also quickly said, “You have to stop. In the Empress Dowager’s palace, how can I deserve your bow? You’re a guest that the Empress Dowager has been looking forward to.”

In terms of grade, Old Madam Yu was of the same level as her. Although she was a palace concubine and her status was different, there was still etiquette between “emperors and ministers.”

However, Old Madam Yu’s etiquette still depended on the occasion.

Today, Old Madam Yu was here to visit the Empress Dowager, not her.

This was not her Lanyi Palace, but the Longevity Palace.

Old Madam Yu took the opportunity to sit back in her chair. “Thank you for your concern, Consort Lan. I’m still fine.”

Concubine Lan smiled and inadvertently looked at the young girl sitting beside the Empress Dowager. Her gaze couldn’t help but pause. “This must be County Head Shaoyi.” Her eyes sized up her, and she couldn’t hide her surprise and praise. “She really takes after her mother. She’s a beautiful woman..”