The most dissolute couple in the capital

The news of Cui Qinghui being confined to her residence circulated within the mansion for half a day before falling silent. Madam Li handled the matter cleanly and efficiently, only saying to the outside world that her youngest daughter had caught a cold and needed to rest.

Cui Qingyi was not surprised at all.

Li was a smart woman. Since Cui Qingyi's marriage to the Prince of Liang was a done deal, she could no longer hesitate to show him any consideration.

Besides, Cui Qinghui is not young anymore. If he is not disciplined now, it will be even more difficult to correct his temperament when he grows up.

Cui Qingyi was happy to have some peace and quiet.

Early that morning, when Su Xin brought in the water to wash her face, Cui Qingyi was leaning against the chaise longue by the window, basking in the sun with her eyes half-closed.

"Miss, the people from the Bureau of Imperial Clothing have arrived."

Cui Qingyi opened one eye: "Hmm?"

"They came from the palace, saying they were there to take your measurements and make your wedding dress."

Cui Qingyi then sat up and tidied her hair.

In her previous life, her wedding dress was made by the best embroidery workshop in the capital, which Li had found. She also added a few stitches herself to show her virtuousness. Although the material was of good quality, it was still a folk craft.

This life is great; I don't even have to worry about my wedding dress anymore, the palace just sends someone to make it for me.

Retirement life is so worry-free.

Two female officials and four palace maids arrived from the Bureau of Clothing and Appearance; it was quite a large entourage.

The leading female official, surnamed Zhou, was in her early thirties. She had a pretty face and was quick and efficient. Behind her was a young palace maid carrying a large red lacquered and gold-painted box. When she opened it, more than ten bolts of brocade were neatly stacked inside.

"Greetings, Miss Cui. This servant is Zhou Shangyi from the Imperial Clothing Bureau. I have come by order of Her Majesty the Empress to take your measurements for your wedding dress."

Cui Qingyi quickly stood up to return the greeting, her attitude respectful: "Thank you for your trouble, Lady Zhou."

With a wave of her hand, Zhou Shangyi's maids opened the large boxes she had brought.

The moment the box was opened, the room was filled with light.

Brocade, Shu brocade, Jiangnan tribute satin, gold thread from the Western Regions... bolts of fabric are laid out, their colors shimmering and their texture as smooth as water.

"These are newly made Yuezhou kesi (silk tapestry) tributes this year, with auspicious patterns of phoenixes and dragons, suitable as the main fabric for wedding attire," Zhou Shangyi introduced one by one. "This vermilion one is a tribute from the weaving workshops in Sichuan, with the most vibrant color, and it complements the skin tone perfectly. This pomegranate red one is slightly softer, but its advantage lies in its light and soft texture, making it comfortable to wear."

Cui Qingyi reached out and touched the crimson brocade, the texture of which was so delicate that it was almost invisible.

In her previous life, the wedding dress she wore was also made of fine material, but compared to the ones made in the palace, it was still a level below.

Zhou Shangyi smiled and said, "Miss Cui, these were all specially prepared by Her Majesty the Empress. Whichever one you choose, we will tailor it to your measurements."

Cui Qingyi didn't reply immediately, but smiled and turned to look at Granny He, who was sitting upright to the side: "Granny, I have a question for you. Some of these fabrics are made in the palace. The fabric is rare and the patterns are exquisite. Would it be presumptuous for me to use them? I am not yet married into the family. If this causes His Highness Prince Liang to gossip, it would not be good."

Granny He glanced at her, her eyes filled with approval.

"Your Highness is overthinking it," Granny He smiled. "These fabrics were personally approved and chosen by Her Majesty the Empress, and they're being processed through the Imperial Household Department. Your marriage is bestowed by the Emperor, so using these is perfectly appropriate and within proper bounds."

Seeing that Granny He had already spoken, Cui Qingyi no longer hesitated.

"I'll take this crimson one," she decided decisively.

Zhou Shangyi was somewhat surprised. Ordinary noble ladies would compare and hesitate repeatedly when choosing fabrics, sometimes even needing their mothers, nannies, and maids to take turns consulting before making a decision. This Miss Cui, however, decided on it after just one touch.

"Miss Cui has a good eye; this is indeed the best batch this year," Zhou Shangyi praised sincerely.

Cui Qingyi smiled but didn't say anything more.

It's not my money I'm spending, so please choose the best, thank you.

We feel so deserving.

The measurement process was simple. Zhou Shangyi personally took the soft measuring tape and measured her from shoulder width to waist circumference, from arm length to skirt hem. Her technique was extremely professional, and she finished recording everything in less than the time it takes to drink half a cup of tea.

"The wedding dress will take about a month to make. It will be sent over for a try-on, and adjustments will be made if there are any issues." Zhou Shangyi put away the notes and added, "In addition, Her Majesty the Empress has also ordered one set of everyday clothes and two sets of formal dresses, all for the Princess Consort's daily wear after she enters the palace. The servants have also brought the fabrics and patterns. Would you like to choose some, Miss?"

Cui Qingyi was stunned for a moment.

Not only were wedding dresses provided, but even everyday and formal attire for after entering the household were arranged?

Granny He whispered, "Her Majesty the Empress is always meticulous. Since there are no women in Prince Liang's residence to manage things, Her Majesty was afraid that the Princess Consort wouldn't be able to prepare in time after entering the residence, so she made preparations in advance."

Cui Qingyi felt a warmth in her heart.

Although she hadn't had much contact with the Empress in her previous life, judging from the information she received from various sources, she was indeed a thoughtful and considerate person. Her ability to maintain her position in the harem for so many years was not only due to the Emperor's trust, but also to her own capabilities and strategic vision.

"Then I'll trouble you, Lady Zhou, to help me choose as well," Cui Qingyi said with a smile. "I don't know much about these things, so just choose what suits you best."

Zhou Shangyi agreed and then spent another half an hour busy before taking his leave with his entourage.