THE CAPITAL had been lively since early morning.
Red lanterns hung from buildings along the main streets, while long stretches of red silk fluttered beneath the eaves. Vendors had opened their stalls earlier than usual, and people gathered along the roads where the wedding procession was expected to pass later that day.
Princess Zhao Yuning was getting married.
The news had been known throughout the capital for months, but now that the day had finally arrived, the festive atmosphere seemed to have spread everywhere.
Inside the Imperial Palace, preparations had begun even earlier.
Servants hurried through the corridors carrying trays, decorations, and various items needed for the ceremony. Officials came and went, while the palace guards had been stationed throughout the grounds since dawn.
The courtyard where Lily and the others were staying was considerably quieter.
Lily stood in front of the mirror as a maid finished arranging her hair.
She stared at her reflection.
