The inner city, however, was bustling and prosperous!
Today was the grand opening of the 'Yao Rao' shop. Although no courtesans were invited to serve as models, the veil of mystery was about to be lifted!
Bai Lu pointed to the wooden mannequins, dressed in tiny underwear and肚兜, placed in the most conspicuous spots of the shop. On the other side, they displayed the newly designed outfits!
The shop was ready, just waiting for the right moment.
In the past, Zhao Jiaqi had always kept a low profile during shop openings, not appearing at the ceremony. But today was different. She wore a floor-length, tight-fitting purple gown that revealed her fair, swan-like neck. A purple gemstone necklace adorned her, and her hair was decorated with a few pearl flowers of the same color. With every movement, she exuded an elegant, noble, and confident aura!
The young girls felt inferior in her presence, and even married women were stunned. At thirty years old, her figure was still so well-maintained, a truly rare sight.
Furthermore, no traces of age were visible on the Princess Consort's face, making many women feel as though time had stood still for her. Especially the lotus blossom, painted between her brows, which, against her delicate complexion, made her appear like a celestial being descended from heaven!
"Wow, the Princess Consort is so beautiful!"
"Indeed. Her mature confidence and beauty radiate from within, captivating all eyes!"
More and more compliments arose from the crowd. No one questioned her attire, which revealed her long, swan-like neck, and instead, the praise grew louder and louder!
Zhao Jiaqi smiled as she looked at the people below, among whom were her close friends from the inner chambers, noble ladies accompanying each other, and ordinary citizens!
With a smile on her face, she introduced the shop using the simplest words: "Do you want confidence? Do you want to improve your figure? Do you want to become more beautiful? Do you want to be the most stunning woman in the crowd? Yao Rao Shop will provide you with satisfactory answers!"
"Today is our grand opening, and we have promotions! For purchases of one hundred taels, you will receive a set of our new seasonal outfits. For purchases above fifty taels, you will receive a set of comfortable and intimate new clothing. For purchases above twenty-five taels, you will receive a single item. Quantities are limited, so first come, first served!"
On stage, Zhao Jiaqi herself acted as a model, showcasing her designed clothes to the crowd!
Below the stage, Fan Zehao's eyes blazed with fire. He truly didn't know his wife could be so dazzling when dressed up like this. However, he thought, such beauty should henceforth only be displayed before him!
As the shop had just opened, and it was the Princess Consort's establishment, noble ladies and ladies of the inner city came to show their respect, intending to make a token purchase.
When they saw the clothes on the mannequins, their faces turned as red as monkey bottoms, yet despite this, they inspected each one and were captivated!
From showing face to the Princess Consort and making token purchases, to genuinely wanting them, it took only a few moments.
The waitresses trained by Bai Lu provided excellent service, making the customers feel as comfortable as if they were at home!
The spacious shop was exquisitely decorated and exuded an air of luxury. The second floor featured private fitting rooms for distinguished guests, as well as lounge areas. Tea and pastries were served, things never seen elsewhere. The complimentary food and drinks offered guests a uniquely different experience!
She had only made an appearance and delivered her opening remarks before Fan Zehao pulled her away!
On the carriage, Zhao Jiaqi tugged at her favorite long dress and faced him with a cold expression, complaining indignantly, "I finally dressed up like this, and I haven't had my fill of showing off yet, and you drag me away. What's the matter with you!"
Mentioning this, Fan Zehao's face darkened further. "You dressed like this, put on makeup like this, and the men in the audience were all staring. From now on, you can only be this beautiful in front of me. You are not allowed to go out and flaunt yourself like this!"
She couldn't believe what she heard, her almond-shaped eyes widening in surprise. "Flaunt?"
Did this man not understand what 'flaunting' meant!
She chuckled coquettishly, cast a seductive glance, and her lotus-like sleeves brushed past his face, emitting a wave of fragrance that wafted into his nostrils!
Zhao Jiaqi then directly sat on his lap, leaning on him like a petite bird, her slightly parted, rosy lips murmuring softly, "My lord, do I look good? Am I the most stunning 'boy' on the street dressed like this?"
She raised her eyebrows and licked her red lips, exuding extreme allure.
It seemed no man could resist such temptation, especially one who could remain unmoved. And even more so, when the woman before him was his own wife, he certainly wouldn't be polite!
He lowered his head and sealed her lips, kissing her fiercely. The person in his arms seemed to sense his unusual reaction, and the moment he leaned in, she slipped out of his embrace like an elver diving into the sea, agile and smooth!
Feminine and fiery, like a burning ember, in that instant, she transformed into a snow lotus, pure white, proud, like a fairy in the snow, not to be profaned!
The drastic contrast between her earlier demeanor and her current one left Fan Zehao bewildered!
He simply stared at her foolishly. When did his wife acquire so many different facets?
"Husband, how was my flaunting just now?"
He replied very sincerely, "It was sufficiently flavorful. Now, continue flaunting for me!"
No, it shouldn't be just now; he wished for his wife to flaunt every day from now on!
Inside the carriage, their unrestrained conversation was completely unheard by Wangcai, who was driving the carriage and remained focused on his task!
The Prince's Manor!
At the second gate of the back courtyard, Wangcai stopped the carriage. "Your Highness, Princess Consort, we have arrived at the manor!"
Inside the carriage, Fan Zehao muttered a low curse. He looked at the person in his arms whose clothes had fallen open, revealing half of her alluring bosom. He regretfully bit her fair neck with a hoarse, deep, and magnetic whisper, "Little… temptress!"
His eyes, filled with desire, clearly conveyed his current state of arousal. Zhao Jiaqi blushed and hid her face against his chest!
She had only intended to demonstrate what 'flaunting' looked like, never expecting to get caught up in it herself!
She reached out and punched his chest fiercely, wishing she could draw a circle and curse him into becoming a eunuch.
This punch only made him more delighted. The spot where her small hand had landed now burned with heat.
Smiling at the person in his arms, he waved his large hand and wrapped his black cloak around her, not leaving even a strand of hair exposed!
Carrying his beloved, he alighted from the carriage. Under Wangcai's puzzled gaze, he strode towards his own courtyard and instructed Su Ya, "Heat the water and prepare it!"
These four words were enough for Su Ya to understand. Blushing, she closed the door for them and stood guard outside, allowing no one to enter!
Coincidentally, just over a cup of tea later, Xiao Ce arrived!
Seeing the girl guarding outside in the cold weather, he frowned. "Where is His Highness?"
Su Ya: "He's busy!"
Busy?
"Then I'll look for the Princess Consort. Go inform her!"
Su Ya: "She's busy!"
Busy again?
Xiao Ce was somewhat puzzled. He recalled Wangcai saying that His Highness and the Princess Consort had returned to the manor. Why were they both busy as soon as they returned?
"Busy or not, you still need to go in and inform them. What if the Princess Consort wants to see me?" Xiao Ce was displeased. "Are you perhaps being punished by the Princess Consort to stand in this cold wind, and you're deliberately saying this?"