Chapter 301: Looking for That Girl in Shangjing City
Chapter 301 -173: Looking for That Girl in Shangjing City
Princess Yujia noticed that his eyes held pure curiosity rather than hostility, and her tense shoulders relaxed slightly.
“I want to see the kind of dresses you showcased the other day, but… I don’t know their names.”
“Oh, Miss is talking about our Republic-style series, right? We do indeed have them.” Tang Xiaotong’s eyes lit up, and he gestured for her to follow. “Miss, please come this way.”
Tang Xiaotong led the way in front, followed gracefully by Princess Yuxia.
Alan followed closely behind, her hand never leaving the dagger at her waist.
Tang Xiaotong seemed to notice as he casually glanced back but merely smiled warmly.
“There’s no need for this lady to be tense. Though Brocade Workshop is small, we never neglect our hospitality. You two can rest at the tea area first, and I’ll fetch some dresses suitable for the young lady.”
In the corner of the first floor of Brocade Workshop, there was similarly a relaxation area, equipped with tables, chairs, and tea sets for customers to sit and rest after tiring shopping.
Princess Yujia sat down in the tea area, curiously observing her surroundings.
Unlike the rugged décor inside Turkic tents, every detail here exuded refinement.
The porcelain tea sets were adorned with small paintings of flowers and birds, the edges of the wooden tables were carved with continuous cloud patterns, and even the incense wafting in the air seemed to carry a faint sweetness.
Tang Xiaotong quickly returned, draping several dresses of varied styles over his arm.
“The young lady has a tall figure; these should fit well. The fitting room is over there; if you need anything, just call me.”
Princess Yujia carried the dresses Tang Xiaotong handed over and walked into the fitting room.
As she removed the traditional Turkic robe, she experienced a fleeting moment of disorientation, as if shedding a part of her identity.
When she stepped out of the fitting room wearing a cheongsam and stood before the dressing mirror, the beautiful woman in the mirror appeared both familiar and unfamiliar.
“This one suits you very well.”
Tang Xiaotong’s voice came from behind, “The red color enhances your complexion. If you visit our Mandarin Duck Hairpin shop, do your hair and makeup to match, it will be even more perfect.”
Yujia took the round fan Tang Xiaotong handed over and shyly twirled around.
“Is it really beautiful? In our Turkic culture, women don’t wear such… form-fitting clothes.”
Tang Xiaotong’s eyes gleamed with amazement: “Very beautiful. Clothing has no borders, what fits is best.” He paused, “Pardon my curiosity, are you from the Turkic?”
Yujia took a deep breath, a bitter smile on her face.
“I am Princess Yujia of the Turkic, here in Da Jing for a marriage alliance with His Majesty of Da Jing.”
The shop instantly fell silent. Several customers who had been selecting clothes quietly exited, while Alan glared angrily at them, her hand tightly gripping the knife hilt.
Years of war at Beiguan created a instinctive aversion and opposition among Da Jing people towards Turkic people.
Yet Tang Xiaotong displayed merely mild surprise, soon returning to his usual demeanor.
“So, it is Your Highness. I apologize for my rudeness.”
He respectfully bowed without a trace of fear or disdain.
“If Your Highness likes, you can try on more. Having the admiration of a foreign princess is truly our honor.”
Princess Yujia’s tense nerves relaxed because of his attitude.
For the next hour, she tried on various dresses.
A goose-yellow long skirt reminded her of the wildflowers on the Turkic Grassland, and a dark green long gown made her feel like a Da Jing scholar.
With each outfit change, Tang Xiaotong sincerely offered advice and occasionally brought matching hair accessories for her to pair with.
“This one is the most suitable for you.”
Tang Xiaotong finally picked out a sky-blue dress embroidered with white plum blossoms and said: “Its pale elegance does not lose its noble charm and complements the princess’s grace perfectly.”
After changing, Princess Yujia stood before the bronze mirror, silent for a long time.
The woman in the mirror retained the heroic spirit of a Turkic descent but gained the grace of a Da Jing lady.
“I want to buy this one, and also the crimson set from earlier.” She finally said.
While settling the bill, Princess Yujia hesitated a moment and finally asked her inner question.
“Mr. Tang, do you… do you not hate us Turkic people? The war in Beiguan has lasted for years; Da Jing people should hate us to the bone.”
Tang Xiaotong paused in wrapping the clothes: “My father was once a soldier in the Beiguan Army and died a few years ago.”
His voice was calm, “But hatred cannot weave clothes, nor can it fill one’s stomach. Today, the princess is a guest of Brocade Workshop, and I must treat you with courtesy.”
Princess Yujia felt a tightness in her chest; she did not expect this young man barely in his twenties to possess such a broad mind.