New Year's Eve was approaching, and the civil and military officials were given holidays, while the royal family members all entered the palace with their families for a feast.
Prince Jing had been waiting for the warm clothes from Su Juan for several days, but even on New Year's Eve, they had not arrived.
As the family prepared to enter the palace, Su Juan put on her new clothes made from materials previously gifted by the Empress, and wrapped herself in the white fox fur given by Duke Ping, perfect for keeping out the cold of New Year's night.
Over the past six months, she had grown taller and her features more refined; her face was no longer as round as before. With makeup applied, her fair face had a rosy tint, and her lips were coated with lipstick, giving her the appearance of a pampered young girl from a well-to-do family.
Prince Jing coughed twice, "It's getting colder and colder these days, even wearing several layers doesn't seem enough."
