The garment was indeed tailored from Flowing Clouds, and contrary to what the Headdress and Shoes Workshop’s clerk and Gu Lingyun had claimed, they had not lied about this matter.

Upon seeing the outfit, Zhu Yu quickly sat up straight, craning her neck forward to look, and noticed that people at several surrounding tables had also risen. She and Lu Qing stood up together as well.

Duchess Yan had likely calculated this precise moment to step out from the back, knowing that any later, the light would dim, and without the sun’s illumination, the most distinctive and splendid aspect of the Flowing Clouds would be greatly diminished.

Although she was in her seventies, Zhao Bi’s wife, like Zhao Bi himself, seemed to embody the spirit of old age with robust vitality. Her posture appeared quite firm, and she bore a smile that was both authoritative and feignedly amiable, as she instructed the maid to carry a tray with a wine jug and glasses to toast the esteemed guests present.

In theory, a duchess of her stature need not personally offer a toast, and indeed, it was generally considered somewhat inappropriate for a woman to personally toast guests.

However, this was Duchess Yan, not just anyone else. Her noble status and advanced age exempted her from many restrictions.

Zhu Yu speculated that she had some inclination to show off her unique and beautiful attire.

Based on earlier hearsay, it seemed that Duchess Yan was not known for being low-key or frugal; she was often ostentatious.

This was not surprising; having maintained such harmony with Zhao Bi, an old rascal of a husband, these two must share similar temperaments.

At first, Zhu Yu felt slightly nervous, wondering if the old woman came over to toast, would she and Lu Qing reveal any flaws? 𝒻𝘳𝘦𝘦𝘸ℯ𝒷𝘯𝘰𝑣ℯ𝑙.𝘤𝑜𝘮

But it was clear she worried too much; the old lady never spared even a glance to the corner tables where they sat, completely ignoring these unimportant relatives.

Just as the old lady was halfway through her toasts, a maid carrying a bowl—its contents unclear whether soup or something else—walked in from outside. As she passed by Duchess Yan, she seemed to stumble on something, falling forward onto the ground.

At the same time, the bowl in her hand conveniently spilled directly towards Duchess Yan.

Duchess Yan was caught off guard by this sudden turn of events, instinctively turning away to avoid getting soaked. In doing so, the bowl’s contents—be it soup or water—were entirely splashed onto her back.

The back of her dress was instantly soaked.

Those around her were shocked and quickly stood to express their concern.

At that moment, a peculiar scene unfolded—the part of Duchess Yan’s clothing that got wet, previously lustrous and colorful beneath the sunlight like resplendent clouds, seemed to have its sheen dissolve into the water from the bowl.

Along with it, the subtle pale yellow hue in view also faded away.

As these colors vanished, what emerged was a vivid expanse of gold.

Once wet, the fabric appeared even more dazzling, with the original base color and embroidered motifs that had been hidden under the vibrant Flowing Clouds becoming clearer.

The crowd first gasped in awe, surprised that the garment held such marvels—the contrast between its brilliance when dry and wet.

However, it wasn’t long before some realized something was amiss, with expressions turning somewhat awkward.

Why did the fabric turn golden upon getting wet?

According to the laws of Da Jin, any colors reminiscent of gold or bright yellow were reserved solely for Emperor Jin, with no other person—even the princes—permitted to wear them. Whether in court or casual attire, they could at most wear dark purple or dark green; gold was strictly forbidden, no exceptions.

Even if one day crowned the Crown Prince, expected to be the heir, they could only wear ceremonial attire in red and yellow for major events. Gold and bright yellow were absolutely off-limits for everyday wear.

Such a significant taboo; it was hard to believe the Yan couple, seasoned by age, would dare...

Initially, the guests were stunned by the golden fabric, then gradually began to notice further clues—the embroidery on that golden fabric, bearing dark golden threads... unmistakably, they formed a phoenix!

Upon recognizing the phoenix motif, the guests were visibly startled.

Zhu Yu distinctly observed several guests who had intended to approach in concern hastily step back, wary of attracting trouble by being too close.

Those at a greater distance, initially unable to see clearly but now noticing the dazzling gold fabric embroidered with a rising phoenix, were equally taken aback, some pretending newly acquainted with nearby guests, engaging in lively conversation, feigning ignorance of Duchess Yan’s predicament. Some even reclined over their tables, feigning drunkenness to avoid any involvement.

From the moment the maid spilled water onto Duchess Yan’s attire, Zhu Yu knew the show was beginning. She and Lu Qing had gone through great efforts to infiltrate, all for this moment.

She instinctively sat up straight, striving to conceal her internal excitement, eyes fixed on the outrageously inappropriate garment now drenched upon Duchess Yan. Having noted its pattern, she shifted her gaze to watch the reactions of those around.

By now, more people around had caught sight of the dress’s pattern, and the once-bustling birthday banquet fell into a deathly silence.

Duke Yan, initially sitting serenely in the front, remained unaware of events below. Seeing his wife’s clothes wetted, he was unperturbed, attributing it to clumsy servants—not to be reprimanded in front of outsiders, but dealt with later. Hence, he stayed calm, casual in conversation with those beside him.

As he noticed the peculiar expressions of the guests, he realized there was more to the incident, and hastily walked over to Duchess Yan.

Duchess Yan, having had a back soaked, had initially wanted to react but restrained herself due to the gathered guests, concealing her irritation. Unable to see her own back, she assumed the guests’ reactions were due to her awkward state during the feast, thus explaining their strange expressions. She intended to change in the back when she saw Duke Yan striding towards her, who, after a glance, draped his cloak over her.