The princess arrives and the prosperous Tang Dynasty begins

Chapter 73 Etiquette Learning

After Lin Xiao traveled to the Tang Dynasty and became a princess, she knew that it was crucial to master court etiquette to survive in the palace. Xiaoyu, as a maid who grew up in the palace, knew these etiquette rules like the back of her hand.

In the early morning, the sunlight shone through the carved window lattices, pouring into the room like golden gauze. Lin Xiao got up early and started a day of etiquette learning. Xiaoyu walked into the room lightly, holding a set of gorgeous clothes in her hands. The clothes were as gorgeous as the colorful clouds in the sky.

"Princess, let's start with the dress etiquette today." Xiaoyu said with a smile.

Lin Xiao looked at Xiaoyu curiously and asked, "Xiaoyu, are there many kinds of clothing in the Tang Dynasty?"

Xiaoyu carefully explained to Lin Xiao the clothes that should be worn on different occasions, as well as the matching methods of various accessories. "Princess, there are many kinds of clothes in the Tang Dynasty, such as casual clothes, formal clothes, and Hu clothes. Moreover, different occasions require different clothes. For example, formal clothes should be worn during sacrifices, while casual clothes can be worn at other times."

Lin Xiao listened attentively, marveling at the exquisiteness and splendor of Tang Dynasty costumes, while trying hard to remember the key points Xiaoyu said.

"What about the accessories?" Lin Xiao asked again.

Xiaoyu answered patiently: "Princess, accessories are also very important, such as hair accessories, earrings, necklaces, bracelets, etc. Different accessories can be matched with different clothes to make the whole person look more refined."

After hearing this, Lin Xiao couldn't help but sigh: "The culture of the Tang Dynasty is so profound!"

With Xiaoyu's help, Lin Xiao put on a colorful skirt, which swayed gently on the ground. Xiaoyu began to teach her how to walk gracefully, with light and steady steps, not too fast or too slow. Lin Xiao tried to take a step, and was a little uncomfortable at first, but with Xiaoyu's patient guidance, she gradually found the feeling.

Next was the sitting etiquette. Xiaoyu asked Lin Xiao to sit on a beautifully embroidered cushion and taught her how to straighten her spine, put her hands naturally on her knees, and show a dignified and generous posture. Lin Xiao tried hard to maintain the posture, and soon she felt backache, but she understood that this was a process that she had to go through.

The etiquette of daily life is also numerous and detailed. For example, the movements when washing must be gentle and elegant, without any vulgarity; the rules for dining are even more strict, and the order of using tableware, the way to pick up food, and the manners of eating are all very particular. Lin Xiao followed Xiaoyu to learn little by little, practicing every movement repeatedly, striving for perfection.

Social norms are more complicated. When communicating with people of different status in the palace, different etiquette and attitudes are required. When meeting elders, one must be polite and respectful; when dealing with peers, one must be humble and polite, but not lose one's status; when dealing with servants, one must be dignified, but also maintain a certain affinity. While listening to Xiaoyu's explanation, Lin Xiao simulated various scenarios in his mind and thought about how he should respond.

"Princess, smiling is also an important etiquette in the palace." Xiaoyu reminded.

"Oh?" Lin Xiao looked at Xiaoyu curiously, "Is there etiquette for smiling?"

"Of course, Princess. A well-placed smile can show your friendliness and good upbringing." Xiaoyu said seriously.

Lin Xiao tried to give a gentle smile, and she found that a simple smile could convey so much information.

"Such a smile will make you appear more friendly and easier to get along with others," Xiaoyu continued to explain.

"I see." Lin Xiao nodded, "I will practice hard."

In order to help Lin Xiao better master etiquette, Xiaoyu also specially arranged some simulated scenes. She would play various roles and interact with Lin Xiao, allowing Lin Xiao to apply the etiquette he had learned in real situations. Once, Xiaoyu played an arrogant noble lady, and Lin Xiao needed to communicate with her as a princess. Lin Xiao walked up nervously and greeted her according to the etiquette Xiaoyu had taught her before. The "noble lady" deliberately made things difficult for Lin Xiao and asked some sharp questions. Although Lin Xiao was a little flustered, he still relied on his wisdom and the etiquette knowledge he had learned to deal with it skillfully, winning Xiaoyu's praise.

In the process of learning etiquette, Lin Xiao also encountered some difficulties and challenges. Sometimes, she would forget a certain action or word because of nervousness; sometimes, she would feel that these etiquettes were too cumbersome and restrictive. But every time she wanted to give up, she would think of her environment and responsibilities, and then she would cheer up again and continue to study hard.

As time went by, Lin Xiao's etiquette level improved significantly. She was able to use etiquette freely in various occasions, showing a noble and elegant temperament. People in the palace also began to look at the new princess with new eyes, and praised her upbringing and demeanor.

One day, the emperor held a grand banquet. Lin Xiao dressed in a gorgeous palace dress and went to the banquet hall accompanied by Xiaoyu. Along the way, she maintained a dignified demeanor, walked gracefully, and greeted people she met with a smile.

After entering the banquet hall, she bowed to the emperor and the elders according to etiquette, and then sat down in her seat. Her clothes were gorgeous, and the embroidery on the fabric was exquisite, and the delicate texture complemented her skin. Her hair was high, dotted with precious jewels, sparkling with dazzling light. Her face was delicate, her skin was white as snow, and on her face like a jade sculpture, a pair of bright eyes were as bright as stars.

Her expression is dignified and gentle, with a faint smile on her lips, revealing a noble and elegant temperament. Her eyes are clear and bright, revealing a firmness and confidence. In her communication with people, she behaves properly and speaks gently, showing the demeanor of a lady from a noble family.

Her presence seemed to become a beautiful scenery in the banquet hall, attracting everyone's attention. People admired her beauty and temperament, and cast their eyes of admiration and appreciation on her.

At the banquet, there were all kinds of delicious food and wonderful singing and dancing performances. Lin Xiao enjoyed the performance while talking to people around her. Her words were appropriate and her manners were elegant, which won the favor of everyone. The emperor was also very satisfied with her performance and nodded frequently to express his appreciation.

After the banquet, Lin Xiao returned to her bedroom and sat on the bed tiredly. Xiaoyu came over and said to her with a smile: "Princess, your performance at the banquet today was very good. I believe the emperor and others will recognize you more." Lin Xiao smiled and said: "This is all thanks to you, Xiaoyu. Without your teaching, I would not have done so well." Xiaoyu quickly said: "Princess, you are too kind. This is the result of your own hard work."

After this period of etiquette learning, Lin Xiao deeply realized the importance of etiquette in palace life. Etiquette is not only an external form of expression, but also an internal cultivation and quality. It can help her establish good interpersonal relationships in the palace and win the respect and trust of others. At the same time, etiquette also makes her more confident and calm, and can better cope with various challenges and opportunities.