While Su Muqing did not speak, she had been observing the expressions of these people in secret. She clearly saw the astonishment in their eyes, but also a greater measure of envy.
She was well aware that as women of this era, most of them had no say in their own marriages. Their destinies could be described as humble, even tragic.
After marriage, everything had to revolve around the husband's family, and they were not allowed to have their own thoughts, needing to become completely selfless. If they failed to take good care of the husband's family in any way, they would be considered unworthy wives and could be divorced and driven away by the husband at any time.
Girls like Chen Wenyi, who came from privileged backgrounds, had special destinies, and were deeply doted on by their parents who were willing to break with tradition for her, were indeed rare in this world.
Even if those married women disliked the previous makeup style, they still had to accept it with joy.
If a woman had too many opinions, outsiders would gossip, thinking that the family's daughter was not reserved enough, that her words and actions were frivolous, and that she actually dared to point fingers at the wedding makeup.
In ancient times, people emphasized family cohesion, often using phrases like "share in glory, share in ruin" to discipline their descendants.
Therefore, if even a shred of gossip about a woman spread, it would not only ruin her own reputation but also make the lives of all the women in the entire family, whether married or unmarried, very difficult in the future.
Gradually, for reasons unknown, the bride's makeup of a white base with red lips became the standard for daughters marrying into wealthy families in the Great Yu Dynasty.
Eventually, it evolved into a custom, a symbol of status. Families with some means would have their daughters apply this bridal makeup when they got married.
Even ordinary families, if they were patriarchal, it was one thing. But if the daughters were also doted upon, the parents would find ways to get some flour for their daughters to smear on their faces, just so they could marry beautifully.
It was thought that only truly impoverished families, unable to afford even basic necessities when marrying off their daughters, would let their daughters go out without any makeup.
They were surprised because no one had ever applied makeup like Chen Wenyi's before – one that did not use a white base, yet was not bare-faced, but exuded a fresh, refined, and stunning aura.
Under the scrutiny of everyone, Chen Wenyi stood up and bowed to them. "Suisui greets all her aunts."
Hearing Chen Wenyi's voice, the women finally believed that this was indeed Suisui. With that, they felt less hesitant, and one by one, they stepped forward. Those who were more effusive practically leaned in to get a clear look at her face.
Her fair skin was flawless, appearing as delicate and smooth as a peeled egg. Her eyebrows were thick yet not messy, neatly arranged strand by strand. Her double eyelids were adorned with layered eyeshadow, a makeup style resembling peach blossoms and mermaid sequins.
Her eyes looked exceptionally vibrant, with slightly upturned outer corners, carrying a hint of alluring charm. Her long, curled eyelashes made them envious, making her eyes appear even more captivating.
A natural blush graced her cheeks, and her lips were moist and shimmering, slightly pouted and indescribably full and cute. On the bridge of her small, high nose, something had been applied that gave off a faint glow. Every part of her face captivated them, making it impossible for them to look away.
Madam Chen looked at the astonished gazes of her sisters with immense pride, feeling extremely pleased. "Haha! Sisters, what do you think of my Suisui's makeup?"
Chen Wenyi returned to sit on the large bed. The women slowly retreated, but their eyes remained fixed on her delicate face, and they didn't forget to answer Madam Chen's question. Their answers were all affirmative, a mix of flattery and genuine admiration.
"Beautiful, truly beautiful! I didn't recognize her at first glance!"
"Isn't that right! I thought she was a fairy descended from heaven, but who knew it was our Miss Suisui!"
"What a beautiful girl! The Chen family's son-in-law is truly blessed to marry our Miss Suisui!"
What the women really wanted to say was: If only I had come earlier to propose for my own rascal son, then such a beautiful daughter-in-law would be ours!
Alas, what a pity!
Everyone loves to hear compliments, whether they are sincere or flattering. At this moment, hearing the praise from her close friends, Madam Chen felt as sweet as anything. Although these words weren't praising her directly, they were praising her daughter, which made her happier than if she had been praised herself.
"May I know which madam's skill this is? She has managed to create such a beautiful and refined young face. My daughter is also engaged, and with such excellent craftsmanship, I must arrange for it soon!"
A tall and wealthy-looking madam finished speaking and then looked at Madam Chen. Her daughter was also engaged, and the madam who had done her makeup before only knew how to apply ordinary makeup. She had thought it was traditional and in line with the trend, so she had let it be.
However, after seeing Chen Suisui's bridal makeup, she immediately found the previous "ghost face" makeup to be utterly unsatisfactory. Since someone had already taken the first step, she no longer had to worry so much.
Her daughter was born after ten months of arduous pregnancy, and she was naturally as beautiful as a flower. Why should she be made to look like a ghost on the happiest day of her life? Wasn't that just adding to the couple's troubles?
"Madam Wu has such courage. As for us, even if we have the heart, we don't have the guts..." one woman said, looking at Madam Wu with admiration.
She also had two daughters waiting to be married, but she didn't dare to challenge tradition for her daughters. This was because she knew there was a fundamental difference between herself and Madam Wu.
Madam Wu's situation was special. Her father died early, leaving behind an orphan and a widow, so she had a proper live-in son-in-law.
Even after marriage, she was not confined to her home. Instead, she supported the entire family as a woman. Therefore, even after her marriage, she was the one in charge of the household.
It was precisely because Madam Wu could be the head of the household that she dared to fight for her daughter. But for women like them, who were controlled by their mothers-in-law and had no sons to back them up, they didn't dare to voice their opinions on such matters.
Madam Chen walked over with a smile, linking her arm with Madam Wu's, with an expression that seemed to say, "I knew it all along." She leaned familiarly against her and said, "I guessed you would be the first one to be tempted! But you're mistaken, the person who did Suisui's makeup isn't some experienced madam..."
Madam Wu saw that she was only saying half of it and was being coy again, so she quickly asked, "Oh? Then who did it? I must go and invite her personally!"
Madam Chen's eyes twinkled with a smile, and she turned to look in Su Muqing's direction. "This bridal makeup was personally done by Miss Su!"