That evening, Li Yuan took a walk with Yan Yu. As they passed by the Brocade & Grace, the sharp-eyed shop owner hurried out to greet them, announcing that their custom-made clothes were ready for a fitting.0

Yan Yu’s new outfit was a cream-colored dress patterned with peach blossoms and slit skirts, seductive and elegant all at once. The moment she slipped it on, any lingering hint of a rustic past vanished, replaced by an alluring languor guaranteed to set a man’s heart ablaze. 1

Another set, a cream-colored ruqun with a light shawl draped over her shoulders, added a refined grace, so much so that she appeared every bit a noble lady.7

Li Yuan’s new wardrobe consisted of two loose-fitting black robes—comfortable yet dignified, immediately marking him as someone of status rather than a country boy.0

Afterward, the two strolled through the night market, sampling street food and, for 12 small copper coins, buying a pair of hooded cloaks for the spring weather. 0

Li Yuan also picked up a few odds and ends, including small...0