Chapter 186 Su Yao Talks About Clothing
"Dear professors, we meet again." Su Yao walked into the classroom with light steps and bowed slightly.
Today she was wearing a light pink ancient costume dress with fluttering sleeves and a champagne-colored ribbon tied around her waist, which made her figure more graceful, like a beauty walking out of an ancient scroll.
Professor Song smiled and nodded in response: "Miss Su, the ancient etiquette you talked about last time benefited us a lot. Today's ancient clothing specifications are something we have been looking forward to for a long time."
Su Yao bowed slightly, raised the corners of her mouth, showed a humble smile, and said: "Professor Song, thank you for your praise. I will do my best to tell you in detail about the costumes of the Apocalypse Dynasty."
Professor Wang pushed his glasses up, his eyes full of curiosity: "Miss Su Yao, how about we start with the royal family's clothing?"
Su Yao flicked her sleeves and nodded, "In Tianqi, the royal family's clothing is very particular. The dragon robe worn by the emperor is mainly bright yellow, embroidered with nine five-clawed golden dragons, symbolizing the supreme imperial power. Its collar and cuffs are inlaid with precious gems and silk threads, highlighting its noble status."
Professor Chen nodded and interrupted, "What's so special about the costumes of the queen and the concubines in the harem?"
Su Yao thought for a moment, and then continued: "The queen's clothing is the phoenix robe, embroidered with phoenix patterns, and with many accessories, surrounded by pearls and jade. The concubines' clothing varies according to their ranks. From the color and pattern of the clothing to the number and texture of the accessories, there are strict regulations that cannot be exceeded."
Professor Li frowned and asked in confusion: "Then what are the specific aspects of the differences between the levels?"
Su Yao pursed her lips and replied, "Take color as an example. First-rank concubines can wear pure red, while second-rank concubines can only wear reddish colors. In terms of patterns, high-ranking concubines can use flowers that symbolize wealth, such as peonies and peonies, while low-ranking concubines can wear plum blossoms, chrysanthemums, etc. As for accessories, high-ranking concubines can wear more gold ornaments, while low-ranking concubines can wear more silver ornaments, and the number is relatively small."
After saying this, a hint of longing and regret unconsciously flashed in her eyes!
Alas, Daddy clearly told her that she would soon become the Crown Princess and the most noble woman in the world, but I didn't expect that she would end up here!
Now she has to give lectures to a bunch of old men who can be her grandfathers. She is really like a tiger in a plain being bullied by a dog! How long will she have to live like this?
……
Professor Chen had no idea what Su Yao was thinking at the moment. He hurriedly took notes while asking, "What's so special about the costumes of the princes and princesses?"
Su Yao flicked her sleeves and said, "Before the prince was crowned king, his clothes were simpler, but still dominated by yellow, with relatively fewer patterns and accessories. The princesses' clothes were mostly bright colors such as pink and purple, embroidered with auspicious patterns such as flowers."
Professor Li nodded to show that he understood, and then asked, "What are the standards for officials' attire?"
"The clothing of officials in our dynasty depends on their rank. Officials of the first to third ranks can wear purple official uniforms; those of the fourth to sixth ranks wear scarlet; and those of the seventh rank and below wear blue. Different patterns are embroidered on the official uniforms to distinguish the high and low ranks of the officials."
Professor Zhou frowned and asked, "What are the requirements for the pattern?"
Su Yao thought for a moment and replied, "Crane, pheasant, peacock and other patterns are used by high-ranking officials, while heron, oriole, quail and other patterns are used as symbols of lower-ranking officials."
"Ms. Su Yao, what are the restrictions on civilian clothing?"
"Common people's clothing is mainly made of coarse linen, and the colors are relatively monotonous, mostly plain. Silk fabrics are not allowed, and any patterns that symbolize power and nobility cannot be embroidered, otherwise it would be a big taboo."
"There are also merchants. In the Tianqi Dynasty, merchants have a lower status. Even if they are extremely wealthy, their clothing cannot be too luxurious, so as not to violate the regulations."
Professor Wang asked, "Are there such strict regulations on women's clothing?"
Su Yao nodded: "Although women's clothing is not as strictly determined by rank as men's, it also has its rules. Unmarried women mostly wear jackets and skirts, with fresh and elegant colors and simpler hairstyles. Married women wear long gowns and long skirts, with more stable clothing and more complicated buns.
Moreover, the clothing of women from wealthy families is made of high-quality materials and has high-quality embroidery, while that of women from common families is relatively simple!"
Professor Li held his chin with his hand and said, "Miss Su, can you tell me more about the characteristics of this civilian clothing?"
Su Yao pursed her lips and said, "Most civilians wear coarse linen clothes with monotonous colors and simple styles. They only cover the body and keep warm without too much decoration."
Professor Wang said thoughtfully: "Such strict clothing regulations must be to maintain the social hierarchy."
Su Yao nodded, a gleam in her eyes, and said: "Exactly, in Tianqi, clothing is not only a thing to cover the body, but also a symbol of status. If you are not careful, it may bring disaster."
Professor Chen said with emotion: "It seems that the ancient hierarchy is fully reflected in clothing."
Su Yao frowned slightly and explained: "The purpose of establishing these clothing specifications is to clarify the hierarchy and maintain social order; secondly, it is also a symbol of status, so that people can know their identity at a glance. In this way, we can ensure the measure and order in interpersonal communication and reduce misunderstandings and conflicts!"
Professor Li smiled and said, "It is rare for Miss Su Yao to have such insights. Then may I ask if there are different requirements for clothing for different occasions in Tianqi?"
Su Yao's eyes flashed with a gleam, and she said, "Professor Li, this is a very interesting question. In major celebrations, sacrifices and other occasions, everyone needs to wear formal clothes and must not be sloppy at all. In daily life, it is relatively casual, but it must also be in line with one's own status."
Professor Zhou then asked, "What's so special about a woman's wedding dress?"
Su Yao blushed and said softly, "When a woman gets married, her wedding dress must be carefully made. It should be mainly red, embroidered with auspicious patterns, and the crown and accessories should be complete to show solemnity and joy."
After hearing this, Professor Li also asked curiously: "Miss Su, are there any regulations on children's clothing?"
Su Yao shook her head slightly and said, "There are no strict regulations for children's clothes. They are mostly based on comfort, but not too luxurious."
Professor Zhou smiled and said, "Ms. Su Yao, your explanation really opened our eyes. In your dynasty, were there any popular clothing styles or unique accessories?"
Su Yao smiled, with a hint of excitement in her eyes: "Professor Zhou, there was a popular sleeve style called 'flowing cloud sleeves' in our dynasty. The cuffs were wide and flowing like clouds. There was also a headdress called 'buyao', which swayed beautifully when walking."
As she spoke, she shook her head slightly unconsciously, as if she was still wearing the step-shaking ornament she mentioned.