The second floor of the Fenghua Chamber was devoted entirely to women's clothing.
Compared with the lively cosmetic counters below, the atmosphere here was quieter and more refined.
Bright moonstones illuminated rows of polished wooden stands, while tall mirrors lined the surrounding walls. Mannequins displayed elegant gowns, short dresses, fitted robes, stockings, gloves, shoes, and carefully matched accessories.
At the centre of the hall stood Fenghua's newest creation.
It was called the "Moonlit Fairy Dress".
The dress possessed a fitted ivory bodice with a gently curved neckline. A high collar of translucent silk encircled the neck, embroidered with delicate silver vines and tiny crescent moons.
Several layers of transparent silk covered the shoulders like overlapping flower petals. Narrow ribbons extended from them and floated behind the mannequin like the wings of a butterfly.
A slender silver belt embraced the waist, its centre set with a pale-blue moonstone.
Below the belt, the dress opened into several layers.
The fitted inner skirt ended above the knees, while longer pieces of translucent blue-and-white silk descended from the sides and back. Rather than concealing the shorter layer, they framed it like the scattered petals of an enormous blooming flower.
A pair of dark-blue stockings covered the mannequin's legs.
They reached the upper thighs, where thin decorative straps connected them to a hidden belt beneath the dress. Most of the garters remained concealed beneath the layered silk, appearing only briefly whenever the platform turned and the fabric drifted apart.
Silver thread formed crescent moons, stars, and winding vines across the stockings. Near the upper thighs, the embroidery became more intricate, resembling miniature formation diagrams.
Long ivory gloves covered the mannequin's arms almost to the elbows. Silver vines matching those upon the collar decorated their surface, while a delicate blue crystal rested upon the back of each hand.
Silver-white shoes with small heels completed the outfit.
As the display platform slowly rotated, the translucent silk floated through the air. The mannequin appeared like a moon fairy descending from the clouds.
Several women gathered around the display, carefully examining every detail.
"What kind of dress is this?" a young noblewoman asked.
A female attendant smiled politely, "It is one of Fenghua's fairy-tale designs—the Moonlit Fairy Dress."
"Fairy-tale design?"
"The collection was inspired by stories of moon spirits, flower fairies, celestial maidens, and legendary princesses."
The attendant gestured toward the layered fabric, "The fitted inner dress makes walking and dancing easier, while the longer outer layers give it the graceful movement of a flowing robe."
She then indicated the gloves and stockings, "The accessories were designed together with the dress. Their colours and embroidery all follow the same moonlit theme."
The noblewoman's gaze settled upon the mannequin's legs. She had seen stockings in Fenghua before, but this pair was visibly different.
"Why do these stockings have straps?"
"They are garter stockings."
"Garter?"
"The stockings are secured by straps attached to a belt concealed beneath the dress. They remain firmly in place while walking or dancing and will not loosen or slide down."
"Would it be suitable for a banquet?"
"Yes. It was created for evening banquets, festivals, private celebrations, formal dances, and similar occasions."
"Can the length be adjusted?"
"Certainly."
The attendant indicated several dresses displayed nearby, "We offer mid-thigh, knee-length, and layered calf-length versions. The number and length of the outer silk panels can also be customised."
The noblewoman looked toward the original Moonlit Fairy Dress once more, "I want to try this version."
"Which colour?"
"This blue."
Her companion pointed toward a silver-and-purple version nearby, "That one would match your hair ornaments better."
The noblewoman considered it for a moment then nodded, "Bring both."
...
The fairy-tale collection quickly became the centre of attention on the second floor.
Each outfit appeared to have emerged from a different legend.
The "Moonlit Fairy Dress" used silver, pale blue, and ivory silk. Its embroidery depicted stars, crescent moons, and night-blooming flowers.
The "Crimson Rose Princess Dress" possessed a fitted black-and-red bodice, layered fabric shaped like rose petals, black garter stockings, and long crimson gloves.
The "Emerald Forest Spirit Dress" used green silk, leaf-shaped embroidery, translucent sleeves, brown stockings, and gloves decorated with tiny vines.
The "Golden Sun Princess Dress" combined ivory fabric, golden ribbons, pale stockings, and gloves embroidered with sun patterns.
There was also the "Violet Dream Dress", whose layered purple fabric changed shade beneath different light. It was accompanied by black-purple stockings decorated with silver butterflies.
Every dress possessed its own theme.
The outer layers drifted behind the wearer during movement, while the embroidery could be adjusted to reflect her Dou Qi attribute, family emblem, sect symbol, or personal preference.
Magical beast silk improved the durability of the fabric and gave it a natural lustre.
Jade ornaments, crystals, and simple formations brought the designs to life.
Some dresses released tiny points of light resembling stars. Others caused embroidered petals to glow whenever the wearer circulated Dou Qi.
Several used colour-changing silk that reacted to moonlight, firelight, or the wearer's elemental energy.
A middle-aged noblewoman stood before a mannequin wearing the "Crimson Rose Princess Dress".
Her daughter remained beside her, admiring the complete outfit.
The fitted black-and-red bodice narrowed elegantly around the waist, while the inner dress ended at the middle of the thighs. Three layers of translucent crimson-and-black silk descended from the sides and back like the petals of an enormous blooming rose.
Black garter stockings covered the mannequin's legs. Crimson floral embroidery spread from the ankles toward the upper thighs, perfectly matching the roses woven into the dress.
Long red gloves and black crystal heels completed the outfit.
The middle-aged noblewoman slowly walked around the mannequin, carefully examining the cut, fabric, and embroidery then she nodded, "This one is beautiful."
Her daughter also nodded eagerly, "The black stockings suit the red dress perfectly."
The woman lightly touched one of the translucent outer then and her gaze travelled over the stockings and the delicate straps partly hidden beneath the dress.
A female attendant approached them with a polite smile, "Would Madam like to try it?"
"Yes." The noblewoman answered without hesitation, "Prepare one in my size and another for my daughter. Include the full set. The stockings, gloves, and shoes as displayed."
"Certainly. Would Madam prefer the black stockings with crimson embroidery or the dark-red version with black roses?"
"Black for me. Dark red for her.".
"And the garter design?"
"Keep it unchanged."
The woman glanced toward her daughter's dress once more, "Adjust the waist slightly for her, but leave the length and outer layers as they are."
"Yes, Madam."
The attendant gestured toward the fitting rooms.
"Please follow me. We will prepare both sets immediately."
The noblewoman and her daughter followed without hesitation, already discussing which jewellery and hair ornaments would best match their new dresses.
...
The fairy-tale dresses soon became especially popular at evening banquets.
Beneath the glow of moonstones and lanterns, the translucent outer layers reflected silver, gold, and coloured light.
The embroidered stockings made the legs appear smooth and elegant, while the gloves added refinement to every gesture.
When the women walked, the long silk panels followed them like drifting clouds.
When they danced, the layered fabric opened around their bodies like flowers blooming beneath the moonlight.
The first major appearance of the fairy-tale collection occurred during a banquet held by the Mu Clan.
Several noblewomen entered the hall wearing different designs.
One young woman wore the pale-blue Moonlit Fairy Dress.
Another appeared in the Violet Dream Dress, with silver butterflies glimmering across her black-purple stockings.
The middle-aged noblewoman arrived wearing the Crimson Rose Princess Dress she had purchased earlier.
The fitted bodice outlined her mature figure, while the short inner dress displayed the crimson embroidery upon her black stockings. Red-and-black silk flowed behind her like rose petals with every step.
Her daughter walked beside her in the dark-red variation.
The matching designs made them appear like two roses in different stages of bloom—one mature and enchanting, the other youthful and vibrant.
Their arrival immediately attracted attention.
Several women approached to examine the embroidery, fabric, gloves, and stockings more closely. Others quietly asked where the dresses had been purchased and whether Fenghua accepted customised orders.
Before the banquet ended, dozens of women had already decided to visit the chamber.
Within three days, the entire first collection sold out.
Orders for customised versions also quickly filled several thick books.
...
Female mercenaries soon requested practical versions of the same designs.
Fenghua responded by creating the "Battle Fairy Collection".
Unlike the fairy tale design, these garments preserved the appearance of fairy-tale dresses while replacing delicate decorative materials with reinforced ones.
The bodices contained flexible protective layers and the inner skirts were paired with fitted shorts or lightweight battle garments for mobility.
The stockings were woven from magical beast silk and treated with strengthening medicine whole the gloves contained thin protective plates over the fingers, wrists, and backs of the hands, for protection.
Delicate heels were replaced by combat boots designed to match each dress.
The floating outer silk remained detachable.
If it became caught upon a branch, weapon, or magical beast claw, the wearer could release it with a small pulse of Dou Qi.
Some outfits also contained simple cleaning and temperature-regulating functions.
One female mercenary examined a black-and-purple Battle Fairy Dress.
Its fitted inner layer ended above the knees, while narrow purple panels descended from the waist. Silver lightning patterns decorated the black stockings and gloves.
"This looks suitable for a banquet," She remarked.
The attendant smiled, "These are woven from second-rank magical beast silk. They can endure rough terrain and reduce injuries caused by branches and low-level claws."
"You may wear them in the wild or the banquets."
The mercenary nodded in satisfaction.
"i will buy one then. But make mine in dark red, with black stockings and matching gloves."
"Certainly."
...