When Xiao Cui entered, she saw Sister Ru Yi holding a Dudou. Looking at the pattern and embroidery technique, it wasn’t as good as Sister Ru Yi’s usual craftsmanship. She couldn’t help but worry, “Has Sister Ru Yi injured her hand? Otherwise, why would she be so happy with embroidery of this level?”
Xiao Cui didn’t understand, but she wouldn’t discourage Ru Yi either. She carefully approached and said, “What a beautiful pattern, different from the usual lotus designs. Sister Ru Yi, is this a new pattern you came up with?”
Seeing Xiao Cui so surprised, Xu Ruyi felt extremely proud. “Yes! How is it? Isn’t it pretty?”
“Mm, very pretty!” Xiao Cui nodded emphatically to show her genuine approval.
Seeing that she truly liked it, Xu Ruyi shoved the Dudou in her hands into Xiao Cui’s arms. “Since you like it, I’ll give it to you!”
Xiao Cui was flattered and quickly waved her hands. “Sister Ru Yi, this is too precious. I can’t accept it.”
Xu Ruyi smiled and pressed her hands down. “Take it. I just thought this pattern was fresh and figured a young girl like you would surely like it. Besides, I can always embroider more, so don’t refuse.”
Only then did Xiao Cui blush and accept it, saying happily, “Thank you, Sister Ru Yi. I’ll definitely treasure it.”
Suddenly, Xiao Cui remembered why she had come and immediately said anxiously, “Sister Ru Yi, I forgot to mention—the young lady said if you’re free, you should go see her!”
Hearing this, Xu Ruyi immediately put down the embroidery hoop in her hands, hurriedly put on her shoes, and said, “I’ll go right now!” With that, she ran out.
She had to run! This was a feudal dynasty, and as a mere Servant Girl, disobedience could lead to being sold off!
She jogged all the way to Han Dan Courtyard. Seeing Shaoyao guarding outside, she immediately bowed. “Greetings, Sister Shaoyao. Sister Shaoyao, is the young lady available? Xiao Cui said the young lady summoned me!”
Shaoyao had a good impression of the original host and smiled right away. “The young lady is available. Wait here, I’ll go announce you.”
“Thank you for your trouble, Sister Shaoyao!” Xu Ruyi obediently expressed her thanks.
Shaoyao smiled slightly, then lifted the door curtain and went inside!!
After a while, Shaoyao came out. “The young lady is calling you. Go on in!”
With a nervous heart, Xu Ruyi walked into the room and first curtsied. “Greetings, Young Lady.”
Wang Jing Shu inside the room was sitting on a soft couch by the window, holding a book. Seeing her enter, she put the book down and looked up at her. “Rise.”
Only then did Xu Ruyi straighten up, secretly observing the young lady. The woman before her had delicate features and a serene demeanor—she was famously beautiful.
“Are you fully recovered?” Wang Jing Shu suddenly asked.
Xu Ruyi’s heart tightened, and she quickly replied, “Thank you for your concern, Young Lady. This servant has fully recovered.”
A smile tugged at the corner of Wang Jing Shu’s lips. “That’s good. You were wronged this time. Don’t blame me.”
Xu Ruyi immediately knelt respectfully on the ground and said steadily, “This servant dares not resent you, nor will I. This servant thanks the Young Lady for clearing my name and allowing me to continue serving you.”
Pleased with her deference, Wang Jing Shu said with interest, “There’s no need to thank me. As long as you do your work well, I won’t treat you unfairly.”
Maintaining the cautious nature of the original host, Xu Ruyi happily agreed, “Yes, this servant will definitely serve the Young Lady well!”
Wang Jing Shu gave Bai Zhi a meaningful look, which Bai Zhi understood, promptly stuffing the purse in her hand into Xu Ruyi’s grasp. “The young lady rewards you!”
Xu Ruyi felt the weight in her hand and felt a surge of joy, hurriedly responding, “Yes, this servant thanks the young lady for the reward!”
“Enough, rise! Return and focus on your duties. This young lady wishes to rest!” Wang Jing Shu waved her hand, dismissing her.
“Yes,” replied Xu Ruyi, who then stood up, curtsied again, and hastily withdrew.
Once Xu Ruyi had left, Wang Jing Shu ordered expressionlessly, “Have Ruyi embroider a Longevity Painting. It will be needed in a few days for Grandmother’s birthday.”
Bai Zhi lowered her eyes in assent, “Yes,” and went out to relay the order.
Although Wang Jing Shu was the legitimate daughter of the Wang family, she had no skill in embroidery, preferring instead to earn money. She believed her mother was right: “Money isn’t everything, but without it, nothing is possible. It doesn’t matter if you lack certain skills—just having one or two presentable ones is enough.”
Thus, the servant girls around her were quite skilled: Bai Zhi excelled at brewing tea, Shaoyao was adept at styling hair, Ruyi was proficient in embroidery, and the former Chen Xiang was talented in painting. The rough work servant girls, though lacking specific skills, were quick and efficient with their hands and feet.
Apart from her ability to earn money and manage the household, Wang Jing Shu herself also wrote with excellent penmanship. Of course, she had also learned the art of winning people’s hearts from Madam Wang, mastering it thoroughly.