"Young Mistress, the silk thread has been purchased."
"I'm almost finished here. Later, after you've shown it to Old Madam, have someone deliver it to the Song residence."
Jiang Shiyao glanced up at Shuangjiang who had just returned, her hands never ceasing their movement as she sewed the final pearl into the auspicious beast's mouth.
After hiding the thread end, this auspicious beast embroidery was finally complete.
Sunlight streamed through the window, making the auspicious beast descending with treasure in its mouth appear vividly alive.
Shuangjiang marveled as she touched the distinctly embroidered fur on the auspicious beast.
"Young Mistress needn't deliver it yourself. Just now, this maid saw Miss Song has come again."
Jiang Shiyao paused in massaging her wrist.
Then she raised her eyes with a smile, "I'll go with you later."
Shuangjiang hesitated for a moment before saying, "Young Mistress, Miss Song will eventually become the main wife after all. Why must you provoke conflict at this time?"
"Moreover, the Song family is originally Old Madam's maternal family…"
Old Madam won't handle matters fairly…
This last part Shuangjiang didn't voice aloud.
Jiang Shiyao, "I understand. Wait for me a moment, I'll go change clothes."
Shuangjiang watched her mistress's figure, pressing her lips together.
On her way to Old Madam Zhou's courtyard, Jiang Shiyao encountered Zhou Congxian.
Her gaze fell on his right arm.
She couldn't help complaining inwardly – she was practically his savior, yet he hadn't even offered a single coin of gratitude.
Zhou Congxian followed her gaze to his own arm, thinking she was concerned about his injury.
Thus he said softly and gently, "It's much better now. Physician Lin was Grandfather's field medic back in the day, highly skilled in medicine. He only settled down to open a clinic in the capital when he grew too old to travel."
Jiang Shiyao's lips twitched, "Oh, that's good then."
Finally adding, "This concubine was truly so worried she tossed and turned sleeplessly."
Zhou Congxian's figure stiffened, recalling how he had spoken harshly to her recently to placate the Song family.
His fingers hanging at his side trembled slightly.
Then he raised his eyes, "That time I promised Fu'er I would take her to fly kites. Today is my day off. After paying respects to Grandmother, I'll take you both to Golden Bright Lake to fly kites."
"Alright… Huh? Kites?"
Jiang Shiyao, who had been lost in thought muttering about why he was blocking the path without leaving, instinctively responded before processing his words.
"Kites… I'm afraid today won't work…"
Jiang Shiyao guiltily lowered her eyes.
He Dayou had collected substantial grain stores and needed to rent a dedicated storage warehouse. She had been planning to find an excuse to leave the residence and check on it this afternoon.
Zhou Congxian, unaware of the circumstances, saw her downcast expression and thought she was hurt by his previous words.
Somewhat reluctantly, I said, "Shi Yao, give me some time." You will understand eventually."
Huh?
When Jiang Shiyao looked over, he averted his eyes.
Zhou Congxian took the lead stepping forward, "Let's go. If we leave early, Fu'er can play longer."
Wait, when did she agree to leave early? Had she just consented?
"Young Lord…"
She raised her hand, but before her refusal could leave her lips, he had already walked away.
Shuangjiang stepped forward beaming, "Young Mistress, the Young Lord has you in his heart! It's not impossible for you to compete!"
Huh??
Jiang Shiyao looked at Shuangjiang's expression, "You… might have misunderstood something…"
Shuangjiang tugged her sleeve, "Young Mistress, the Young Lord is watching you."
Zhou Congxian stood at the crossroads not far away. "Aren't you coming? If you're so happy, you can celebrate after paying respects to Grandmother."
Jiang Shiyao opened her mouth, wanting to say something, but found herself at a loss for words.
After tapping her fingers in the air twice, she reluctantly followed him.
One misunderstanding could anger Song Jiyun to death, while two misunderstandings could bring her more convenience.
Fine, consider it a blessing from her rebirth.
Song Jiyun was again accompanying Old Madam Zhou in Buddhist prayers.
When Jiang Shiyao followed Zhou Congxian inside, the old lady immediately rose.
She lowered her head and glanced at the doorway—every time she visited, she had to stand there for a while before entering.
She felt that if she stood there a few more times, she might wear two indentations into the floor.
Zhou Congxian clasped his hands. "Your grandson pays respects to Grandmother."
Jiang Shiyao followed with a curtsy. "Greetings to Old Madam."
Old Madam Zhou affectionately took her grandson's hand. "Knowing you were coming to pay respects, I saved some chestnut cakes for you!"
She then pointed at Gao Mama. "Gao Mama even specially fried chestnut pastries."
Only when facing his grandmother did Zhou Congxian show a hint of childlike devotion.
"Yes, your grandson will eat more today."
The old lady nodded contentedly before reluctantly shifting her gaze to Jiang Shiyao behind him.
"I remember that little girl Fu'er loves chestnut cakes just like her father. Take some back for her."
Jiang Shiyao kept her eyes modestly lowered. "Thank you, Old Madam."
Noticing the embroidery in her hands, the old lady asked, "Have you finished the birthday gift?"
"Yes." Jiang Shiyao presented it with both hands.
Gao Mama immediately stepped forward. The moment she unfolded the embroidery, she was stunned.
The auspicious beast appeared vivid and lifelike. As the breeze from outside gently stirred, the beast's fur seemed to ripple.
Without close inspection, it hardly resembled embroidery—more like an immortal beast about to leap forth!
Gao Mama couldn't help but exclaim, "Niangzi Jiang's embroidery surpasses even her master's!"
Jiang Shiyao smiled shyly. "You flatter me, Gao Mama. I am but crude and shallow—hardly deserving of such praise."
Her embroidery skills were truly inherited from Mama Chang.
Yet the techniques used in this piece were discovered in her previous life when, missing Fu'er and wanting to make more clothes for her, she unintentionally found an embroideress whose methods complemented Mama Chang's.
Thus, this current auspicious beast embroidery was even more exquisite than in her past life!
Old Madam Zhou took the embroidery, and her eyes instantly lit up!
"I've heard that Her Majesty the Empress Dowager was skilled in needlework in her youth. This piece is sure to catch her eye!"
Song Jiyun bit her lip, watching as Zhou Congxian glanced at that wretched concubine with a smile.
It's just embroidery—if she hired eight or ten embroiderers, could they not surpass her?
Suddenly, her sleeve was tugged.
Zisu leaned close to her ear. "Miss, those pearls are fake."
Song Jiyun turned to see Zisu nodding firmly.
Right—Zisu grew up by the sea and had worked as a pearl diver in her youth. She would never mistake genuine pearls!
Old Madam Zhou looked back at Song Jiyun. "Yun'er, Jiang Shi has set a high standard with this masterpiece. Are you confident?"
If it were ordinary embroidery, having Yun'er embroider a peach or add highlights wouldn't matter much.
But this piece was truly exceptional—if a single peach were ruined, it would be a great loss.
A flicker of irritation passed through Song Jiyun's eyes, though her face maintained an elegant, gentle smile.
"Since Grandaunt praises you so highly, I'm even more curious about Niangzi Jiang's divine embroidery skills!"
Old Madam Zhou smiled and handed her the embroidery. "It's alright if you can't complete it. With your wedding to Xian'er approaching and all the busy preparations, it's understandable if you can't find the time. It doesn't count as breaking a promise."
She had preserved everyone's dignity both publicly and privately.
Song Jiyun was momentarily stunned when she saw the auspicious beast that seemed to leap right before her eyes.
The difference was immediately apparent – her own embroidery that cost a thousand taels of silver couldn't even compare to this lowly concubine's work.
Zisu reached out to touch the pearl, tilting it slightly to let the sunlight from outside fall upon it. A layer of luminous sheen appeared on the pearl's surface.
It looked no different from a real pearl.
But it was fake.
Zisu nodded.
Song Jiyun understood – since this was a birthday gift for the Empress Dowager, her grandaunt naturally wouldn't use counterfeit materials.
Such a large pearl would cost at least three thousand taels!
This concubine was so presumptuous, daring to scheme with the Empress Dowager's birthday gift!
A cold smile tugged at her lips. "Niangzi Jiang's embroidery skills are indeed admirable."
"But regarding this pearl worth at least three thousand taels, I have some questions."
Jiang Shiyao met her gaze frankly. "Oh? What questions does Miss Song have?"
Song Jiyun asked, "Where did this pearl come from?"
"Yu Bao Tower."
"Haha, Niangzi Jiang must be joking. Yu Bao Tower is Cheng Wang's property. Are you saying Yu Bao Tower sold you a fake?"
Jiang Shiyao's lips curved into a faint smile. "Since Miss Song says Yu Bao Tower cannot possibly sell fakes, how can you claim this pearl is counterfeit?"
Song Jiyun displayed the embroidery before everyone. "If Yu Bao Tower doesn't sell fakes, then it must be you, Niangzi Jiang, who has deceived everyone with this counterfeit!"
"How could you be so foolish as to do such a thing for such petty gains!"
"Fake?!" Old Madam Zhou urgently took the embroidery. The pearl in the auspicious beast's mouth shone with a luminous glow – who could have guessed it was fake unless someone pointed it out?
Song Jiyun nodded. "Zisu's mother was a pearl diver. She's been handling pearls with her mother since childhood and has years of experience. She wouldn't mistake this!"
"Jiang Shi!" she coldly rebuked. "I gave you three thousand five hundred taels! Is this what you bought with it?"
"Grandaunt, the palace is filled with countless treasures, and all the eunuchs and palace maids have sharp eyes. If this embroidery truly enters the palace and someone spots it immediately, we would regret it too late!"
Though her voice was full of alarm, Song Jiyun's eyes shone brightly as she looked at Jiang Shiyao.
She thought it would take some effort to get rid of this concubine.
Who knew it would come so easily!
Zhou Congxian couldn't tell the difference in the pearl. He could only frown slightly as he looked at Jiang Shiyao.
Jiang Shiyao had been by his side for over four years. She was intelligent and spirited, but not someone who coveted wealth.
How could she be so foolish today as to tamper with such an important birthday gift?
Jiang Shiyao knelt straight-backed. "Old Madam, this concubine did not substitute the pearl."
Song Jiyun chuckled lightly. "Three thousand five hundred taels is no small amount. Niangzi Jiang can't expect to clear yourself with just a denial. This matter won't be settled lightly."
Jiang Shiyao looked up. "If this concubine is innocent, what will Miss Song do?"
"Do?" Song Jiyun lifted her chin. "If you're innocent, I'll perform a grand bow of apology!"
"Good."
"What?" Song Jiyun frowned.
Jiang Shiyao met her gaze. "This concubine says, good. Please summon the manager of Yu Bao Tower to confront this matter."
Old Madam Zhou glanced at Song Jiyun who was making bold assertions, then at Jiang Shiyao who remained perfectly composed.
The birthday gift must not be handled carelessly.
"Gao Mama, go invite the manager of Yu Bao Tower to verify its authenticity."
Song Jiyun observed Jiang Shiyao's unwavering composure from start to finish and leaned close to Zisu, whispering, "That Jiang Shi shows no trace of fear at all. Are you certain you didn't mistake it?"
Zisu replied, "Absolutely no mistake. When I was young, I even helped the steward sift through pearls. I've seen all sizes."
"The technique for forging pearls is quite sophisticated – they grind flawed pearls into shape. The difference in texture isn't easily noticeable to ordinary people, but those who regularly handle precious gems will definitely recognize it."
Song Jiyun snorted lightly, "How dare she ask this young lady to embroider alongside her! She should know her place!"
"Well then, she's digging her own grave, saving us the trouble of taking action."
The manager of Yu Bao Tower arrived quickly.
The Zhou family were regular customers of the treasure tower. Eldest Miss Zhou Wanyan and Madam Zhao Shi of the Duke's household often visited. Now, Third Miss Zhou Wanqing and the Song family young lady also frequently went together.
During festivals, Zhao Shi would summon the manager to their residence to add one or two pieces of jewelry for the women of the household.
"Manager, please take a look. Are these pearls on the embroidery from your establishment?"
The manager took the embroidery and was immediately captivated by the eye-catching, exquisitely embroidered auspicious beast!
What a magnificent auspicious beast holding a pearl in its mouth!
Song Jiyun spoke up to remind her, "Manager, you must examine it carefully."
"Please rest assured, young lady. I never misjudge anything that passes through my hands."
The manager held the embroidery, her gaze falling upon the pearls.
Her eyes suddenly paused.
"Oh?"