Xianyue approached holding two sets of spring clothing.
Shi Jianli said to Qiao Ruoying, “Aunt, I had the weavers from Hua Si Meng make two outfits for you a couple of days ago. Would you like to see if you like them?”
Qiao Ruoying stood up happily to look. “Your taste is beyond question. How could any new clothing custom-made by your hands not be beautiful?”
“Lier is always so filial to her aunt.”
Seeing her delight, Shi Jianli smiled faintly before lowering her head to review the accounts.
After finishing the accounts, Shi Jianli pointed out the questionable entries one by one to Qiao Ruoying before taking her leave.
All the masters in the mansion knew Hua Si Meng belonged to her. Though she was merely a guest residing in the Duke’s mansion, having sent new clothes to her aunt, Shi Jianli couldn’t neglect the Old Madam and the Duchess. She would have Lanxing and Xianyue deliver two sets to them each season as thanks for their hospitality and care.
Naturally, she also sent two sets each to the young ladies, though these weren’t specially customized.
At any rate, she earned plenty and could afford the gifts.
…
In the main courtyard Ming Hua Yuan of the Eastern Residence, Ming Zhaohuan came to visit the Duchess after changing out of his court robes.
He poured tea for the Duchess Yuan Yuhe. “Mother, please have some tea.”
Yuan Yuhe nodded, gazing at her outstanding eldest son with immense satisfaction. After all these years away, her eldest had returned safely, having grown even taller and more upright, and now with official rank and honors to his name.
As she looked at him, Yuan Yuhe thought of his marriage prospects and sighed.
“Why does Mother sigh?” Ming Zhaohuan asked with concern.
“I’m thinking about your marriage.” Yuan Yuhe lost interest in her tea, setting the cup down on the table. “Last month I visited the Yang family to see Miss Yang. She’s been ill for a year with no sign of recovery, so I requested an imperial physician to examine her.”
“The imperial physician said she likely doesn’t have long to live. The Yang family has no other marriageable legitimate daughters, so your engagement will be voided.”
“Lady Yang said they would choose a day next month to formally cancel the engagement so you won’t be delayed in finding another match.”
“Now among all the noble daughters in the capital – those with matching family status, similar age, excellent reputation and appearance, good education and temperament – most are already betrothed. How can I not sigh?”
Ming Zhaohuan paused briefly before comforting her, “Don’t worry, Mother. I’ve only just reached capping age. Take your time looking, and let me know when you find someone who meets your approval.”
“You’re right, there’s no need to rush.” Yuan Yuhe picked up her tea again. “Speaking of which, your aunt wrote saying she hasn’t seen you in ages. She’s coming from Runan with your cousins to stay for a few days.”
“It has been a long time since I last saw them. When will Aunt arrive? I’ll make time to greet them.”
“In about ten days or so. They haven’t set off yet.”
Ming Zhaohuan nodded, committing this to memory.
Just then, Yuan Yuhe’s chief maid approached and curtsied. “Madam, Lanxing from Miss Shi’s household has delivered two sets of new clothing.”
Yuan Yuhe nodded, the smile at her eyes deepening. “Take them to my room. I’ll look at them later and select some jewelry to send back to her.”
“Yes, Madam.”
She said to Ming Zhaohuan, “That Shi girl is quite good – quiet and well-behaved, understanding of propriety and tactful. She’s also skilled at managing accounts and business. Since her arrival, the Second Branch’s shop profits have been particularly impressive.”
The girl knew her place, only appearing during major occasions. Usually after classes, she would either remain in her courtyard or go out to check on the shops.
It was Lin’er who frequently pestered her to go out and have fun. The girl found it difficult to refuse and could only accompany her.
“In the capital, the finest clothing shop is her Hua Si Meng, frequently releasing new styles that become instantly fashionable.”
“Every season she sends two sets of custom-made clothes for me and your grandmother, showing great filial piety.”
Though they never lacked for clothing, her thorough etiquette warmed their hearts.
“According to Lin’er, she excels in both the Six Arts and Eight Refinements, outstanding in the Eight Elegances and no less skilled than men in the Six Arts.”
Yuan Yuhe then shifted her tone: “It’s just a pity she’s unfortunate, having lost her parents early.”
“Her family background is somewhat humble. With better lineage, someone of her temperament and abilities would be highly sought after by prominent families.”
Ming Zhaohuan listened, recalling how she had lounged lazily by Hua Si Meng’s window yesterday, thinking this explained her presence on the third floor.
He smiled and said, “It’s rare to hear you praise anyone so highly. My sister also spoke well of her recently.”
“I’ve encountered her a few times but never looked closely. However, when I accompanied my sister to the martial training ground for archery practice, I observed her Martial Archery skills were truly exceptional.”
Yuan Yuhe picked up her teacup for a sip, nodded, and said no more. Discussing young ladies with her son was ultimately inappropriate.
She then remembered the recent drama in the second branch household and shook her head inwardly.
That illegitimate daughter from the second branch lacked discernment—with so many good men available, why resort to stealing one?
…
When the rest day arrived, Shi Jianli was pulled early by Ming Yuelin to attend the flower appreciation banquet hosted by Princess Kangning, along with the fourth illegitimate daughter from the second branch, Ming Yuesi.
The outfit Shi Jianli had designed for Ming Yuelin was now complete, and she wore it today, complemented by a peach blossom hairpin adorned with pearl tassels, appearing both radiant and playful.
Shi Jianli dressed more elegantly, in a Xizi-colored short jacket with parallel fastenings, a matching lighter-toned long skirt embroidered with trailing begonia vines, over which she wore a square-collared vest with butterfly patterns, fastened with a butterfly-shaped pearl pendant. Her hair was also adorned with a begonia hairpin.
They exited through the main gate, with Ming Yuelin holding Ming Yuesi’s arm walking ahead, and Shi Jianli accompanying them at their side.
Ming Yuelin would have preferred to walk arm-in-arm with Shi Jianli, but she worried that being too intimate might cause Ming Yuesi to resent Shi Jianli.
Walking arm-in-arm as a trio would also appear inelegant.
“Second Sister, your outfit today is truly beautiful,” Ming Yuesi remarked, smiling as she looked at her clothes.
Ming Yuelin’s eyes curved with pleasure, “Lovely, isn’t it? I think so too. Your attire today is also quite nice.”
Ming Yuesi glanced subtly at Shi Jianli, “It was a gift from Sister Li. All the clothes she gives are beautiful.”
Since Second Sister was close with this cousin, the outfit Second Sister wore was likely meticulously designed by her.
“Sister Li has excellent taste.”
Hearing their conversation, Shi Jianli, holding a redwood-handled jade-version fan painted with the Hai Tang Zui Chun Tu, looked over and said, “I’m glad both younger sisters like them.”
Just as they stepped out, they encountered a noblewoman leading several maids and followed by numerous servants carrying chests.
Ming Yuelin looked surprised, released Ming Yuesi’s hand, stepped forward to offer a junior’s greeting, and asked with a smile, “Madam Yang, what brings you here?”
Glancing at the chests behind the noblewoman, she recalled her mother’s visit to the Yang household last month and began to form a conjecture.
Shi Jianli also offered a greeting.
The noblewoman’s brow was furrowed with worry, but upon seeing Ming Yuelin, she composed herself and smiled kindly, “Second Young Lady, you are too courteous.”
Then, her smile faded as she said, “My daughter is ill-fated, her health failing, confined long to her sickbed. I came today to withdraw from the marriage arrangement, fearing it would delay your elder brother.”
“In that case, how could someone as kind as Sister Yang suffer such misfortune,” Ming Yuelin remarked politely. “We won’t keep you any longer, as we must attend the banquet. If we’re late, the princess might take offense.”
“Go ahead, dear child.”