The Nichang Pavilion was the most famous clothing shop in the capital. Its owner, Madam Luo, had once been an embroideress in the imperial palace. After she reached the proper age and left the palace, she opened this Nichang Pavilion. The garments produced there were always supplied only to the high-ranking and noble families. Sometimes even a single piece of clothing was hard to obtain no matter how much gold one offered. The noble ladies and young misses of the capital flocked to it eagerly.
Back then, Madam Luo had once been rescued by Concubine Rong during a difficult time in the palace, so she established a connection with the Marquis of Yongding’s household. For important banquets, she would usually be responsible for making dresses for the madam and young ladies of the Yongding Marquis Manor.
Of course, this privilege was limited only to the legitimate daughters. The concubine-born daughters were not qualified, involving them would only tarnish Madam Luo’s reputation for nothing.
This did not exist in her previous life. Or perhaps it did, but no one ever informed her. After all, an unloved and worthless legitimate eldest daughter was hardly someone anyone cared about.
In this life, she had demonstrated her worth, so the old lady finally remembered her.
However, there were currently no particularly important banquets in the capital. So why were they being allowed to choose new dresses at such a time?
“I understand. I’ll change my clothes first, then go to Shou’an Hall,” Chu Muqing said softly.
Then she took Bai Zhi with her into the inner room to change.
Madam Luo.
Concubine Rong.
That’s right. The new clothes delivered by Madam Luo this time must be related to that Concubine Rong in the palace.
Concubine Rong wanted to meet them!
When Chu Muqing arrived at Shou’an Hall, Chu Shuran and Chu Sichun were already there, and besides the two of them, there was also a woman she did not recognize.
Though there were already wrinkles on the woman’s oval face, it was still clear that she must have been a great beauty in her youth. True beauty lies in one’s bearing rather than one’s looks, and her entire demeanor was gentle and refined, clearly shaped by the passage of time.
This must be Madam Luo.
Chu Muqing greet. Old Madam smiled and said to Madam Luo, “This granddaughter of mine had been recuperating at her second uncle’s residence in Hezhou, and only returned a few days ago.”
Then she pointed to Madam Luo and said to Chu Muqing, “This is Madam Luo of Nichang Pavilion. Her skill in tailoring and embroidery is unmatched in the capital.”
Chu Muqing smiled lightly. “Greetings, Madam Luo.”
Madam Luo looked Chu Muqing up and down, then nodded in satisfaction and said to the old lady, “This young lady has an extraordinary beauty. She is destined for great fortune in the future.”
Hearing this, Old Madam smiled even more happily. Madam Luo carried great influence among the wealthy and noble families in the capital. For her to praise Chu Muqing like this today, once these words spread, those noble families would surely view Chu Muqing more favorably.
Chu Muqing was rather surprised. This was her first time meeting Madam Luo, yet the woman’s evaluation of her was so high.
At the side, when Chu Sichun heard Madam Luo praising Chu Muqing like this, her eyes turned red with jealousy. When she first arrived earlier, Madam Luo had only smiled politely at her and hadn’t said much. But now she was praising Chu Muqing so highly, clearly only because Chu Muqing was the legitimate eldest daughter of the Marquis of Yongding.
She deliberately stirred up trouble by saying “Eldest Sister’s courtyard is the closest to Grandmother’s, yet she was the last to arrive. Who knows what she was busy with?”
Chu Muqing gave her a sidelong glance. “Since we were to meet someone of importance, I was worried I might appear discourteous, so I redid my hair and attire. Naturally, I wasn’t as quick as you two younger sisters.”
Chu Sichun still wanted to say more, but the old lady glared at her and said to Madam Luo, “This granddaughter of mine has been spoiled by me. Please don’t take it to heart, Madam.”
Madam Luo only smiled and said nothing.
Seeing this, Old Madam did not press the matter further and simply said to Chu Muqing and the others, “The clothes have been placed in the side hall. Since you’re all here, go in together and each choose one.”
The three sisters nodded in response and went to the side hall with their maids.
Several long dresses were displayed inside. Whether in color or style, they were all exquisite. Madam Luo truly had remarkable skill.
Among them was a long skirt with ancient patterns, decorated with twin butterflies and cloud motifs, shimmering like flowing water. It looked extremely luxurious. Chu Muqing couldn’t help glancing at it a little longer.
Chu Sichun also noticed the skirt at first glance. Seeing Chu Muqing looking at it too, she instantly felt she had to have it. She hurriedly picked it up and said, “I really like this one, so I’ll choose it first. I’m sure my two elder sisters won’t fight me for it.”
Even if they did, so what? She had seen it first, so it ought to belong to her.
Chu Shuran’s head maid felt indignant. Anyone with eyes could see that among these skirts, that one was the most beautiful. Naturally, the best thing should belong to her lady. But her lady was used to never fighting or contending for anything, which made the maid feel momentarily discouraged.
Chu Shuran naturally sensed her maid’s dissatisfaction. She herself was also unhappy. She had fallen in love with that skirt at first glance too, but now it was already in Chu Sichun’s hands. With Madam Luo still outside, she couldn’t openly compete with Chu Sichun for it. If word spread, where would her reputation go?
So she could only pretend to be unconcerned and said, “Since you like it, then take it, Fourth Sister.”
Then she had her maid pick up a “Scattered Blossoms Auspicious Cloud Mist Skirt” and turned to Chu Muqing. “Eldest Sister, aren’t you going to choose one?”
Chu Muqing smiled. “Of course I am.”
She then stepped forward and picked out a Su embroidery Moonlight Immortal-Retaining Skirt.
That skirt had been pressed beneath several others. If one didn’t pay close attention, it wouldn’t even be noticed.
After the girls had each chosen their skirts, they returned to the outer hall. Old Madam was still chatting happily with Madam Luo. Whatever they were discussing had them both laughing heartily.
Seeing the girls come out, Old Madam asked, “Finished so quickly? What did you all pick?”
The maids unfolded the skirts one by one. After looking through them, Old Madam smiled contentedly. “Madam Luo truly has skillful hands. Every single one of these garments is exquisite. If this old body were a few decades younger, I wouldn’t be able to put them down either.”
Madam Luo smiled modestly. “You flatter me, Old Madam,” she said, though in her heart she was very pleased. She had devoted her entire life to this craft, and every garment she created was a masterpiece.
She glanced over the skirts each young lady had chosen. But when her eyes fell upon the Su-embroidered Immortal-Retaining Skirt, Chu Muqing had picked, she paused for a moment, then smiled with satisfaction.
Though the skirt didn’t appear ostentatious, it was in fact the most intricate piece among those brought today. It had consumed much of her time and effort, and was one of the works she was most satisfied with in recent years. This eldest young lady truly had a discerning eye.
Speaking of which, she had once known the girl’s mother.
Back then, she had still been a low-ranking embroideress in the palace. One day, Xiao Yuanrou, who at the time was the legitimate daughter of the Duke of Dingguo, accidentally entered the Wardrobe Bureau and happened to see her working. Xiao Yuanrou had praised her, saying, “This dress is wonderfully made. You will definitely become an outstanding embroideress in the future.”
Later, she was appreciated by Concubine Rong, while Xiao Yuanrou passed away.
Originally, she hadn’t planned to bring this particular skirt today, but when she heard from a maid that the eldest young lady of the Yongding Marquis Mansion had returned, she thought for a moment and decided to bring it after all.
The moment Chu Muqing entered, she recognized her. Her brows and eyes greatly resembled her mother’s, though compared to Xiao Yuanrou, she carried a colder air.
And now, it seemed her taste was just as fine as her mother’s had been.
Feeling comforted, she smiled and said to the old lady, “Since the young ladies have made their selections, I shall take my leave now. When Old Madam next meets Her Highness the Imperial Concubine, please help me convey my greetings.”
Old Madam smiled. “I certainly will.” Then she instructed Nanny Liu, “Go and see Madam Luo out.”
Nanny Liu nodded and cheerfully escorted Madam Luo out of the courtyard.