Not long after that, Wang Xiuxiu made a pair of "lotus step" shoes for Madam Cheng's second daughter.
The shoes are embroidered with delicate lotus patterns, each lotus flower so lifelike that it seems to sway gently in the wind.
What's even more ingenious is the hidden mechanism in the sole. With each step, the mechanism in the sole is gently activated, and the lotus flowers on the upper seem to come alive. As you move, the lotus flowers slowly bloom under your feet, creating the illusion of lotus flowers blooming with every step, which is truly amazing.
When Wang Xiuxiu first designed these shoes, she realized that they were only good-looking but not suitable for walking at all.
Unexpectedly, Madam Cheng praised the shoes highly and even specially had her second daughter wear them to a banquet hosted by her future in-laws.
That day, as soon as the second young lady of the Cheng family stepped into the banquet hall, she attracted everyone's attention.
Her steps were light and graceful, and the lotus flowers on her shoes bloomed one by one with each step, as if a fairy was walking on lotus flowers, so beautiful that it took one's breath away.
The originally noisy atmosphere at the banquet gradually subsided, and everyone's eyes were focused on her feet. Even the usually haughty ladies couldn't help but murmur their admiration.
The in-laws' wife stared intently, and when the second young lady of the Cheng family approached, she couldn't help but stand up, take her hand, and examine the shoes closely, praising them repeatedly: "These shoes are truly exquisite; the lotus flowers bloom with each step. It's simply divine craftsmanship!"
Upon hearing this, Madam Cheng smiled with satisfaction, and her regard for Wang Xiuxiu grew even stronger.
She smiled slightly, her tone tinged with pride: "These shoes are truly rare. All the sisters in the family have tried them on, but in the end, it is my second sister who truly deserves them."
The lady-in-law nodded repeatedly, her gaze still fixed on the shoes, her eyes full of admiration: "What the eldest lady says is true. Second Miss is already dignified and elegant, and now, with these shoes, she is even more beautiful."
As she spoke, she pulled Madam Cheng aside and whispered, "Tell Second Sister to stay a little longer. When Third Brother comes back, let him take a look too. She'll surely be mesmerized!"
Upon hearing this, Madam Cheng jokingly scolded her for being "indecent," but she was secretly delighted, and her smile deepened.
---
The lotus-shaped steps not only made the second young lady shine at the banquet, but also earned the Cheng family a lot of face in front of her future in-laws.
All of this is inseparable from Wang Xiuxiu's clever and shrewd mind.
After the banquet, Madam Cheng specially called Wang Xiuxiu to her side and rewarded her with a pair of gold bracelets.
"Xiuxiu, your cooking skills are getting better and better. Don't worry, I will remember your kindness."
Wang Xiuxiu bowed her head and accepted the reward. Although she wore a humble smile, she secretly breathed a sigh of relief.
She knew that her position in this deep and secluded mansion had become even more secure.
From then on, Wang Xiuxiu became a close confidante of Madam Cheng.
When Madam Cheng was doing things, she no longer avoided her as before, and would even occasionally have her serve her.
Although Wang Xiuxiu was uneasy, she also understood that once she stood out, she would no longer be able to act as discreetly as before.
---
Madam Cheng was leaning lazily back on her boutonniere, holding an account book in her hand, carefully flipping through it.
The maid beside her was fanning herself, while she gently turned the pages of the account book with her fingers, a slight smile playing on her lips, seemingly quite satisfied with the accounts.
However, suddenly, Madam Cheng frowned slightly and her gaze fell on a certain line of accounts.
After a moment, she raised her head and said to the maid beside her, "Go and invite the steward."
The butler arrived quickly, but his face still showed some difficulty.
He stammered, "Madam, this money... was taken by the master, who said he needed it urgently."
Upon hearing this, Madam Cheng's expression remained gentle, as if she had expected it. "Since my husband has sent him away, he must have a reason for doing so. There's no need to inform him of this matter any further. Granny Lu, quickly go and fetch the money to make up for the shortfall for Steward Cheng. Don't delay things at home."
Wang Xiuxiu stood to the side, her head down, but her ears were perked up.
She always felt that Madam Cheng's words contained a hidden warning.
After that, it seems that Madam Cheng spoke to Granny Lu about something.
Although Wang Xiuxiu was curious, she had already finished her work and dared not stay to eavesdrop.
However, to Wang Xiuxiu's surprise, after many days, she was still able to continue the previous storyline.
"Madam, Daqiang's family has arrived."
Madam Cheng responded calmly, "Let her in."
Wang Xiuxiu sensed that something was off, and even in the outer room, she tried her best to minimize her presence.
As soon as Daqiang's wife entered, she first greeted him, and then whispered a few words to Madam Cheng.
Madam Cheng's face visibly darkened.
She slammed her hand on the table and shouted angrily, "How dare he! How dare he!"
Granny Lu hurriedly stepped forward to comfort her, but to no avail.
That day, the furnishings in Madam Cheng's room were almost completely changed.
Wang Xiuxiu dared not inquire what had caused her to disregard her dignity so much, but she had a vague guess in her heart.
It's probably related to that old man from the Cheng family.
---
A few days later, Granny Lu quietly came over and said that the First Madam had ordered Wang Xiuxiu to go out with her.
Upon hearing this, Wang Xiuxiu's heart skipped a beat, knowing it couldn't be anything good.
She hesitated for a moment, then said that the First Madam wanted her to embroider a wedding veil for the Second Miss.
"What's the rush? You can embroider it when you get back. Don't dawdle, hurry up and get dressed and come with me!" Granny Lu's tone was a little impatient.
Wang Xiuxiu was afraid of angering her, so she could only obediently follow along.
Upon arriving at the back gate, they found six or seven burly women waiting there, with a modest sedan chair parked nearby.
These old women all had expressionless faces and appeared extremely serious.
Wang Xiuxiu felt uneasy and could only silently pray that there would be no trouble this time.
A short while later, Granny Lu helped Madam Cheng out of the door.
Madam Cheng said nothing and simply got into the sedan chair.
Her face was gloomy, and her eyes held a hint of coldness that made people afraid to look directly at her.
Granny Lu glanced at everyone and said coldly, "Today's events were due to the Madam's trust. If anyone dares to tell anyone about today's events in the future, don't blame Granny Lu for being impolite!"
Her voice carried a hint of threat, sending a chill down the spines of everyone present.
After giving her instructions, Granny Lu ordered everyone to set off and leave.
Wang Xiuxiu followed behind the group, growing more and more frightened. Finally, she could only approach Granny Lu timidly and ask, "Granny, where are we going?"
Seeing Wang Xiuxiu's timid face, Granny Lu was exasperated and glared at her, saying, "You spineless girl! You can't even seize the opportunity to impress the madam! You'll just follow behind us from now on, and you won't have to do anything!"
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