Upon hearing this, Xin Kui's face paled, and she instinctively took a half-step back. Xin Jiuwei, however, grabbed her hand and sneered, "When Miss Xue speaks of 'such a background,' are you referring to my Xin family's personal maid, or to the common people you once oppressed?"
The store fell silent instantly, with many people straining to listen to the exchange. Xue Yingxue hadn't expected Xin Jiuwei to contradict her in public, and was momentarily speechless, her face turning pale and then flushed.
"I...I didn't mean that..." she forced a smile, "I was just kindly reminding Miss Xin that the Princess Consort of Ruyang is very particular about rules. If she knew that the future Crown Princess's rival was so close to a servant..."
"An opponent?" Xin Jiuwei chuckled lightly. "Miss Xue, you're overthinking it. I have absolutely no interest in the Prince of Ruyang's mansion." She took out an embroidered handkerchief from her sleeve. "Does Miss Xue recognize this?"
The handkerchief was embroidered with delicate plum blossoms, the stitches fine and even, and a "sunflower" character was embroidered in the corner. Xue Yingxue was puzzled: "It's just a handkerchief..."
"This was embroidered by Xin Kui herself," Xin Jiuwei said slowly. "Last month, the Princess Consort of Ruyang even sent someone to my Xin residence to purchase several embroidered handkerchiefs like this at a high price." She glanced around, her voice rising a few decibels, "What, Miss Xue, don't recognize your future mother-in-law's beloved possession?"
A few snickers immediately filled the shop. Xue Yingxue's face flushed red. She had indeed seen the embroidered handkerchiefs that the princess treasured, but she did not know that they were made by Xin Kui.
"You...you're talking nonsense!" she exclaimed angrily, "How could the Princess use such a person's things!"
"Miss Xue, please watch your words," Xin Xiyao suddenly spoke, her voice gentle yet carrying an undeniable authority. "The 'person you're referring to' has embroidery skills that even the Empress herself has praised."
These words caused an uproar. Xue Yingxue stared in astonishment, her eyes wide: "How is that possible!"
"Why not?" Xin Jiuwei pressed her advantage. "Last month when I went to the palace to offer my congratulations, Her Majesty the Empress told me herself. What, is Miss Xue questioning Her Majesty's judgment?"
Xue Yingxue panicked immediately: "I...I didn't..." She stammered for a long time, and finally left in a sorry state under the mocking gazes of the crowd, without even taking the fabric she had originally chosen.
Xin Jiuwei watched her retreating figure and snorted coldly. In her past life, Xue Yingxue had often used the power of the Ruyang Prince's Mansion to oppress the common people. In this life, she would never allow anyone to bully the people she cared about.
"Miss..." Xin Kui said softly, tears welling in her eyes, "I've caused you trouble..."
"Silly girl." Xin Jiuwei patted her hand. "You earn your living through your own abilities, what's there to be ashamed of? It's Xue Yingxue who's truly shameful, acting so arrogantly just because she's about to become the Crown Prince's wife."
Xin Xiyao comforted her, saying, "Yes, Xin Kui, even the Empress praised your embroidery skills. Why bother with the gossip of those people?"
Xin Kui looked at the two sisters with gratitude, and tears finally fell from her eyes. Seeing this, several young ladies gathered around to praise Xin Kui's embroidery skills, and some even placed orders on the spot. For a moment, the silk shop was filled with joy, and no one remembered Xue Yingxue's earlier harassment.
On the carriage back to the manor, Xin Jiuwei seemed lost in thought. Xue Yingxue had suffered a loss today, and given her vengeful nature, she certainly wouldn't let it go easily. However, the Xin family was no longer what it had been in the past. Her maternal grandparents' family was based in Yuncheng, and Xiao Xun was the sixth prince of the current dynasty. She doubted that the Ruyang Prince's Mansion would dare to openly cause trouble.
"What is my sister thinking about?" Xin Xiyao asked softly.
Xin Jiuwei snapped out of her reverie and smiled, "It's nothing, I was just thinking about what pattern of fabric to choose for my grandmother."
Xin Xiyao gently held her hand: "Thanks to you for protecting Xin Kui today. Xue Yingxue has always been arrogant, and after the engagement, she became even more disdainful of everyone. Today she has finally learned her lesson."
Xin Jiuwei nodded, her gaze falling on the snowflakes drifting outside the window. Memories of her past life flashed through her mind like these snowflakes, then quickly faded away. In this life, she would never allow anyone to harm her family.
In the stillness of the night, Xin Jiuwei was preparing to go to bed when she suddenly heard a soft knock on the door.
"Miss, are you asleep?" It was Xin Kui's voice.
"Not yet, come in." Xin Jiuwei put down the book in her hand.
Xin Kui pushed open the door and entered, holding an exquisite embroidery frame in her hands: "This servant has recently embroidered a handkerchief and would like to have it reviewed by Miss."
Xin Jiuwei took it and saw that it was a snow-white silk handkerchief embroidered with a lifelike red plum blossom. What surprised her even more was that a small "Wei" character was embroidered on one corner of the handkerchief, the script was delicate and graceful, clearly showing that a great deal of effort had been put into it.
"This..." Xin Jiuwei looked up and saw that Xin Kui's eyes were full of anticipation and trepidation.
"I thought Miss liked plum blossoms..." Xin Kui explained softly, "so I tried embroidering one..."
Xin Jiuwei felt a warmth in her heart and pulled her to sit down on the edge of the bed. "The embroidery is so beautiful, I really like it." She paused, then continued, "Xin Kui, don't take today's events to heart. Xue Yingxue is only so arrogant because she's about to become the Crown Prince's consort."
Xin Kui lowered her head, twisting the hem of her clothes with her fingers: "Miss treats me so well, yet I always cause her trouble..."
"Nonsense," Xin Jiuwei said seriously. "I've always considered you one of my own sisters. How could this be troublesome?"
Upon hearing this, Xin Kui could no longer hold back her tears: "Miss...this servant...this servant truly doesn't know how to repay you..."
"Silly girl, who wants you to repay me?" Xin Jiuwei took out a handkerchief to wipe away her tears. "As long as you're doing well, I'm happy."
By candlelight, Xin Kui raised her tearful eyes and suddenly whispered, "Miss...Young Master...he gave me a hairpin yesterday..."
Xin Jiuwei's eyes lit up: "Brother, you've finally figured it out? Tell me quickly!"
Encouraged by Xin Jiuwei, Xin Kui blushed and recounted how Xin Yunzhou had given her the hairpin and how they had arranged to meet her in the plum garden. As she spoke, her eyes shone with happiness, yet also with a hint of worry: "But Miss... with my status..."
"What about your background?" Xin Jiuwei interrupted her. "My brother likes you for who you are, not for who you are."
Xin Kui bit her lip: "But what about the master..."
"Father is the most open-minded person," Xin Jiuwei comforted her. "Besides, with my sister and I speaking on your behalf, what are you afraid of?"
Xin Kui looked at Xin Jiuwei gratefully, then suddenly knelt down and kowtowed: "Your Highness's great kindness will be remembered for the rest of my life!"
"Get up quickly." Xin Jiuwei hurriedly helped her up. "Don't kneel so easily in the future, or I'll really get angry."
The two chatted intimately for a while before Xin Kui reluctantly left. Xin Jiuwei watched the door close, a smile unconsciously creeping onto her lips. In her past life, Xin Kui was used and abandoned by Qi Huaiyu, ultimately drowning herself. In this life, she not only has a new life but may also become his sister-in-law; fate is truly wondrous.
The next morning, right after Xin Jiuwei had breakfast, Xin Yunzhou mysteriously pulled her into the study.
"Little sister, I have something to tell you." He looked serious, but his ears were slightly red.
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