Chapter 30 A fine young man, praising the handsome young man with words of praise, exudes pride and arrogance. ...
Su Jinxiu was embroidering in Huayun Pavilion, thinking about how to embroider a few more pairs of boots for Wen Shiqin to take with him. She also considered that the journey was long and the cold winter was coming, so she should also prepare some thick winter clothes.
"Hey, Jinxiu, why do you look so worried these past few days?"
Su Jinxiu looked up and saw Linlang. A faint smile appeared on her face: "Aqin is going to Bailudong to study. I need to prepare some things for him. He won't be back until next spring, so I need to make sure he has everything he needs for winter."
Linlang was taken aback for a moment, then smiled and said, "When your younger brother becomes a high-ranking official and becomes rich and powerful, don't forget me."
Upon hearing this, Su Jinxiu smiled and joked with her for a few moments, but her needlework remained nimble, each stitch and thread embroidered with her longing.
As they were chatting, a commotion suddenly broke out outside Huayun Pavilion.
Su Jinxiu and Linlang walked to the door and saw several familiar figures. They were the embroiderers who had switched jobs to Huamanzhu a few days ago when they were in the most difficult situation.
The lead embroiderer, with an embarrassed smile on her face, stepped forward and whispered, "Sister Jinxiu, can we...can we come back? The shopkeeper at Huamanzhu is planning to close down, and the shop is about to go bankrupt. We really have nowhere to go."
Upon hearing this, Linlang's anger flared up immediately. She turned around, went to the backyard, grabbed two large brooms, handed one to Su Jinxiu, and rushed out with the other in her hand.
Without a word, she swept the broom straight towards the embroiderers' feet, scolding, "Where did this filthy thing come from, soiling the threshold of my Huayun Pavilion? No matter how much I sweep, it's never clean!"
The embroiderers were swept back by her, staggering several steps away before Linlang finally stopped, standing with her hands on her hips and glaring at them angrily.
Although Su Jinxiu felt it unnecessary to make such a scene, she had absolutely no reason to let them return. After all, she had personally stood here to see them off during the most difficult time. She had learned then that once someone was unfaithful, they would never be trusted again.
The embroiderer was flustered by the sweeping, knowing that Linlang had a fiery temper and was always clear about her likes and dislikes and difficult to compromise, so she only spoke to Su Jinxiu who was standing to the side.
“Sister Jinxiu, you don’t have to humiliate us like this. We used to be sisters and got along well in the pavilion. We left because of an emergency at home, not because we intended to betray you. Now we are desperate and beg you to remember our past relationship and give us a way to live.”
Seeing this, the other embroiderers chimed in, each telling their own story of hardship, some even with tears in their eyes, looking pitiful. Passersby were drawn to the commotion, frequently casting curious glances at Huayun Pavilion, and whispers filled the air.
Su Jinxiu's expression remained unchanged; she simply spoke softly, her voice not loud, yet it carried clearly throughout the surrounding area:
“My dear sisters, you flatter me. Although my Huayun Pavilion is small, it cannot tolerate fickle and treacherous people. I did not stop you from leaving back then, and I will not keep you here now that you have returned.”
She paused, glanced at the embroiderers, and continued, "But considering our past sisterhood..."
After saying that, she turned around and instructed Linlang, "Go and fetch fifty taels of silver."
Although Linlang was somewhat puzzled, she still took the silver as instructed.
Su Jinxiu handed the silver to the head embroiderer, speaking calmly: "Consider this silver as travel expenses. Take it and find a better place to go."
"The fact that you were recruited by the most prosperous Hua Manzhu back then must mean you possess exceptional skills. With your craftsmanship, you can make a living anywhere and will never be able to live off your savings. From now on, you will have to walk your own path carefully."
"You need not come again. The doors of Huayun Pavilion will not be opened for you today, nor will they be in the future."
These words not only pointed out that they were the ones who were unjust first, but also handled the situation perfectly, and in the end, they even gave them travel expenses, which was truly the epitome of benevolence and righteousness.
Seeing this, the onlookers pointed and whispered among themselves as they dispersed. The embroiderers, already in the wrong, were utterly ashamed and embarrassed by the whispers and comments, and quickly left.
Su Jinxiu returned to Huayun Pavilion, retrieved the embroidered autumn clothes prepared for the Xie family, and then headed to the Xie family with her servant.
Although the Xie family was wealthy, they did not purchase a mansion in the area where nobles and dignitaries lived. Instead, they bought an ordinary storefront in an inconspicuous alley next to Xiuxiang.
Stepping into the Xie family's gate, one first encounters an ordinary narrow alley with mottled walls on both sides, no different from any other ordinary household. However, after turning through a moon gate and entering the inner courtyard, one discovers a completely different world.
The pavilions and towers are scattered in a well-organized manner, with upturned eaves and corners. Exotic flowers and rare herbs adorn the winding paths and secluded spots, filling the air with fragrance. A small river meanders through the mansion, making one feel as if they have stumbled into a fairyland or a palace.
When Su Jinxiu first came, she was truly shocked by the sight of "outwardly shabby but inwardly luxurious." Now, on her second or third visit, that shock had subsided somewhat.
She ordered the servants to carry the boxes of autumn clothes inside, while she went to the main hall to find Xie's mother, Jiang Liuyi.
Jiang Liuyi came from a family that combined farming and scholarship. She was well-read and knowledgeable from a young age. However, after marrying Xie's father, the couple worked hard for half their lives before finally having a son in their old age. Xie's father doted on his only son, Xie Hongying, and spoiled him rotten, which gradually fostered his arrogant, domineering, and lawless nature. Although Jiang Liuyi was heartbroken, she was helpless to change the situation.
Later, she learned by chance that there was a girl named Su Jinxiu who had made Xie Hongying restrain his eccentric behavior. Jiang Liuyi was extremely grateful and developed more respect and favor for Su Jinxiu. In addition, she had always regretted having only one son. Seeing that Su Jinxiu was gentle and graceful, had exquisite embroidery skills, and was also a business prodigy, she liked her from the bottom of her heart and treated her like her own daughter.
As soon as Su Jinxiu stepped onto the winding bridge in the courtyard, Jiang Liuyi quickly came out from the waterside pavilion to greet her. She was wearing a dark green dress embroidered with gold, which made her look dignified and elegant, while also exuding a subtle air of nobility.
Although she was over fifty, she was well-maintained, with fair skin and bright, intelligent eyes. At this moment, her face was full of genuine smiles: "Jinxiu, you've finally come! Why haven't you come to talk to me these past few days? I've been thinking about you every day."
After saying that, Jiang Liuyi affectionately tidied Su Jinxiu's stray hairs by her temples, her movements practiced and natural.
"Madam, I've been very busy with embroidery these past few days, please don't take offense."
Su Jinxiu placed her hand on Jiang Liuyi's hand, and with her other hand took out a small, exquisite jade box from her sleeve. She gently opened it, revealing a milky white cream with a texture as delicate as solidified fat.
"I've recently mixed some new hand cream, would you like to try it, Madam?" she said, taking a small amount with her fingertip and gently applying it to the back of Jiang Liuyi's hand, carefully massaging it in.
Jiang Liuyi lowered her head and smelled it. A sweet and rich rose fragrance lingered around her nose, refreshing her mind and body. She was immediately delighted: "This fragrance is so elegant! You are such a thoughtful child."
Su Jinxiu smiled gently: "You work so hard on the household chores every day, your hands must be so tired. This can moisturize your skin and relieve dryness. If you like it, I'll make more for you next time." After saying that, she turned to the servant and instructed: "Bring everything over here."
"These are cloud-patterned brocade boots embroidered for Hongying. I don't know if they'll fit his feet. There are also some cotton robes and cloaks for winter, each in two sets. My son Aqin also has a set. I'm thinking they'll come in handy when they go to Bailudong Academy to study together in the future."
"In addition, there are some things prepared for you." Su Jinxiu said, taking out a few elegant items from her bag. "This is a white jade peacock hairpin, as well as a round fan with a begonia flower and ebony handle and a peony brocade handkerchief. If you don't mind, you can keep them to play with."
The two sat down in the pavilion. Jiang Liuyi opened the package and looked at the exquisitely crafted boots, well-tailored clothes, the jewel-encrusted hairpin, and the beautifully embroidered fan and handkerchief. The lingering scent of rose oil still lingered on her hands. She couldn't stop smiling: "You child, you've gone to so much trouble! I'll have to reward you several times over. Such a wonderful young lady..."
She sighed, half-jokingly and half-seriously, "I really wish I could bring her home as my daughter-in-law. As the saying goes, 'Don't let the good stuff go to outsiders!'"
As soon as she finished speaking, Jiang Liuyi herself was stunned for a moment, clearly having accidentally spoken out what was hidden in her heart.
Su Jinxiu was also slightly taken aback, then lowered her eyelids to hide the embarrassment in her eyes, while still wearing a proper smile: "Madam is too kind. These are just ordinary little trinkets, and do not deserve such praise from you."
Jiang Liuyi, however, refused to stop there. Instead, she continued to probe, "Speaking of which, Hongying's temperament is really a headache. I'm a hundred times worried about handing over such a large family business to him in the future. What he really needs is a gentle, well-mannered, and knowledgeable wife who can help him manage the household affairs..."
The personal maid listened silently and, following her mistress's lead, teased, "Madam, the way you're talking about it, it sounds like you're referring to our Miss Jinxiu."
Su Jinxiu's heart skipped a beat, and she was momentarily at a loss for words.
At this awkward moment, no one expected that Xie Hongying, with her clever ideas, would pull Wen Shiqin to hide under the pavilion and eavesdrop.
The two were discussing matters in the study when they saw Su Jinxiu coming from afar. Xie Hongying couldn't contain his curiosity and insisted on dragging Wen Shiqin to do this dirty thing of eavesdropping.
The pavilion was built quite high, with several huge artificial rocks below it. They lay prone behind the rocks, holding their breath and concentrating.
Just as she hid, she heard Xie's mother on the pavilion pressing her advantage, "Jinxiu, what do you think of our Hongying?"
Su Jinxiu had no choice but to go along with Xie's mother's wishes and praised him against her will: "Hongying is handsome and responsible, and most importantly, he is kind and gentle. He is a rare and precious young man."
Xie Hongying had originally intended to listen to some gossip about everyday family matters, but to his surprise, Su Jinxiu used words like "responsible" and "kind-hearted" to praise him, words he himself was ashamed to admit. He immediately blushed and coughed awkwardly twice.
He subconsciously straightened his back and even straightened his clothes, as if he had truly become the outstanding young man with excellent character that Su Jinxiu had described.
Wen Shiqin's face, however, was so gloomy it could drip water, and he couldn't be bothered to pay any attention to Wen Shiqin's smug and boastful appearance. He crossed his arms, leaned against the cold artificial rock, and continued to listen to the conversation in the pavilion, the atmosphere around him frighteningly low.
The conversation in the pavilion continued. Hearing Su Jinxiu praise her son like that, Xie's mother was overjoyed, her voice trembling with excitement: "Then... Jinxiu, do you... do you have a marriage contract?"
She had intended to bring up the marriage proposal directly, but fearing it might be too forward for the young lady, she decided to inquire about her marriage prospects first. After all, she didn't believe that a woman of such talent and beauty wouldn't have suitors in the embroidery alley.
Upon hearing this, Su Jinxiu's cheeks flushed crimson, and she lowered her head and whispered, "It's undecided."
Upon hearing this, Jiang Liuyi immediately turned to the maid beside her and ordered, "Quickly! Go and find an auspicious day for me!"
Startled by her sudden action, Su Jinxiu quickly stood up and said, "Madam!"
Jiang Liuyi also realized that she had been too hasty and had frightened the beautiful guest. After all, matters between men and women require mutual affection. She smiled awkwardly and put the matter aside for the time being: "Look at me, I lost my sense of proportion when I was happy. Come on, Jinxiu, I'll take you to the small kitchen to see what dishes you like to eat, so that they can prepare lunch."
After the two left hand in hand, behind the artificial hill under the pavilion, only Xie Hongying, still savoring the praise and full of confidence, and Wen Shiqin, with a dark face and a chilling aura, remained.
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