Chapter 101 Past Events Past events are like flowing water, old stories like flying dust. ...
On a moonlit night, a female embroiderer was alone in her embroidery workshop, embroidering a wedding dress by the dim light of a lamp.
Twisting the colorful silk threads, first carefully lay out the base pattern of the hem with a straight stitch, then take the red gold thread and use gold thread to wrap around the needle, sometimes sparse and sometimes dense, to embroider a luster like dragon scales.
As she embroidered until the moon was high in the sky, her eyes gradually became sore and tired. So she put down the embroidery frame and gently rubbed her eyes with the back of her hand.
Suddenly, I noticed that the lamplight had dimmed a bit. It turned out that the wick had formed wicks. When I took out my scissors and went to brighten it, I was surprised to find that I had been sitting there embroidering for two hours.
While staring blankly at the lamp wick, a handsome figure suddenly flashed before my eyes.
In the past, in the Embroidery Alley, whenever the lamp wicks formed flowers, a young man would come with silver scissors. With a light flick of his fingertips, he would restore the lamplight to its original brightness. He would also smile and hand over a cup of warm tea, saying, "Sister, don't embroider for too long, you should rest your eyes."
We used to see each other every day, but now it has been more than three months since we last met.
When we met by chance on the palace road last time, he was still in a hurry. He only had time to stop and say one sentence: "Sister, I really have important business to attend to. Once I'm done with this, I'll definitely find you to catch up properly."
Before the words were even finished, the person had already turned around, a corner of their blue robe flashing past the corner of the palace wall, as swift as a dream that hadn't been fully savored.
A sudden night rain began to fall outside the window, pattering against the glass and splashing up a cool, refreshing spray.
Qiao Niang came to her senses, raised her hand and blew out the lamp, plunging the hall into darkness instantly.
She remained silent in the hall for a while before summoning the young eunuch on duty. After watching him lock the copper lock on the main hall, she lifted her skirt and walked towards the side room behind the Wenxiu Bureau.
Bathed in moonlight, the red walls and vermilion tiles were clearly the most precious place in the world, yet she always felt it wasn't as comfortable as living in the embroidered alley she used to live in.
The rules here are strict, even the stride of walking is fixed. Every day she embroiders brocade for noblemen to admire. Although she is surrounded by other embroiderers, no one will quietly hand her a wet handkerchief when she rubs her eyes as before.
Last month, she and Xing'er, who lived in the same courtyard, embroidered the Imperial Concubine's everyday clothes. One stitch was slightly loose, and they presented it before they could fix it. The superior was furious and said only, "The Embroidery Bureau is becoming more and more negligent," which felt like the sky falling down on them.
The imperial concubine's cousin was an imperial censor. Although he pleaded for the two women with a simple "It's their first offense, so let them off the hook. They can be punished next time," sparing them from the caning punishment, Aunt Mo, who was in charge of the embroidery bureau, immediately summoned them to the courtyard and forced them to kneel for four hours.
They called it a warning to others.
Although she was still young, her body had already taken its toll; whenever it was rainy, her knees would ache as if they were being pricked by needles.
Entering the side room, she stroked the silver she had saved and began to plan for her future life away from the palace.
The embroiderers in the palace could request to return to their hometowns once they reached thirty. She had just turned twenty this year, and that day was still ten years away. The three-courtyard house in Bowei Lane, with two halls facing each other and a few green bamboos planted in the courtyard, and the scene of living a peaceful life with Aqin, was still a luxury she dared not think about in detail.
Just then, the door to the side room was gently pushed open, and Xing'er, still damp from the rain, lifted the curtain and came in.
The side room was simply furnished, with a wooden bed on each side covered with blue cloth mattresses, and two embroidery frames placed side by side against the wall in the middle. Various embroidery threads were neatly stacked on a wooden shelf in the corner, clean and tidy.
"Qiao Niang, are you lost in thought?" Xing'er patted the water droplets off her shoulder, sat down next to her, and suddenly glanced towards the door before lowering her voice to ask, "I just overheard the eunuch gossiping that your younger brother is that Lord Wen from the Censorate?"
Qiao Niang was taken aback upon hearing this, then nodded gently.
Xing'er's eyes lit up immediately, and she leaned closer, saying enviously, "Then why are you still working in the Embroidery Bureau? I heard from the eunuch on duty yesterday that your younger brother is really making waves lately. The Emperor praised him for his quick wit and not only rewarded him with two houses in Bowei Lane, but also set the agenda for his marriage after the New Year. Such a promising young man is bound to become a Grand Secretary in the future."
Qiao Niang, who was putting the loose silver into her brocade bag with her head down, suddenly felt a sense of bewilderment upon hearing this.
Looking back now, the boy who once carried silver scissors to sew the lamp wick for her and secretly slipped her pastries to keep her from getting tired of embroidery is now Lord Wen, living on the golden steps, with a magnificent mansion bestowed by His Majesty and an unlimited future.
But she was also clear-headed. Ah Chin was a man of his word. Since he said he would come to find her as soon as he was done, he must really have important official business to attend to, and it was not just an excuse.
With this self-comfort, she felt much more at ease and devoted herself entirely to the wedding dress for days on end.
Aunt Mo, who used to be strict with her, has recently changed her ways. She no longer assigns her those laborious palace embroidery tasks, but lets her focus on embroidering the wedding dress.
This rare moment of leisure surprised Qiaoniang slightly, but she also secretly breathed a sigh of relief.
Then came March.
In March, the spring sun shines brightly, and three thousand beauties turn their heads and smile, making the palace radiant.
Her embroidery room was near the palace wall by the window. When she opened the window, she could see that the world outside was clear and bright. The tender willows under the wall had sprouted new branches, and the pale yellow and light green hues were so vibrant that they filled her eyes with life. Her mood, which had been depressed for days, also brightened up.
Just as he was gazing at the scenery in a daze, thinking of taking a leisurely stroll in the courtyard, he suddenly heard the sound of horses galloping rapidly outside the palace walls.
Although Chengyun Palace had a rule prohibiting horses from riding in the inner garden, the Wenxiu Bureau, which was located in a secluded corner, was a road outside the walls where princes and nobles often rode their horses, so she didn't pay any attention to it.
But the sound of hooves suddenly stopped, and then a familiar voice came from across the palace wall: "Brother Li, this matter can be discussed later. I have important business to attend to today, so I must take my leave now."
Before I could think about it, I recognized Wen Shiqin's voice.
She hurriedly turned around and went to the mirror box, tucked a few stray strands of hair behind her ear, and then raised her hand to straighten the collar of her light purple embroidered uniform. After confirming that there was nothing wrong, she hurriedly said to Xing'er, who was arranging the thread beside her, "Xing'er, if Aunt Mo asks, just say that I went to the needlework shop in the front courtyard to get the red gold thread and will be back in a moment."
"I know, you just go ahead, I'll take care of things here." Xing'er looked up, smiled, and waved her hand.
Spring was in full bloom in the courtyard, tender willows brushed against her shoulders, Qiaoniang raised her delicate eyebrows, and couldn't suppress the smile on her lips. She lifted her skirt and walked quickly toward the entrance of the Wenxiu Bureau.
Upon reaching the gate, she steadied herself before softly instructing the young eunuch on duty, "Please open the gate, sir. I'll go fetch some needles and thread and return immediately."
Upon exiting the gate, all that could be seen was a long, winding palace road that stretched to the horizon with no end in sight.
The sound of horses galloping had faded into the wind. She looked around and saw only rows of palace servants carrying utensils, hurrying past with their heads bowed and eyes lowered. There was no trace of the young man in fine clothes and riding a spirited horse.
Could I have misheard?
The warmth that had just risen in my heart instantly vanished, as if I had been doused with cold water.
He used to be someone who kept his word.
He said he would buy her candied hawthorns from West Street, and even in a torrential downpour, he would put on a raincoat and wade through the water to bring them. He said he would find wild roses for her by the cliff, and he would climb up the rocks to pick them, even if his hands were pricked red.
However, since he became the third-highest scorer in the imperial examination, the two have only met once. His promise to "find you when I'm done with my work" has made her wait again and again.
"Su Qiaoniang, what are you standing there for?"
Qiaoniang turned around at the sound and saw Aunt Mo, dressed in a dark blue embroidered robe, standing in the corridor with a sullen face. Before Qiaoniang could bow, Aunt Mo's words came crashing down: "The phoenix coronet and wedding gown are to be presented next month, and you're still lingering here! That's a task personally selected by my cousin, the Imperial Concubine, who specifically requested that you embroider it alone. If there's even the slightest mistake, the entire Embroidery Bureau will suffer because of you!"
After saying that, Aunt Mo stepped forward and tried to pinch Qiao Niang's arm. Qiao Niang knew that Aunt Mo's strength was unusually great, so she subconsciously dodged to the side.
Seeing this, Aunt Mo's tone became even more scathing: "Now that you've climbed the social ladder, you dare to disobey me? It seems that kneeling for four hours last month hasn't taught you a lesson! If you dare to be so negligent again, tomorrow I'll make you chop wood and wash clothes in the backyard, day and night, to see if you still dare to be so inattentive!"
"Who dares?"
The two words were clear and melodious, carrying the composure of a court official. Aunt Mo's words suddenly caught in her throat.
Qiao Niang turned around and saw Wen Shiqin standing behind her, dressed in a light scarlet official robe of a fifth or sixth-rank official, with a jade belt around his waist. The hem of his robe was slightly dusty, and his face was cold.
Having spent decades in the palace, Aunt Mo immediately recognized this as a rising star in the court. She quickly composed herself, put on a smile, and stepped forward, saying, "May I ask which esteemed person has graced us with their presence? The Bureau of Embroidery is located in a remote corner, which is quite an honor for you."
Qiaoniang stood there in a daze, seeing that he had intimidated the once arrogant Aunt Mo into silence and retreat with just a few words. For a moment, she forgot what to say and just stared at him.
Knowing that there were many spies in the palace, Wen Shiqin could not take her out rashly. So he said to the eunuch standing beside him, "I have heard that the embroiderers in the Wenxiu Bureau have excellent skills. My household needs to embroider a plaque cover, so I came to see the design."
The two moved to the small pavilion by the pond inside the embroidery workshop. The spring breeze rippled across the pond, but the pavilion was so quiet that only the sound of the wind could be heard. They looked at each other in silence.
“Sister,” Wen Shiqin spoke first.
When Qiaoniang heard him call her name, her nose suddenly stung, and tears uncontrollably streamed down her face.
Upon seeing this, Wen Shiqin panicked. The coldness he had shown towards Aunt Mo vanished completely, and he hurriedly stepped forward, asking, "Why are you crying? Did someone in the Embroidery Bureau bully you? Was it Aunt Mo just now, or did you suffer some kind of mistreatment elsewhere?"
"No...it's just that I'm so happy to see you," Qiaoniang choked out.
Wen Shiqin sighed softly, "Sister is just trying to comfort me. How could I not have seen you happy?" He raised his hand and gently wiped away the tears on her cheek with his fingertips. "It was my oversight. I heard you say that you admired the needlework skills of the Imperial Embroidery Bureau, so I asked someone in the Emperor for help and rashly got you this job. But I forgot that you are gentle and not good at dealing with the intricacies of the palace, which caused you to suffer."
Qiao Niang quickly shook her head: "It's not your fault, Aqin. I was just shy at first, but I gradually adapted. In this embroidery workshop, although there are strict people like Aunt Mo, there are also caring sisters. I have also learned a lot of embroidery techniques that I had never seen before. It's not all because I was wronged."
Wen Shiqin frowned slightly, as if considering his words. After a moment, he nodded and said, "Very well, since you still have a place to enjoy yourself here, elder sister, then settle down for now. I will go and give that Aunt Mo a warning later. If she continues to act this way, elder sister, just come and find me. If she does it again, I will find a reason to transfer her elsewhere."
Qiaoniang was startled upon hearing this, her eyes filled with astonishment. She had no idea that he now held such influence in the palace. She quickly gripped his sleeve, urgently admonishing him, "Aqin, you've only recently taken office and have no powerful backing. You mustn't do this! In this deep palace, connections are intricate, and a single move can have far-reaching consequences. I don't want you to get into trouble for my sake, nor do I want to become a burden to you."
“Sister, you’re spouting such nonsense again.” Wen Shiqin’s voice deepened slightly. “When did I ever say you were a burden? When did I ever think of you like that? If it weren’t for you working day and night embroidering to earn money to support my studies, would I be where I am today? You are the person I respect most in my heart. Never say such things again!”
Qiao Niang then raised her eyes and, taking advantage of the moment of peace, carefully examined him.
The little boy who used to follow her around, covered in mud and calling her "Big Sister," has now grown into a tall and handsome man. She has to stand on tiptoe and tilt her chin up to see him clearly.
His sword-like eyebrows slanted upwards towards his temples, and his dark eyes shone like cold stars. Although his face bore the composure of an official, it still held the unique clarity and spirit of a young man.
After seeing clearly, Qiaoniang first smiled and nodded, then said softly, "Aqin, it's so good to have you."
As soon as he finished speaking, Wen Shiqin's previous composed, dignified, and articulate demeanor vanished instantly. A faint blush rose to the tips of his ears, which then spread to his cheeks. He coughed lightly and awkwardly, his gaze hurriedly sweeping around before turning to look at the pillar beside him.
For a moment, he was speechless.
"Sister..." he began, his voice much lower than before.
Qiaoniang took a half step closer and asked softly, "What?"
"Once I'm done with this busy period, I'll take you to see that... house."
He lowered his voice to a very low hue, the last syllable barely audible, as if afraid of being overheard by others.
Qiaoniang didn't hear clearly, so she took another step forward and asked, "What did you say?"
This made Wen Shiqin even more embarrassed; his Adam's apple bobbed several times, but he couldn't utter a word.
She was so close, almost touching the auspicious pattern on his chest, that he could clearly smell the fragrance of her hair, mixed with the scent of osmanthus in the courtyard, wafting into his nostrils.
Wen Shiqin's hand, hidden behind his back, quietly rose, his knuckles slightly spread, as if to gently pull her into his embrace. But in the end, it only paused in mid-air before slowly clenching into a fist and quietly falling to his side.
A clear, resonant male voice came from not far away: "Hey, Shi Qin, what are you doing here?"
The two turned their heads at the same time. Qiaoniang saw that the newcomer was dressed in brocade robes and was none other than the imperial concubine's cousin who had pleaded for her in Qiluan Palace that day. She quickly bowed and performed a curtsy.
Zhang Mingxu smiled and waved his hand, his expression amiable, without any of the arrogance of a powerful person.
Wen Shiqin, who was standing beside him, also stepped forward and bowed, saying, "Lord Zhang, I have come to the Wenxiu Bureau today to have a chat with my elder sister." After speaking, he turned to Qiaoniang and said, "Elder sister, this is Lord Zhang Mingxu, the benefactor who recommended me to the Censorate and helped me in my career."
Qiaoniang was startled upon hearing this, realizing that the person in front of her was actually the benefactor in her brother's career. She quickly curtsied again and said respectfully, "You pleaded for me before the Imperial Concubine, and now you are taking care of my brother. I am deeply grateful for this kindness."
Zhang Mingxu was slightly taken aback upon hearing this, then smiled knowingly. His gaze swept between the two of them for a moment before he said gently, "It's just a small matter, not worth mentioning. Miss Su, my cousin has a spoiled personality and doesn't understand the hardships of making a living. Please don't take it to heart."
Qiao Niang dared not accept his gentle words, and quickly lowered her head and eyes: "You flatter me, sir. That day, it was because my skills were not good enough and I made a mistake in the stitch. I am already fortunate to be forgiven by you, sir."
The three walked and talked for a short while before Wen Shiqin and Zhang Mingxu had to take their leave due to official business.
Before leaving, Wen Shiqin solemnly instructed: "Sister, please wait for me. When I return from this official assignment, I will tell you some good news."
With a smile, Qiaoniang reached out and tidied the slightly messy strands of hair at his temples, replying softly, "Okay, I'll wait."
The siblings chatted and laughed under the eaves, completely unaware that Zhang Mingxu, who had already mounted his horse at the door, was casting a sinister glance at them through the flowers and trees in the courtyard.
After Wen Shiqin left, when Qiaoniang picked up her needle to embroider the wedding dress again, the grievances she had suffered in the palace and the fatigue from embroidering all night long quietly faded away.
With each rise and fall of the silver needle, embroidered glimmers of hope, an unconcealed joy, and a deep curiosity about Wen Shiqin's "good news."
What would he say to himself?
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