Clothing and Invitation
As the year draws to a close, even the bleakness of winter cannot suppress the growing festive atmosphere in the county town.
In the backyard of the county government office, Madam Gu, the wife of Magistrate Huo, was accompanying her mother, Old Madam Gu, to choose fabric for new clothes for the New Year.
The magistrate of Huo County was only twenty-eight years old, just the age when newly appointed Jinshi (successful candidates in the highest imperial examinations) were sent out to gain experience.
He had a handsome face and a scholarly air about him, and was currently handling official business at the front office.
The patterns of flowers sent by the needleworkers in the manor were just a few kinds of rich and noble peonies and auspicious cloud patterns, which inevitably became a bit boring after a while.
“Mother, I’ve heard there’s a clothing shop in the county called ‘Yunshangji’ that’s become quite famous among the wives of officials lately. Everyone says their designs are novel and unique, and their materials are of high quality. Why don’t I accompany you to take a look?”
Madam Gu suggested, her eyes filled with anticipation. She and her young husband had come to this small Linshan County from the capital without much hope, but finding new clothes that suited her would be a joy. Old Madam Gu, who had come with her daughter, was somewhat weary, but she couldn't resist her daughter's insistence, and thinking that she should add some new clothes before the New Year, she nodded in agreement.
The carriage stopped in front of "Yunshangji".
The shop is bright and clean, with elegant furnishings.
As soon as they entered, the eyes of Madam Gu and her daughter were drawn to them.
The ready-to-wear garments in the store are completely different from the currently popular elaborate and layered styles. The lines are clean and crisp, the tailoring is extremely flattering, and delicate yet understated embroidery is cleverly used to embellish the collar, cuffs, or hem. The color schemes are both bold and harmonious, exuding an indescribable freshness and elegance.
What's even more eye-catching are the two women standing behind the counter.
The woman, slightly older, with a gentle and calm demeanor and a scholarly air about her, was none other than Lady Su.
She was explaining a newly arrived "Radiant Glow Brocade" fabric to a woman who appeared to be in charge. Her voice was not loud, but her explanation was clear and logical. She described the fabric's luster, texture, and suitable occasions in great detail. Even the worldly-wise Old Madam Gu nodded in approval.
The other was a young girl in her prime, with bright and lively eyes; she was none other than Da Niu Shen Wan Su.
In her hand she held a freshly ironed crimson satin jacket. The collar was embroidered with a cluster of orchids in various poses, using silver thread mixed with extremely fine silk thread. The stitches were so fine that they were almost invisible, and the petals seemed to have their own luster. As the light flowed, they appeared lifelike.
She was carefully hanging up the clothes, her movements swift yet possessing an indescribable rhythmic beauty.
"What skillful hands!"
Madam Gu couldn't help but praise it, her gaze falling on the cluster of orchids, "This double-sided embroidery? It's quite remarkable that it can create varying shades of light and shadow on a single layer of fabric."
Shen Wansu turned her head upon hearing the voice and saw two elegantly dressed women. She quickly put down her work and, together with Madam Su, stepped forward to greet them, bowing gracefully and saying, "Greetings, Madam and Madam."
She wore a perfectly balanced smile, neither obsequious nor reserved, and her bright eyes made her instantly likable.
Madam Su greeted her politely and then asked, "Madam has a discerning eye. This is precisely the double-sided embroidery technique that my daughter has devised. By using the twist of the silk threads and the density of the stitches, she creates variations in light and shadow on one side, making it appear double-sided, but in reality, it is much lighter and more suitable for everyday wear. I wonder what kind of fabric or style Madam would like to see? Several bolts of brocade satin and plain soft satin arrived for the New Year, and the colors are very flattering."
Old Madam Gu and Madam Gu exchanged a glance, both showing satisfaction in their eyes.
The owner of this shop is not only skilled, but even the shop assistants are so polite, knowledgeable, and articulate.
The two women enthusiastically began selecting items under the guidance of Su Niangzi and Shen Wansu.
Shen Wansu's advice on color matching and highlighting one's strengths while minimizing one's weaknesses was particularly accurate, which greatly surprised Gu.
While I was selecting items, the light at the store entrance suddenly dimmed.
A young gentleman dressed in a royal blue brocade robe and a silver fur-trimmed vest walked in.
He was tall and handsome, with a face so striking it was almost dazzling; he was none other than Shen Yan.
He came to inspect the store today and also to check on the newly arrived fabrics for Ling Zhan and the children as New Year's gifts.
As soon as he entered, the entire shop seemed to brighten up.
The gazes of Old Madam Gu and Madam Gu were involuntarily drawn to it.
He walked with ease, showing great familiarity with the shop's layout. He first spoke gently to Madam Su and Shen Wansu, "Madam Su, Susu, are you busy?"
His gaze swept across the shelf and landed precisely on a piece of dark blue brocade with a subtle cloud pattern. He reached out and touched the fabric, then turned to Su Niangzi and said, "This fabric has a thick texture and a restrained luster. It would be perfect for making a long vest for A-Zhan, both windproof and neat. And that piece of moon-white soft gauze next to it, make two new jackets and skirts for Su Su and Sui He. The color is elegant for young girls."
His voice is clear and pleasant, and when commenting on fabrics and combinations, he has a sharp eye and excellent taste.
He showed none of the bewilderment or impatience that a typical man would have about this matter.
That meticulous care for family members, both inside and out, adds to her charm.
Old Madam Gu and Madam Gu were secretly alarmed.
This young master had an extraordinary bearing and was dressed in exquisite and elegant clothes. He was so familiar with this small clothing shop and addressed the elegant Lady Su with such familiarity. They had previously thought that Lady Su was the manager, but now they realized that "Yunshangji" was probably the property of this handsome young master's family!
Moreover, judging from his way of addressing and arranging his family members, it is clear that there is a "Zhan" and a daughter named "Suihe" in the family.
...This family is truly intriguing.
Shen Yan didn't trouble the two of them. She quickly chose the fabric herself, only reminding Su Niangzi and Shen Wansu to rest before the New Year. Then she politely nodded to Madam Gu and her daughter before turning and leaving.
His overall demeanor and stunning appearance were far beyond what ordinary merchants could match.
After Shen Yan left, Old Madam Gu couldn't help but ask Su Niangzi in a low voice, "Who was that young master just now...?"
Madam Su smiled politely: "Reporting to the old lady, it is the son-in-law of the family, surnamed Shen. Most of the designs in this shop are from Su Su's hand, and the son-in-law sometimes helps to consult on color matching and material selection."
Madam Gu and Madam Gu were even more amazed.
After a happy shopping trip, the mother and daughter returned home, still marveling at the unusual combination of this family.
A girl with extraordinary craftsmanship, the elegant "Su Niangzi", the handsome and noble "Shen Xianggong" with unique vision... and who is "A Zhan" whom he mentioned who needs "thick windproof" clothing?
That night, Madam Gu enthusiastically recounted what she had seen to the young Magistrate Huo, and concluded with a sigh: "I wonder what kind of family raised such a clever daughter, and that Mr. Shen looks very young, and is also an outstanding person."
A glint of light flashed in Magistrate Huo's eyes; this was the opportunity he had been waiting for!
He knew that his mother-in-law liked novel things and had a special fondness for well-mannered children.
He was worried about how to get close to the Shen family in Kaoshan Village without leaving a trace, especially the unfathomable Lady Ling.
He knew very well that the former magistrate's rapid promotion was not simply due to that seemingly novel "soap"!
He had already secretly checked the soap, and it was indeed convenient.
But some people in the Ministry of Works never stopped their investigation, and their focus seemed to be not on the soap itself, but on some more crucial new machines in the Shen family workshop that were said to greatly increase the production and quality of cotton cloth.
This is the real source of great benefit, even related to the national economy and people's livelihood!
He needs allies, but even more so, he needs to understand the depths of the Shen family, especially the trump cards of that Lady Ling.
If he could seize the opportunity to link the Shen family with his own political achievements and even the Huo family, forming a community of shared interests, then he would have a real foundation and "protective umbrella" in the court.
"Oh? There is such a person?"
Magistrate Huo feigned surprise, then laughed and said, “Since Mother and Madam both find it interesting, why not invite them all over for a visit as the New Year approaches? Firstly, it would allow Mother to see that skillful girl, and secondly, it would allow her to see the Shen family’s supposedly outstanding children. Mother always laments that the house is too quiet and she prefers lively and intelligent children, doesn’t she? Furthermore, that Master Shen speaks eloquently, so his children must be well-mannered. If they can be admitted to the clan school after the New Year, it would be good for them to get acquainted with each other beforehand.”
His words struck a chord with Madam Gu and Mrs. Gu.
Madam Gu was indeed interested: "That's a good idea! That Mr. Shen seems to be a man of good manners, and his daughter is also very skilled. Go and make arrangements to invite her."
So, the steward of the Gu family arrived at the Shen family compound in the county town with a gold-embossed invitation.
The reasons for the invitation were quite plausible: gratitude to Mr. and Mrs. Shen for keeping the old lady entertained, admiration for the intelligence and talent of the Shen family children, and the Gu family school opening after the New Year, so the children could get to know each other and perhaps become classmates.
Shen Yan accepted the heavy, gold-flecked red invitation, her face beaming with surprise and gratitude, but her heart was as clear as a mirror.
This was hardly a simple holiday gathering! It was clearly Magistrate Huo using the curiosity of the family members to finally throw out the bait! He glanced at Ling Zhan beside him, whose expression was calm, and saw her raise an eyebrow almost imperceptibly.
"Magistrate Huo and his wife are too kind! We've troubled you to make this trip. Please inform the magistrate and his wife that we, along with the children, will definitely be there on the 26th." Shen Yan's reply was impeccable and full of enthusiasm.
The manager left with a smile.
The courtyard gate closed, and Shen Yan's smile faded. He handed the invitation to Ling Zhan: "No good banquet. Magistrate Huo has taken a rather roundabout approach."
Ling Zhan glanced at the invitation, casually placed it on the stone mill in the courtyard, and said in a flat tone, "Let's see what this official is really up to."
She paused, a knowing glint in her eyes, "The soap recipe, if he wants it, just give it to him, he'll probably want even more."
On the 26th day of the twelfth lunar month, the festive atmosphere of the Lunar New Year is already strong.
The magistrate's mansion was decorated with lanterns and colorful streamers, and servants were coming and going, making it even more lively and imposing than usual.
Chen Yan has taken dressing to the extreme today.
He wore a brand-new black brocade robe with gold trim, the collar and cuffs adorned with fluffy fur, a jade belt around his waist, and a mutton-fat jade pendant hanging from the robe. His dark hair was tied up with a gold crown, which further accentuated his jade-like face. As he walked, his robes billowed in the wind, exuding an air of nobility.
Even the steward who came to guide them was secretly amazed; his overall demeanor was probably unmatched even by the young masters from noble families in the prefectural city.
Ling Zhan was still wearing that slightly worn indigo cotton-padded jacket, his long hair neatly tied back, revealing his smooth forehead and calm eyes.
She followed beside Shen Yan with steady steps and restrained aura, seemingly out of place with the surrounding noise and luxury, yet strangely forming a unique whole. Wherever her calm gaze swept, people subconsciously restrained their minds and dared not act rashly.
The children were also dressed up carefully.
Little Stone wore a well-fitting indigo cotton robe, his posture upright and his gaze steady. Little Bull wore a moon-white jacket, his eyes lively.
The eldest daughter, Shen Wansu, wore a new dress she had designed herself and that Su Niangzi had sewn by hand—a light pink jacket with a lotus scroll pattern. The collar and cuffs were embroidered with a butterfly and flower design, using silver thread mixed with fine, light purple silk thread. As the light shifted, the butterfly wings seemed to tremble slightly, and the flowers took on a wonderfully three-dimensional appearance. The novel embroidery and color scheme made even the little maid leading the way steal several glances.
Da Ya Chen Suihe wore the same style of light yellow jacket, embroidered with an adorable squirrel holding fruit, making her look even more lively.
Lady Su also changed into a simple and elegant dress and quietly followed the children.
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