After thinking about it carefully, Yao realized that it did make sense.
From a young age, she was outstanding in embroidery and loved making clothes for her family. However, her two older brothers always ostracized her, saying that what she did was low-class work, that was the work of a skilled embroiderer, and that it was nothing for Miss Yao to do, as it would only bring shame to the Yao family.
Later, she stopped doing it much. After getting married, she only made some close-fitting clothes and shoes for her husband, trying not to show off her embroidery and tailoring skills, because she couldn't bring shame to the Yao family.
Later, the Yao family fell into decline, and she gave birth to another daughter who was then divorced. She was then forced to become Hu Sheng's concubine, and only then did she slowly pick up her embroidery skills again.
She had no choice but to rely on this skill to make a living; otherwise, she wouldn't have survived to this day.
It was precisely because of this that she was able to secretly save up some fabric to make a few sets of clothes for her daughter.
It's a pity that I haven't seen my daughter for many years and don't know if she's fat or thin, tall or short. I can only guess and make the clothes. When I reunited with my daughter this time, I took them out and put them on her. I found that they didn't fit her very well. But my daughter is sensible and still smiled and said that she liked the clothes I made.
Since she could support herself with this skill in the Hu family, why couldn't she use it to support herself and her daughter after escaping that den of wolves like the Hu family?
"You are right, Madam. Thank you for your guidance!"
Ms. Yao was quite excited; those few words had enlightened her and made her feel much more energetic.
“You are Susu’s mother. I have a connection with Susu, so it wouldn’t hurt to help her out.”
He Jiuniang waved her hand and said, "When Madam Zhu arrives, just act as if nothing happened and behave naturally."
Madam Yao nodded repeatedly, eagerly anticipating what He Jiu Niang would do.
After explaining everything, Madam Zhu arrived. He Jiuniang made her wait outside for a while before having someone take her to the reception room, where she still had to wait quite a while.
Zhu arrived full of excitement only to be met with indifference, as if she had been doused with a bucket of cold water.
She glanced uneasily at the old woman beside her and asked in a low voice, "What does Madam Lu mean by this?"
The old woman was also a little unsure, but she still comforted her, saying, "Perhaps something has delayed you, Madam, don't worry."
Zhu wondered to herself what could be wrong, but she didn't show it on the surface. After all, although He Jiuniang hadn't come, the reception room was full of servants from the General's Mansion, which was quite a large gathering, which was why she was so nervous.
After a while, He Jiuniang finally came out with Yao Shi and Su Su. He Jiuniang carried Su Su in one arm, looking effortless, while Yao Shi stood beside her, talking to her with her head bowed. It was a very beautiful scene.
For some reason, Zhu suddenly became a little nervous. Was it really Yao walking towards her?
Although she still had that same humble and submissive demeanor, the feeling she gave off was different, though she couldn't quite put her finger on what it was.
In short, it's about making her feel nervous, like her things are about to be taken away from her.
Could it be that Madam Yao wants to use He Jiu Niang to take away her position as the head of the household?
No, impossible!
That bastard is just delusional!
While they were lost in their fantasies, He Jiuniang had already sat down in the main seat with Susu in her arms, and Yao Shi also bowed respectfully to Zhu Shi. Only then did Zhu Shi realize what was happening, put away her tense and angry expression, and forced a smile.
However, this smile was not for Yao Shi. She didn't even acknowledge Yao Shi, but simply smiled and bowed to He Jiu Niang.
Having been instructed by He Jiuniang, Yao Shi did not care about such things. Seeing that He Jiuniang ignored her, she went to sit down in the seat next to her.
"Who told you to sit down? You're just a concubine, how dare you be so insolent in front of Madam Lu?"
When Zhu saw that Yao had actually gone to sit down, she was so angry that she almost had a stroke. In just half a day, Yao had become a completely different person, which made Zhu inexplicably angry.
"Of course it was I who offered her the seat. Does Madam Hu have any objections?"
Before Yao could speak, He Jiuniang stood up for her.
This was the first time she had felt someone so openly favoring her. Overjoyed, she couldn't help but tear up. She quickly lowered her head to hide it, not wanting to appear weak at this moment, and even more so, not wanting to embarrass Madam Lu.
Madam Zhu was stunned for a moment, then turned to look at He Jiuniang, who was all smiles, and said with a forced smile, "It is only because Madam Lu is so magnanimous that she does not hold a grudge against this Yao. If it were any other mistress, she would probably have had such an ill-mannered concubine dragged out and beaten to death long ago."
He Jiuniang acted as if she hadn't heard her and ignored her completely. Zhu felt a little embarrassed and continued, "I discipline her more because I don't want her to offend Madam."
"Yeah?"
He Jiuniang finally looked at her, a mysterious smile playing on her lips.
"Of course!" Zhu replied without hesitation, "Our Hu family has always placed great importance on etiquette!"
"How come I didn't notice?"
He Jiuniang's seemingly casual question was actually accusatory, which completely baffled Zhu Shi.
"Wh-what?"
"Madam Hu keeps saying that the Hu family values etiquette, so why is it that Lord Hu, a man from out of town, has come to pay his respects to me with a concubine? Furthermore, Madam Hu is sitting here now because I sent someone to invite her. Madam Hu has quite the airs; it's intimidating!"
He Jiu Niang's light yet sarcastic tone made Zhu break out in a cold sweat.
I thought the Lu family was just a bunch of peasants who didn't know any etiquette, but I never expected the He family to be so particular.
"Hehe, Madam is too kind. The reason my master brought his concubine to visit is naturally because Madam Yao is Susu's birth mother, and he brought her to introduce her to you..."
He Jiuniang interrupted, "You're quite good at arranging things for me, aren't you? Even if you're going to pay a visit, can't you send a visiting card in advance? Why do you have to come so early in the morning to disturb my sleep? Is this the etiquette of your Hu family?"
Zhu: "I..."
"A family that claims to value etiquette has done things that are utterly disgraceful. It's truly laughable. And you dare to claim you're helping me discipline Susu? Madam Hu, I am a first-rank noblewoman personally appointed by the Emperor, and Susu is my adopted daughter. What right do you have to dare teach my daughter manners? Who do you think you are?"
He Jiuniang snorted coldly, and the atmosphere became completely oppressive. Zhu Shi was startled and immediately knelt on the ground to beg for forgiveness: "Madam, please calm down, I... I only..."
Just as she was about to explain, a maidservant came to report: "Madam, news has come from Mr. Kang's side that he has fallen. Madam, please go and see him quickly!"
He Jiuniang then retracted her words about reprimanding Zhu Shi, put Susu down from her arms, gave her a wink, and said, "I will come back later."
After saying that, he left quickly, and the other servants and maids followed him in droves. In an instant, only Yao and her daughter, Zhu and a nanny remained in the reception room.
Su Su looked at Zhu Shi kneeling on the ground and moved closer to Yao Shi somewhat timidly.
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