Chapter 12: Birthday Tribute
Ming Wei’s lowered gaze and demure demeanor were worlds apart from the proud and radiant Tang Wan. The Marchioness of Huan’an let out a sigh in her heart. After offering Ming Wei a few words of praise, she also complimented the legitimate daughters from the third and fourth branches—Ming Ying, Ming Yun, and Ming Zhi.
However, aside from the Second Madam, who clearly looked down on Ming Wei, the Old Madam, Third Madam, and Fourth Madam had each noticed something unusual. From the moment the Marchioness saw Ming Wei, her enthusiasm toward the other girls seemed no more than polite formality. The others discreetly sized Ming Wei up, curious as to what made her stand out enough to catch the Marchioness’s favor.
The jealousy on Ming Fang and Ming Luo’s faces was plain to see. When Ming Wei returned to her place, their glares were impossible to ignore. She could only smile bitterly to herself, her feelings too complex for words.
Seeing her "Sister Yue" again after thirty-six years, Ming Wei realized she was no longer the pitiful legitimate daughter in need of protection, but a respected and noble marchioness. Ming Wei was truly happy for her, yet anguished that she could not reveal herself.
Her hands, quietly resting at her sides, clenched into fists—then quickly relaxed again.
There must be a way. There had to be a way to get close to Sister Yue again! But revealing her true identity as Tang Wan... that would do no good for anyone. She could not drag those who had once cherished and protected her into trouble.
Today’s focus was, after all, the Old Madam’s birthday banquet. The noble ladies soon moved on to other topics, and Ming Wei breathed a small sigh of relief. Her goal was to earn the Old Madam’s special favor. Given her status, this was the only path that could ensure her survival in the marquis household.
Before long, it was time for the granddaughters to present their birthday gifts.
From afar, Ming Wei looked at the dignified and graceful Marchioness of Huan’an. Her heart trembled slightly. That embroidery… Would she recognize it?
“Seventh Sister,” Ming Lian called softly, beckoning her over with concern in her eyes. “Your birthday gift… is everything alright?”
Ming Wei felt a warm flush in her chest. She was grateful for Ming Lian’s kindness. “I spent over a month embroidering this piece. Whether good or bad—it is what it is.”
Ming Lian nodded, saying no more.
On the other side, Ming Fang and Ming Luo looked entirely self-satisfied. Clearly, they had both carefully prepared gifts meant to dazzle and overshadow the rest. The other girls, like Ming Rong, were more composed but couldn’t entirely hide their hope and quiet pride.
It was a rare opportunity to showcase themselves in front of the noble ladies of the capital. The girls were growing up. While legitimate daughters from the third and fourth branches could afford to remain calm, the concubine-born daughters had minds that were becoming increasingly restless.
Everyone longed for a bright future. But concubine-born girls had always been of lower status… Ming Rui’s situation was a sobering example. They all looked forward to their turn, but beneath the surface, anxiety gnawed at them.
“Miss, please take it,” Tangli said as she handed Ming Wei the small cloth bundle containing the embroidery. A flicker of pride shone in her eyes. Her mistress had been humiliated at the past two birthday banquets—but with this embroidery, they could finally win back some dignity!
Ming Wei accepted it and exhaled deeply, as if doing so could suppress the unease in her chest.
“Grandmother, this is the Diamond Sutra I copied. It’s been placed at Ci’an Temple and offered there for forty-nine days,” Ming Rong said with a gentle smile. “Please forgive this humble tribute.”
Clearly, her gift pleased the Old Madam, who nodded and ordered it opened. She was visibly surprised.
Ming Wei glanced over and her heart sank.
So the information Ming Lian had gathered was flawed—Ming Rong had embroidered the entire Diamond Sutra, word for word! Though her calligraphy wasn’t that of a true master, it was elegant and sincere—clearly a product of great effort.
The Old Madam nodded repeatedly, and the noble ladies joined in their praise.
“You can see she truly put her heart into it!” the Old Madam said with a smile. She ordered her personal maid to take the sutra and added, “Place this in the small Buddha hall.”
The small Buddha hall was where the Old Madam usually prayed. Since the Old Marquis and the heir were stationed at the northwestern border, she prayed daily for their safety. She spent more time in the Buddha hall than with her granddaughters.
Having this sutra placed there meant that every time the Old Madam saw it, she would think of Ming Rong.
The women of the third and fourth households quickly understood the implication—especially the Third and Fourth Madams, who both had legitimate daughters. Their expressions darkened at once. A concubine-born girl trying to surpass the legitimate daughters of the household?
But the Second Madam, Ming Rong’s legal mother, remained unconcerned. So what if Ming Rong pleased the Old Madam? She still couldn’t escape her grasp.
Thinking of Ming Rui, who had once knelt crying and begging at her feet, the Second Madam felt a surge of satisfaction. Even now, when Ming Rui stood among her sisters with a normal expression—and even a glint of determination in her eyes—the Second Madam thought she was just putting on a brave face.
“If Grandmother likes it, then it’s my greatest blessing,” Ming Rong said, blushing slightly as she curtsied. She looked ever so graceful and obedient.
With Ming Rong taking the spotlight, even Ming Fang’s carefully acquired statue of a bodhisattva, arranged by her mother Wen Concubine, paled in comparison. Just yesterday, Ming Rong had stolen her chance to speak with Liu Jun—and now she was again the center of attention! Ming Fang’s teeth clenched so hard that Ming Wei could hear them grinding.
Ming Lian’s gift was a hand-stitched cloak. The stitching was neat, the colors well chosen, and the design elegant and modest. It showcased her embroidery skills well, likely leaving a positive impression on the noble ladies.
Girls like Ming Lian, who knew their place, were always well-liked. Even the Old Madam’s eyes held a hint of approval as she looked at her.
Next came Ming Wei’s turn.
“I heard Seventh Sister’s gift is even better than Third Sister’s!” A youthful, naive voice piped up.
Ming Luo, her baby-fat cheeks making her look even more innocent, didn’t wait for Ming Wei to speak. She turned to the Old Madam and added sweetly, “Grandmother, you’ll definitely love it!”
Then, as if she’d done nothing at all, she turned to Ming Wei and beamed: “Seventh Sister, am I right?”
So that was her plan—seeing how the second branch girls had taken the spotlight, Ming Luo, out of jealousy, turned her attention to Ming Wei. This display of sisterly affection might look innocent to outsiders, but she clearly intended to make Ming Wei stumble.
Everyone’s eyes turned to Ming Wei.
She scoffed inwardly. Ming Luo was more cunning than she had thought. Not only did she subtly fuel discord within the second branch, she also deliberately called attention to Ming Wei, whose previous two gifts had been spectacular failures.
If this had been the unprepared Ming Wei of before, she would have had no way out.
“Seventh girl, show everyone what you’ve prepared,” the Old Madam said mildly. Clearly, she didn’t expect much. She knew how much the Second Madam loathed concubine-born daughters, and Ming Wei had always appeared timid. The fact that she hadn’t embarrassed herself yet was already a blessing.
With that thought, the Old Madam’s favor toward Ming Luo dimmed. That girl only saw the immediate advantage for the third household, completely ignoring the broader future of the Chengping Marquis household…
Still, her voice softened, and her gaze toward Ming Wei held a hint of pity.
“Yes, Grandmother.” Ming Wei nodded obediently, no trace of her former timidness in her demeanor. Calmly and confidently, she unwrapped her cloth bundle and presented the embroidery.
But before she could fully reveal it, Ming Ling and Ming Luo practically snatched it away, eagerly unfolding it in front of everyone.
The moment the two-foot-square embroidery was displayed, the hall fell into stunned silence, followed by the collective gasp of many noble ladies.
Even Ming Ling and Ming Luo, who had been waiting for Ming Wei to make a fool of herself, were struck dumb.
Ming Wei stepped forward, bowed, and said gently and clearly, “I wish Grandmother a long and healthy life, full of peace and blessings.”
The Old Madam, who had remained calm and composed throughout the event, was finally stirred. Her voice held rare excitement: “This… Is this the long-lost Mei embroidery?”
Gasps rippled through the crowd. Mei embroidery was indeed rare, though some of their households had one or two pieces. What made this truly special was that the pattern was unlike any traditional design—completely original.
Though discerning eyes could spot some imperfections in the stitches, it was unmistakably the work of Ming Wei herself.
The Old Madam immediately ordered Ming Luo and Ming Ling to bring the embroidery over. She examined it closely, her approval written all over her face.
While not a perfect recreation, it was the closest, most exquisite version anyone had seen since the technique was lost. The noble ladies even rose from their seats, casting aside their airs just to get a closer look.
The most visibly shaken among them was the Marchioness of Huan’an. As she stared fixedly at the blooming floral design, she couldn’t help but utter a name—one she hadn’t said in decades.
“Ah-Wan—”
Her voice was soft, her lips barely moving. But Ming Wei heard it clearly, that familiar term of endearment piercing straight into her heart. Her eyes instantly reddened with tears.
In the next moment, the Marchioness’s sharp, searching gaze bore down on her, as if trying to see through the surface. But what she saw was a calm, composed young girl.
A beautiful face—but not the dazzling beauty of the past.
The Marchioness’s heart suddenly felt hollow, as though a piece had been carved out. Disappointment filled her eyes, and a bitter smile tugged at her lips. Why did she keep mistaking this girl for her long-lost Ah-Wan…?
As the crowd praised Ming Wei, they also didn’t forget to flatter the Second Madam, saying how well she had raised her daughter and where she had found such a skilled embroidery teacher.
Thankfully, the banquet was about to begin, and no one pressed further. The Second Madam casually brushed off their questions and accepted the compliments, but her gaze toward Ming Wei was anything but kind.
Where on earth had Ming Wei learned such a masterful technique?
She thought back to the recent embroidery samples Ming Wei had submitted—growing worse by the day—and a fire burned in her chest.
Ming Wei could feel her malice clearly. She sighed quietly to herself. Luckily, she had already prepared an excuse—one vague enough to brush off any suspicion.
Most importantly, the Old Madam seemed very pleased.
That alone made the month of effort worth it.
However, aside from the Second Madam, who clearly looked down on Ming Wei, the Old Madam, Third Madam, and Fourth Madam had each noticed something unusual. From the moment the Marchioness saw Ming Wei, her enthusiasm toward the other girls seemed no more than polite formality. The others discreetly sized Ming Wei up, curious as to what made her stand out enough to catch the Marchioness’s favor.
The jealousy on Ming Fang and Ming Luo’s faces was plain to see. When Ming Wei returned to her place, their glares were impossible to ignore. She could only smile bitterly to herself, her feelings too complex for words.
Seeing her "Sister Yue" again after thirty-six years, Ming Wei realized she was no longer the pitiful legitimate daughter in need of protection, but a respected and noble marchioness. Ming Wei was truly happy for her, yet anguished that she could not reveal herself.
Her hands, quietly resting at her sides, clenched into fists—then quickly relaxed again.
There must be a way. There had to be a way to get close to Sister Yue again! But revealing her true identity as Tang Wan... that would do no good for anyone. She could not drag those who had once cherished and protected her into trouble.
Today’s focus was, after all, the Old Madam’s birthday banquet. The noble ladies soon moved on to other topics, and Ming Wei breathed a small sigh of relief. Her goal was to earn the Old Madam’s special favor. Given her status, this was the only path that could ensure her survival in the marquis household.
Before long, it was time for the granddaughters to present their birthday gifts.
From afar, Ming Wei looked at the dignified and graceful Marchioness of Huan’an. Her heart trembled slightly. That embroidery… Would she recognize it?
“Seventh Sister,” Ming Lian called softly, beckoning her over with concern in her eyes. “Your birthday gift… is everything alright?”
Ming Wei felt a warm flush in her chest. She was grateful for Ming Lian’s kindness. “I spent over a month embroidering this piece. Whether good or bad—it is what it is.”
Ming Lian nodded, saying no more.
On the other side, Ming Fang and Ming Luo looked entirely self-satisfied. Clearly, they had both carefully prepared gifts meant to dazzle and overshadow the rest. The other girls, like Ming Rong, were more composed but couldn’t entirely hide their hope and quiet pride.
It was a rare opportunity to showcase themselves in front of the noble ladies of the capital. The girls were growing up. While legitimate daughters from the third and fourth branches could afford to remain calm, the concubine-born daughters had minds that were becoming increasingly restless.
Everyone longed for a bright future. But concubine-born girls had always been of lower status… Ming Rui’s situation was a sobering example. They all looked forward to their turn, but beneath the surface, anxiety gnawed at them.
“Miss, please take it,” Tangli said as she handed Ming Wei the small cloth bundle containing the embroidery. A flicker of pride shone in her eyes. Her mistress had been humiliated at the past two birthday banquets—but with this embroidery, they could finally win back some dignity!
Ming Wei accepted it and exhaled deeply, as if doing so could suppress the unease in her chest.
“Grandmother, this is the Diamond Sutra I copied. It’s been placed at Ci’an Temple and offered there for forty-nine days,” Ming Rong said with a gentle smile. “Please forgive this humble tribute.”
Clearly, her gift pleased the Old Madam, who nodded and ordered it opened. She was visibly surprised.
Ming Wei glanced over and her heart sank.
So the information Ming Lian had gathered was flawed—Ming Rong had embroidered the entire Diamond Sutra, word for word! Though her calligraphy wasn’t that of a true master, it was elegant and sincere—clearly a product of great effort.
The Old Madam nodded repeatedly, and the noble ladies joined in their praise.
“You can see she truly put her heart into it!” the Old Madam said with a smile. She ordered her personal maid to take the sutra and added, “Place this in the small Buddha hall.”
The small Buddha hall was where the Old Madam usually prayed. Since the Old Marquis and the heir were stationed at the northwestern border, she prayed daily for their safety. She spent more time in the Buddha hall than with her granddaughters.
Having this sutra placed there meant that every time the Old Madam saw it, she would think of Ming Rong.
The women of the third and fourth households quickly understood the implication—especially the Third and Fourth Madams, who both had legitimate daughters. Their expressions darkened at once. A concubine-born girl trying to surpass the legitimate daughters of the household?
But the Second Madam, Ming Rong’s legal mother, remained unconcerned. So what if Ming Rong pleased the Old Madam? She still couldn’t escape her grasp.
Thinking of Ming Rui, who had once knelt crying and begging at her feet, the Second Madam felt a surge of satisfaction. Even now, when Ming Rui stood among her sisters with a normal expression—and even a glint of determination in her eyes—the Second Madam thought she was just putting on a brave face.
“If Grandmother likes it, then it’s my greatest blessing,” Ming Rong said, blushing slightly as she curtsied. She looked ever so graceful and obedient.
With Ming Rong taking the spotlight, even Ming Fang’s carefully acquired statue of a bodhisattva, arranged by her mother Wen Concubine, paled in comparison. Just yesterday, Ming Rong had stolen her chance to speak with Liu Jun—and now she was again the center of attention! Ming Fang’s teeth clenched so hard that Ming Wei could hear them grinding.
Ming Lian’s gift was a hand-stitched cloak. The stitching was neat, the colors well chosen, and the design elegant and modest. It showcased her embroidery skills well, likely leaving a positive impression on the noble ladies.
Girls like Ming Lian, who knew their place, were always well-liked. Even the Old Madam’s eyes held a hint of approval as she looked at her.
Next came Ming Wei’s turn.
“I heard Seventh Sister’s gift is even better than Third Sister’s!” A youthful, naive voice piped up.
Ming Luo, her baby-fat cheeks making her look even more innocent, didn’t wait for Ming Wei to speak. She turned to the Old Madam and added sweetly, “Grandmother, you’ll definitely love it!”
Then, as if she’d done nothing at all, she turned to Ming Wei and beamed: “Seventh Sister, am I right?”
So that was her plan—seeing how the second branch girls had taken the spotlight, Ming Luo, out of jealousy, turned her attention to Ming Wei. This display of sisterly affection might look innocent to outsiders, but she clearly intended to make Ming Wei stumble.
Everyone’s eyes turned to Ming Wei.
She scoffed inwardly. Ming Luo was more cunning than she had thought. Not only did she subtly fuel discord within the second branch, she also deliberately called attention to Ming Wei, whose previous two gifts had been spectacular failures.
If this had been the unprepared Ming Wei of before, she would have had no way out.
“Seventh girl, show everyone what you’ve prepared,” the Old Madam said mildly. Clearly, she didn’t expect much. She knew how much the Second Madam loathed concubine-born daughters, and Ming Wei had always appeared timid. The fact that she hadn’t embarrassed herself yet was already a blessing.
With that thought, the Old Madam’s favor toward Ming Luo dimmed. That girl only saw the immediate advantage for the third household, completely ignoring the broader future of the Chengping Marquis household…
Still, her voice softened, and her gaze toward Ming Wei held a hint of pity.
“Yes, Grandmother.” Ming Wei nodded obediently, no trace of her former timidness in her demeanor. Calmly and confidently, she unwrapped her cloth bundle and presented the embroidery.
But before she could fully reveal it, Ming Ling and Ming Luo practically snatched it away, eagerly unfolding it in front of everyone.
The moment the two-foot-square embroidery was displayed, the hall fell into stunned silence, followed by the collective gasp of many noble ladies.
Even Ming Ling and Ming Luo, who had been waiting for Ming Wei to make a fool of herself, were struck dumb.
Ming Wei stepped forward, bowed, and said gently and clearly, “I wish Grandmother a long and healthy life, full of peace and blessings.”
The Old Madam, who had remained calm and composed throughout the event, was finally stirred. Her voice held rare excitement: “This… Is this the long-lost Mei embroidery?”
Gasps rippled through the crowd. Mei embroidery was indeed rare, though some of their households had one or two pieces. What made this truly special was that the pattern was unlike any traditional design—completely original.
Though discerning eyes could spot some imperfections in the stitches, it was unmistakably the work of Ming Wei herself.
The Old Madam immediately ordered Ming Luo and Ming Ling to bring the embroidery over. She examined it closely, her approval written all over her face.
While not a perfect recreation, it was the closest, most exquisite version anyone had seen since the technique was lost. The noble ladies even rose from their seats, casting aside their airs just to get a closer look.
The most visibly shaken among them was the Marchioness of Huan’an. As she stared fixedly at the blooming floral design, she couldn’t help but utter a name—one she hadn’t said in decades.
“Ah-Wan—”
Her voice was soft, her lips barely moving. But Ming Wei heard it clearly, that familiar term of endearment piercing straight into her heart. Her eyes instantly reddened with tears.
In the next moment, the Marchioness’s sharp, searching gaze bore down on her, as if trying to see through the surface. But what she saw was a calm, composed young girl.
A beautiful face—but not the dazzling beauty of the past.
The Marchioness’s heart suddenly felt hollow, as though a piece had been carved out. Disappointment filled her eyes, and a bitter smile tugged at her lips. Why did she keep mistaking this girl for her long-lost Ah-Wan…?
As the crowd praised Ming Wei, they also didn’t forget to flatter the Second Madam, saying how well she had raised her daughter and where she had found such a skilled embroidery teacher.
Thankfully, the banquet was about to begin, and no one pressed further. The Second Madam casually brushed off their questions and accepted the compliments, but her gaze toward Ming Wei was anything but kind.
Where on earth had Ming Wei learned such a masterful technique?
She thought back to the recent embroidery samples Ming Wei had submitted—growing worse by the day—and a fire burned in her chest.
Ming Wei could feel her malice clearly. She sighed quietly to herself. Luckily, she had already prepared an excuse—one vague enough to brush off any suspicion.
Most importantly, the Old Madam seemed very pleased.
That alone made the month of effort worth it.
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