Chapter 16: Explanation
“Miss, miss, what’s wrong?” Seeing that the sun was already high in the sky and Ming Wei still hadn’t risen, Yue Lin, thinking it was time to head to the main house, lifted the bed curtain and called out. But she was met with Ming Wei’s tear-streaked face, her expression in sleep one of utter sorrow.
Her long eyelashes fluttered slightly. Ming Wei slowly opened her eyes to see Yue Lin’s anxious face.
“Miss?”
Another dream...
Ming Wei forced a smile and sat up slowly. “Just a nightmare. I’m fine.”
Yue Lin knew better than to ask further. At that moment, Tang Li came in with a few young maids carrying water. They began helping Ming Wei wash up and dress, preparing her to go see Second Madam.
“Miss, do you think it’s because Second Madam only called for you? Could it be...” Tang Li said while combing Ming Wei’s hair, her face full of worry. After returning from Old Madam’s courtyard yesterday, Second Madam had told the girls they didn’t need to pay respects today—she wanted a quiet day of rest. But now she had summoned Ming Wei specifically. It was hard to tell if it was good or bad.
Ming Wei studied her reflection in the mirror carefully. Thankfully, after rolling a warm boiled egg over her eyelids, no trace of tears remained. She finally relaxed and responded with a light smile, “You think she’s upset I stole the spotlight?”
Tang Li nodded. Clearly, that was her concern.
“Don’t worry. I have something to say.” Ming Wei suddenly grew serious and reminded Tang Li and Yue Lin, “What I told you two before, don’t forget it. If anyone asks, just say what I said.”
The two nodded quickly. “We’ve remembered.”
Ming Wei curled her lips faintly and let Tang Li continue combing her hair. Her thick black locks were carefully pinned up, and with a few simple silver hairpins inlaid with pearls and a pale moon-white robe of a modest yet elegant design, she exuded a quiet nobility.
After hastily eating a few bites of breakfast, Ming Wei left Yuxiang Garden with Tang Li and Yue Lin to greet Second Madam.
Main house.
“Greetings to Mother.”
Ming Wei curtsied steadily and respectfully. In these small matters, she preferred to be thorough rather than leave room for gossip.
Today, Second Madam didn’t seem to have any intention of making things difficult. She surprisingly responded pleasantly and even had a little stool brought for Ming Wei to sit on.
That had never happened before.
“Yesterday, I noticed the eldest legitimate granddaughter of the Marquis of Huan’an seemed to get along well with you,” Second Madam said once Ming Wei was seated. “Among your sisters, she only called for you to accompany her.”
Ming Wei was momentarily surprised. She had thought Second Madam would ask about the embroidery—who would have guessed she’d bring up Su Xuan instead? Was Second Madam going in circles?
“Replying to Mother, it’s not that I got along with her especially well.” Ming Wei hesitated slightly, as though weighing her words. “You know, Eighth Sister seemed eager to befriend Miss Su, but Miss Su seemed to find her a bit noisy—”
Second Madam’s brows furrowed as she listened. She had thought that Ming Wei had won the favor of someone like Su Xuan, which was why she asked. Both Ming Jue and Ming Yu were of marrying age. Though they were legitimate sons of the marquis household, they were from the second branch and not as close to the heir. Marrying well—into a powerful wife’s family—was a possible shortcut to a good future.
Su Xuan, the legitimate daughter of the heir to the newly prominent Marquis of Huan’an, held an exalted status. If her son could marry such a lady, it would be a huge advantage.
“Perhaps Miss Su noticed that Eighth Sister and I don’t get along,” Ming Wei said softly. “A noble girl like her naturally has her own temper, which is probably why she deliberately took me out.”
Second Madam’s face fell a bit.
If Ming Wei could befriend Su Xuan, there might be a chance. Even if she didn’t like Ming Wei, she cared about her son’s future. But thinking of Ming Wei’s usual timid and unassertive demeanor—not someone skilled at flattery—Second Madam gave up on that idea.
Ming Wei hadn’t expected Second Madam was hoping to draw Su Xuan in as a daughter-in-law. But she instinctively didn’t want to be dragged too deep into the affairs of the Marquis of Huan’an household.
Too many words bring mistakes; some things are better left unsaid.
Seeing that didn’t work out, Second Madam’s tone grew impatient as she suddenly shifted to something unexpected. “You’ve grown up and gotten bold. I suppose my judgment isn’t good enough to assess your work, so I had to rely on Old Madam’s favor just to take a look!”
“If Mother says such things, then I’ve no place in this house at all!” Ming Wei quickly replied. “If I’ve done something wrong, please correct me—but there’s no need for such cruel words.”
“You really have improved—you even know how to talk back now!” A trace of mockery flickered in Second Madam’s eyes. She sneered, “This second branch is too small to contain someone like our Seventh Miss!”
Ming Wei sensed things weren’t going well and quickly stood. “I wouldn’t dare!”
“I don’t have time for your nonsense.” Second Madam snapped coldly. “That embroidery—what’s the story? Who taught you to stitch like that?”
From the first glance, she had found it odd. Though she’d hired embroidery teachers for the five girls, their skills were average and certainly didn’t include anything like that intricate stitchwork.
“Please allow me to explain.” Now that they had reached the real topic, Ming Wei became calm. Her voice was quiet but steady. “Do you remember that time when you took us girls to the countryside estate?”
Second Madam gave a slight nod, still visibly angry.
“You should recall that my carriage broke down on the road, so I had to stay the night at a farmhouse in Chenjia Village.” Ming Wei began her rehearsed explanation, subtly watching Second Madam’s expression.
That had indeed happened—it was an idea sparked when Tang Li was venting about the original Ming Wei’s grievances with Ming Fang. It was the only time Ming Wei had ever been separated from the others.
It had rained the day before, and the roads were muddy. Ming Fang, upset with Ming Wei, called her maid over and had Ming Wei moved to the servants’ carriage. Ming Rui and Ming Lian’s carriages followed closely behind Second Madam, and though Ming Rong saw everything, she ignored it. Ming Fang had even handed out some silver from her mother’s dowry to ensure Ming Wei’s carriage lagged behind.
Being a low-born daughter, Ming Wei wasn’t favored. Second Madam normally ignored the concubines’ children, and the servants—after pocketing Ming Fang’s silver—treated her even worse.
That day, Ming Wei’s carriage broke down. The rain started pouring just as the other carriages sped ahead. When she tried to press on, the servants complained loudly. Second Madam even sent word for her to stay at a “clean” household—without a thought for her reputation.
Thankfully, Ming Wei’s nanny, Tang Li, Yue Lin, the carriage-woman, and three young menservants were all present. They ended up staying the night in a farmhouse in Chenjia Village, where the man of the house had gone to the city, and only the mother and daughters remained.
But that night, another lone woman also stayed there.
Ordinarily, it would’ve been nothing, but mentioning that woman’s identity now was enough to spark the imagination.
There were advantages to careless servants—whatever Ming Wei claimed happened that night, they couldn’t refute. They had all gone to bed early.
“That night, another lady stayed over. As we were settling in, I noticed the embroidery on her handkerchief and sachet—exquisite and lifelike, unlike anything I’d ever seen.”
What Ming Wei wanted Second Madam to imagine was the mysterious embroidery master who once saved her.
Dan Niang was a chivalrous woman. Having once pledged loyalty to Tang Wan, she had disappeared from the capital after Tang Wan died in the Cold Palace, closing her embroidery shop for good.
Stories about her abounded, but no one knew where she’d gone.
“I praised her work and asked if she would teach me,” Ming Wei continued. “She gave me a few pointers but didn’t seem willing to instruct me in earnest. Before leaving, she handed me a blank piece of silk—nothing on it.”
Back then, Dan Niang had already become a legend. Thirty-six years later, that had only grown.
“I didn’t report this to you before because I thought it was unimportant,” Ming Wei said softly. “A few days ago, I came across the silk again. In sunlight, I noticed a faint design sketched in ink—lifelike despite its simplicity. I followed the method she once mentioned, tried to stitch it, and to my surprise, it worked!”
Second Madam’s eyes lit up with greed.
“So you’ve learned mei embroidery?”
Even an imitation, if well-made, could fetch a high price.
“I’m ashamed.” Ming Wei pretended not to see the greed in her eyes. “That piece—‘Blossoms in Bloom’—was entirely thanks to her sketch. I’ve tried since, but I simply can’t recreate it.”
Second Madam was skeptical.
“I’d never dare lie to you, Mother!” Ming Wei lowered her head as if frightened. “Please see clearly!”
“You think the seventh girl is telling the truth?” Second Madam squinted and asked Nanny Gu.
Nanny Gu quickly answered, “I believe so. She’s always been respectful toward you—surely she wouldn’t lie in front of you. The pattern must be unusual. She’s grown up right under your eyes, save for that one day. Mei embroidery is far too intricate to learn in just one day.”
Second Madam nodded.
“Madam, if I may,” Nanny Gu said in a low voice, “Madam Shouning took a liking to the seventh girl yesterday. Why not let it happen? If she marries well, it’ll be a help to the young masters too.”
Second Madam’s calm expression suddenly darkened.
“Don’t mention that again!” she snapped. “Securing good matches for Jue and Yu—legitimate sons—is worth a hundred times more than relying on some concubine-born girl!”
Nanny Gu fell silent.
Second Madam was too stubborn—there was no point pressing further.
“I just can’t stand these low-born girls! They think they can waltz out and become proper madams? Not unless I’m dead!”
Her long eyelashes fluttered slightly. Ming Wei slowly opened her eyes to see Yue Lin’s anxious face.
“Miss?”
Another dream...
Ming Wei forced a smile and sat up slowly. “Just a nightmare. I’m fine.”
Yue Lin knew better than to ask further. At that moment, Tang Li came in with a few young maids carrying water. They began helping Ming Wei wash up and dress, preparing her to go see Second Madam.
“Miss, do you think it’s because Second Madam only called for you? Could it be...” Tang Li said while combing Ming Wei’s hair, her face full of worry. After returning from Old Madam’s courtyard yesterday, Second Madam had told the girls they didn’t need to pay respects today—she wanted a quiet day of rest. But now she had summoned Ming Wei specifically. It was hard to tell if it was good or bad.
Ming Wei studied her reflection in the mirror carefully. Thankfully, after rolling a warm boiled egg over her eyelids, no trace of tears remained. She finally relaxed and responded with a light smile, “You think she’s upset I stole the spotlight?”
Tang Li nodded. Clearly, that was her concern.
“Don’t worry. I have something to say.” Ming Wei suddenly grew serious and reminded Tang Li and Yue Lin, “What I told you two before, don’t forget it. If anyone asks, just say what I said.”
The two nodded quickly. “We’ve remembered.”
Ming Wei curled her lips faintly and let Tang Li continue combing her hair. Her thick black locks were carefully pinned up, and with a few simple silver hairpins inlaid with pearls and a pale moon-white robe of a modest yet elegant design, she exuded a quiet nobility.
After hastily eating a few bites of breakfast, Ming Wei left Yuxiang Garden with Tang Li and Yue Lin to greet Second Madam.
Main house.
“Greetings to Mother.”
Ming Wei curtsied steadily and respectfully. In these small matters, she preferred to be thorough rather than leave room for gossip.
Today, Second Madam didn’t seem to have any intention of making things difficult. She surprisingly responded pleasantly and even had a little stool brought for Ming Wei to sit on.
That had never happened before.
“Yesterday, I noticed the eldest legitimate granddaughter of the Marquis of Huan’an seemed to get along well with you,” Second Madam said once Ming Wei was seated. “Among your sisters, she only called for you to accompany her.”
Ming Wei was momentarily surprised. She had thought Second Madam would ask about the embroidery—who would have guessed she’d bring up Su Xuan instead? Was Second Madam going in circles?
“Replying to Mother, it’s not that I got along with her especially well.” Ming Wei hesitated slightly, as though weighing her words. “You know, Eighth Sister seemed eager to befriend Miss Su, but Miss Su seemed to find her a bit noisy—”
Second Madam’s brows furrowed as she listened. She had thought that Ming Wei had won the favor of someone like Su Xuan, which was why she asked. Both Ming Jue and Ming Yu were of marrying age. Though they were legitimate sons of the marquis household, they were from the second branch and not as close to the heir. Marrying well—into a powerful wife’s family—was a possible shortcut to a good future.
Su Xuan, the legitimate daughter of the heir to the newly prominent Marquis of Huan’an, held an exalted status. If her son could marry such a lady, it would be a huge advantage.
“Perhaps Miss Su noticed that Eighth Sister and I don’t get along,” Ming Wei said softly. “A noble girl like her naturally has her own temper, which is probably why she deliberately took me out.”
Second Madam’s face fell a bit.
If Ming Wei could befriend Su Xuan, there might be a chance. Even if she didn’t like Ming Wei, she cared about her son’s future. But thinking of Ming Wei’s usual timid and unassertive demeanor—not someone skilled at flattery—Second Madam gave up on that idea.
Ming Wei hadn’t expected Second Madam was hoping to draw Su Xuan in as a daughter-in-law. But she instinctively didn’t want to be dragged too deep into the affairs of the Marquis of Huan’an household.
Too many words bring mistakes; some things are better left unsaid.
Seeing that didn’t work out, Second Madam’s tone grew impatient as she suddenly shifted to something unexpected. “You’ve grown up and gotten bold. I suppose my judgment isn’t good enough to assess your work, so I had to rely on Old Madam’s favor just to take a look!”
“If Mother says such things, then I’ve no place in this house at all!” Ming Wei quickly replied. “If I’ve done something wrong, please correct me—but there’s no need for such cruel words.”
“You really have improved—you even know how to talk back now!” A trace of mockery flickered in Second Madam’s eyes. She sneered, “This second branch is too small to contain someone like our Seventh Miss!”
Ming Wei sensed things weren’t going well and quickly stood. “I wouldn’t dare!”
“I don’t have time for your nonsense.” Second Madam snapped coldly. “That embroidery—what’s the story? Who taught you to stitch like that?”
From the first glance, she had found it odd. Though she’d hired embroidery teachers for the five girls, their skills were average and certainly didn’t include anything like that intricate stitchwork.
“Please allow me to explain.” Now that they had reached the real topic, Ming Wei became calm. Her voice was quiet but steady. “Do you remember that time when you took us girls to the countryside estate?”
Second Madam gave a slight nod, still visibly angry.
“You should recall that my carriage broke down on the road, so I had to stay the night at a farmhouse in Chenjia Village.” Ming Wei began her rehearsed explanation, subtly watching Second Madam’s expression.
That had indeed happened—it was an idea sparked when Tang Li was venting about the original Ming Wei’s grievances with Ming Fang. It was the only time Ming Wei had ever been separated from the others.
It had rained the day before, and the roads were muddy. Ming Fang, upset with Ming Wei, called her maid over and had Ming Wei moved to the servants’ carriage. Ming Rui and Ming Lian’s carriages followed closely behind Second Madam, and though Ming Rong saw everything, she ignored it. Ming Fang had even handed out some silver from her mother’s dowry to ensure Ming Wei’s carriage lagged behind.
Being a low-born daughter, Ming Wei wasn’t favored. Second Madam normally ignored the concubines’ children, and the servants—after pocketing Ming Fang’s silver—treated her even worse.
That day, Ming Wei’s carriage broke down. The rain started pouring just as the other carriages sped ahead. When she tried to press on, the servants complained loudly. Second Madam even sent word for her to stay at a “clean” household—without a thought for her reputation.
Thankfully, Ming Wei’s nanny, Tang Li, Yue Lin, the carriage-woman, and three young menservants were all present. They ended up staying the night in a farmhouse in Chenjia Village, where the man of the house had gone to the city, and only the mother and daughters remained.
But that night, another lone woman also stayed there.
Ordinarily, it would’ve been nothing, but mentioning that woman’s identity now was enough to spark the imagination.
There were advantages to careless servants—whatever Ming Wei claimed happened that night, they couldn’t refute. They had all gone to bed early.
“That night, another lady stayed over. As we were settling in, I noticed the embroidery on her handkerchief and sachet—exquisite and lifelike, unlike anything I’d ever seen.”
What Ming Wei wanted Second Madam to imagine was the mysterious embroidery master who once saved her.
Dan Niang was a chivalrous woman. Having once pledged loyalty to Tang Wan, she had disappeared from the capital after Tang Wan died in the Cold Palace, closing her embroidery shop for good.
Stories about her abounded, but no one knew where she’d gone.
“I praised her work and asked if she would teach me,” Ming Wei continued. “She gave me a few pointers but didn’t seem willing to instruct me in earnest. Before leaving, she handed me a blank piece of silk—nothing on it.”
Back then, Dan Niang had already become a legend. Thirty-six years later, that had only grown.
“I didn’t report this to you before because I thought it was unimportant,” Ming Wei said softly. “A few days ago, I came across the silk again. In sunlight, I noticed a faint design sketched in ink—lifelike despite its simplicity. I followed the method she once mentioned, tried to stitch it, and to my surprise, it worked!”
Second Madam’s eyes lit up with greed.
“So you’ve learned mei embroidery?”
Even an imitation, if well-made, could fetch a high price.
“I’m ashamed.” Ming Wei pretended not to see the greed in her eyes. “That piece—‘Blossoms in Bloom’—was entirely thanks to her sketch. I’ve tried since, but I simply can’t recreate it.”
Second Madam was skeptical.
“I’d never dare lie to you, Mother!” Ming Wei lowered her head as if frightened. “Please see clearly!”
“You think the seventh girl is telling the truth?” Second Madam squinted and asked Nanny Gu.
Nanny Gu quickly answered, “I believe so. She’s always been respectful toward you—surely she wouldn’t lie in front of you. The pattern must be unusual. She’s grown up right under your eyes, save for that one day. Mei embroidery is far too intricate to learn in just one day.”
Second Madam nodded.
“Madam, if I may,” Nanny Gu said in a low voice, “Madam Shouning took a liking to the seventh girl yesterday. Why not let it happen? If she marries well, it’ll be a help to the young masters too.”
Second Madam’s calm expression suddenly darkened.
“Don’t mention that again!” she snapped. “Securing good matches for Jue and Yu—legitimate sons—is worth a hundred times more than relying on some concubine-born girl!”
Nanny Gu fell silent.
Second Madam was too stubborn—there was no point pressing further.
“I just can’t stand these low-born girls! They think they can waltz out and become proper madams? Not unless I’m dead!”
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