Chapter Fourteen: Emerging

Although Xu Ruojin had finished her conversation with Madam Huang, her thoughts did not drift too far into fantasy. Life would be what she made of it, so she chose to continue studying diligently.

The next day, after class, Instructor Wang finally praised Xu Ruojin with a few words.

Xu Ruojin was so elated by the encouragement that she clung to her book even as she left the classroom.

Spring Grass was waiting outside. Seeing Xu Ruojin emerge from the study, she hurried over and whispered into her ear, “Second Miss, please hurry. Just now the Madam sent a maid to summon you immediately. I tried to go in and inform you myself, but was stopped at the door. It’s been quite a while now—you mustn’t delay.”

“Stopped at the door?”

Xu Ruojin was still half-absorbed in her book, her mind reacting sluggishly.

Spring Grass glanced meaningfully toward Forsythia. There was no need to explain—Xu Ruojin understood at once that Forsythia was causing trouble on purpose.

“Let’s go, then,” Xu Ruojin said, now grasping the situation, yet she did not appear rushed.

She walked away with a light, unhurried step, which only made Forsythia, who was watching their retreating backs, bite her lip in frustration, unable to savor her victory.

Last night, Forsythia had gone to see Madam Huang, only to be sternly scolded and told she would still have to marry the master’s long-serving retainer, with the wedding to take place in a few days.

The news had made Forsythia burst into tears, but no matter how she cried, Madam Huang would not relent. She even threatened that if Forsythia made any more fuss, she would be married off to the lame gatekeeper instead.

Forsythia dared not make further trouble, knowing her aunt was fully capable of such cruelty.

After crying all night in the back servants’ quarters, she saw the Second Miss first thing in the morning, and her resentment surged anew.

Surely it was the Second Miss’s words that had tricked her before—otherwise, why would her aunt refuse to let her accompany them to the Zhang household?

So when the Madam sent for Xu Ruojin, Forsythia steeled herself and refused to let Spring Grass deliver the message.

After all, with her wedding imminent, what did it matter if the Second Miss discovered the truth? She was past caring—let everything unravel as it would!

Madam Yang had been waiting impatiently in her room, her face flushed red as a firecracker ready to ignite. Were it not for guests in the house, she would have vented her anger long ago. Now she could only stew in silence, yearning to tear Xu Ruojin’s face as soon as she saw her, all the advice from Madam Huang the previous night already forgotten.

Madam Huang herself was at a loss, her expression helpless.

All her words the night before had been wasted!

And the Second Miss—how could she fail to understand her place at such a critical moment? The Madam had never favored her, and now she had been kept waiting for nearly half an hour—wasn’t this just pouring oil on the fire?

As soon as Xu Ruojin entered, she felt the icy tension in the room, as if she had stepped into a cave of snow and ice, with Madam Yang’s eyes spitting flames that could burn her alive.

Before Xu Ruojin could even offer her formal greeting, a strange woman seated nearby greeted her with a bright smile, “Ah, this must be Miss Ruojin? Such elegant brows and lively phoenix eyes—truly a beauty in the making. Not just men, even I find myself quite taken with you. If only I had a suitable son, I’d make you my daughter-in-law without hesitation! Hahaha…”

The woman’s hearty laughter left Xu Ruojin confused, but seeing the forced smile on Madam Yang’s face, she guessed this was someone even Madam Yang dared not offend.

“What were you dawdling for? Making people wait so long—have you forgotten your lessons in etiquette?” Madam Yang finally lost patience and scolded Xu Ruojin.

Had there not been a guest, her words would have been far harsher.

Madam Huang quickly gave her a look to hold her tongue. Madam Yang, suppressing her anger, made introductions: “This is Mistress Bi from the Yuan Embroidery Workshop. Greet her properly!”

“Ruojin greets Mistress Bi,” Xu Ruojin said gracefully, bowing with poise.

Mistress Bi smiled as she helped her up, studying her for a moment. “Such a lovely girl, yet your mother can still bring herself to scold you. If you were mine, I wouldn’t know how to spoil you enough.”

Madam Yang’s face flushed even redder. “She’s my own daughter, not an outsider. If she needs disciplining, it must be done—how else will she learn proper conduct? If she goes out into the world without manners, people will blame me for failing as a mother.”

Turning to Xu Ruojin, Madam Yang quickly changed the subject: “Enough dawdling. Let the embroiderers take your measurements.”

At Mistress Bi’s signal, three or four seamstresses stepped forward with measuring tapes.

Xu Ruojin obeyed in silence—this was her first experience having clothes custom-made.

In her previous life, she had always bought ready-made garments in standard sizes. Now, each layer was measured separately: inner garments, petticoats, a soft under-jacket lined with raccoon fur, a small vest on top, and finally a hooded cape for outdoor wear…

Though it was already late autumn, so many layers—wouldn’t that be too warm?

As the seamstresses called out measurements for each piece, Xu Ruojin’s curiosity grew.

But since these would be her own possessions, she would accept whatever was made; if she couldn’t wear them now, she could always save them for winter.

“Mistress Bi, what other accessories should we prepare for my daughter? You’re the expert here, and it’s a rare honor to have you visit. Forgive my ignorance—I know nothing of these matters, so I must rely on your advice,” Madam Yang said warmly, glancing toward Xu Ruojin.

At first, Mistress Bi’s laughter had seemed free and easy, but upon closer inspection, her almond-shaped eyes revealed a chill that made her seem unapproachable.

Mistress Bi took a sip of tea and smiled mildly. “Madam Xu, you flatter me. I’m just a worker in a humble shop, hardly to be compared with a lady of your standing. Still, since you value my opinion, I’ll offer a few suggestions—don’t laugh if I’m mistaken.”

“Of course not, please speak freely,” Madam Yang replied, her tone especially gracious. Xu Ruojin stood quietly by, listening attentively.

Mistress Bi was pleased with Xu Ruojin’s respectful demeanor and smiled with satisfaction before continuing, “Though Zhonglin County is small, it’s a place blessed by fortune and home to many prominent families. Still, unlike the great clans of the south, most here have risen through the civil service exams, giving our county a refined air. The ladies of Zhonglin prefer elegance and dignity over ostentation. To be blunt, Madam Xu, you needn’t spend too much on accessories.”

Madam Yang’s expression froze, and she forced an awkward smile. “Every household has its troubles. Our master can hardly compare to the county magistrate…”

“Ahem.” Xu Ruojin coughed softly, interrupting Madam Yang.

To criticize the magistrate in front of outsiders—wasn’t that courting disaster?

Madam Yang’s face darkened. She shot Xu Ruojin a glare, then, realizing her own indiscretion, simply smiled and said nothing more.

Mistress Bi gave Xu Ruojin a surprised glance, her smile growing warmer. “One set of clothes for Miss Ruojin won’t be enough. It’s best to prepare two more sets. She’s still an unmarried girl—no need to fuss over hair ornaments, just focus on her attire to enhance her scholarly grace. Do you agree, Madam Xu?”

Two more sets? That would cost a fortune!

Madam Yang’s eyes reddened with distress, but she could only nod repeatedly, clenching her teeth. “I agree! All according to Mistress Bi’s advice…”

“Then let’s discuss the clothing further. Madam Xu, do you have any incense for scenting the garments?”

At the mention of “scented incense,” Mistress Bi watched Madam Yang’s blank expression, clearly at a loss—she had no idea.

Mistress Bi turned to Xu Ruojin, smiling. “Incense is a ritual in wealthy households, but in smaller families, it’s mostly used to perfume clothes. It’s all about the fragrance—spikenard, wood incense, moon orchid, asarum, cardamom, rose petals—each has its own unique aroma, and these are favorites among the local ladies. Which scent do you prefer, Second Miss?”

Xu Ruojin paused, her brow furrowing slightly. This Mistress Bi truly had a devious heart.