Chapter Eighteen: The New Women's Fashion

Hearing these words, Gu Yuan trembled. Indeed, the people of this world are all subjects of the Ming Dynasty. Whether it is the Emperor himself, the esteemed nobles, or even the county magistrate, everything they do is for the nation and its people. And as subjects, abiding by the laws of the land and refraining from petty deeds—no matter the scale or nature of their actions—as long as they benefit others, is this not also a way of strengthening Ming’s power? Only in my old age do I finally understand, and I must admit Gou Ye’s words are deeply sensible. Unconsciously, I nodded repeatedly.

Gu Yuan rarely smiled, but now he looked at Gou Ye and said, “For one so young to possess such insight is truly remarkable. Gu Shen is still a child, but to have you as his companion and friend, I am at ease.” With that, he laughed heartily and strode out of the hall.

Gu Shen wiped the sweat from his brow and clapped Gou Ye on the shoulder. “Brother Gou Ye, you nearly scared me to death.”

Although Yun Niang did not fully grasp Gou Ye’s words, she could tell that the Duke of Jing was satisfied, and so she grew proud before Gu Shen.

In truth, Gou Ye’s back was already drenched in sweat. His words were both a gamble that the Duke of Jing was not one for empty flattery, and a genuine expression of his own beliefs. He never felt that being a merchant made him inferior; on the contrary, in his own era, successful merchants were seen as capable and resourceful.

Gou Ye laughed heartily and said no more, sensing the atmosphere had shifted from the earlier conversation among the three. He prepared to take Yun Niang and bid farewell.

Gu Shen tried several times to persuade him to stay, but Gou Ye insisted, so Gu Shen sent him off with a smile.

“Brother Gou Ye, don’t forget our business arrangements. We talked for so long today, but you still haven’t told me our next steps.”

Gou Ye responded with a gentle smile, “Rest assured, Brother Gu Shen, I have a plan. In a few days, once I’ve settled the details, I’ll come find you. Farewell.”

“Brother Gou Ye, take care.”

After their mutual farewells, Gou Ye took Yun Niang and hired a carriage. Now that he had a bit of money in hand, he felt more assured. He thought that someday he would buy his own carriage, traveling between village and county, and sitting inside, he sighed—this was truly the enjoyment life ought to offer.

At the entrance to Tumeng Village, wisps of smoke rose from the few homes remaining, and the aroma of dinner reached Gou Ye and Yun Niang before they even dismounted, making their stomachs rumble in unison. The two burst out laughing.

At home, Yun Niang’s mother had already prepared dinner and was waiting for her daughter and Gou Ye to return. Compared to the banquet at Mr. Hu’s house, the dishes were not extravagant, but they were the most delicious fare that ordinary families could offer.

Gou Ye, famished, made no effort to be polite. He served bowls of rice for Yun Niang and her mother, then scooped himself a large bowl and dug in heartily. Whenever she saw Gou Ye gobbling his food, Yun Niang’s mother felt great joy.

Seeing that Gou Ye had finished his tea and meal, Yun Niang’s mother finally asked, a bit embarrassed, “Gou Ye, it’s been some days now. Have you any thoughts about the clothing you mentioned? I won’t trouble you if not. If so, I’ll just return to my old trade.”

Gou Ye laughed sheepishly. “How could I not care about your matter, Auntie? I’ve already thought it through. Even if you hadn’t asked today, I meant to discuss it with you.”

Hearing this, Yun Niang’s eyes widened with curiosity, eager to know what new idea Gou Ye had come up with.

“Auntie, last time we made checked shirts, all for men. I wonder if you’ve made women’s clothing before?”

Yun Niang’s mother quickly stood up and took out a garment from the cabinet. “I have, I have.”

What she brought out was a ruqun, a cross-collared blouse with a pleated skirt—the most common style of women’s clothing in Ming times. Fortunately, Gou Ye understood that the clothing system in this Ming Dynasty was not as strict as in his own era—otherwise, in the real Ming Dynasty, clothing rules were rigid, specifying what style and color each class could wear, and forbidding any transgression.

By comparison, women’s clothing featured many styles: ruqun, aoqun, white silk jackets, bijia (half-sleeves, also known as capes or vests), large-sleeved robes, and so forth, bearing much resemblance to Han Dynasty attire.

Gou Ye realized that no matter how elaborate the skirts and jackets were, they were somewhat cumbersome. Why not simplify them? He thought of the modern dress—worn frequently by women in his own time.

He nodded, picked up the ruqun Yun Niang’s mother handed him, and said, “Auntie, this time we’ll make a dress. I’ll explain the style and method to you, but the craftsmanship will rely on your skills.”

Yun Niang’s mother nodded and listened intently, afraid to miss a single word.

“A dress is quite simple, really. The waist is horizontally divided, there’s no collar, the key is in the patchwork of fabric, no darts, gathered at the waist with a sash, pleats kept about the same front and back… That’s all I know. It sounds simple, but in practice it’s complex. It may be difficult to make it perfectly in one go, like the checked shirts. Auntie, try making one to fit Yun Niang’s figure. If there’s anything amiss, I’ll help you adjust it.”

Yun Niang’s mother agreed and asked about several details of the dress, then returned to her bedside to ponder them. At that moment, she suddenly coughed, her breath unsteady. Yun Niang and Gou Ye hurried over, anxious. “Mother, are you all right?”

After coughing for a while, she managed to calm herself and smiled gently, “I’m fine, don’t worry. It’s just a mild chill—nothing serious.” Yun Niang believed her at once and went to fetch water for her mother.

Accustomed to such scenes in dramas, Gou Ye felt that Yun Niang’s mother was not as well as she claimed. He resolved to go to the county town tomorrow and find a reliable physician for her. Auntie, my future mother-in-law, please don’t let anything happen to you. You’re about to enjoy happiness with Yun Niang. Please, let none of those melodramatic misfortunes from television befall you.

As Yun Niang’s mother was unwell, Gou Ye did not linger but took his leave from mother and daughter and walked home alone.

He had walked this path several times before, but every time he traveled it late at night, Gou Ye felt a chill at the back of his neck. This time, he was especially cautious—he might pass Aunt Wang’s house, and her little dog might come out to scare him again.

As he reached Aunt Wang’s door, the little dog did indeed wag its tail, bark twice, and run over. Gou Ye patted it, let it lick his fingers, and motioned for the pup to return.

After a bit of fuss, the little dog finally understood Gou Ye’s instructions, and ambled back home, pausing now and then to glance over its shoulder, before curling up beside its kennel.

Gou Ye couldn’t help but wonder why the dog never went inside its kennel. But the thought quickly passed, and he continued on his way home.