Chapter 294

Chapter 299: Contributing to the Dowry (Part 1)

The elder madam inquired about Mistress Jian: "...Why not invite her to our home? She could guide the seamstresses in our household—I’ve heard you often draw clothing designs for them, but sometimes they can’t execute them properly. If Mistress Jian were here, it would save you some trouble."

Eleventh Miss usually dressed simply for everyday wear, but when guests were present, she would dress up. If visiting others... Since marrying into the Yongping Marquis's household, she had never repeated an outfit. This was a habit from her past—dividing attire into formal and informal. Informal prioritized comfort, while formal emphasized elegance and grandeur.

She noticed that the women of the Xu family owned many clothes, which gradually allowed her old habit to resurface. Unexpectedly, the elder madam had noticed it too.

Eleventh Miss smiled. "Yanjing is rather cold—I’m not sure if Mistress Jian would be willing to come. I’ll send word to Hangzhou Prefecture."

The elder madam nodded with a smile. "It’s a pity our family is small. Otherwise, Mistress Jian could also teach the young ladies embroidery."

In truth, Eleventh Miss had long considered inviting Mistress Jian to Yanjing. It wasn’t that Hangzhou was unsuitable—after all, it was her hometown, and people of that time usually preferred their homeland, considering leaving for work elsewhere as a hardship. Moreover, she had a steady clientele there. But if she could come to Yanjing to gain prestige before returning, her reputation would rise even higher. Previously, there had been no opportunity, but now that the elder madam had suggested it, she decided to ask Luo Zhenxing to deliver a letter to Mistress Jian after returning from the Zhongqin Earl's residence.

The elder madam mentioned the undergarments Eleventh Miss had made for her a few days prior: "The peony embroidery was so lifelike! Good thing they’re hidden undergarments—if they were visible, people might scoff!"

"As long as you like them!" Eleventh Miss laughed. "They’re just a few embroidered flowers on the sleeves and hem—nothing to scoff at."

"Leave it to the seamstresses from now on," the elder madam said. "It’s too hard on your eyes."

"If I’m too busy, I won’t make them for you," Eleventh Miss replied. "Lately, I’ve had some free time, so I made one for you."

Laughing and chatting, the two headed to the Zhongqin Earl's residence.

Upon learning they had come to contribute to Miss Seven’s dowry, the Gan family’s reception office sent someone to inform Lady Gan while matrons respectfully escorted them inside.

Both families were of marquis rank, so their residences followed similar layouts, making the surroundings familiar. Eleventh Miss helped the elder madam to the side courtyard east of the main hall.

As they reached the courtyard gate, they saw maids and matrons surrounding Lady Gan as she stepped out.

She wore a crimson jacket with gold motifs, her delicate face showing signs of fatigue. From a distance, she greeted the elder madam warmly: "How kind of you to come!" and ushered them into the main room to sit.

"Occupied with Lanting’s wedding, aren’t you?" the elder madam said kindly. "You should also take care to rest."

Lady Gan smiled gratefully. "It’s mainly because I fret over every detail."

As they exchanged pleasantries, a maid served tea.

Song Mama handed the gift list to the matron beside Lady Gan, who offered polite thanks.

Meanwhile, two groups of housekeepers came to consult Lady Gan about Lanting’s wedding arrangements. A maid then entered and announced: "Lady Huang of Yongchang Marquis’s household has arrived!"

"What a coincidence!" the elder madam exclaimed in delight.

"The two of you truly share a bond," Lady Gan said with a smile, rising to welcome Lady Huang inside.

Accompanying Lady Huang was Third Madam Huang. The group exchanged pleasantries before heading to Lanting’s courtyard.

Eleventh Miss was surprised to find Lanting living in a small courtyard east of the main house.

She hadn’t expected her quarters to be so humble.

Lanting, too, had her eyes widen in surprise at the sight of Eleventh Miss.

Eleventh Miss responded with a subtle smile.

Only then did Lanting snap out of it and step forward to greet everyone.

They took their seats in the hall, smiling.

The elder madam took Gan Lanting's hand, while Madam Huang said many blessings.

Though Gan Lanting listened calmly, her face still flushed uncontrollably.

The elder madam chuckled and said, "Alright, alright, I won’t embarrass you further. Let Eleven chat with you while we go sit with your mother!" Then she and Lady Gan returned to Lady Gan’s rooms.

Gan Lanting gave Eleven a once-over with a smile.

"What is it?" Eleven also glanced at herself, worried something might be out of place.

"You look lovely!" Gan Lanting laughed.

Eleven accepted the compliment with a smile and mentioned something from before: "You once specially sent me an invitation to your banquet, but unfortunately, I couldn’t attend. I’ve been meaning to apologize."

"Oh!" Gan Lanting brushed it off. "Even if you had come, it would’ve just been eating and drinking." Then she pulled her into the sitting room. "Since you rarely visit, let’s have a good chat."

Maids were busy tidying up chests.

Lanting modestly said, "It’s a bit messy here!"

Eleven quickly replied, "My place is being renovated—it’s even messier than yours."

"Your family is so small, yet you’re still building?" Gan Lanting sat with Eleven by the window. "Unlike our household. Four generations living together without splitting the household—it’s so crowded you can barely stretch your legs." She said self-deprecatingly.

No wonder her living space was so small! Eleven smiled and pulled a pouch from her sleeve, handing it to Lanting. "A few southern pearls. You can have them made into jewelry when you find a suitable design."

Lanting accepted it gratefully and thanked her.

A young maid served tea.

Lanting asked about Ten Miss: "...How is she now?"

Eleven replied, "I last saw her during her late husband’s fifth-week mourning rites." After a pause, she decided to be honest. "We weren’t close as children, and she avoids seeing me."

Lanting nodded understandingly. "I noticed that during the spring banquet. Some bonds just aren’t meant to be." Her tone was gentle.

Warmed by her words, Eleven asked about Cao E: "...Where is Third Miss?"

As soon as she spoke, the door curtain was suddenly lifted, and a woman in a crimson jacket walked in.

Eleven looked closely—it was Cao E.

She carried several garments in her arms, grumbling to herself, "You’re about to get married, yet you’re so careless. These are fine Hangzhou silks—even if you don’t like them anymore, you could give them to the maids..." She cut herself off when she looked up and noticed Eleven sitting inside. "Lady Yongping is here!"

Eleven stood to greet her, while Lanting burst into laughter. "Just call her Eleven! You’re making her sound old!"

Cao E frowned. "What nonsense are you spouting?" Then she apologized to Eleven. "Lady Yongping, please don’t mind her. My seventh sister has this blunt way of speaking," she added apologetically.

Eleven envied how even their quarrels and scolding carried an affectionate tone. She smiled. "Third Miss, you can call me Eleven. After all, we knew each other before I was married."

Cao E still hesitated.

Lanting laughed. "See? Even Eleven prefers it!"

Cao E gave her a sharp look but had just uttered "Eleven" when noise broke out outside. Her expression darkened as she ordered a maid, "Go see who’s making noise. Have the matrons deal with them."

The young maid hurried off anxiously.

Cao E quickly explained to Eleven, "With all the preparations going on at home these days, the maids and matrons are on edge."

The maids and serving women are human too—it's impossible for them to remain perfectly quiet all the time. Cao E probably felt it was embarrassing to let a guest see such a scene.

Miss Eleven was just about to speak up to ease the tension when the young maid entered, lifting the door curtain.

Her face was pale, and as soon as she came in, she glanced at Miss Eleven but hesitated to say anything.

Miss Eleven stood up to take her leave. "I just came by to see you. On your wedding day, I might have to attend the banquet at the Liang family, so I won’t be able to see you off."

Cao E shot the maid a look, her expression dark, but she put on a smile and urged Miss Eleven to stay. "Please, sit a little longer!"

Lan Ting, however, laughed. "Now that you’re a bride, we won’t keep you. Next time I host a banquet, you must come."

"Of course, of course!" Miss Eleven smiled as the two sisters escorted her out.

On the way, she encountered two maids hurrying toward the eastern courtyard.

Though curious, Miss Eleven reminded herself that this was the Gan family’s private matter.

Feigning ignorance, she went to see Lady Gan.

Madam Huang was telling a joke that had elder madam and Madam Gan chuckling, but Lady Gan was nowhere in sight.

Seeing Miss Eleven return so soon, elder madam smiled. "Finished talking already?"

Miss Eleven replied, "She’s busy. I didn’t want to overstay."

The elder madam gave a slight nod.

Madam Huang, meanwhile, took her hand. "This dress is truly beautiful."

Elder madam smirked smugly.

Madam Huang teased, "Still the same as when she was young—must always one-up others to be pleased. Now that she’s too old to show off herself, she puts her daughter-in-law on display instead."

Elder madam and Madam Huang were so at ease that they joked with Miss Eleven. "Next time, make a dress for your sister-in-law Huang, so your Aunt Huang won’t be jealous every time she sees you."

"Oh!" Madam Huang tilted her hips teasingly. "With a shape like mine, what kind of style could I possibly pull off?"

Not just the two madams, but even the servants in the room muffled giggles behind their hands.

As if the mood wasn’t lively enough, Madam Huang sighed theatrically and said in a deliberately lowered voice that everyone could still hear, "Your third brother used to call me a teapot, but in just two or three years, I’ve turned into a wine vat."

Everyone burst out laughing.

Lady Gan arrived.

All smiles, she greeted everyone, radiating joy—even more so than Lady Gan. Anyone unaware might have thought it was her own daughter getting married.

"I heard laughter from afar and wondered who could be so entertaining. Turns out it’s Madam Huang!" Lady Gan praised Madam Huang warmly, more affectionate than usual. As she spoke, she bowed to elder madam and Madam Gan. "No wonder you two always keep them by your side—one’s a laughing Buddha, the other a sweet-talking wordsmith." She then complimented Miss Eleven, "Look at this outfit! You won’t find a second one like it in all of Yanjing!"

Elder madam laughed. "Listen to that silver-tongued praise! I always thought the Tang family’s fourth madam was the smoothest talker, but it turns out our Gan family has been hiding a real wordsmith!"

Lady Gan hid her laughter behind her sleeve, looking thoroughly delighted.

Madam Huang and Miss Eleven stepped forward to exchange greetings with Lady Gan.

Lady Gan then invited the four of them to dine in the pavilion. "Mother is still tied up with chores, so I’ll offer a toast in her stead first."

Though the family had a daughter about to marry, with stewards managing outside matters and household matrons and brides assisting within, Lady Gan’s absence was a tad unusual. But since they had all run households themselves, they knew last-minute hiccups were common. They didn’t pry and let Lady Gan accompany them to the pavilion, bantering as they went.