Chapter 88: Jinxiu Manor
Translator: Atlas Studios Editor: Atlas Studios
Yu Shanren stepped forward and said respectfully, “I will follow Third Grandmother’s instructions.”
Old Madam Yu smiled. After these few days, the impetuousness in Yu Shanren’s eyes had dissipated a lot. He looked more shrewd and capable.
Old Madam Yu asked Yu Shande, Yu Shanren, and the others to stay for dinner.
The house was also bustling with activity. Although they did not celebrate openly, they had a sumptuous meal.
In March, the popularity of the examination had not faded, and the capital was still bustling with activity.
The weather was getting warmer by the day. On this day, Ms. Ye was on break. It was rare that Yu Youyao did not have to go to school, so she stayed in the embroidery pavilion to embroider a fan.
Yu Youyao had asked her cousin to draw the patterns on the fan.
Worried that it would be difficult for her to embroider, Zhou Linghuai did not draw too complicated patterns. There were only two bamboos, a few branches, and more than ten leaves, but they were very elegant.
It didn’t take much effort for Yu Youyao to embroider them.. She planned to embroider one side of it with bamboo and the other with orchids.
The second time she sent her cousin some needlework, she had to embroider more carefully than the first time. That way, her cousin would know that her needlework had improved.
Nanny Xu guided Yu Youyao on her needlework as she chatted with her. “Master can already walk around today. I reckon he’ll be going to the government office in two or three days.”
Yu Youyao nodded. “Father has been recuperating for five to six days as his bones were dislocated. He’ll be fine after resting for a few days and paying more attention in the future.” At this point, she paused for a moment before continuing, “I’ll go visit Father tomorrow.”
That day, when her father had asked someone to carry them back to the residence, her grandmother had not allowed them to go forward. She had guessed that her father had hurt his face, so naturally, he would not go forward to make trouble.
However, in the past few days, she had also sent Qiu Xing a lot of expensive medicinal herbs and tonics. The calming incense that she made, the medicinal tea that nourished her body, and the medicinal materials that she had not used were naturally not as effective as what her cousin and grandmother had drunk.
Fortunately, her father knew that she was really learning from Nanny Xu and had also learned some real skills.
Nanny Xu nodded in relief. She wasn’t really chatting when she suddenly mentioned Master. Instead, she was trying to remind her that it was time to be filial.
At this moment, Xia Tao’s voice came from the door. “First Madam is here.”
Yu Youyao put down the embroidery and asked Nanny Xu to put away the basket. Then, she stood up and tidied her clothes. She saw Yang Shuwan, who was wearing a knee-length red jacket and a light golden peony blouse, walk in.
Her hair was combed into a graceful peony bun, and there was a big hairpin flower with red gems on it on her head. When she walked, the big peony flower swayed, looking dazzling and rich.
Yang Shuwan did not come alone. Behind her was a round-faced woman in her forties. She was wearing a purple jacket, looking old-fashioned but dignified.
Surprised, Yu Youyao stepped forward and bowed. “Mother!”
Yang Shuwan quickly held her hand and said with a smile, “Our family doesn’t accept such formalities.”
Yu Youyao followed suit and let Qiu Xing serve some warm tea.
Her stepdaughter, who she had looked down on in the past, now had a formidable nanny by her side. However, she had a good demeanor. According to Jia Jia, she had been very outstanding in her studies recently.
Yang Shuwan immediately felt that the tea in her mouth did not taste good.
After putting down her teacup, Yang Shuwan introduced him to Yu Youyao. “This is Manager Sun of the Jinxiu Manor. It’s getting hotter by the day, so I specially invited her over to take your measurements and make some clothes for you.”
Jinxiu Manor was the largest silk manor in the capital. It also made clothes, and was filled with fashionable materials. Not only did it have many different designs, but it was also very popular. The embroiderers and tailors all had top-notch skills, and the clothes they made were very shiny.
Yu Youyao nodded. “Thank you, Mother.”
While her father was recuperating in the residence, Yang Shuwan was constantly juggling work. She had to do everything herself to show her capabilities as the manager of the family.
However, wasn’t it a little too late to make clothes?
Manager Sun took a ruler and walked up to Yu Youyao with a smile. “I apologize for offending Eldest Miss.”
Yu Youyao shook her head. “Manager Sun, you’re too polite.”
Manager Sun first measured the width of Yu Youyao’s shoulders and reported a number. The young maidservant behind her took notes, then measured her arms, waist, and finally her height.
Manager Sun was an efficient person. Without touching Yu Youyao, she finished measuring her. “Eldest Miss, your shoulders, waist, hands, and legs are long. You’ll look good in anything.”
She had been learning tailoring from her master since she was six years old and had been taking measurements for most of her life. It was rare to see someone with such good bones.
In another two years, Eldest Miss Yu’s body would grow, and she would definitely look great.
Yu Youyao thanked her.
However, Yang Shuwan’s smile faded a little. She picked up her teacup and drank some tea. “Usually, we have to make spring dresses before February, but this year, the weather is colder than usual, and it’s also the year of the imperial examination. The Jinxiu Manor has been busy, so we’ve been delayed by a month.”
Yu Youyao nodded. “Now is a good time to make clothes.”
After making the spring clothes, it was time to make the summer clothes.
There were many impressive clothing houses in the capital. The clothes in the residence were usually made by the Jinxiu Manor. They were experienced and they could tell everyone’s preferences, style, and needs. The clothes made were also more to their liking.
Moreover, the clothing house wasn’t something that could be changed easily. The measurements of the masters were all extremely private, so naturally, they had to find someone they could trust to do it.
Yang Shuwan smiled and nodded. “I’ve already made an agreement with Jinxiu Manor. We’ll make a few sets. You girls can wear them first.”
Yu Youyao said, “Thank you, Mother!”
Manager Sun took out a thick book, opened it, and placed it on the table. “These are the patterns of the Jinxiu Manor. Eldest Miss, you can choose from it. If you don’t like them, you can also make one yourself and ask the Jinxiu Manor to replicate it.”
Yu Youyao saw that there were many different patterns in the book. There were indeed many categories. It could be seen that the status of the Jinxiu Manor was indeed well-deserved.
At this moment, Nanny Xu brought some tea and snacks into the house.
Yu Youyao quickly said, “Nanny, come and help me pick out some patterns. I’m almost dazzled.”
When Sun Jiazhu heard this, his smile deepened. She saw Nanny Xu, who was wearing a dark green knee-length jacket and had her hair combed into a bun. She looked very kind, but she also had an imposing aura. Even she was shocked.
It was obvious that this match was extraordinary.
Nanny Xu stepped forward and greeted Yang Shuwan first. Yang Shuwan waved her hand. “Hurry up and help Yao Yao pick out the patterns. The reputation of the Jinxiu Manor isn’t for nothing. Anyone would be dazzled by it. You have to help take a good look.”
Her polite words revealed a hint of caution.
This was not the role that an ordinary nanny should have. Manager Sun’s eyes flickered.