After the pleasantries, we finally got to the main topic. Madam Su patiently taught me embroidery, guiding me stitch by stitch. After embroidering a few pieces, I gradually gained some skill, and my work began to look presentable.
The embroidery pattern remained that half-open, half-hidden flower, which I felt best represented my sentiments. Madam Su praised the unique design, suggesting I embroider it in the corner of the scarf for visibility when tied to the arm.
The final scarf, though slightly imperfect upon close inspection, had captured both form and spirit. Grateful to Madam Su, I recalled An Jin mentioning Su Xi possibly hiding the Fifth Princess and decided to chat with her about it.
Madam Su spoke about her husband Su Xi, her eyes bright with happiness. Had I not held certain suspicions, I would have been envious. However, it seemed that even if Su Xi had hidden the Fifth Princess, Madam Su was unaware, as she displayed no signs of unease.
I felt melancholic. In Madam Su’s eyes, there could be no better man than her husband. What would she do if the truth were to be revealed one day?
Noticing my downcast expression, Madam Su, perhaps thinking An Jin and I were troubled, tried to comfort me: “You are so considerate towards Master An. One day, he will surely recognize your worth.”
I forced a smile, hoping the matter had nothing to do with Su Xi and that Madam Su could continue in her happiness.
As we talked, several more customers entered the embroidery house, including a woman who looked familiar. I couldn’t help but glance at her twice. She noticed me and waved cheerfully: “Madam An, we meet again.”
To my surprise, I quickly walked over to pay my respects: “Second Prin—”
This was the Second Princess of Nanrui, whom I had met once before.
She quickly stopped me. “No need for formalities, just call me Yun Qiao.”
The Nanrui royal family’s surname is Jiang, and the Second Princess’s title is Zhao Yue; Yun Qiao is her personal name. Since she didn’t want to reveal her identity, I casually asked, “Miss Yun Qiao, are you here to buy some embroidery?”
“Yes, General Shen is participating in the competition, but his family has no women to embroider a red silk scarf. I heard the embroidery here is famous, so I came to ask for help.”
I learned that the Cavalry General’s surname was Shen, not Dan as I had previously thought.
This princess was considerate toward her subordinates and had a straightforward, charming personality. I couldn’t help but think of a certain rival who had married far away. How could two princesses be so different?
Madam Su arranged a female embroiderer to help create the style Jiang Yunqiao needed. While waiting, she came over to look at my embroidery.
“Is this… Yao flower?”
She was slightly stunned.
Yao flowers grow in the south, and many are found in Nanrui Kingdom, so it was not surprising that she recognized them. However, I had embroidered them crudely and was afraid of being ridiculed, so I quickly put them away. “I was just casually embroidering.”
“Is this for Master An?” she pondered. “Madam is truly considerate to learn embroidery.”
“How embarrassing,” I chuckled awkwardly. “I’ve never been good at this, so I’m just cramming at the last minute.”
Jiang Yunqiao waved her hand. “Not at all. In Nanrui, most women don’t know how to embroider. You’ve done well.”
“So what do the girls in Nanrui generally do?” I asked.
She thought for a moment, her lips slightly raised. “Ride horses, hunt, read books… anything is possible.”
“And after marriage?” I inquired.
She laughed. “Nanrui doesn’t have marriage in the traditional sense, only union. Some couples have men earning money while women manage the household, and vice versa. There are no restrictions.”
I imagined An Jin as a virtuous helper and felt envious.
Jiang Yunqiao suddenly looked towards the embroidery workshop’s entrance, her brow furrowing. “Madam, isn’t that Master An?”
I turned my head and saw three people enter.
The one in front was Su Xi, and behind him was An Jin, who wore wide-sleeved light robes, standing gracefully and drawing attention. Beside him was Su Hui, the renowned young lady of Yanfeng.
“What is that woman doing here?” My mother, who had somehow come to our side, had a hint of hostility in her eyes.
Author’s note: Poor Master An… he’s in trouble now…
Chapter Thirty-One: Mother-in-Law Turbulence
“Mother-in-law, what a coincidence.” An Jin subtly pushed aside Su Hui, his expression somewhat ingratiating. “Out shopping for embroidery with A Yao?”
Su Hui looked dazed, seemingly unfamiliar with An Jin’s awkward attempt to curry favor.
My mother glared at him and pulled me over. “A Yao came specifically to learn embroidery. Look at her hand, it’s bleeding! Your husband doesn’t even care to show some sympathy.”
An Jin hastily nodded and approached to inspect my hand. “Are you hurt?”
I shook my head, showing him the embroidered silk scarf. “I embroidered this. How does it look?”
Su Hui stood awkwardly to one side. Su Xi and Su’s madam noticed the situation and came over, exchanging pleasantries and taking her away. The onlookers, finding no more excitement, dispersed.
An Jin noticed the flowers on the silk scarf, his expression suddenly freezing.
“Master An,” Jiang Yunqiao approached lightly.
An Jin tucked the silk scarf into his chest, smiling: “Didn’t expect Miss Jiang to be here.”
“I’m choosing a silk scarf for General Shen,” Jiang Yunqiao said. “We had a delightful conversation. Master An truly has good taste, marrying such a clever and considerate wife.”
An Jin put his arm around my shoulder. “Miss Jiang is too kind.”
I hadn’t expected this potential storm to be diffused so easily. Although An Jin and Su Hui hadn’t done anything inappropriate, my mother’s temper normally meant chaos. But she only glanced at Su Hui and said nothing.
I breathed a sigh of relief. An Jin appeared calm, but his palms were sweating.
However, right after leaving the shop, my mother pulled me home and locked An Jin outside, throwing out a cryptic remark.
“Yao Yao, a man who’s not fully committed is not worth keeping.”
I could imagine An Jin’s awkward desperation outside, scratching his head and calling out. Who would have thought my mother’s real strategy was yet to come?
I brought soup to An Jin, laughing heartily, until an embarrassed and angry An Huilang carried me inside, claiming he wanted me to experience whether he needed a “supplement.”
The competition’s final day was approaching.
According to the schedule, my big brother’s mechanism technique competition was first, while Anjin’s hunting competition was later. Anjin had no thoughts of winning, so he felt no pressure, but it was different for my big brother. This competition was crucial for his future with Miaoyin, and he was determined to give his all.
Mother sensed my brother’s dedication to a girl, which made her feel gratified, and she encouraged him to study diligently. She even visited, mentioning there were mice at home causing strange noises at night, so she wanted to bring Yuan Xiang back to catch them and avoid disturbing my brother’s studies. However, Yuan Xiang, whether due to spring awakening or homesickness, was restless at the An residence, often startling me awake with strange sounds. Mother, feeling helpless, went to the pharmacy for arsenic, but it proved ineffective.
Author’s Note: Yesterday, I watched a documentary about a nineteen-year-old girl who met a handsome man online, fell in love, and became pregnant within a month. She believed her love was profound, but the man disappeared, and when she attempted suicide during a video call, he remained indifferent.
Finally, she chased him for countless miles while pregnant, only to hear him say: “We’re not suitable.”
