My elder brother kept the scarf close to his heart, as if blessed, and stayed up late for several consecutive days, looking radiant and showing no signs of fatigue. An Jin watched silently, though he must have been envious.
However, I had never been good at needlework since childhood, and if I were to force an embroidery, I would surely be laughed at. So I hesitated for a long time. Mother was about to help me embroider again, but I felt that An Jin would definitely want to wear a scarf embroidered by my own hands.
Mother’s eyes lit up, and she directly dragged me to the Mingxi Embroidery House.
Mingxi Embroidery House was quite famous throughout Yanfeng City. Madam Su was acquainted with my mother, warmly greeting us and personally guiding me in needlework.
Mother would often praise Madam Su as an example of a woman who married well. The stories of Madam Su and Su Xi’s harmonious marriage had worn out my sister’s and my ears. Madam Su married Su Xi at sixteen, and now, not yet five years later, she had two children and was currently pregnant with her third.
Mother looked at Madam Su with envy and then turned her gaze to my belly with resignation. I was about the same age as Madam Su, married to An Jin for over two years, yet my belly remained flat, which had become a source of worry for Mother.
Although I understood her concerns, I couldn’t bring myself to explain the reason, so I let her continue her wild thoughts.
Under Mother’s persistent request, Madam Su shyly shared some tips for bearing children. Mother treated this information like a treasure, instructing me to take notes, promising to follow them exactly at home. She then asked Madam Su to give me a personal handkerchief, saying it would help me conceive.
I felt utterly helpless. Madam Su indeed had excellent composure and patience, still maintaining a pleasant demeanor despite Mother’s persistent questioning. Only after I hinted repeatedly did Mother realize we had come to learn embroidery.
I felt quite frustrated. Discussing our private family matters in public was undeniably awkward.
Fortunately, Madam Su was understanding and quickly smiled, saying, “Madam An and Master An are a perfect match. I’m sure they’ll have a lovely child soon. There’s no need to worry.”
