Chapter 163: Chapter 163 Hitting the Mark by a Fluke_1 Chapter 163: Chapter 163 Hitting the Mark by a Fluke_1 “Madam flatters me too much,” said Lin Yue. “I haven’t any talents apart from making some food and this embroidery skill, which has been passed down from my grandmother. I’ve practiced since I was young. Normally, I embroider some pieces and sell them at the Embroidery Store for silver coin to help support the family. If Madam likes them, once I have finished an embroidery, I’ll send it to you.”
Lin Yue was but a commoner, without grand sentiments. She had not previously fawned over the magistrate and his wife because she knew she couldn’t curry favor, and would rather let things take their natural course. Now, seeing how much the magistrate’s wife liked her embroidery, she followed the lady’s remarks. If an embroidery piece could make the magistrate’s wife happy and regard her more favorably, it would surely be advantageous to her, no matter what.
In these times, anyone wanting to do something outside the household needed a backer. Lin Yue had been successful at the marketplace without any trouble thus far, thanks to Zhao Xinglin looking out for her. However, that was just a small business, and Lin Yue had far-reaching thoughts. There were four sons at home to raise, with future expenses of weddings, children, and building a house, not one of which was without cost. Lin Yue was not content with her current situation. If she wanted to advance in the future, relying solely on the relationship with Zhao Xinglin would not suffice.
Indeed, the Yao Family matriarch was fond of Lin Yue’s embroidery. Hearing the meaning in Lin Yue’s words, she was not keen on taking such a small advantage. Moreover, in the presence of the Divine Doctor, she said with grace, “That’s kind of you. Yueyue, whenever you have good embroidery, just send it to me, and I will surely not let you suffer any loss.”
“Madam, what are you saying? It’s my honor that you appreciate my craft,” Lin Yue replied. She was unconcerned, as the magistrate’s wife’s reaction was within her expectations. Relationships were built slowly, step by step. After all, selling embroidery to the magistrate’s wife would indeed fetch a higher price than selling to the Embroidery Workshop; it was her who was gaining an advantage.
Jiang Ziqi, absent-mindedly chatting with Chen Qing, overheard the conversation on Lin Yue’s side. He didn’t know before that Lin Yue’s embroidery skills were so remarkable. Even the magistrate’s wife had praised her skills, which must mean she made no mistake. Considering his purpose for venturing out, apart from improving his medical expertise, he also planned to find a skilled embroiderer in Jiangnan. There was a patron who liked collecting embroidery, and with their fiftieth birthday just over half a year away, they had always treated him well. He wanted to give them a birthday gift that would please them. If Lin Yue’s embroidery skills were truly exceptional, then his trip here could be said to have hit the target quite by accident.
Jiang Ziqi, somewhat anxious, wished to see Lin Yue’s embroidery for himself as soon as possible to make a proper judgment. However, it was inappropriate to do so in the presence of Chen Qing and his wife. He became increasingly impatient, which became evident on his face. Chen Qing, observing Jiang Ziqi’s expression, felt beads of sweat on his forehead. Unsure of what displeased the Divine Doctor, he became even more careful with his words.
Erhu attended to everyone outside and naturally did not forget the more important guests inside, reserving some of the best portions to send in. Jiang Ziqi had often eaten food prepared by Lin Yue; whereas, it was the first time for Chen Qing and his wife, who praised Lin Yue’s culinary skills.
“Did I hear correctly that every market day, Mrs. Lin makes food to sell at the marketplace?” asked Chen Qing, trying to ingratiate himself with Jiang Ziqi. He had already inquired into the affairs of Zhao Erhu’s family, and of course, his question carried deeper implications. Jiang Ziqi had hinted at supporting Zhao Erhu and his wife, and Chen Qing, of course, went along with the flow—a simple matter for him.
“Yes, my lord, these past days as an injured and unconscious peasant, my entire family has relied on my daughter-in-law selling food at the marketplace to earn some silver coin to keep the house running,” said Zhao Erhu, always filled with gratitude and pride when he spoke of his daughter-in-law. His little daughter-in-law was not one to be compared to ordinary women.