The four beautiful maids lowered their heads and responded one by one—with only themselves knowing how much they really took in.
"All right, go pay your respects to the Saintess, and while you’re at it, let her know who you are!"
Yun Jinnian leaned back in her chair, staring at the sky.
Outside it was the cold of winter, but here it was as warm as spring, with flowers blooming in rage.
If there were no quarrels, no scheming, no conspiracies of any sort—no ideals even—growing old in this valley with a loved one, watching the sunrise in the morning, the sunset in the evening, and the stars and moon at night, passing the seasons in warmth until the end of one’s days, would be peaceful.
"This servant Telan (Ji’an, Sanglin, Liuka) pays respects to the Saintess!"
Yun Jinnian, seeing that they were older than her and more slender, asked, "How old are you?"
"This servant is already sixteen!"
"Oh, sixteen—such a wonderful age!"
Having said that, Yun Jinnian let them stand.
As for their names, Yun Jinnian wasn’t curious; each area had its own unique customs.
These four beauties might have thought they were hiding their feelings well, but their eyes betrayed them nonetheless.
Each one actually felt quite resentful, though as to why they felt this way, Yun Jinnian did not care. She would not be associating with these four for long—they would eventually go their separate ways.
The fabrics and fox furs that Yun Jinnian wanted were quickly delivered. Instead of cutting the fabric immediately, she embroidered patterns onto it first—pale yellow auspicious clouds against bright red, strikingly vivid. Once she later cut out the shapes, Yun Jinnian planned to embroider a few characters for "fortune" along the edge to complete it. Although it was simple, simplicity had its own advantages.
The four beautiful maids soon decided that Telan and Liuka should serve Yun Jinnian closely, and Telan was currently helping her sort threads.
Liuka stood to the side, her gaze on Yun Jinnian blank.
Her expression was unfathomable, with a flash of envy sparkling in her eyes!
She thought she was good at concealing her feelings, but Yun Jinnian slightly lifted her head and still noticed it. She subtly curled her lips but said nothing else.
She continued embroidering the garment in her hands.
She restrained her thoughts—having Liuka harbor resentment was good. If she stirred up trouble, Yun Jinnian would have something to say. If a mere maid couldn’t tolerate her, let alone the others in the sect.
Yun Jinnian could be a good person, but she would not be anyone’s pushover.
Mrs. He’s dowry for Yun Zihan was meager and consisted mostly of items that looked fine on the surface but were actually cheap—appealing to the eye but worthless at heart.
Auntie Cui was so distressed she cried, yet she dared not confront Mrs. He. She did hint at it in front of Yun Chen, but Yun Chen did not say much nor did she take a stand for Yun Zihan or insist Mrs. He properly prepare a dowry.
After getting over her anger, Yun Zihan had no choice but to muster her spirits and embroider her wedding dress.
In this family, she was never really considered a daughter, never really regarded at all.
She once thought her father was decent, but now, it seemed he was no different!
Her meager dowry—how could her marriage into the Liao Family turn out well?
"Second Miss, the Second Madam is requesting your presence," said Duoduo.
Yun Jinnian glanced at Duoduo, stood up, took a deep breath, and said, "Let’s go!"
Mrs. Han was embroidering a piece of clothing and, seeing Yun Zihan come in, hurriedly said, "Zihan, come and give me a hand. The New Year is approaching and this garment isn’t finished yet. It needs to be sent to Nanjiang tomorrow, and I had no choice but to ask for your help!"
"Is it for the Fourth Sister?"
Yun Zihan nodded and sat down next to Mrs. Han to help with the garment.
Yun Zihan was skilled with needlework, her stitches fine and dense. Knowing it was for Yun Jinnian, she was especially careful.
Mrs. Han lowered her eyes with a shallow smile, asking nonchalantly, "Is the dowry ready now?"
Yun Zihan felt as if her heart bled, yet she forced a joyous smile, "Mother is taking care of it!"