Counting on her fingers, Wufu had been in the area for a while now. Back in the village, or the town, she had never seen such a solemn woman. Perhaps this was the first time Wufu laid eyes on a classical beauty?
With almond eyes and rosy cheeks, her hair was swept up high with a tasseled sapphire hair ornament slanting across it. She wore a light blue dress embroidered with a pattern of butterflies among flowers, which was both elegant and graceful.
A true classical beauty was not made through the costumes of period dramas, but by genuine loveliness.
Miss Lan Shu noticed how Wufu was sizing her up and, without making a sound, took a moment to do the same. When their gazes met, she saw in the depths of Wufu’s eyes an unmistakable admiration and praise, which couldn’t help but please her, curving her lips into a smile.
Although it was rude and straightforward to scrutinize someone , strangely, it did not provoke dislike. Was it because of the appreciation in her eyes, or the vanity hidden in her own heart?
"The master has commanded me to wait here," Miss Lan Shu said, turning to Wufu afterward. "Shopkeeper Lin, this is..."
Shopkeeper Lin stepped slightly aside to introduce Wufu: "This is Miss Wufu. She previously helped our Silver House save a damaged piece of jade ware and is now considered a half-artisan of our establishment." He then addressed Wufu, "This Miss Lan Shu is the master’s capable Chief Maid."
Usually, in wealthy households, the Chief Maid who served the master closely was highly regarded, hence Shopkeeper Lin introduced her with formality.
Wufu approached with a smile and greeted Miss Lan Shu with a bow, saying, "Good to meet you, Miss Lan Shu."
This greeting seemed somewhat incongruous; Miss Lan Shu, considering her merely an artisan unaware of proper etiquette, returned the gesture with a faint smile and then said, "Shopkeeper Lin, Miss Wufu, please follow me."
Hongyu, walking beside Wufu, quietly glanced at Miss Lan Shu and looked puzzled. Could a servant really refer to herself as "I"? Wasn’t it that only those of equal status could refer to themselves as such? And she did this in front of a guest, which could make others think the household lacked proper manners.
But little did they know, Miss Lan Shu was asserting herself away from the main house, deliberately elevating her own status. Otherwise, if she were at the main house, would she dare to be so inconsiderate?
Leading the way, Miss Lan Shu walked ahead while Wufu seemed to keep her eyes straight ahead. However, she was actually using her peripheral vision to scan everything around her, including the maids and older women following Miss Lan Shu.
Having heard that the Wen family came from a respectable lineage, the respectful and disciplined demeanor of these maids and elderly women did indeed fit the profile. And Miss Lan Shu, had Shopkeeper Lin not mentioned it, Wufu might have mistaken her for the lady of the house herself.
Tsk, such a grand household indeed; even their Chief Maid carried herself with the dignity of a young mistress. No, perhaps not even the daughters of merchants or landlords had such an air about them?
Indeed, the families of high standing had rigorous discipline and upbringing.
Lost in thought, she heard Miss Lan Shu announce, "My lord, Shopkeeper Lin and Miss Wufu have arrived."
Wufu gathered her thoughts and stepped through the door, sighting Wen Congrui seated in the Taishi Chair at the center of the Floral Hall, holding a teacup, his gaze fixed on her.
Shopkeeper Lin moved a few steps forward and knelt to salute.
Wufu hesitated, her figure motionless.
Miss Lan Shu, who stood to one side, frowned upon seeing this. Why did she not kneel upon seeing the lord?
Putting aside his status, she wasn’t some young lady. Following Shopkeeper Lin, who had knelt to pay respects, shouldn’t she do the same?
Miss Lan Shu was somewhat taken aback.
Wufu, as if sensing her stare, looked over with a hint of coldness in her eyes.
Miss Lan Shu’s heart skipped a beat, and her breathing momentarily stalled before she could react. By the time she had, Wufu’s gaze had already moved on, leaving her feeling somewhat irate.
What an uncivilized wild girl, and no wonder she came from an artisan’s background!