Chapter 80: Chapter 38: Traveling
Lady Cheng felt as if she was bleeding internally. The jewelry this girl was choosing amounted to thousands of Silver, more expensive than the items previously selected. Lady Cheng was somewhat furious, thinking how indulgent one could be when not paying with their own money, showing no understanding of the etiquette of a guest. Knowing this, she would have never allowed her to choose; indeed, it was a major oversight.
Nanny Deng, however, was surprised by Yueyao’s attitude. Knowing the girl as she did, she knew Yueyao wouldn’t take these jewels to heart. The jewelry left by the Madam was not only plentiful but each piece was also a fine product. For example, the bracelet on Yueyao’s wrist wasn’t even the best in her jewelry box.
The Shopkeeper initially hesitated, but seeing Yueyao’s calm demeanor, swallowed any further doubts. This child, young as she was, was unfathomable.
Though Lady Cheng felt like vomiting blood internally, she maintained a compassionate facade, “Later, the Embroideress will come to take your measurements. Let her know if you have any specific requests,” she said—she couldn’t lose face in front of a stranger.
Yueyao complied amicably, “Alright, Aunt.”
Back at Begonia Garden, Yueyao helped Brother Zheng with his reading. She hoped her uncle would find a suitable tutor soon. She knew many characters and had sufficient knowledge, but she was not a tutor and couldn’t guide Brother Zheng as well as a professional could.
Outside, the Embroideress arrived, and Yueyao went out to meet her. The Embroideress worked within the mansion, as most large households had their own embroidery rooms. Lian Mansion had one too, but with few embroiderers, dedicating their work only to a few masters; the servants’ clothing was bought from outside.
The Embroideress asked about Yueyao’s measurements and preferences. Yueyao replied, “I don’t have any particular preferences. You must know that I am currently in mourning, so simple and plain clothes would be best. No other requirements,” given how fast she was growing, any clothes would be outgrown in a few months.
The Embroideress repeatedly acknowledged this.
Meanwhile, Lady Cheng also chose some jewelry. When they checked out, the total was nine thousand eight hundred and sixty Silver. Yueyao’s selections were the most expensive, costing five thousand eight hundred Silver.
Upon hearing the extravagant spending on the jewelry, the Steward of the Outer Courtyard, Ma Yuan, after a moment of silence, said, “Let the accounting room handle the checkout. I will discuss this with the Old Master later on.”
What Yueyao did not know was that Lady Cheng, let alone touching, did not know about the Outer Courtyard’s finances. The finances of the Inner Courtyard were also fixed by regulation. An expenditure as large as this only occurred once a year, and Yueyao happened to coincide with it. It was precisely because of Yueyao’s involvement that Ma Yuan allowed the staff below to proceed with the checkout. If it were anyone else, Ma Yuan wouldn’t have agreed so readily, but just yesterday, the Old Master and Miss cousin had talked for an entire afternoon and evening, and afterwards, he had many conversations with him, all filled with remorse. Having now spent several thousand Silvers, he believed the Old Master wouldn’t say much.
After leaving the residence, the female Shopkeeper looked at the silver notes in her hand. It was the off-season, and business was difficult. Otherwise, she wouldn’t have time for house visits. However, this outing turned out to be quite profitable.
The Maid beside her whispered, “That young lady was really bold. Others choose two or three pieces of jewelry, but she picked so many and exclusively the expensive ones.”
The female Shopkeeper chided, “What do you know? Don’t speak recklessly if you are ignorant.” The girl’s actions were definitely intentional. But to say that she was superficial and knew no decorum was not apparent. Among the young ladies, she alone showed the most complete observance of etiquette. As for why, that was unknown, and she wasn’t curious to find out. But having this Miss cousin intervene earned them a tidy profit.
That evening, Yueyao helped Brother Zheng practice his writing. Ma Chengteng’s young servant came by, informing Yueyao to prepare for a trip outside the next day.
Yueyao thought for a moment, returned to the study to fetch paper and pen, and wrote something. After blowing the ink dry, she folded it neatly and tucked it into her sleeve.
Back in her room, she requested everyone leave, opened her box to check the contents again, and after verifying everything, called Nanny Deng, “Nanny, please keep this box close to you tomorrow. I’m going to take it to a merchant house for storage.” Since her uncle mentioned taking her out tomorrow, she naturally needed to prepare everything beforehand.
Nanny Deng took the box, “Don’t worry, Miss. I’ll keep it with me,” though she hadn’t seen exactly what Yueyao placed inside, she roughly guessed its contents. If the Lady family really had no shame, then the contents of this box would be the young lady’s future support.
If Nanny Deng knew the contents were all ancient books, she would likely faint. All this effort was for just a dozen books.