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Jin Niang brought her mother to meet Madam Wei, but both were surprised by what they saw. Luo Yue was astonished that a woman of Madam Wei's station lived in such an elegant residence—with wide, covered walkways on either side, a courtyard paved with blue bricks adorned with pink flowers, and two maidservants in red headscarves standing by the moon gate, ready to serve. Who would have thought a simple embroidery mistress could command such dignity and presence?
As for Madam Wei, she had always admired Jin Niang. The girl was quick-witted, resourceful, and diligent—always the first to arrive at the Shu Embroidery Studio and the last to leave. While embroidery skills were usually passed from mother to daughter, Jin Niang had started with no knowledge at all; she couldn't even separate threads at first. Rumor had it she had secretly spent over a dozen strings of coins to learn tailoring, and now her skills were among the finest in the studio. That was why Madam Wei had specifically chosen to take her along.
Jin Niang had one drawback—her appearance was only ordinary. Full-figured with rounded features, she looked rather plain and unremarkable. No one would have guessed her mother was such a slender, fair-skinned beauty with delicate features. The two hardly looked like mother and daughter.
But Madam Wei kept these thoughts to herself, merely feeling puzzled.
Luo Yue, however, had many questions: "Madam Wei, I heard my daughter is to accompany you to Bianjing. Is this true?"
"It is," Madam Wei replied. "The candidates have already been selected, and their embroidery samples have been reviewed by the Zhou family matriarch." She couldn't imagine anyone refusing such an opportunity.
Yet Luo Yue pressed, "But what if she's mistreated in a noble household?" That was her greatest fear as a mother.
"You worry too much," Madam Wei smiled. "The more prestigious the family, the more concerned they are with reputation and tend to treat people kindly. It's often the new money that mistreats servants. Besides, to speak plainly, capable people from Jiangling either go to Liangzhe or the capital Bianjing. If Jin Niang goes to Bianjing and impresses her employers with her skills, she might even marry well. Wouldn't that be better than staying here?"
She then glanced at Luo Yue. "Did you see the gift box I had carried out earlier? That was from someone trying to bribe their way in. But I only value talent—I've no patience for incompetence. Others beg for this chance, yet you hesitate?"
By now, Luo Yue was nearly convinced, but she clung to her daughter and said, "She must return after three years. But how? I know you mean well, but as a mother, I can't help but worry."
"We think alike!" Madam Wei replied. "Jin Niang asked the same—how she would return and how we'd stay in touch. I told her the Shu Embroidery Studio has connections in Bianjing, so letters and parcels can be sent through them. Rest assured, I'm no kidnapper. My family is here—my daughter Ying'er and my husband are both in Jiangling." Madam Wei answered earnestly.
Finally, Luo Yue bowed slightly and said, "Then I entrust my daughter to you."
Only when the matter was settled between her mother and Madam Wei did Jin Niang relax completely. Madam Wei then produced a contract, which was signed in duplicate—one copy for the family, the other kept by Madam Wei to present to the Zhous in Bianjing.
Hiring skilled labor was different from selling children. Professionals were recommended by guild leaders, while maidservants were procured through matchmakers.
Folding the contract neatly, Madam Wei smiled. "I'm bound by contract too. Since Jin Niang is literate, she can see clearly that it states her term ends on the Winter Solstice three years from now. If the Zhous wish to keep her and you agree, a new contract can be made."
Jin Niang shook her head quickly. No matter how kind the employers, who would willingly remain a servant?
Madam Wei chuckled approvingly and reminded them, "Remember, we meet at the dock at 5:45 in the morning three days from now."
Both Luo Yue and Jin Niang agreed repeatedly.
After they left, Madam Wei personally visited the prefectural office to report that the arrangements were settled.
The prefect, surnamed He, was an imperial examination graduate who had governed Jiangling for over two years. His wife, Lady He, came from a powerful family—her father had served as prime minister. The composed demeanor Madam Wei had shown earlier vanished as she tread carefully before Lady He.
Lady He said indifferently, "Very well. These embroiderers are from decent families—do not mistreat them."
Madam Wei nodded deferentially before respectfully withdrawing.
Once she was gone, Lady He's elder servant commented, "Why must we send embroiderers from Jiangling to Bianjing? If they prove unsatisfactory, we'll be blamed."
Lady He smiled. "You think too narrowly. My younger sister is the eldest daughter-in-law of the Zhou family. My two nieces are thirteen and eleven—this three-year contract is likely for their dowries. As for the two daughters of concubines, why should they enjoy such luxury? The wages for these five will cost nearly five hundred strings of cash over three years. Could those of lower status afford such luxury?"
The elder servant laughed knowingly. She understood well that Lady He and her sister, Lady Zhou, had always been formidable—even ten men might not match their shrewdness. But both sisters were also fiercely jealous. While Lady He had married down, Lady Zhou had made an equal match, so appearances had to be maintained. They sought advantages for their own daughters while denying them to others—hence the request for Lady He to send embroiderers.
For Jin Niang, the three days flew by. On the first day, she bought cotton and fabric to make padded clothes for her younger brother, repaired the winter coat and lined jacket issued by the studio to leave for her mother, and purchased meat—some for their farewell dinner, the rest to be cured for the New Year.
**
Her parents helped pack her belongings—quilts, bedding, and blankets tightly stuffed into a large sack, along with two bundles: one for clothes and shoes, the other for food, including pickles, ten boiled eggs, and flatbread.
The family worked late into the night. Then Luo Yue quietly called Jin Niang aside.
Exhausted, Jin Niang grumbled, "Mother, can't this wait? Unless you're going to teach me to yank hair in a fight again…"
Luo Yue coaxed her over and said, "No. You're growing up. I must teach you to sew menstrual pads. Every girl goes through this, and since I won't be with you, I must prepare you now. Don't be frightened when it happens."
For some reason, Jin Niang felt her nose sting with impending tears.
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