“Where did you get these books? The patterns are quite good and up-to-date,” she said.
Shu Rui and Lady Liu flipped through the two books. There were many patterns, but with the four themes he wanted—plum, orchid, bamboo, chrysanthemum—they counted only twelve or thirteen designs. Even if evenly distributed, it was limited.
“They’re from the neighboring shop, from Lady Yang and me.”
Shu Rui said, “I don’t have any pattern books on hand. In the past, I was too lazy to spend time on such things. Now that I actually need them, it feels a pity that I didn’t collect some patterns earlier.”
He glanced over a few of the designs in the books but didn’t find any he really liked. Lady Liu’s remarks were tactful, yet she seemed to think much the same way—having once been an embroiderer herself, she didn’t show any particular interest in the patterns either.
“Perhaps we should just have an embroiderer create something new. After all, the appeal is in having something fresh.”
Lady Liu said, “If you hire someone to make a new design, it’ll cost extra. But I do have some unpublished patterns of my own, drawn in idle moments. There are a few designs of plum, orchid, bamboo, and chrysanthemum. If you’re interested, I can bring them for you to see.”
“You’ve opened this inn; there’s money going out everywhere. Saving a little here and there does help. Even if a few dozen coins don’t seem like much, when it all adds up, it’s significant. Once the inn is running, it’ll take a long time to earn back what can be saved now.”
Shu Rui, having grown up in modest circumstances, shared Lady Liu’s careful attitude toward money. “Your skill is so good—I’m eager to see the patterns you’ve drawn.”
Seeing his interest, Lady Liu smiled and told him to wait a moment, then returned home briefly.
While she was gone, Shu Rui washed some of the fruits she had brought, cutting the grapes and pitting the longans, placing them on a dish and drizzling milk over them, intending to share them with her.
It took nearly the length of a full incense stick for Lady Liu to return, carrying four or five thick pattern books, each thicker than a thumb. Shu Rui hurried to help her take them inside.
“So many!” he exclaimed.
Lady Liu explained, “Before, my family raised silkworms and did embroidery. As a young girl, I learned to draw patterns. After marrying your uncle, his youth was devoted to study; he didn’t learn any craft, and our family was poor. I earned a little by embroidering and drawing patterns.”
She spoke openly, as though she already considered Shu Rui like family. Having come from poverty didn’t embarrass her—earning a living honestly with one’s hands was nothing to be ashamed of.
“Here, look at these three books,” she said, handing them to Shu Rui. “These are some patterns I’ve collected and found good.” She patted the other two books. “These I drew myself. After your uncle became a scholar, he didn’t want me selling designs outside. I still sold a few privately, but it wasn’t as straightforward as selling through embroidery shops, so I ended up keeping many patterns.”
Talking about embroidery made her glow with pride; anyone discussing their craft tends to shine.
“I have nothing to do, so I draw patterns to pass the time.”
Shu Rui eagerly opened the books. One showed a peony in ink on white paper. The lines were fine and fluid, clearly well-drawn. Though uncolored, the single ink highlighted the flower’s form in a way both simple and elegant.
He studied each page carefully, lightly running his fingers over the designs, completely absorbed. “Madam, how can you have so much ingenuity? I only need designs for plum, orchid, bamboo, and chrysanthemum, but just looking at your books, every page is a pleasure to behold.”
Lady Liu blushed slightly at his praise. Seeing his eyes so focused and appreciative, it was clear he was genuine, not flattery, and she felt pleased.
She said softly, “Even if you don’t use these patterns for the inn, I can make them into handkerchiefs or clothing for you.”
Shu Rui looked up at her gentle gaze, feeling a warmth rise in his chest. He held her eyes for a long moment and smiled faintly.
They spent some time in the courtyard reviewing patterns and discussing designs. Shu Rui quickly selected all the patterns he wanted from her books.
He appreciated the effort and thought of paying her the market price for custom designs, but Lady Liu didn’t ask for anything, and he didn’t insist. He thought that later, when presenting samples, he could offer Lu Ling a gift as a token instead, which seemed better than giving money directly.
After finishing the patterns, they discussed other designs for a while. By the time Lady Liu had helped Shu Rui finish the fruits and Qing had served a bowl of two-herb soup, it was already late. Feeling it was time, she returned home to prepare dinner.
“Shu Ge’er, who exactly is Lady Liu? I’ve never seen her before. How come you’re so close?”
Seeing that she had left, Qing, who had been quietly minding the inn’s business, picked up the empty bowls from the table and asked Shu Rui in the backyard.
Shu Rui said, “Lady Liu is Lu Ling’s mother. I didn’t tell you, but their family lives in the large house right across from ours.”
“So she’s your aunt by marriage? No wonder you two are so close.”
Shu Rui blinked. “Really?”
Qing looked puzzled. “Why not? You two seemed to get along well. Lady Liu seems fond of you, so it’s no wonder Lu Ling listens to you.”
Shu Rui laughed, pleased by the comment. “Go keep an eye on the shop for a bit while I go buy a few vegetables. You can clock out after I return.”
“Take your time. I’m not in a rush.” Qing smiled, picking up a cloth to wipe the table and presumably mop the floor before leaving.
Lu Ling had said he would eat at the shop tonight instead of going home, so Shu Rui planned the meal. Normally, even when eating at home, he would eat something at the shop first—he could manage two dinners a day, a luxury few rich young men would attempt.
He decided to buy a chicken, steaming it with red dates and goji berries to make a dish good for the eyes, which he could send to Lady Liu. The leftover chicken could be stewed or braised for himself and Lu Ling.
In addition, he planned to make two dishes for Lu Yu to help with his digestion.
On the main street, Lu Ling met Shu Rui with the bound chicken. Hearing Shu Rui’s dinner plan, he clicked his tongue. “Might as well eat together—it saves the trouble of delivering dishes back and forth.”
Shu Rui said, “There’s no formal dining arrangement yet.”
“Then don’t fuss. Just cook for the two of us—it saves you effort.”
Shu Rui asked, “You’re not concerned about Er Lang’s stomach condition?”
“We’ll follow the old method for him.”
“I like your mother. You don’t know, she brought fruit today and even gave me her own drawn patterns. Isn’t that nice? You said her eyes aren’t good—I can make her eye-nourishing dishes.”
Shu Rui added, “Cooking more dishes isn’t much trouble, especially with you helping to wash the rice and tend the fire.”
Seeing Shu Rui’s thoughtfulness, Lu Ling thought to himself why his mother had always lamented never having a son to care for her—just these two mischievous boys seemed more considerate than expected.
He told Shu Rui, “When I help you at home, you can cook for them. If I’m delayed and can’t help, don’t do it then.”
Shu Rui nodded at this thoughtful consideration. “Then I’ll count that as you fulfilling a filial duty.”
At home, Lady Liu chatted happily with Shu Rui. Seeing the time, she cooked a simple dish of celery and braised a piece of pork with radish.
Lu Ling’s father arrived home early, changed out of his official uniform, and peeked into the kitchen, expecting a grand dinner. Instead, the dishes were simpler than the office lunch.
“You’re so cheerful—what’s gotten into you?”
Lady Liu told him about visiting the inn, looking at patterns, and talking with Shu Rui.
She added, “I think he’s really good. You should have Lu Ling bring him over sooner to meet formally. Their family is complicated, but it’s not his fault. In arranging marriages, the important thing is how the people get along. You’ve done well in your career, so you want a good match, but Lu Ling isn’t a scholar, so there’s no need for such fuss. If he likes him and he likes the boy, isn’t that everyone happy?”
Lu Ling’s father snorted. “You’re putting some spell on him.”
Lady Liu chopped garlic sharply, making him flinch. “How is it a spell if he’s sensible and good at managing a household? You may want a well-born daughter-in-law, but I want someone who can help me run the house. Is that casting a spell!?”
“When did I forbid it? You got a good son to bring here. How could I stop it?”
He pouted. “If your son makes a small mistake, you’re too soft. What if he causes a bigger problem later?”
“You think just nodding at me settles the matter with him? Offending the Bai family could make future contracts tricky. Don’t I need to plan for the formalities?”
Angered, he muttered, “I can’t stand watching him test your patience. Let’s wait until after Er Lang’s exam to discuss this!”
Lady Liu had nothing more to say. Even though Shao Ge’er was a good boy, A Ling had indeed caused trouble and done wrong—so it wasn’t strange that his father was angry.
That evening, Lady Liu set the table for dinner. Lu’s father went to call Lu Yu out to eat. At the same time, Lu Ling delivered a food box from Shu Rui, placed it down, and then returned. Lady Liu thought about calling them back, but decided it was better to let father and son meet later, to avoid tension spoiling the meal—Er Lang’s exam was just a day or two away.
When Lu’s father and Lu Yu came out properly, seeing Lu Ling’s delivery, Lu Yu happily said, “It must be from Eldest Sister-in-law.”
They opened the box to find a dish of steamed minced meat with yam—light and gentle, perfect for the stomach. Next came a steamed chicken with red dates and goji berries. Lu Yu glanced at Lady Liu and said, “Mother, this is from Eldest Sister-in-law. The red-date-goji chicken nourishes the eyes.”
Lady Liu’s eyes lit up. “The boy is really thoughtful!”
Lu’s father watched from the side, hands behind his back, seeing their joy and feeling somewhat out of sorts. He walked slowly toward the table, curious what dishes had been sent. The roasted lamb from earlier, when Lu Ling collected wages, had been quite tasty, and he had thought about it hungrily but didn’t want to voice it.
Unexpectedly, the mother and son only took two dishes, re-covering the box and carrying it aside. Lu’s father was stunned.
“That’s all?”
Lady Liu said, “You’re not ill, so why have a separate dish? The celery I made and the pork—you can eat them too.”
Lu’s father threw his sleeve back in frustration and sat down heavily. A whole family acting like they’re feeding two households?!
That brat had heard all the nonsense from Ge’er and simply didn’t give him his share of the dishes!