Chapter 390
~ THE IMPORTANCE OF MARRYING A VIRTUOUS WIFE ~
Mu Yunyao took a wooden box from Jin Lan’s hands. After opening it, she took out a longevity lock made of pure gold. It was worn with gold chains, engraved with Kirin patterns on one side and engraved words on the other, and wrote: long life and wealth.
“It should have been given to Brother Zhiwen when he was a hundred old. But at that time, Mother and Father had already brought my younger brother to the Capital. Today, I finally have a chance to make up for it.”
Lady Jin took the longevity lock and put it on the child on the spot. “Alright, Yao’er is very considerate.”
Seeing that Lady Jin’s eyes were red, Mu Yunyao couldn’t help but sigh secretly when she thought about what she’d seen before. It seemed that after her adoptive mother returned to the Capital, her days would be much more difficult than in Jingling City.
Lady Jin urged the wet nurse to carry the child out and then pulled Mu Yunyao into the room to talk.
“The strength of a child’s neck is weak. Just put on that longevity lock for a short while, then take it off. You can’t keep it hanging onall the time.”
The wet nurse quickly answered, “Yes, Miss.”
Only then did Mu Yunyao follow Lady Jin back to her room. “I can see that Mother’s expression is a little haggard. What has happened in residence these few days?”
Lady Jin sighed. “Don’t mention it. Only now do I know that there are some relatives who are not even as good as strangers. Yao’er, did you come this time because someone from the Imperial Court was playing with you?”
“Mother knows about this news too. I didn’t expect it to spread so fast.”
Lady Jin’s complexion was even worse: “Speaking of which, I’m ashamed to say that it was my father who came to the emperor to play you. Just now, he was in the front courtyard distinguish this matter with your father. I wonder if he’s left yet?”
Yin Hong brought the tea in. Upon hearing Lady Jin’s words, she hurriedly replied, “This servant just went to fetch Miss. I just happened to meet the Old Master Jin when I was entering the residence.”
Lady Jin hurriedly asked: “What a coincidence. Yao’er, did he make things difficult and embarrass you?”
“There was no embarrassment. He just said a few words. Mother, you don’t need to worry.”
Lady Jin breathed a sigh of relief, reached out her hand, and rubbed her head, looking extremely headache:
“Then that’s good. I’m now scared by the Jin family, and I’m not afraid of your jokes. If it wasn’t for my filial piety, I would have cut off all ties with the Jin family.”
After coming to the Capital, the Jin family came knocked on the door repeatedly to torment her. Previously, she was still resentful due to being persecuted by the Jin family. After several twists and turns, she completely shattered her family’s affection and had completely broken up her relationship with her family. But now that she thought about it, she only felt a chill in her heart.
“Mother, you don’t need to be so troubled. I don’t want to see sick people and thank them behind closed doors.”
“How could it be that easy? Every day they come to the residence, it’s either my father or mother. As a younger generation, if I were to shut them out, I am afraid I will be stabbed in the back. If I knew it would turn out like this, it would rather be free in Jingling City.”
Mu Yunyao smiled and said, “How can we lock our elders out? Welcome in respectfully, and politely send them out. Let the servants entertain them well.”
Lady Jin was stunned for a moment before a joyous look flashed in her eyes. “Look at me. I didn’t even think of such a simple method. Thanks to your reminder, I’ll do it when the Jin family comes back.” To be respectful and polite to the elders in front of outsiders. But don’t meet them in person inside the residence, and only let the servants entertain them. Even if the Jin family tell the truth that she and Cao Yunnian were unfilial, someone would have to believe them first.
Seeing that Lady Jin wasn’t as worried as before, Mu Yunyao started to talk about her purpose to visit. “Actually, the main reason I’m here this time is to ask Mother for help.”
“You said it. If I can do it, I will do my best to help.”
Lady Jin nodded her head happily. Earlier, she had already thought of taking care of Yunyao, but unfortunately, the Su family was in the highest position. As a fourth rank official’s wife, she could not help and could only wait on the side. Fortunately, Yunyao had her own ideas and didn’t let anyone bully her.
“Before, I was invited to the Palace and punished by the Emperor to kneel for more than half an hour because someone played with me. Fortunately, the Emperor was very clear and knew that I was wrongly accused. Thus, he agreed that I should teach people embroidery needle techniques in the Capital. As my abilities were limited, the first thing I thought of was Mother. I didn’t know if Mother might spare her hand and would be willing to help me complete this matter.”
Lady Jin couldn’t help but stare with wide eyes, “Yunyao …. you .... Are you telling the truth? “
“Of course, it’s true. The Imperial Decree has already been passed down. Didn’t Mother hear about it?”
“That’s not true. You’re not asking me for help, but it’s clear that you want me to take great credit for nothing. Yao’er … … I ... I really don’t know how to thank you.” Previously in Jingling City, she had repeatedly received Mu Yunyao’s help, which made her go smoothly step by step at a time to this day. Unexpectedly, when she came to the Capital, she had even changed hands to give himself such a great credit. This was something so many people couldn’t even ask for.
Mu Yunyao smiled and said, “A family doesn’t speak of two lines. But, what Mother said made it seem like she was speaking to outsiders.”
“Okay, I won’t say it, I won’t say it. I’ve already ordered people to prepare some food. You must accompany me to eat before leaving.”
“Alright then. I also miss the snacks at Mother’s residence too.”
After eating this meal, Lady Jin felt an unprecedented sense of comfort. After dinner, Mu Yunyao went to the front yard to pay her respects to Cao Yunnian before she got up and took her leave. Lady Jin walked her to the entrance before going back to discuss what to do next with Cao Yunnian.
When Mu Yunyao came out of the Cao family’s residence, the news Ni Yun Fang would teach embroidery needle techniques in the Capital was officially announced. Many people crowded around the entrance of Ni Yun Fang, inquiring about the authenticity of this matter.
Cai Yi got someone to carry over ten screens and put them one by one at the door of Ni Yun Fang. “Dear folks, the owner has instructed us to teach the embroidery needle techniques in the Capital, and she has also taught us several of these new techniques. These techniques are newly developed by the owner and have never been touched anywhere else. The embroidery needle technique used on these ten screens will include all the techniques to be imparted in the future. Ni Yun Fang needs many embroidery ladies, and as long as you all master the embroidery needle technique, you can come to Ni Yun Fang to work. Each month, you’ll earn five taels of silver. Each time you make a piece of clothing, you’ll be rewarded with five taels of silver....”
This news was even more sensational than the spread of the embroidery needle technique. The commoners, especially the women, were wild with joy. Five taels of silver every month and another five taels of silver if they made a piece of clothing. As long as they mastered the embroidery needle technique, they would be able to live their entire lives.
The commoners could only cheer and applaud, but the various residences that received the news had complicated feelings.
Of course, the most enviable one was Cao Yunniang, whose reputation was well-known before this. A local official in Jingling City was praised by the Emperor. His wife sincerely worships the Emperor when celebrating his birthday and attracted colorful butterflies. Because of this, he was promoted to the envoy of salt transportation.
After that, his wife got acquainted with Mu Yunyao, sp the credit was given to him for nothing. With the help of spreading the embroidery needle technique in Jingling City, he was promoted to the Capital in one fell swoop.
They had originally thought that this would be the end of things once he arrived in the Capital. Who would have thought that he would have a great opportunity to present himself at the door? If they knew that the Jin family’s daughter was so prosperous, they must come to the door early to ask for marriage. These officials paid particular attention to getting married and being virtuous men. With the help of a virtuous wife like Lady Jin, they can spare 20 years of struggle.
Mu Yunyao had just returned to the Su family’s residence when she saw Wen Mama, who was waiting for her at the door.
“This servant has seen Miss. The Old Madam has some matters to discuss with Miss and would like to invite you to go to Ninghe Garden.”