The Eldest Daughter-in-Law [Reborn] - Chapter 122

Shen Xiang, being accustomed to extravagance, was never one to hesitate when it came to spending. She ordered her maid to snatch a piece for her. The maid finally grabbed hold of one, only to find another maid from the opposite side also laying claim to it. The two maids stood before the wardrobe, arguing fiercely, neither willing to back down.

After waiting a while for her maid, Shen Xiang and Wang Shuqin arrived at the scene one after another.

Wang Shuqin didn’t recognize Shen Xiang, but Shen Xiang certainly recognized Wang Shuqin.

Though Shen Xiang’s family status was not as high as Wang Shuqin’s, she held her ground. “I have already paid for this.”

Wang Shuqin didn’t believe her and pointed to the long queue at the checkout counter outside. “If you had truly paid, this robe should already be in your hands.”

Wang Shuqin’s maid, emboldened by her service in the Grand Princess’s household, looked down her nose at others. “With your shabby appearance, wearing such expensive clothing is a disgrace.”

Wang Shuqin shot the maid a look, signaling her not to go too far with her words.

Shen Xiang, being from a merchant family, had encountered all kinds of people in her dealings. The moment she stepped into the store, she had instructed her bodyguard to queue up for payment. She understood well that purchases were only finalized once payment was made. Taking her time, she leisurely pulled out the payment receipt and elegantly displayed it to Wang Shuqin.

“Miss Wang, I’m truly sorry, but this robe is already mine.”

Wang Shuqin immediately realized that the other party had recognized her. Caring about her dignity, she signaled her maid to release the robe. The maid, unwilling to accept defeat, frowned—when had her mistress ever suffered such an indignity? But under Wang Shuqin’s sharp gaze, she had no choice but to let go.

Shen Xiang took the robe and leisurely went to try it on.

When she emerged, the luminous fabric draped over her delicate figure, making her appear even more enchanting and graceful.

Wang Shuqin, seeing the robe’s beauty, was deeply taken with it and approached the shopkeeper.

Unfortunately, only one hundred robes had been released that day, and all had already been snapped up.

Unwilling to give up, Wang Shuqin pressed, “When will the next shipment arrive? You must reserve one for me—I can pay a deposit in advance.”

“Me too! I’ll pay in advance—save one for me…”

One after another, customers lifted their silver notes, clamoring to place orders.

The queue at the counter was still unending, yet here, another line had already formed with people eager to pre-order.

Upstairs in the accounting room, Madam Ming stood by the railing, looking down at the bustling crowd with satisfaction. She turned to Xie Yunchu and remarked, “At this rate, your store’s orders will pile up to the heavens. How will you keep up with production?”

“No rush,” Xie Yunchu replied calmly, seated at her desk, tallying the accounts. “We’ll produce them whenever new materials arrive. The scarcer the supply, the more people will treasure them.”

After spending just two days with Xie Yunchu, Madam Ming was increasingly impressed by her. The young woman was not only decisive and resourceful but also composed in all matters. She and Wang Shuhuai were truly a perfect match. “Given time, your Linglong Embroidery will surely become famous far and wide.”

Xie Yunchu smiled. “That will also be thanks to your contributions.”

Then she turned to Uncle Lin and asked, “Has there been any word from Qu Er?”

Xie Yunchu had dispatched a capable steward to accompany Wang Shuhuai on his journey south. By now, they should have reached Jiangnan.

Uncle Lin replied, “We received a message via carrier pigeon this morning. He and the Young Master have safely arrived in Jinling. With the Young Master’s connections, he will soon be able to establish contact with maritime merchants and secure the finest materials for us.”

Xie Yunchu felt reassured.

As the night deepened, she arranged for someone to escort Madam Ming home. In the past few days, Madam Ming had been helping in the shop, crafting silk flowers alongside her. Their interactions were not like those of a mother and daughter but rather like close friends.

Xie Yunchu admired Madam Ming’s warmth and sincerity, while Madam Ming appreciated Xie Yunchu’s boldness and competence.

They were, indeed, a perfect complement to each other.

The sight of the store’s garments being completely sold out finally put an end to the worries that had weighed on Xie Yunchu for the past few days. Now, she only had to wait for the silver to be counted and tallied. This lively and bustling day was drawing to a close.

Just as she finally sat down to take a sip of tea, a young servant lightly knocked on the door of the accounting room and carried in a lantern.

“Master, a guard just delivered this lantern, saying it was for the owner of Linglong Embroidery. The shopkeeper instructed me to bring it to you.”

The servant placed the lantern on the high table in front of the door and withdrew, closing the door behind him.

Xie Yunchu and her servants all stared at the luxurious lantern, dumbfounded.

“Could it have been sent to the wrong person?”

“The guard specifically said it was for Linglong Embroidery’s owner. How could it be a mistake?”

“And this lantern is inlaid with gold and jade—clearly worth a fortune…” Xia An moved closer and examined the silk surface.

“Eh? There’s a red bean embroidered on it. Red beans symbolize longing… Could it be that the Young Master arranged for this to be sent?”

Xie Yunchu’s almond-shaped eyes widened. “Impossible.”

Anyone in this world might send her a lantern—anyone but Wang Shuhuai.

In her previous life, she had spent eight years by his side. Every year during the Lantern Festival and Qixi Festival, she meticulously crafted an exquisite lantern for him. Sometimes, she composed an acrostic poem brimming with hidden affection; other times, she painted a serene green landscape. And sometimes, she embroidered a single red bean.

Sixteen lanterns over eight years, each one unique.

But Wang Shuhuai had never once given her anything in return.

He would merely take a moment out of his busy schedule to admire her work, then offer her a weary yet gentle smile. “You’ve put in great effort, my lady. You’ve done well. Where would you like to place it?”

At the time, even these few words—far from being affectionate—were enough to soothe her empty heart.

She had been far too easy to please, content with nothing more than a glance from him.

“Throw it away.”

She was a married woman; she could not accept gifts from anyone.

With those words, Xie Yunchu lowered her gaze and returned to her work.