Chapter 120: Chuzhou · Wei Wei Yuyi's Past 1 [Many thanks for everyone's support

Xu Xu Zaijing smiled and said, "Old brother, greetings to you."

Having spoken, he extended a hand in a gesture of invitation; Wei Wei Yuyi tugged at her husband's sleeve and whispered, "Just follow along."

Wei Wei Yuyi followed a step behind Xu Xu Zaijing.

Gu Gu Tingye, walking ahead, turned back to look at this strange combination, scratched his head, and boarded the boat.

Gu Gu Tingyi, who had just disembarked from the carriage, and the Miss from the Yan family also witnessed this scene; the Miss from the Yan family whispered, "Sister Gu Tingyi, isn't that young man from the Xu family intending to take Lady Wei away?"

"Brother Jing would never force anyone against their will; come, let's go inside and tell Mother about this Lady Wei."

The two young ladies entered the cabin.

As they walked, Xu Xu Zaijing said, "Lady Wei, the reason is actually this: previously, when my eldest sister married the legitimate eldest son of the Lady Ningyuan Hou Fu, the Sheng family sent congratulatory gifts, among which was a meticulously embroidered 'Plum Blossoms Opening to Five Blessings' that was exceedingly beautiful, with needlework that was truly unparalleled."

Hearing Xu Xu Zaijing's words, the expression in Wei Wei Yuyi's eyes cleared, and she roughly understood the reason.

Xu Xu Zaijing continued, "I heard from the steward who accompanied my sister as part of her dowry that the embroidery was sent by a Wei Xiaoniang surnamed Wei. Furthermore, my sister has often studied the stitching techniques within it; throughout this journey, she has mentioned countless times her desire to see the woman possessing such exquisite needlework."

Having finished speaking, Xu Xu Zaijing glanced at Wei Wei Yuyi, whose expression had improved considerably; with a slight smile, she said, "My sister is formidable; she learned ten parts of Mother's techniques and even devised two parts on her own; even Mother often praises her."

Xu Xu Zaijing said, "Therefore, I ventured to ask, truly fearing I was too presumptuous and startled you, Lady Wei."

Wei Wei Yuyi smiled and said, "Young Master is too polite," yet after speaking, she let out a deep sigh.

As the few of them strolled along, they spotted three large official boats moored not far away; Wei Wei Yuyi's eyes brightened, and then she said apologetically, "Young Master Xu, do you wish for me to discuss needlework techniques with the Da Da Niangzi on the boat?"

Xu Xu Zaijing nodded and said, "That is precisely my intention."

Wei Wei Yuyi squatted and bowed, saying, "Young Master, I apologize; since childhood, I have favored playing pitch-pot, and as for Mother's embroidery skills, I have not even learned one part in ten," while casting an apologetic glance at her husband.

Xu Xu Zaijing paused for a moment before saying, "It is of no consequence; please, Lady Wei, just converse with my sister and aunt to relieve their boredom; having been out here for over ten days, they truly have little to talk about."

Wei Wei Yuyi pondered for a long time; looking at the massive passenger boat, she thought of her sister, bit down hard on her back molars as if making some decision, and then smiled, saying, "In that case, this humble woman will go aboard to entertain the Da Da Niangzi and relieve their boredom."

Xu Xu Zaijing bowed deeply and said, "Thank you, Lady Wei."

Afterwards, the group walked in silence to the side of the three passenger boats, where Xu Xu Zaijing said, "Lady Wei, please wait here for a moment."

Having spoken, Xu Xu Zaijing boarded the boat and entered the spacious cabin where Bai Shi was located; bowing respectfully, he said, "Greetings to Yan Da Da Niangzi, Aunt, and Sister; just now on shore, I encountered a mistress with a somewhat distant relation who can fulfill Sister's and Aunt's small wish."

Xu Xu Pingmei glanced at Bai Shi, who signaled her to ask; Xu Xu Pingmei then asked, "Little Five, what clever scheme are you up to now?"

Xu Xu Zaijing said, "Sister, haven't you been constantly worrying about the embroidery techniques on that piece sent from Yang Zhou all along this journey? As it happens, I..."

"Brother Jing, have you found a woman skilled in this technique?" Bai Shi asked with some surprise.

Xu Xu Zaijing shook his head and said, "It is the younger sister of that Wei Xiaoniang; I merely felt that Aunt and Sister were bored on the boat, so I boldly invited this lady to chat and relieve the monotony."

The Miss from the Yan family looked surprised and said to her mother, "Mother, could it be that the needlework technique circulating from Bianjing is exactly what Sister Xu Pingmei and you are currently studying?"

Xu Xu Pingmei smiled and shook her head, saying, "It was my younger sister; she likes to run around my place, and whenever she learns a new technique, she shows it off to her little friends, which led to this..."

Bianjing is where the top nobles, officials, and wealthy families of Great Zhou reside; they lead the trends and preferences of the noble ladies of Great Zhou from the top down, because if you do not understand or do not wish to learn about them, you may have no topics to discuss with them, unable to integrate into their circle, and can only remain an outsider.

Yan Da Da Niangzi said with some surprise, "So Chuzhou has produced such a skillful hand? I too wish to hear about it."

Bai Shi smiled and said, "Brother Jing, please invite this Da Da Niangzi over."

"As you command."

"You rascal," Bai Shi said with a laugh.

When Xu Xu Zaijing invited Wei Wei Yuyi aboard and they reached the doorway, Wei Wei Yuyi requested a basin of water to wash the makeup from her face, only then allowing Xu Xu Zaijing to see her true complexion.

As Wei Wei Yuyi entered the spacious cabin, Gu Gu Tingye and his sister, along with the eldest Miss Yan, who had seen her before, all displayed expressions of surprise while speaking to their respective mothers.

Then they continued to look at Wei Wei Yuyi, who, slightly understanding their meaning, said, "Ladies and noble daughters, please forgive me; this was truly a helpless measure."

Bai Shi smiled and said, "Life is already difficult for women; Lady Wei need not apologize! Please sit."

Looking at the two Da Da Niangzi and noble daughters seated on luxurious chair covers and cushions, dressed in splendid attire and adorned with exceedingly opulent jewelry, Wei Wei Yuyi momentarily did not know what to say.

For an instant, the air grew quiet and awkward.

Xu Xu Zaijing hastily spoke loudly, "Aunt, Sister, it turns out that those embroidery techniques were passed down from this lady's mother!"

Having opened the topic, Bai Shi took it up, and thus the conversation flowed; everyone spoke back and forth,

At this point, Yan Da Da Niangzi said, "Lady Wei, I see your speech and demeanor are extraordinary; have you studied books?"

Wei Wei Yuyi wore a bitter expression and smiled slightly with bitterness, saying, "Da Da Niangzi has a keen eye; previously, our family was also a scholarly household; Mother was the legitimate daughter of a small family in Bianjing who learned excellent needlework skills, and Father was a instructor in Shanyang County here eleven years ago, making us a minor official family."

The Yan family had only arrived here for their posting two years ago, so naturally, they did not know.

Hearing this, Xu Xu Zaijing nodded inwardly, thinking, "Indeed, the Wei family was truly a scholarly household before; it is just unknown how they fell to such a state."

The Miss from the Yan family asked, "Lady, then how is it that you now..." but Yan Da Da Niangzi cast a glance her way, the meaning clear: you are being somewhat rude.

Wei Wei Yuyi, however, did not avoid the question; she shook her head slightly and said, "Da Da Niangzi, I am merely here to chat; please do not blame your daughter; just take what I say as a story to listen to."

"Back then, Father was an instructor, and Mother possessed excellent needlework skills, so our family life was prosperous; hearing Mother say, my sister was extraordinarily intelligent, learning embroidery techniques by heart at the age of seven or eight; by the time my sister was eleven or twelve, Mother sighed that she could not compare; furthermore, Father loved pitch-pot, so my sister was naturally taught it from childhood, and she could recite poetry and songs after a single reading; thus, Father doted on my sister even more."

Seeing the reminiscent expression on Wei Wei Yuyi's face, no one disturbed her; Wei Wei Yuyi continued, "Father often said that if my sister had been born a boy, passing the imperial examinations would have been effortless for her when she grew up, but alas, she was born a daughter; relying on her array of talents, my sister naturally engaged in much socializing with the various noble daughters and officials' wives in the county."

The Miss from the Yan family interjected, "Did something happen while socializing with these officials' wives?"

Wei Wei Yuyi nodded and said, "Yes; at that time, my sister was close friends with the legitimate second daughter of the County Magistrate's family; one day, the daughter of the Assistant Prefect hosted a gathering, inviting the daughters of various families to play together..."

Wei Wei Yuyi coughed uncomfortably; Nanny Chang, listening fascinated, hastily ordered tea to be served and offered an apologetic smile.

Wei Wei Yuyi smiled and nodded to indicate it was fine, took a sip of tea, and continued, "That legitimate eldest daughter of the Assistant Prefect's family was arrogant and domineering; because there had been some friction regarding marriage negotiations with this legitimate second daughter of the County Magistrate's family, at that gathering she mocked and sneered at the County Magistrate's legitimate second daughter, belittling her as worthless; even after seeing the County Magistrate's legitimate second daughter cry, she did not relent but continued to scold; my sister could not stand by and watch..."

Bai Shi glanced at Gu Gu Tingyi, who was listening fascinated, and said, "Did your sister step forward?"

Wei Wei Yuyi nodded and said, "She truly could not stand it and spoke a few words of justice; my sister prided herself on being outstanding in poetry, needlework, and pitch-pot, especially in pitch-pot, where she was even more skilled than I."

Hearing these words, the several people in the cabin who had seen Wei Wei Yuyi play pitch-pot all displayed expressions of shock.

One more chapter remaining.

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(End of Chapter)