The Return-Gift Incident

Ziyan truly worked day and night, then delivered an exquisitely embroidered purse to the Eldest Young Master’s Xiuzhu Garden.

Li Weiyang saw it all but pretended not to know, never mentioning it in front of anyone. Before long, she used the excuse that the purse was too light and sent him an ink-green jade inkstone as well. Ziyan knew nothing of this and was simply overjoyed at having another chance to see the Eldest Young Master.

The New Year festivities soon arrived, and the masters’ spirits lifted with them. The maids and nannies worked all the harder, hoping their masters would reward them generously.

One day, Nanny Luo, who served the Old Madam, personally brought a tailor over. “Third Miss, the Old Madam ordered the storeroom opened and had many fine fabrics she’d kept there brought out for the young ladies to make clothes.”

Li Weiyang smiled. “I still have the fabrics Eldest Brother brought back last time—”

Nanny Luo smiled. “There were only four bolts in all, enough for just two outfits. This time, the Old Madam wants to make sixteen outfits for each young lady. There’s no need to refuse, Third Miss. Come and choose some.”

As she spoke, she had the servants bring in a chest filled with silks and satins. They weren’t quite as fine as the fabrics Li Minfeng had brought back, but they were still high-quality.

Li Weiyang smiled. “Nanny, you have such a good eye. Please help me choose. What fabrics and colors would suit me?”

Nanny Luo did not refuse. She picked out several colors, then smiled. “Miss has fair skin, so any color will look good on you. But there’ll be many banquets during the New Year celebrations, so your outfits should be in brighter colors. As for undergarments, trousers, shoes, and socks, once we’ve chosen matching sets, that should about do it.”

Li Weiyang nodded. “Then thank you, Nanny.” She turned and saw Ziyan standing by the table, so she casually asked her to see Nanny Luo out. Not long after the two had left, Bai Zhi came in to report, “Miss, Ziyan secretly switched the silver ingots you’d prepared for Nanny Luo.”...