Chapter 8, Sister-in-law Harmony

"Princess Jin An." The person who arrived was indeed Pei's daughter, Madam Shen Wei of the Shen family.

In fact, the rest is all nonsense; only the four characters "a person of low status has little influence" are the key point. Who is Ji Yang? When not blinded by love, she understands everything with just a hint, and once she understands, it becomes clear. She nodded and said: "Then you go grind the ink, I will write a letter to my mother, asking Uncle An Wang to take it back for me."

However, this is already very beautiful; your embroidery is truly excellent. Using gold thread might overshadow the main design instead.

Ji Yang's eyes turned, and with a smile, she tapped the forehead of Yu Sui Er, saying: "I wondered why you were so talkative today; it turns out you were waiting for me here. You mentioned wanting a needlewoman, but you are still hoping for the Empress to send a lady-in-waiting over, aren't you?"

"The princess is in the temple, and the eldest lady is reciting scriptures." Upon seeing Ji Yang step inside, Chai Ya anxiously followed, unsure whether to speak or not, fearing that she might provoke Princess Anle, which would be unbearable for her. Fortunately, her keen eyes spotted Cuihua beside the lady, and she quickly called out, "Sister Cuihua"

Since Ji Yang has spoken, the Pei family naturally has no reason to refuse. Moreover, Shen Wei has been feeling a bit stifled in the courtyard, so she gladly went as well

During her time in the Buddhist hall, Pei was not to be disturbed casually, as she believed it was disrespectful to the Buddha. Especially after the death of her elder brother, she became even more obsessed with Buddhist practices. The people in the household were well aware of her habits, and even Qì's mother would not seek her out during her morning and afternoon chanting sessions.

Aunt Wu's calligraphy has improved even more; no wonder even Uncle Liu praises Aunt Wu's writing as elegant and free-spirited

Princess Anle entered, and the commotion was naturally considerable, with greetings echoing everywhere. Upon hearing this, Zhu Xianyue also came out from the eastern chamber to pay her respects to Ji Yang.

Shen Wei sighed inwardly at Ji Yang's perceptiveness; she had not expected Princess Anle to be like this, without any airs at all. As the two conversed, Ji Yang asked her what she usually did for leisure and so on.

I can smell the fragrance of ink now," Ji Yang said with a proud smile

Pei did not expect that Princess Anle would visit her, so she continued to chant scriptures and offer blessings in the temple as usual

When Cuihua heard someone calling her, she turned around to take a look and naturally saw Ji Yang, and promptly knelt down to pay her respects

This is the second time Yusui'er has mentioned the lady. Ji Yang is not the kind of master who cannot heed others' words. She asked, "Is something the matter, Yusui'er?"

Yusui'er's little cleverness was exposed by Ji Yang, and she simply laughed and said: "The princess is wise; nothing can be hidden from you"

Before long, Pei finished reciting the scriptures, and naturally, a maid informed her that Princess Anle had arrived, so she also went to Shen Wei's room

Zhu Xianyue smiled faintly, expressing a rather indifferent admiration for the lady.

Since the topic of characters has been brought up, Ji Yang and Shen Wei embraced Zhu Xianyue and went to her study.

After reading it, Ji Yang slightly focused her mind, hesitating whether to speak frankly. However, her nature was such that she could not keep her thoughts to herself. "Indeed, it is exquisite. Fifth Sister-in-law's small script must surely be exceptional, but when it comes to writing large characters, it loses its gracefulness."

Shen Wei naturally could not refuse, so she invited Ji Yang to her room. Shen Wei's wedding dress was not at all extravagant; it was merely made of ordinary fabric. However, her needlework was exceptional, with embroidered butterflies and flowers that seemed almost lifelike, which made Ji Yang exclaim in admiration repeatedly

If the cuffs and collar were embroidered with a string of roses in rose gold thread, the color would instantly brighten. During the evening ceremony, it would surely look beautiful under the candlelight, " Ji Yang said. "Otherwise, no matter how skilled Shen Wei is with her needlework, this wedding gown would not stand out.

Only the Pei family watched Ji Yang's back, not knowing what to think. However, it was evident that this Princess Anle was indeed different from what everyone had imagined. The Pei family's impression of her was that she was somewhat too straightforward in her speech and actions. One could also imagine that as the only daughter of Empress Su, she was raised with utmost pampering, and no one dared to offend her. The palace was also kept so impeccably clean by Empress Su, and without any intrigue around her, it was only natural that she developed a candid disposition. One could also imagine that as the only daughter of Empress Su, she was raised with utmost pampering, and no one dared to offend her. The palace was also kept so impeccably clean by Empress Su, and without any intrigue around her, it was only natural that she developed a candid disposition

When Ji Yang arrived at the Pei family's courtyard, the maid at the gate immediately recognized her identity and hurriedly paid her respects

The furnishings are ordinary, yet the paintings and calligraphy hanging on the wall are priceless works from renowned masters of the previous dynasty. Ji Yang gazes at the seal above and thinks to herself: The Zhu family truly deserves their reputation as famous talents.

Pei was unable to contend with Ji Yang and had no choice but to give up

This year, the eldest daughter, Shen Wei, is already 16 years old, one year older than Ji Yang. With their similar ages, the two naturally have more topics to discuss.

Ji Yang stood up and said, "Sister-in-law." Seeing that Pei was about to bow, she quickly supported Pei and said, "Sister-in-law, we are already family. If we have to bow like this every time we meet, wouldn't that be too formal? Besides, I am the least patient with such formalities."

"Was Fifth Sister practicing her calligraphy just now?" Ji Yang asked

Chai Yadao: "Sister Cuihua, the princess is here to seek the eldest young madam."

"How does Aunt Liu know?" Shen Wei asked in surprise

The courtyard of Lady Zhu, the wife of the five Shao, is not far from the courtyard of the Pei family. After a short walk, Ji Yang and Shen Wei turned around the corridor and entered Zhu Xianyue's courtyard through the slightly ajar back door

Shen Wei looked at Ji Yang's rosy and tender cheeks; her eyes were large and bright, and when she smiled, the corners of her eyes curved upward, and the corners of her lips turned up, making anyone who saw her feel their mood lift as well

Generally, beautiful individuals are capable of captivating people's emotions

Ji Yang and Shen Wei walked to Zhu Xianyue's desk, where they saw a sheet of white paper laid out, inscribed with "The solitary light has not yet shone, the transition deepens the pain of parting," which appeared to be only half of an unfinished poem.

Upon hearing this, Ji Yang became interested, "Can I take a look?"

"Your Highness, I have organized the boxes today, and the Empress has prepared several pieces of fox and marten fur for you. One of them is made of fire fox fur, which is exceptionally beautiful. It would be a pity to keep it at the bottom of the box; it would be better to make something out of it. The winter in Jizhou is particularly cold, and it would be just right for you to keep warm." Yusui'er whispered in Ji Yang's ear.

That Chai Ya is also quite clever. Just as Ji Yang sat down, a series of hurried footsteps could be heard.

Zhu Xianyue's study is arranged in a very elegant manner. There are no ancient artifacts or precious stones on display; instead, it is filled with items of little monetary value, yet they are exquisite. For instance, there is a bamboo-carved pen holder depicting the Dongshan victory report, with delicate craftsmanship and lifelike figures, which Ji Yang finds irresistible.

Although Cuihua and Chaiya are clever, Jiyang has already guessed from their eye contact that Pei does not like to be disturbed while reciting scriptures. In fact, she only came over to take a look. Pei is considerably older than her, and there is not much to say even if they meet.

After finishing the letter, it was still early. Ji Yang was not one to sit idle, and since Yu Sui and the others were organizing the boxes in the Zhongguang Hall, Ji Yang simply took Zhen Zhu and went to the courtyard of her sister-in-law, Pei.

You can make the decision on these matters. Ji Yang said lazily

The Shen family certainly could afford rose gold thread, but they have always adhered to a principle of frugality and managing their household. Therefore, Shen Wei's wedding dress did not use gold thread. However, she is still just a young girl, and this is a once-in-a-lifetime event, so it is inevitable that she yearns for it. When Shen Du married Ji Yang, Shen Wei had seen Ji Yang's magnificent wedding dress from a distance. Under the moonlight and candlelight, it shimmered beautifully.

Shen Wei has already been betrothed to the eldest son of the governor of Donghai, Xuzhou, with the wedding scheduled for next spring, which will be in the twenty-sixth year of Yong'an. At this moment, she is learning to manage household affairs under the guidance of the Pei family and is also finding time to embroider her wedding gown

However, Princess Anle is the daughter of the Son of Heaven. If she wishes to see the Pei family, they have no choice but to come out. Cuihua and the others naturally have to protect their own mistress. Fortunately, Cuihua is clever; she bent down and led Ji Yang towards the main hall, while giving a knowing glance to Chai.

Pei was originally unwilling to have much interaction with Ji Yang, but this book truly resonated with her heart, so she accepted it with a smile. She considered Ji Yang's heartfelt gesture as received. The dignified Princess Anle even took the trouble to inquire about the preferences of a widowed woman, which showed her sincerity.

The Zhu family is a prestigious lineage known for its literary heritage, with women from the family serving as court officials throughout generations, earning the respect and affection of noble figures in the palace. The present Zhu Xianyue is the legitimate daughter of the main branch of the Zhu family. Although her appearance can only be described as delicate, her inner cultivation of literature and knowledge exudes a natural elegance. She possesses a tranquil and graceful demeanor that instantly endears her to those who meet her.

However, the embroiderers sent from the palace have also gone missing this time. The work done by the people outside cannot possibly meet your expectations. If we are to search for someone here, their styles are out of fashion, still wearing the designs from a few years ago in our Central Plains. It would be better to ask Her Majesty the Empress to send a few more people.

Nevertheless, Shen Wei shook her head. Seeing her like this, Ji Yang had already guessed the reason. The Pei family practiced Buddhism and preferred simplicity, and she herself was still wearing a cloth shirt

There was a natural exchange of politeness between them, but it was evident that Zhu Xianyue was much more perceptive than the Pei family. As sisters-in-law under the same roof, there was no need for excessive formalities such as bowing. After several rounds of polite insistence, Ji Yang was allowed to call her "Fifth Sister-in-law".

Jade Sui'er paused for a moment before saying: "I am a humble servant with little to say, limited experience, and knowledge that pales in comparison to those esteemed ladies. I am just afraid I may not take good care of the princess"

Then Pei had to pay her respects, and Ji Yang could only let her be. After Pei had performed her bow, Ji Yang also stood up and bowed to her. Pei tried to stop her but was evaded. One could only hear her giggling and saying: "Elder sister-in-law, just now we exchanged the formalities of sovereign and subject, and now I must perform the rites of younger sibling to elder sister-in-law. It seems that from now on, we will have to kneel and bow like this every time we meet."

"Can the elder sister be in the house?" Ji Yang asked

Ji Yang then had Zhen Zhu'er present a Buddhist scripture wrapped in yellow silk to Pei Shi, "Sister-in-law, this is the 'Ksitigarbha Bodhisattva's Fundamental Vows Sutra' that a monk from the Western Regions gifted me last time. I do not read it myself, but you are sincerely devoted to the Buddha, and this book will not be wasted in your hands.

Ji Yang sat for a while before getting up to take her leave, saying, "Eldest sister-in-law, I still need to visit Fifth sister-in-law, so I won't stay longer." Ji Yang turned to look at Shen Wei. Although she had little to say to Pei Shi, she could still converse well with Shen Wei. Being someone who enjoyed socializing, she asked Pei Shi, "Eldest sister-in-law, could you let the eldest lady accompany me to visit Fifth sister-in-law? I am not very familiar with her, and now that I am mustering the courage to disturb her, I am afraid..."