Chapter 5, Weaving Spring Garments

Qingxi, while in action, did not forget to turn her head to glance at Feng Liu, who was enjoying tea and reading by the southern window. Upon seeing Feng Liu nodding at her, she joyfully pulled Linlang to open the box.

A sense of danger rose in Qingxi's heart, and feeling somewhat embarrassed, she tidied her hair. She sat down on the edge of the kang opposite Fengliu and said, "These things that Brother Tingzhi sent are truly wonderful. I wonder who arranged them for you?"

You do have some discernment

The second lady is probably worried that she won't have enough time to prepare when spring arrives, and by then, there will be new styles coming out from the palace. We can just make a couple of new pieces then. For this entire family, making a season's worth of clothing would take at least a month even if we send it to the tailor, so it's no wonder the second lady wants to prepare in advance. Linlang spoke well of the second lady.

Qingxi listened and thought that something had happened. In her heart, she believed that Fengliu still cared for her, and a joyful expression appeared on her face, urging Cuican to hurry up.

Qingxi smiled slightly and said, "This is the rouge for the face."

Well, this should not be something from our Central Plains; it seems to have been brought back from overseas. I also think this white and powdery appearance is beautiful, much more so than my dark and dull rosewood box

Putting down these powders, Qingxi took out some soap from the box, including scents of osmanthus, rose, honeysuckle, and others, as well as fruity scents like orange. Qingxi particularly liked these, holding them in her hands and unable to part with them, exclaiming that the items from the south were truly exquisite.

Qingxi laid out the box one by one, then opened the lid, revealing red ointment, purple ointment, yellow ointment, white ointment, and so on, in various colors

Qingxi's eyes twinkled as she said, "Don't doubt it, let me demonstrate for you. Go and call Qiner in."

Feng Liu, having just washed her face and about to apply some fragrant ointment, suddenly remembered the box of items and said: "I brought back some things from the south, all for you. Let the maid go outside to find Ting Quan and have him bring them over."

Before long, four coarse women entered carrying two boxes. Qingxi could not help but feel curious and wanted to open them immediately. Perhaps having suffered in a past life, she could not bear to see good things in this life and liked everything.

Qingxi nodded slightly. When Linglang, who was serving outside, heard the noise inside diminish, her heart, which had been stuck in her throat, finally settled down. She then heard Qingxi calling her and hurriedly prepared water to go in and serve together with Cuican.

After dressing up, Qiner's left and right sides of her face appeared completely different. The left side, which had makeup applied, looked much fairer and was naturally smooth, leaving Linlang in awe.

It was arranged by Madam Ru, the governor of Suzhou.

Feng Liu, seeing her sitting upright and proper, could not help but smile. He recalled the letters from his mother over the past few months, repeatedly asking if he had someone he fancied in the south, suggesting that if he did, he should take her directly, and that upon returning to the capital, she would take charge. She also expressed concern that he might not have anyone to look after him while away, urging him to choose a couple of good-looking ones to keep by his side. Feng Liu thought that his mother was annoyed with Qing Xi, and now that Qing Xi had no one to care for her, he felt a pang of pity for her.

Upon hearing this, Qingxi finally felt relieved. Not having seen Feng Liu return with anyone from the south further comforted her. She then thought that rather than letting Feng Liu take the initiative to choose someone he liked, it would be better for her to help him find a suitable match, as it would give her more control over the situation

This dazzling array is beyond understanding, and thus she merely smiles faintly

A box is filled to the brim with fabrics, including various silks such as Hangzhou silk, Jiangsu silk, and Nanjing silk, naturally featuring snowlight satin as well. Additionally, there are the most exquisite fabrics from the south, such as cloud brocade and Shu brocade, along with the finest materials for winter coats, including aunt's velvet, fox fur, and mink fur. All of these are in the colors that Qingxi has always cherished.

However, what Qingxi liked the most was the contents of the second box. As soon as she opened it, her joyful exclamation could be heard. Qingxi held the intricately crafted golden ball with a hollowed-out entwined lotus pattern in her hand, admiring its exquisite workmanship and lifelike lotus design, which she found very appealing. Inside the fragrant ball were dried flowers, emitting the scent of roses, which was her favorite. Such fragrant balls are also available in the capital, but none are as finely made as those from the south.

Feng Liu observed Qing Xi's triumphant demeanor from the side, a faint smile curling at the corners of his mouth, yet no one noticed.

"If you are well, who would really want to send you to the temple?" Feng Liu took the handkerchief from Qing Xi's hand and wiped her face. He was not accustomed to doing such things, so he applied a bit too much force, causing Qing Xi to cry out in pain and take a step back. After this, her tears were also reined in.

"Madam, this box is truly beautiful." Mu Qingxi had many fine possessions, so Linlang was not dazzled by the treasures within the box; rather, she found the three-tiered box with drawers particularly exquisite

Linlang informed Qingxi that the owner of "Yunshangfang" would come with a tailor to take measurements today. Qingxi was still a bit taken aback, saying, "Why are we making spring clothes so early? We don't even know if there will be any new fabrics or styles next year."

Is this paint for painting? Linlang asked curiously

Linlang did not know what it was, but Qingxi exclaimed in surprise; this porcelain box contained the various rouge and fine powder produced by the famous Ming Spring of Jinling.

Linlang exclaimed, "How is that possible? Who would apply this purple color to their face?"

This Qiner is a clumsy maid responsible for cleaning, rather dull-witted, with a sallow complexion. She does not understand what Qingxi wants her to do, and upon seeing Fengliu, she only feels a tremor in her legs. Qingxi merely instructs her to sit down, takes out a set of writing tools from the third layer of the rosewood box, mixes the purple powder and yellow powder, and uses a small round cotton pad to apply color to one side of Qiner's face. Then, she uses a fine brush dipped in purple powder to apply it to one of Qiner's eyelids, and finally dots some white paste at the corner of her eye. From the third layer of the rosewood box, she takes out a set of writing tools, mixes the purple powder and yellow powder, uses a small round cotton pad to apply color to one side of Qiner's face, then uses a fine brush dipped in purple powder to apply it to one of Qiner's eyelids, and finally dots some white paste at the corner of her eye.

As winter approached, the second lady began to make arrangements for the spring clothing early on. She was well aware that managing the affairs of such a large household was no easy task, with many people waiting to criticize her mistakes. As the twelfth month arrived, she had to focus on preparing for the New Year celebrations, including gifts and banquets, which naturally left her little time to think about spring clothing. If she waited until spring to prepare, it might be too late, so it was better to start getting ready in advance.

Qingxi, filled with joy, urged Linlang to quickly hang it in the bed curtain. She then took out a three-tiered box painted white with a rose pattern and opened it, revealing truly exquisite treasures. The first layer contained earrings and bracelets, all crafted with the latest techniques, adorned entirely with diamonds, exceptionally dazzling and eye-catching, making Qingxi unable to part with them. The second layer featured a set of gold filigree headpieces in a bee and butterfly floral design, which made Linlang exclaim in admiration. The third layer held a set of pink crystal and a set of yellow tourmaline headpieces, both radiant and stunning. This single box alone likely cost no less than five thousand taels.

Qingxi smiled triumphantly and, with great excitement, opened a three-tiered box painted in white lacquer featuring a Western lady's portrait. Linlang and she both thought it contained jewelry, but to their surprise, upon opening it, they found it filled with densely arranged small porcelain boxes in pastel colors

"Let the girl come to assist you in washing your face, crying like a flowered cat, what kind of decorum is this?" Feng Liu withdrew his hand

Qingxi casually picked up two pieces of soap and gave them to Linlang and Cuican, while asking Linlang to take care of the other items. She felt an immense joy in her heart; everything Fengliu brought back was her favorite. However, she couldn't help but wonder how a big man like him, who was usually stern and serious, would understand the need to buy such things for women.

Qingxi tilted her head slightly and no longer continued speaking, "Wasn't it always Qingxiangfang in previous years?"