Chapter 7: Run on the Bank

Cao Lihuan maintained a stern expression and coldly remarked, "I will endure for the time being. Once I am married, I will surely take my revenge. There is not a single decent person in the entire Lin family!"

Xianglan Town is as busy as a spinning top, often adding new tasks before completing the previous ones. When Cao Lihuan assigns work, she gives the easier and more glamorous tasks to Huier and Huairui, while leaving the rough and tedious jobs to Xianglan. She spends her days having Huier accompany her around the garden, chatting about whose hairpin looks nice, which family's perfume is good, and how someone's clothing complements their skin tone, laughing and playing. Huairui occasionally disappears, sneaking out to avoid work, and Cao Lihuan turns a blind eye.

Xianglan was unable to do so, and could only bury herself in threading the needle. The tasks were numerous, yet Cao Lihuan was exceptionally picky. If anything did not meet her expectations, she would have Xianglan cut it and redo it, and in the end, she would scold her with a few words: "Clumsy and slow, the maid Xiaoyuan who used to assist me with needlework was a hundred times more clever than you." "You are too slow, Xiaoyuan is much faster than you. Two pillowcases and a complete quilt cover featuring magpies on plum blossoms, she could finish all of that in just half a year." After each scolding, however, she would put on a smile and say earnestly: "I do this for your own good. No other mistress is as meticulous in training as I am. You will understand my benefits in the future."

Hui Rui then smiled and said: "Indeed, among the young ladies in the residence, none can compare to a girl who is both talented and beautiful, as well as shrewd and capable."

Xianglan accepted the pastry and smiled, saying: "Thank you for the treat, young lady. I will go back and do some embroidery"

Cao Lihuan said: "All the work is here with the *illustrations* and *books*, so you should get on with it." After saying this, she called Huier to accompany her to pay respects to the elders

At leisure

On the morning of the second day, Cao Lihuan took out the bright red silk and designed a pattern for Xianglan to embroider a pair of pillowcases featuring mandarin ducks playing in the water. There were also a bright red wedding dress and a hundred sons' outfit, among others, with intricate floral designs that required considerable effort.

Xianglan has somewhat discerned Cao Lihuan's temperament and thought to herself: "This young lady has a high opinion of herself, enjoys elevating some while belittling others, and is not an easy person to get along with. I shall just flatter her a bit." Thus, she replied with feigned humility: "Thank you, Miss, for your concern and guidance. I am fortunate to have encountered a master like you."

Xianglan, upon hearing this, still put on a foolish and honest demeanor, sincerely saying: "I know that Miss Huan is doing this for my own good." She merely swallowed her grievances and continued to pretend to be obedient and naive

Hui'er peeked into the east room several times, then quietly returned to the west bedroom and whispered to Cao Lihuan: "She is still embroidering, not even lifting her head, looking quite honest."

Xiang Lan chewed a few bites with great effort, suppressing the urge to spit it out, and forcefully swallowed the pastry. She told herself: "Chen Xianglan, you must remember the taste of this pastry. As you serve as someone else's servant for a day, you must endure such humiliation for a day. But you should not be destined for such a fate. You must cultivate your willpower, practice patience, and temper your temper, so that you can soon escape your status and maintain your dignity, ensuring that no one can look down on you!"

Cao Lihuan indeed revealed a smile, picking out a piece of pastry from the plate in front of her that she didn't particularly like, and handed it to Xianglan, saying: "You've worked hard all afternoon as well; this pastry is specially reserved for you. Have a piece and take a break."

Huirui said: "It took a long time to finally send one over."

Before dinner, Xianglan handed a beautifully embroidered handkerchief to Cao Lihuan. Cao Lihuan was taken aback by how quickly it had been completed. Upon closer inspection, she noticed the even and delicate stitches, the elegant color scheme; although it was a small piece of embroidery, it was remarkably vibrant.

Cao Lihuan sneered, "Since we have just arrived, of course we need to be diligent for a couple of days; who knows what the future holds."

"Who says there isn't? Our girl is simply wonderful!" Hui'er insisted on painting the flower and bird design on the ceramic pot as she poured tea for Cao Lihuan, giving Huairui a knowing glance.

Hui'er chuckled and said, "My good girl, not to mention a cunning servant, even the ancestors of cunning servants must bow down and submit before you"

Hui'er picked up a piece of cake, chewing as she said: "Who says otherwise? But the only one we can talk to is the eldest lady. At least receiving one is better than having none."

"Ying Shuang informed me that he is a native-born child, and his father is the third manager of an antique shop." Cao Lihuan took a sip of tea, "Such a family is neither too high nor too low, but they have a bit of social standing, making them relatively easy to handle, and there is no need to worry about a cunning servant deceiving the master"

This statement struck at the heart of Cao Lihuan, her lips unable to conceal a smile, yet she sighed: "I just wasn't born into a good family. In the earlier years, when my father was bedridden, among all the children in the family, I was the only one to attend to him. Just after my father passed away, my mother fell ill again. It wasn't long before she closed her eyes for good. Not only had all the family’s money been exhausted, but in the end, I didn't even have a chance to discuss a good marriage proposal."

Xiang Lan was left speechless, thinking to herself: "These are all essential items for a bride. They should have been sewn by an unmarried young lady herself. Only those with poor skills would have their parents prepare them. Why did this young lady assign all this work to me alone? When will I ever finish all this embroidery? If it's just me, I fear I won't be able to complete it even in three years."

Xianglan has a gentle disposition, and is naturally obedient and frail. She does not shirk her duties or act slyly, and is quick in her movements. In Luoxuewu, she speaks little, and after a few days, people begin to feel she is easy to deceive, calling on her for everything. "Xianglan, please help me fan the stove." "Xianglan, take a cloth and wipe the windows clean." "Xianglan, why hasn't the young lady's soup been served yet?" "Xianglan, the young lady said she wants to wear the dark green dress; go search in the cupboard." "Xianglan, go wash the handkerchief and sew the pouch." There are many such requests. Since she is new to the job, it is inevitable that she makes mistakes in the rush, and she cannot escape being scolded.

As soon as she stepped outside, Xianglan's smile immediately vanished. She walked straight into the bamboo grove beside Luoxuewu, raised the white pastry in her hand to take a look, and a mocking smile appeared at the corner of her mouth as she murmured: "This afternoon, I clearly heard her shouting in the room: 'This white pastry has too much osmanthus sugar, it's too sweet and greasy, makes me want to vomit. Huairui, take the remaining two pieces outside to feed the dogs; if they don't eat it, throw it into the pond to feed the fish.' I painstakingly embroidered a handkerchief, and not a single word of concern was given, only a piece of pastry that even dogs wouldn't want to eat, and she said it was 'specially saved for me.' This cousin truly is 'good, generous, and straightforward.'" She took a big bite of the pastry, murmuring: "This afternoon, I clearly heard her shouting in the room: 'This white pastry has too much osmanthus sugar, it's too sweet and greasy, makes me want to vomit. Huairui, take the remaining two pieces outside to feed the dogs; if they don't eat it, throw it into the pond to feed the fish.' I painstakingly embroidered a handkerchief, and not a single word of concern was given, only a piece of pastry that even dogs wouldn't want to eat, and she said it was 'specially saved for me.' This cousin truly is 'good, generous, and straightforward.'" After taking a big bite of the pastry, she felt a rush of sweetness, greasiness, and richness that made her want to vomit.

The Ren family is quite good. A few days ago, when the Ren family delivered a carriage to the residence, I saw Young Master Ren, who is truly a remarkable talent. The Ren family is simple; if a girl marries in, she only needs to serve the elderly matriarch and her younger sister-in-law. After a couple of years, when the younger sister-in-law gets married, and a few more years pass, when the matriarch passes away, the household will be quiet and peaceful, which is much better than marrying into those large families. " While Huairui spoke, Cao Lihuan nodded in agreement, her complexion finally improving.

Cao Lihuan, with a hint of color on her face, lifted the tea bowl and took a sip. She turned to Huairui and said, "You two should keep an eye on her more in the future." Then, with a touch of annoyance, she added, "That Zhao Yuechan is such a wretched thing. I even went so far as to give her a pair of fine jade bracelets, yet she sends me a maid who has just entered the residence and hasn't been trained at all!"

Xiang Lan silently endured, focusing solely on her work, not uttering a single word.

Gradually, whenever Xianglan finished her tasks, whether it was preparing soup in the tea house or doing needlework, Hui'er would rush over and say, "Alright, you rest now, I will take it in." She would then take the items to Cao Lihuan to flatter and please her. Naturally, Cao Lihuan would be satisfied and reward her with some small gifts, and then assign other tasks. As soon as Hui'er came out, she would pass the tasks on to Xianglan.

As soon as the words left my mouth, I felt somewhat inappropriate. I then put on a smile and said: "Huirui's needlework cannot be seen by others. Huier has many responsibilities. If you practice your needlework well, there will be a day for you to shine. Moreover, within the household, a maid who excels at needlework will always be favored by her master. You have just arrived and know nothing. It is out of kindness that I offer you some guidance; other masters would not care about the lives of their maids."

She stood in the bamboo grove for a moment, watching the sky turn orange-red with the evening glow, quietly listening to the murmuring sound of water. She recited the "Great Compassion Mantra" twice, as a gentle breeze blew in through the window, brushing against her cheek and dispersing the last trace of restlessness in her heart. Only then did she take a few deep breaths, adjust her clothing, and slowly walk back.

Hui'er said: "Speaking of this, I also feel awkward. With the young lady's beauty and grace, if the master and madam were still around, suitors would be breaking down the door to seek her hand. What kind of man wouldn't be able to find her? Nowadays... sigh, it is indeed a pity for the young lady."

Hui'er frowned and said: "She is simply too eye-catching. With a face like that, I fear she won't be able to stay grounded. I wonder what her background is? Was she bought? Or is she from a family?" Her complexion was slightly yellow, and she was somewhat plump, yet she had a fondness for beauty and charm. Thus, looking at her face, which resembled fragrant orchids and jade snow, and her graceful figure, a pang of jealousy arose in her heart.

She felt satisfied, and her earlier dissatisfaction with Xianglan had diminished somewhat. However, she thought that if she did not point out some flaws, it would not showcase her own skill, so she deliberately picked out a few places where the embroidery was "not done well" and said: "Although it is embroidered quickly, one cannot solely pursue speed; it must also be done well. My needlework was taught by the best embroiderer in Yuzhou, and when I was seven or eight years old, I embroidered better than you do now."