High-class maid

Chapter 227 Jinxiufang

In the pleasant spring weather, the shop that Shen Xing'er had taken over was gradually being improved.

Upstairs, four embroiderers were diligently embroidering, while downstairs, the decorating team was busily working on their projects, drawing curious glances from passersby.

"What is this for? Wasn't it an embroidery shop before?"

"I don't know either. It must be a restaurant. If they were still selling embroidery, why would the new owner have demolished it?"

"No, no, I know. This is an embroidery shop. They just hired two embroiderers this morning. My neighbor's sister works here."

Listening to the chatter outside the shop, Shen Kun discussed with his daughter...

"It seems that we need to put the signboard on the agenda, otherwise people won't know what we do."

“Yes, Xing’er is a young person with a quick mind. Have you thought of a name for the shop yet?” Wang asked.

"I've thought of two names, but I don't know which one to use. Parents, could you help me decide?" Shen Xing'er said shyly.

"What?" Wang asked.

“Jinxiufang, Luoshangfang,” Shen Xing’er said, scratching her head sheepishly.

Although she knew a few words and could read a book intermittently, she had never shown off in front of her parents like this before, so she was a little embarrassed.

"They all sound nice. Just use whichever one you think is better." Shen Kun scratched his head a little embarrassedly. Although he knew a few words, he wasn't as cultured as Shen Kun.

"Even my mother doesn't understand, but she can tell from the smell that they sell embroidered clothing."

"How about we call it Jinxiufang? May our business and life be prosperous and splendid." Shen Xing'er still preferred the first name.

"Okay. I'll go ask in the east of the city; there are several signboard shops there." Shen Kun put on his coat and was about to leave when he turned back and asked Shen Xing'er seriously.

"Did you talk to that kid? Are you free tonight?"

"Yes, yes, yes, Brother Song will come as soon as he's done with his work," Shen Xing'er nodded vigorously.

Reassured, Shen Kun turned and left. But then, as if remembering something, he turned back and asked...

"When did you meet again?!"

Shen Xing'er scratched her head and ran upstairs as if fleeing, saying as she ran.

"I'll go see how their embroidery is going!"

Shen Kun mentally added another mark against Song Wenyang. Hmph, this womanizer who kidnapped his daughter, he'll definitely get him drunk tonight!

Song House.

"Auntie, Young Master Song is here to see you," a maid said.

Madam Sun put down the account book in her hand and instructed everyone.

"Go to the small kitchen and get the young master's favorite pastries. Go and change the tea to Biluochun. Remember to move everything to the pavilion," Madam Sun instructed the maids in the courtyard.

"Since Lin's death, the young master has never contacted me. Why has he come here in such a grand manner today? Is there something urgent?" Madam Sun muttered to herself as she gave instructions to everyone without leaving a trace.

Regardless, one cannot break one's own rules. As a legitimate son, it would be better for him to meet his stepmother in the courtyard.

Madam Sun couldn't wait inside. As soon as the maids finished tidying up, she sat down in the pavilion, lifting her skirt to wait. Before long, a tall young man dressed in white brocade walked in.

"Greetings, Auntie."

Since there were other people present, Song Wenyang gave a brief greeting.

"Young master, is there something you need?"

Madam Sun was also very anxious, but considering the large number of people and the potential for conflicting opinions, she held back until both sides were seated before speaking.

"Young master wants to ask me some family matters, please step back."

The young maids obediently stood five steps away from the pavilion, while only one matron stood guard beside the pavilion.

Song Wenyang glanced at the old woman again, and Madam Sun gestured to him with her eyes that everything was alright.

“We’re all family here. What brings you here today, young master? Is something happening outside the manor?” Madam Sun asked impatiently.

"Aunt Sun, Wen Yang does have something to ask you. I'd like to ask you what I should bring when visiting the girl's family for the first time?" Song Wen Yang asked, her face unusually flushed.

"So it's such a trivial matter. Whose family is it? Who's going? Could it be you, young master? Which girl have you taken a fancy to? Do her parents know?"

After realizing what was happening, Madam Sun bombarded Song Wenyan with questions. Was her young master finally coming to his senses? She wondered which young lady had caught his eye?

"Yes, they are an ordinary family in the city. We are going to visit them tonight. Aunt Sun, do you know what we should bring?"

Madam Sun suppressed her gossipy thoughts. These days, she had been in charge of the affairs of the manor, and she had been handling all the gift-giving, visits, and banquets. Therefore, this matter was really a piece of cake for her.

“Since it’s the first time, we should bring more, but since the family is ordinary, it wouldn’t be appropriate to bring something too expensive. How about we bring some four kinds of gifts?” Madam Sun said thoughtfully.

"What are the four kinds of rites? I'll write them down and go buy them right away," Song Wenyang asked.

"The Four Rites, as the name suggests, means bringing four of each type of gift, neither too many nor too few, which also shows that we value it," said Madam Sun.

Then she said...

"Four kinds of pastries, four kinds of tea, four bolts of cloth, and four kinds of medicinal herbs. Is this enough for you, young master?" Madam Sun asked.

"Not enough, it's too light. Add a few more items," Song Wenyang refused without hesitation.

Although he had met Xing'er's family many times, this was the first time he had visited them in his new identity. Moreover, Xing'er had told him that Uncle Shen seemed to have some prejudice against him, so he had to try even harder to please him.

"Then let's add four more jars of wine, and one each of chicken, duck, fish, and meat. How about that?" Madam Sun asked.

"Sure. I'm sorry to bother Aunt Sun. I'll introduce her to you when I have time another day." Song Wenyang said and got up. There wasn't much time left, so he needed to hurry up and make the purchases.

“Young master, you can just instruct the servants to do these things. Why not leave it to me? I’ll take care of it for you in a quarter of an hour,” said Madam Sun.

"No need, it's more sincere to buy it yourself," Song Wenyang politely declined.

As Madam Sun watched Song Wenyang's retreating figure, she wiped her eyes with her handkerchief. If Miss were still alive, why would the young master have to ask her? Miss would probably have already arranged everything.

The young lady's life was too bitter; she died young. The young master's life was also bitter; he went to Jinling alone at a young age. I myself have also suffered, trapped in this Song mansion for revenge.

Now that my lord has overcome his hardships, I am determined to make him happy, and no one can stop me!

At 5:15 PM, Song Wenyang sat inside the carriage waiting for Xing'er's family, while Xiao Tong stood outside the carriage ready to report any news.

About 15 minutes later, the Shen family's carriage appeared at the alley entrance.

"Young Master, we've arrived!" Xiao Tong said, her voice trembling with excitement.

His young master said that we should keep a low profile today and not make any loud noises.

Song Wenyang's closed eyes twitched, and he unconsciously swallowed. Only after Xing'er's family entered their home and the alley was empty did he get out of the carriage.