She just didn't expect that the palace would have such fabric.
Half-doubting, she asked, "Madam Fan, this fabric isn't prepared for someone else, is it?"
She was most afraid that it was meant for the palace servants. If someone caught her using fabric meant for servants to make sleepwear for the Emperor, she would be sent to the Cold Palace in no time.
She didn't enter the palace to end up in the Cold Palace, so she had to be careful about everything.
Madam Fan smiled, understanding the implication.
"Don't worry, My Lady. The fabrics I brought today are all for the nobles. This silk fabric is also a tribute, just not as eye-catching among the other fabrics."
Hearing this, Lin Wanyi felt relieved.
It made sense. The steward of the Satin Warehouse wouldn't bring fabric meant for servants unless they had a death wish.
"With Madam Fan's assurance, I am relieved."
Then, Madam Fan brought out a bundle of matching silk threads in soft colors like lake blue and sky blue, perfect for the silk fabric.
She also handed over a piece of paper.
"These are the measurements for His Majesty's sleepwear. I got them from the Embroidery Workshop before coming here, thinking you might need them."
Lin Wanyi's impression of the palace people improved.
They were all so thoughtful. She had only asked for fabric, but they brought so much more, all useful and well-matched.
"Madam Fan, you are very thoughtful. Thank you."
"You're welcome, My Lady. Before entering the palace, I worked at Yunxiu Pavilion, so we are somewhat connected."
Yunxiu Pavilion was her maternal grandfather's business, famous in Shengjing and Jiangnan. The embroiderers from there were all outstanding, so it wasn't surprising they were selected for the palace.
Lin Wanyi was pleasantly surprised to meet an old acquaintance here.
"So, Madam Fan is from Yunxiu Pavilion. What a coincidence."
Their conversation was clear, though not explicit.
While the Satin Warehouse wasn't a significant place in the palace, having someone like Madam Fan there was beneficial for Lin Wanyi.
Chun Qi, being perceptive, dismissed the others, leaving Lin Wanyi and Madam Fan to talk.
Outsiders thought Yunxiu Pavilion belonged to the Dong family, but it was actually her grandmother's family business, revived by her great-grandmother and passed down to her mother, growing stronger.
Madam Dong, though nominally the wife of the Prime Minister's eldest son, was actually the head of Yunxiu Pavilion, a fact known only to close family.
"Madam Fan, who was your teacher? What generation are you?"
"I was taught by Madam Du, and I belong to the 'Liu' generation."
The 'Liu' generation! Madam Du!
"Forgive my ignorance, I didn't realize you were my grandmother's direct disciple!"
Madam Fan smiled warmly, looking at Lin Wanyi with affection.
She then handed Lin Wanyi a button embroidered with a copper coin pattern, a design her grandmother had taught her, known to few.
Receiving this confirmed Madam Fan's close connection to her grandmother.
"Thank you for your praise, My Lady. Thanks to my teacher's guidance, I topped the palace selection, bringing honor to Yunxiu Pavilion. But later... I failed my teacher."
Madam Fan didn't elaborate, but Lin Wanyi knew she must have been schemed against. Otherwise, with her skills, she wouldn't be just a steward in the Satin Warehouse but a top embroiderer.
Seeing Madam Fan didn't want to discuss it, Lin Wanyi didn't press further.
"So, Madam Fan's visit is... my grandmother's idea?"
"Indeed, young master. My teacher invited me when I was out buying fabric half a month ago, informing me of your entry into the palace and instructing me to assist you if needed."
Thinking of her grandmother's family, Lin Wanyi felt warm inside.
"Grandmother still cares for me as always. I feel guilty for troubling her with these matters."
"Don't worry, My Lady. My teacher is in good health and spirits, likely to live a long life. She is just concerned for you. I intended to visit you, but meeting Xiao Luzi looking for fabric gave me this chance."
Madam Fan's expression was kind.
"Though I'm not significant in the palace, I know some inner workings. Don't hesitate to ask for my help."
After entering the palace, she had only one brother working for the Dong family, who, with the Dong family's support, had a thriving business and family.
So, whether for her teacher's sake or her brother's future, she would sincerely help Lin Wanyi.
Lin Wanyi smiled and replied.
"Since you say so, I won't be polite. The palace can be both lively and lonely. Your words give me peace of mind."
Madam Fan wasn't one for empty words, her sincerity was evident.
They chatted about Yunxiu Pavilion for a while longer.
If not for palace rules, Lin Wanyi would have invited Madam Fan to stay for dinner.
After Xiao Luzi respectfully saw her off, Chun Qi and Xia An approached.
"My Lady, who is this Madam Fan? Why did you talk with her for so long?"
"She is also from the Dong family."
The Dong family!
Hearing this, Chun Qi and Xia An were surprised.
"The old master is impressive, having people even in the palace!"
Lin Wanyi couldn't help but laugh.
"You, it's just old connections. If grandfather were that powerful, he would have been made an imperial merchant long ago."
Chun Qi pouted, in her eyes, the old master of the Dong family was the most impressive, more so than anyone in the Prime Minister's residence!
Xia An was genuinely happy for Lin Wanyi.
"With Madam Fan around, we won't lack good fabric in the future."
They all laughed at this.
Indeed, they wouldn't lack good fabric.
"After a busy afternoon, I'm a bit hungry. Xia An, put away the fabric and threads. I'll start working on them tomorrow."
"Yes, My Lady."
Seeing Xia An take the items away, Lin Wan Yi turned to Chun Qi.
"What are we having for dinner tonight?"
YOU ARE READING
The Noble Consort is the most favored in the harem
Historical FictionAuthor: 三只鳄梨 Translator: Me (XiaoBai) 贵妃娘娘宠冠后宫 The legitimate daughter of the Prime Minister's household, Lin Wanyi, is renowned for her beauty and exceptional talents. However, to secure her safety and livelihood, she has always been cautious and d...