"Mistress, why are you here?"
When Shopkeeper Cheng saw Shen Hua walk in, he hurriedly went forward to welcome her with a smile. During these unpredictable times, he was respectful to Shen Qu and his attitude toward Shen Hua remained the same. He was very tactful.
Shen Hua glanced at him lightly, but she also knew that Shopkeeper Cheng was now Shen Qu's man.
"Where is Manager Sun?"
"Manager Sun is busy in the inner office."
The embroidery workshop was divided into two sections—the outer section and the inner section. Shopkeeper Cheng was in charge of the outer section and received guests. He was in charge of all the daily trivial matters and the distribution of transactions.
As for the inner workshop, it was much simpler. They people there were only in charge of embroidery, and Manager Sun was in charge. The two of them had their own duties.
After receiving a response, Shen Hua headed straight for the inner section.
She often came here to look for Shen Wei. The path she was walking now was so familiar that she could navigate with her eyes closed.
"The county magistrate's daughter is going to be married. Her wedding clothes have specifically been requested to be sewn by our embroidery workshop. It's a little rushed, so everyone needs to keep their spirits up. Our Su embroidery is beautiful and elegant. The needlework is sharp and we have to pays attention to the fineness and smoothness of the embroidery.
"I'll explain it in detail again. Red veils, wedding handkerchiefs, belts, and cloth boots have to be matched with festive patterns like mandarin ducks, auspicious clouds, cranes, peonies, and pomegranates."
Steward Sun looked tired. She kept walking back and forth, checking the embroidery products that the embroiderers had rushed to make. From time to time, she would stop to give pointers.
"Aunt Sun," Shen Hua called out.
When Manager Sun saw who it was, she quickly put down the work in her hand and quickly walked forward. Without waiting for the greeting, she led Shen Hua to the storeroom used for resting.
She closed the door and blocked the curious gazes from outside. Only then did she size Shen Hua up worriedly.
"I've finally got to see you, Mistress."
The Shen family's First Branch had a small population, but their stepmother, Madam Shen Xue, was not easy to get along with. The He family, who had broken off the engagement with the young mistress, had visited the Zhou family many times in just a few days.
Shen Hua was still young. How could she stand it?
Manager Sun felt uneasy. She went to the Shen family's gatekeeper many times to ask for an audience, but no one responded to her. She was left alone for two hours.
"Auntie Sun has a deep relationship with my mother. You're like sisters. Now that you have a new grandchild, I naturally have to come and congratulate you."
While they were talking, Shen Hua took out a golden lock. It was in the shape of a round gold ingot with the word 'fortune' engraved on it. A bell hung on it, and when it shook gently, it emitted a crisp sound. It was suitable for young children.
"You flatter me. Back then, there was a drought and people were starving everywhere. Some died with their families and some were sick. If not for Madam's promotion, I would not be here today."
However, at the mention of the child, Manager Sun's expression turned gentle, and the fine lines at the corners of her eyes also became lighter.
"That child was born at dawn. This is a good time. It's just that my daughter-in-law lost a lot of blood during delivery. Fortunately, the doctor came in time and saved her. She has to recuperate now.
"My son is out on an escort mission and hasn't come home yet. Now that my daughter-in-law can't get out of bed, I have a lot on my plate. How can I serve both the mother and son? I'm about to invite my in-laws over to take care of her.
"I'm not afraid of being laughed at. I'm old and my eyes are damaged. I've long thought of returning home, but I can't bear to leave the embroidery workshop."
She also could not bear to part with Shen Hua.
If she stayed, she might be able to help the young mistress.
Shen Hua knew Manager Sun's recent situation better than anyone else.
She became a widow in her early years and raised her son by herself. It was not easy.
"Auntie Sun, I won't stand on ceremony with you.
"After all, it's not a long-term solution to have the in-laws come over. You've suffered all these years. Now that your son is successful and your daughter-in-law is filial to you, in my opinion, why don't you just relinquish the position as manager and go back to be with your son and play with your grandson? You will be more satisfied.
"Of course, during this time, I will send someone to deliver Auntie Sun's compensation according to the embroidery workshop's manager's salary."
Steward Sun, "???"
Was she asking her to continue taking a salary and return home without doing her job?
If she left, the embroidery workshop would…
Manager Sun's mind was abuzz. Her tone was deep and her expression was serious. "Mistress, do you know what you're doing?"
Shen Hua met her gaze. A faint smile suddenly appeared on her sickly face.
It did not matter if she was burning her bridges or that she was being rebellious. Once Shen Hua set her mind on something, she would go through with it.
"Yes."
One word was enough to cause a shocking wave in Manager Sun's heart.
The mistress had her own plans since she was young. She had a bad temper, but she would never act recklessly.
She was such a filial person. The old master's body had yet to turn cold, but…
In the entire Shen family, no one was richer than Shen Hua. Every year, Shen Wei would directly deposit 30% of the embroidery workshop's dividends into a bank under Shen Hua's name.
!!
Madam Shen Xue must have been greedy for the money that the mistress usually needed to spend. If the bank had not closed at night on the day the mistress fell sick, why would Yi Cui have to sell jewelry to buy medicine?
Everything made sense now.
The deceased Madam's only bloodline was suffering!
In an instant, Manager Sun thought of many things.
"I'll listen to you, mistress."
After a moment of silence, she asked again, "Most of the old embroiderers in the market have exquisite embroidery skills and have also received Madam's favor. Those who enter the market have all signed contracts."
"Where are those deeds now?"
"Originally, it was kept by Madam. After Madam and Young Master passed away, Old Master couldn't take the blow. If it weren't for the fact that he had to take care of you, he would have gone with her. At that time, Old Master didn't have the strength to manage the embroidery workshop, so he handed the duty to me."
Later, Shen Wei did not take it the position back.
However, Shen Qu had pressured her many times over the past few days. After all, it belonged to the main family. Although Manager Sun was careful, she only hung on for Shen Hua. If Shen Hua had not come today, she would not have been able to withstand the pressure and would have given it to him.
If it really fell into Shen Qu's hands…
Manager Sun walked away with a heavy heart. When she returned, she was carrying a small box in her arms.
Shen Hua opened it and took out a thick stack of contracts. She rubbed her fingertips slowly. Her eyes curved into crescents. These were all the most experienced embroiderers. Shen Hua could already imagine Shen Qu stomping his feet in anger.
"We don't have to work and we have money. I don't think anyone can refuse. I'll have to trouble Auntie Sun to pass the message."
She had plenty of money.
She was just afraid that she would not be able to squander it before she died.
After settling the matter, Shen Hua left the embroidery workshop in satisfaction. She was just waiting for Auntie Sun's reply in the future.
Shen Hua stood under the signboard of the Shen family's embroidery workshop. The streets were noisy with the sounds of people hawking their wares.
Yi Cui looked around but did not see their carriage.
"I bought some sacrificial items, but I can't see anyone. Why is there a delay?"
Shen Hua was not in a hurry to go back. She was about to go to a nearby restaurant to warm herself up.
"I was wondering who it was. It's little sister Shen."
A voice came from the right. Shen Hua looked over and saw a strange face.
Whoa.
An old acquaintance.
Shen Hua suddenly broke into a smile.
"Sister Mi."
Third Lady Zheng, who owned the rice shop, had a dark expression.
"What do you mean Mi? My surname is Zheng. Are you ill? You call me by the wrong name every time."
Shen Hua would torment her whenever she saw her. She did not show any mercy at all. She could not even remember her surname!
Shen Hua shot her a look that was not at all gentle.
"I've always been sick."