"Oh, I see. Please let us neighbors know when your restaurant opens—we'd love to come by and show our support," the woman said. Her tone was soft and graceful, yet sincere.
Jiang Huaiyu walked over with a gentle smile. "Of course, I'll be sure to inform you."
"You must be the owner of this place," Guo Zhiqiu said with a light laugh. "You've really kept us neighbors restless these days. The fragrance of your cooking has been driving us to distraction!"
Though her words sounded like a complaint, Guo Zhiqiu's eyes sparkled with good humor. Her tone was so gracious and genuine that it was clear she was offering praise in disguise. "The aroma of wine and food led us to investigate whose home it was coming from. My children have been making a fuss, claiming our meals at home aren't nearly as good. Now that you're opening a restaurant, we'll finally have the chance to taste these wonderful dishes."
"You flatter me," Jiang Huaiyu said, waving her hand modestly. Though confident in her skills, she felt a bit embarrassed when praised so earnestly.
"Not at all," Guo Zhiqiu said warmly. "I mean every word. Please don't forget to notify us when the time comes. We've been anticipating this for so long."
Jiang Huaiyu chuckled and nodded. "Of course, I'll be sure to let you know."
After a few more pleasantries, Guo Zhiqiu excused herself and left. As Xiaocao closed the bright red door, she turned back to Jiang with a wide grin. "Madam, you're amazing! I've never seen anyone attract so much interest before their business even starts."
Jiang playfully pinched her nose. "You're the amazing one—your words are getting smoother by the day. But remember, no matter what you do, preparation and skill are key. People won't help you over and over unless you prove yourself capable, let alone seek you out."
Jiang often shared little nuggets of wisdom with Xiaocao, hoping to groom her into a trusted aide like Steward Lin. She had plans to let Xiaocao handle the upcoming mooncake sales for the Mid-Autumn Festival in two months.
"A single tree doesn't make a forest," Jiang thought. She couldn't manage everything alone, not with Tangbao to care for. Developing Xiaocao's potential was essential.
Ruffling the girl's hair affectionately, Jiang solidified her decision.
Later that day, while out running errands, Jiang Huaiyu passed a vegetable vendor calling out, "Fresh greens for sale! Look how crisp they are!"
Thinking it would be nice to add a dish of greens to dinner, she crouched down to examine the produce.
The cobblestone street behind her bustled with passersby. Among them, a woman with graying temples walked alongside a young man. The woman's features bore a striking resemblance to Jiang's—enough to make one do a double take.
"Mother," the young man said, his voice tinged with worry. "They say the Third Prince might be taking another wife soon. Ever since Little Sister fled her marriage, it's been so much harder for our family. If he remarries, it could spell real trouble for us."
"Do you think I don't know that?" The woman's face was lined with frustration. "That wretched girl, Huaiyu! She only thinks of herself, not her family. Running away from such a match—what was she thinking? Your father is already retired and without a position, and the revenue from the Third Prince's shops has been declining steadily."
She sighed deeply, her expression full of grief. "It's a woman's duty to marry. Just because she didn't 'like' him, she thought it was fine to throw away such a golden opportunity? Foolish child!"
The young man said nothing, uncomfortable with his mother's harsh words. While he had benefited from the Third Prince's influence, he couldn't condone the idea of trading his sister's freedom for wealth and status. Yet he felt powerless to oppose the family's wishes.
Ever since his sister's departure, he had come to realize that his own business acumen was mediocre at best. Previously, others had given him face out of respect for his connection to the royal family. Now, even in fair competition, he struggled to keep up with rival merchants.
The mother's anger simmered while the young man remained despondent. Together, they walked toward the eastern part of the city.
Jiang Huaiyu, oblivious to the encounter, paid for her vegetables and made her way home.
Upon returning, Zhuzhu met her at the door and took the greens from her hands. "Madam, while you were out, someone from the Grand Princess's estate came by with an invitation. It's on the table in the main room."
"An invitation?" Jiang raised her brows in surprise and nodded. She wiped her hands with a cloth and headed inside.
The invitation was exquisite, even the paper it was written on of the highest quality. On the cover, a chrysanthemum was painted in gold leaf. Opening it, she read that it was an invitation to an Autumn Chrysanthemum Garden Party two days hence. The letter specifically noted that attendees would include women from various walks of life—nobles, merchants, and scholars' families alike—emphasizing that no one need feel out of place.
Jiang Huaiyu frowned. She had no interest in chrysanthemums, nor in socializing with a large group of people making idle chatter. She'd rather spend her time working on new ideas at home.
"But it's a personal invitation from the Grand Princess herself," Jiang sighed, staring at the ornate card. "I can't really refuse, can I?"
After some contemplation, she called for Zhuzhu. "Come with me to the fabric store."
Qingrui Cloth Shop was one of the most well-known establishments in the capital. Its reputation stemmed not from rare fabrics but from its excellent service, wide range of quality options, and the personal touch customers appreciated. Many ladies of status frequented the shop for custom clothing and materials.
As Jiang Huaiyu entered, a shop assistant greeted her with a friendly smile. "Welcome, miss! Looking for anything in particular?"
"Just browsing for now," Jiang replied with a nod.
"Take your time. Let me know if you need help," the assistant said before moving on to assist another customer.
Jiang perused the offerings carefully. She selected a soft autumn yellow fabric and a piece of pale lotus-pink material, planning to have them tailored into a flowing "Liuxian" dress. The overlay of light yellow would make the outfit refined yet youthful, elegant without being gaudy.
Satisfied with her choices, she carried the fabrics to the counter. After paying, she inquired about skilled embroiderers. The shopkeeper summoned two seamstresses, who listened attentively to Jiang's design ideas but hesitated at the two-day deadline.
"Name your price," Jiang said with a calm smile. "As long as it's fair, I'll agree."
The seamstresses exchanged glances before one spoke up. "Half a tael of silver, and we can complete it in time."
Considering the fabric cost and tailoring fee, the outfit wasn't cheap. But since it wouldn't be a one-time use, Jiang agreed without hesitation. After confirming the design, she left the shop with Zhuzhu.
"We'll get you some new winter clothes soon," Jiang said, glancing fondly at her cheerful maid.
"Madam, you're so good to us!" Zhuzhu replied, her eyes crinkling with delight.
Unbeknownst to Jiang, a woman lingered in the shop's shadows. It was Li Sumeng, who had also received an invitation to the garden party. Frustrated with her stepmother's taste, she had come to the shop to find something suitable.
When the seamstresses passed her with Jiang's design sketch, Li Sumeng caught sight of the elegant Liuxian dress. Her eyes gleamed with envy. Wouldn't her lover be dazzled if she wore such a gown?
Determined, she hurried to the nearby Jin family estate. At the gate, she told the doorman, "Please inform the Second Miss that I've brought her a beautiful gown design she might like."
The doorman, swayed by her demure demeanor, agreed to deliver the message. After some back-and-forth among the servants, the news finally reached Jin Yunqiu's ears.
"A beautiful gown design?" Jin Yunqiu raised an eyebrow. "How amusing. Let's see it then."