Li Qingruo awkwardly covered her mouth, letting out a small laugh. "This is my dear friend, almost like a sister to me. But she's not wrong. Master Li rarely shares his teachings publicly. It's a rare opportunity. Don't feel embarrassed—since you're working with my cousin in business, I ought to treat you with some closeness."
"Thank you for your kind offer, but I think I'd rather enjoy the scenery for a while longer. I wouldn't want to intrude on your time," Jiang Huaiyu said with a light smile, her refusal polite but firm.
"Since Madam Jiang is unwilling, we won't insist." Li Qingruo's patience was running thin. She had no desire to spend more time with Jiang Huaiyu, especially since the mere sight of her brought back the memory of Qin Ziqin's unusual behavior around her. However, Murong Feixue had urged her to initiate this exchange, leaving her no choice but to make the effort.
Murong Feixue started to call after her as she turned to leave, but Li Qingruo's swift departure left her standing awkwardly, and she reluctantly followed.
Jiang Huaiyu sighed softly, glancing at Zhuzhu. "I won't blame you for earlier, but remember, some people find great satisfaction in flaunting what they assume others have never seen before, thinking it will earn them admiration. The best response is indifference."
Zhuzhu's tense expression softened. She nodded slowly, reflecting on Jiang Huaiyu's advice.
"Let's go. I've heard the red maple grove is at its best this time of year. Let's take a look."
As Jiang Huaiyu strolled down the path, the soft silk of her plum-colored embroidered shoes peeked out beneath her skirts. She pointed out various things to Tang Bao as they walked, naming each item like a teacher addressing an attentive student. The little boy listened intently, his earnest focus drawing an indulgent smile from Jiang Huaiyu.
"Why not add red maple embroidery to your winter outfits?" Jiang Huaiyu suggested suddenly, her eyes lighting up. "White silk with vibrant red maple leaves would look stunning. For a second set, we'll keep it simple—maybe just some plum blossoms for warmth."
Aunt Xu stumbled slightly, laughing wryly. "Madam, that's a lovely idea for young ladies like Xiaocao and Zhuzhu. But for an old woman like me to wear something so lively would surely invite laughter. Besides, such designs wouldn't come cheap. I think plain, practical clothes will do just fine for me."
"She's right," Xiaocao added with a shy smile. "Having those designs would cost quite a bit, especially if we need to hire someone to sketch them."
Jiang Huaiyu's lips curved into a knowing smile. "No need to hire anyone—I can design them myself. It's just a few outfits, after all. Aunt Xu, don't worry. For you, we'll use a dark evergreen silk for a more subdued look."
"She's right, Aunt Xu," Zhuzhu chimed in. "The outfit Madam wore the other day was one of her own designs!"
Xiaocao's eyes widened in surprise. She had long admired Jiang Huaiyu's literacy, but hearing she could paint as well left her speechless. In Da Yun, scholars were held in the highest esteem, with painters and musicians considered the most refined of the arts. Both required immense skill, making them rare talents.
Xiaocao couldn't help but feel a growing respect for Jiang Huaiyu. She had known Madam was remarkable, but her abilities exceeded anything she could have imagined.
Unaware of the admiration she inspired, Jiang Huaiyu continued leading the group through the grove, enjoying the scenery. After half an hour, she decided it was time to return.
"It's getting late. Let's head back to the temple for a meal, then pack up and return home," she said.
Aunt Xu hesitated. "But those women we saw earlier... they'll be at Qingxu Temple as well..."
"No matter. Pretend they don't exist," Jiang Huaiyu replied with a smile. "Why let unrelated people dictate our actions? I owe them nothing. Should I step aside just to avoid an awkward encounter?"
Aunt Xu nodded, feeling a little ashamed for her earlier hesitation. "You're right, Madam."
As they approached the temple, the young Taoist standing at the gate greeted them warmly, bowing respectfully. News of Jiang Huaiyu's earlier debate had already spread throughout the temple, making her somewhat of a legend among the staff. He led them to a small courtyard shaded by a large ginkgo tree, its branches forming a natural canopy over the space.
Pointing to the eastern room, he said, "Madam Jiang, this room has been prepared for your meal. I'll take the food boxes to the kitchen to be reheated and brought back."
Jiang Huaiyu smiled graciously at the boy's politeness. "Aunt Xu, Zhuzhu, please assist him with the boxes."
"Yes, Madam," they replied, following the boy to the kitchen.
The east room was bright and clean, bathed in warm sunlight. A servant soon brought a pot of tea, made from mountain herbs, sweet with a hint of bitterness. Jiang Huaiyu sipped it slowly, savoring the taste.
"These past two days, I feel like I've been unusually short-tempered," she mused aloud.
Xiaocao tilted her head in thought. "Not really, Madam. You seem the same as always. Maybe it's just that more interesting things have been happening recently."
"Are you saying my life was dull before?" Jiang Huaiyu teased, her brows lifting in mock indignation.
"Not at all!" Xiaocao laughed, covering her mouth. "But Madam only gets this spirited when negotiating with the Marquis, the Princess, or Young Master Jin about profit shares. Otherwise, you're always so gentle!"
"Flattery won't let you dodge the subject," Jiang Huaiyu quipped, though her tone was playful. "Have you thought of a name for the shop yet?"
Xiaocao hesitated, her face scrunching in frustration. "I've been racking my brain, but nothing feels quite right. I've practically worn out your books looking for inspiration."
"Don't overthink it," Jiang Huaiyu advised. "Choose something you like. The name isn't as important as ensuring the quality of what you sell. Fancy packaging means nothing without substance."
"You're right, Madam!" Xiaocao brightened. "I've decided to set up a few tables in the shop. I'll serve tea and offer samples of new treats for customers to try before they buy."
"That's a great idea," Jiang Huaiyu said approvingly. "Make the tea complimentary, but charge for the pastries. It'll highlight their value."
Suddenly, voices drifted in from outside.
"Aren't you one of Madam Jiang's maids? What are you doing here? This is a restricted area! Has your mistress not taught you proper manners? What's in that box? Let me see—"
Jiang Huaiyu frowned, recognizing the voice. It was Murong Feixue again.
At the door, Aunt Xu remained composed despite the other woman's rudeness. "My Madam was invited here for a meal. Kindly step aside so I can deliver these to the kitchen."
Murong Feixue rolled her eyes dramatically, her disdain palpable. "Invited? More likely sneaking in when no one was looking! That box—did you steal it from the temple? Your so-called Madam has no business here."
Jiang Huaiyu's patience finally wore thin. Crossing to the door, she peered outside, her gaze cold and unyielding.
Aunt Xu's voice was steady but firm. "You're mistaken, young lady. My Madam's presence here is no secret. Please, don't embarrass yourself further."
Murong Feixue scoffed, her tone dripping with condescension. "What presence? She's just a merchant. Qingxu Temple doesn't entertain people like her. Stop pretending she's anyone important."