bayedsolid Chapter 686 Teaching Chu Chu!
Chapter 686 Teaching Chu Chu!
This meeting with Zhang Ruilan went relatively smoothly.
Zhang Ruilan's attitude remained extremely humble throughout. Moreover, even Madam Zhang seemed hesitant in her speech, constantly displaying weakness.
At first, Chu Chu thought that the mother and daughter were worried that their previous actions had angered the princess. But later, Chu Chu began to feel that something was amiss.
Since the mother and daughter arrived, they had been constantly apologizing and making amends. Since they were just inside the house, Chu Chu naturally didn't take it too seriously.
But even after they said it was alright, when Fu Hongyang was thinking of sending Chu Chu back to her residence, the mother and daughter still followed behind, humbly, like maids and servants.
Chu Chu frowned, but Fu Hongyang, being a man, naturally wouldn't pay much attention to such petty thoughts of a woman.
After Chu Chu got into the carriage, she realized that the way the mother and daughter acted when they left the restaurant was clearly just for show.
It's nothing more than an attempt to salvage Zhang Ruilan's reputation through this incident.
Thinking about it, she is, after all, Madam Fu's own niece, and she will eventually have to get married, right?
If she really can't get married and then tries to cling to the Fu family, it's no joke.
Chu Chu herself is a woman, so she naturally knows how important a woman's reputation is for her future.
Oh well, I'll just ignore them and let them be.
In fact, Chu Chu's thinking was simpler: as long as Zhang Ruilan behaved herself and stopped causing her trouble in the future, she might even be able to help her salvage some of her reputation.
Of course, that's all in the future.
Back at the Chang Le Prince's Mansion, Duanmu Chuze had just returned as well. Upon seeing Fu Hongyang, he immediately pulled him into the study.
As Fu Hongyang was being led away, he kept turning his head back, only to see Chu Chu's smiling face.
"Miss Chuchu is back? The Princess is waiting for you in Yijing Garden."
"Do you know why your teacher's wife summoned me?"
"Miss, I heard from the Princess that she seems to be teaching you some basic needlework techniques. Even if you don't do it yourself in the future, you should at least know some. Also, does the Princess mean that, at least after your marriage, she should make a set of clothes for Madam Fu and Young Master Fu?"
Hearing Rong Yue's words, Chu Chu blushed, but she also understood that what she said made sense.
She had married into a prestigious family, and while she could choose not to do needlework, she could not be incapable of doing it.
"Thank you for reminding me, Miss Rongyue."
"You're too kind, Miss. Please come in."
Meanwhile, Mu Xin Nuan had prepared all kinds of silk threads, as well as some brocade and floral patterns.
“You used to run some silk shops in Jiangnan, so you understand these things without me having to tell you. As for these silk threads, I suppose you are familiar with them too.”
"Yes, Master's wife, I know everything."
"Chuchu, I've had these flower patterns prepared for you, mainly so you can have a general idea. Once you're married, you'll become the mistress of a household, and you'll need to be more careful about many things."
Chu Chu was slightly taken aback, "But please enlighten me, Master's wife."
"Take this plum blossom pattern for example, what do you think of it?"
"Replying to Master's wife, it is very beautiful. The plum blossoms are noble and aloof, and they are depicted quite well."
Mu Xin Nuan smiled and said, "What you're saying is what you usually do. You can't just embroider something like this for anyone else, and of course, you can't just take it yourself either."
"Why?"
"Think about it, the character for 'plum' in 'plum blossom' sounds like the word for 'nothing.' Generally speaking, newlyweds would never accept this kind of gift. It's tantamount to cursing you to be childless. Do you understand?"
Chu Chu suddenly seemed to understand, "So there's such a saying?"
"Yes, so you need to understand this yourself. Not only handkerchiefs and clothes with plum blossoms, but also jewelry in the shape of plum blossoms should not be worn."
"Yes, Madam, Chuchu has remembered."
Mu Xin Nuan held her hand, "I know you were used to being alone in Jiangnan. But you will eventually get married. It would be so lonely to be alone for the rest of your life. Fortunately, you met Fu Hongyang. He is a caring person. You should settle down and live a good life with him."
Chu Chu blushed. "Yes, Master's wife."
"And another thing, within the first three days of your marriage, you must wear bright red and not any other color. Do you understand?"
"Yes, Madam."
"From now on, you will stay in the manor and quietly learn some needlework and etiquette. Even if you don't do it perfectly, at least you will know how. Oh, by the way, someone from a jewelry shop will be coming tomorrow. I will have someone call you then so you can pick out some jewelry that you like."
"Madam, isn't that unnecessary? I already have quite a lot of jewelry!"
“What’s not enough? You know, as a newlywed, the more generous your dowry, the more prestigious your status will be in your husband’s family. Besides, I’ll give you a list of all these dowries later. You’ll have a lot to do later.”
“Master’s wife, I appreciate your kindness, but I really can’t take anything from Master and Master’s wife anymore. I feel ashamed to accept it.”
"Silly girl, what do you have to feel guilty about? Since you call me 'teacher's wife,' I have to live up to that title, right?" Mu Xin Nuan scolded.
Aunt Fang also stepped forward, "Miss Wang, you are now a daughter of the Duke of Ying's mansion, and also a member of our royal family. It's not inappropriate for our Princess to help you manage some of your dowry. Why do you still refuse?"
Chu Chu's eyes reddened. "Thank you so much, Master's wife. I owe everything I have today to you, Master and Master's wife. I have no way to repay you in this life. As long as it is within my power, I will do everything in my power to fulfill your wishes."
"Alright, stop making it sound like you're facing a terrible disaster." Mu Xin Nuan pulled her up from her knees.
Aunt Fang also brought over a handkerchief, saying, "Speaking of which, the Duke of Ying's mansion has prepared all these fine things. The Duchess of Ying's wife is quite concerned about your marriage."
Mu Xin Nuan nodded in agreement, "That's right. Speaking of which, this cousin-in-law is really great. With her help, we don't have much to prepare."
"I am so grateful for the help I have received from my teacher's wife and the Duchess of England. I really don't know how to repay you."
"By the way, I heard that you ran into the Zhang family mother and daughter when you went out today?" Mu Xin Nuan changed the subject, as she was not used to such a sentimental scene.
"Yes, Madam. It was Fu Hongyang who arranged it."