Chapter 23: The Handkerchief

After the Lantern Festival on the fifteenth day of the first lunar month, the streets gradually returned to their usual bustle.

On this day, the shop resumed business, and the shopkeeper instructed the workers to sweep and clean. Wen Ruyu arrived at the shop with a few servants.

Last year, the family had some surplus earnings, so the red envelopes for each shop were also more generous. When the shopkeeper saw Wen Ruyu, he was naturally respectful.

This was all thanks to Wen Ruyu and her daughter-in-law, Zhao Shu, who had managed to keep things running. They understood fabrics and embroidery, knew what was valuable and what was not, and were well-versed in pricing.

Because of this, there was little that the shopkeeper could hide from them, making him very honest in his dealings.

Before the New Year, Wen Ruyu had taken the account books to review and discovered that a shopkeeper named Yu Tong had falsified two transactions.

She immediately pointed out the discrepancies, even though the amounts were not large—just around ten taels of silver. In the end, Wen Ruyu balanced the books, but the incident ensured that Yu Tong would never dare to overreach again.

Perhaps this happened because the male head of the family had just passed away, Zhao Shu had only recently taken over shop affairs, and Lu Songnian was not at home. Seeing an opportunity, Yu Tong had harbored some small ambitions.

After Wen Ruyu exposed the falsified accounts, Yu Tong completely surrendered, never daring to engage in deception again. Whenever he saw Wen Ruyu, he was extremely respectful.

Whenever she asked questions, he answered honestly, sometimes even adding extra details out of fear that she might suspect him of being careless.

As soon as Wen Ruyu arrived, Yu Tong presented a few newly made outfits for her to inspect.

Wen Ruyu directed the workers to hang these outfits in prominent spots within the store, ensuring they were the first things customers would see when selecting fabrics.

One particular orange top with a persimmon calyx pattern stood out, even making Wen Ruyu feel festive.

She had considered using mannequins to display the clothes in the store but worried that ancient people might find it inauspicious. So instead, she chose to hang the clothes at eye level.

In most households, new clothes were made in the spring and autumn. Since spring had already arrived, it was the perfect time to showcase these garments.

Moreover, during the New Year, Wen Ruyu had encouraged her family to socialize more within their circles.

As an elder, Wen Ruyu held a high status, and the younger generations didn’t dare to speak directly to her.

However, many young ladies had inquired with Lu Mingzhu and Zhao Shu about the origins of their beautiful outfits.

Wen Ruyu thought to herself that, at the very least, the designs she had created were well-received. If that was the case, the shop’s spring revenue should see an increase. It was essential to prepare in advance so that when customers came asking, the store would have samples ready.

After arranging the shop’s layout, Wen Ruyu visited another store managed by Yan Momo and Zhao Rui.

Zhao Rui was relatively honest, and the account books were clean.

As usual, Wen Ruyu adjusted the store’s setup. Before leaving, she instructed Zhao Rui, “Go out in the next couple of days and see if there are any skilled painters and calligraphers in the county.”

Zhao Rui asked, “Is this for teaching the young masters and young ladies?”

Wen Ruyu replied, “Not exactly. I just need to find a couple of skilled artists for some business matters.”

Although Zhao Rui wasn’t sure what his mistress intended, he didn’t question further and agreed promptly.

As Wen Ruyu was about to leave, Zhao Rui respectfully escorted her to the door, personally placing a small stool under the carriage step to help her board.

Wen Ruyu suddenly recalled that Zhao Rui’s grandson had been born recently, so she asked about it in passing.

Hearing this, Zhao Rui smiled sheepishly. “The baby was born over six pounds, a chubby little boy. We just received your generous gift, and we haven’t had the chance to properly thank you yet. We’ll have the parents come and pay their respects to you soon.”

Wen Ruyu was pleased to hear that both mother and child were healthy and didn’t press further.

“Tell your wife to take good care of your daughter-in-law during her postpartum period. There’s no rush for formal thanks. Childbirth is a major event, and if the recovery isn’t done properly, it could leave health issues for life.”

“You’re absolutely right, Madam,” Zhao Rui nodded quickly in agreement.

After helping Wen Ruyu onto the carriage, Zhao Rui remained at the entrance, watching until her carriage disappeared into the distance before turning back inside.

Shortly after Wen Ruyu left, a few women entered the shop.

Zhao Rui glanced at their attire and immediately recognized that they were unlikely to make quick purchases.

Even if they intended to buy something, they wouldn’t decide right away. So, he didn’t actively greet them, instead allowing them to browse freely.

As an experienced shopkeeper, Zhao Rui could determine the type of customer at a glance.

The newly displayed outfits were quite eye-catching, and as soon as the women entered, they noticed them.

Forget embroidered silk garments—even regular ready-made clothes were often beyond their budget.

But the love for beauty is universal, and upon seeing such exquisite clothing, the women couldn’t help but stop in their tracks.

They hesitated to touch the clothes but stared at the embroidery, trying to memorize the designs so they could replicate them at home.

However, these patterns were meticulously hand-stitched by the finest embroiderers at Wen Ruyu’s shop. Replicating them was no easy task.

The women wanted a closer look at the stitching techniques but refrained from touching the garments with the shopkeeper and workers present. They shifted positions repeatedly, attempting to get a better view.

After about fifteen minutes, as more customers entered the shop, they reluctantly purchased some cheaper fabric before leaving.

The New Year celebrations were still ongoing, and people had just bought new clothes for the holiday. It wasn’t yet the season for making more garments.

Those purchasing fabric now were mostly preparing in advance.

Unlike wealthy households, common families didn’t have a tradition of making two sets of clothes a year. They only made new clothes when they truly needed them, usually before the New Year for good luck.

Meanwhile, Wen Ruyu returned home and happened to encounter the steward, Lu Cheng, who had come to report.

She invited him inside her room, but he respectfully remained standing as he delivered his report.

“Madam, I have investigated the man named Zheng Qiao, as you requested.”

Wen Ruyu nodded, signaling him to continue.

Aside from Zheng Qiao’s family background, Wen Ruyu learned some unexpected details about him.

After hearing Lu Cheng’s account, she wasn’t sure whether to be angry or amused.

As a mother, she was furious to learn about the kind of person her son was associating with. But as a modern person, she was surprised to find herself less open-minded than these ancient people.

She had heard of brothel madams and male procurers but had never encountered someone like Zheng Qiao, who facilitated both men and women’s indulgences. His professionalism in this field was unmatched.

Yet, from his appearance, he seemed honest and reserved. Who could have guessed that he was so utterly depraved?

The thought made Wen Ruyu chuckle.

Lu Cheng panicked for a moment, worried that she was too angry. He cautiously observed her expression.

Meeting his gaze, Wen Ruyu scoffed coldly. “Those two sons of mine truly think I’m dead, don’t they?”

“They bring people like that into my house, mingling with them daily as if it’s nothing. No wonder my second son dares to keep a mistress outside. If these are the kinds of people he surrounds himself with, I must have been blind not to see it sooner.”

Lu Cheng quickly reassured her. “Madam, don’t be angry. If the young master is mingling with the wrong crowd, he just needs proper guidance. There’s no need to waste your energy on scoundrels like Zheng Qiao.”

Wen Ruyu nodded and dismissed him.

She then sent Fen’er to summon Lu Jinnian.

Fen’er, having overheard the conversation, didn’t dare to delay and hurried away.