Chapter 184: Fatherly Love

The Regent remained calm, his deep, ink-black eyes concealing all his thoughts, making it impossible for anyone to discern what he was thinking.

“Zhao’er, the courtyard where you’re staying has already been tidied up. I personally selected some ornaments for you to look at. If you don’t like them, feel free to go to the storage and pick something else.”

The Regent’s tone was gentle, “Later, a seamstress will come to take your measurements, and you can choose the fabrics and patterns you like. If nothing suits your taste, there are several chests of fabric in your room. You can give those to the seamstress to make your clothes.”

“The chefs in the manor are skilled and can prepare dishes from all eight major cuisines. There’s also someone who specializes in making desserts. If there’s anything you’d like to eat, just tell the maid, and the kitchen will be ready at any time.”

“The jewelry from Zhenbao Pavilion is considered the finest in the capital, though it’s still far from the level of the imperial craftsmen. Three days is too short a time, so choose the designs you like for now. By the time we return from Xiliang, they’ll be ready. In the meantime, feel free to select a few everyday pieces from Zhenbao Pavilion. The storeroom also has plenty of other items.”

The Regent patiently and meticulously gave Su Wan instructions, and in the end, he handed her the key to the manor’s storeroom, along with the jade token that signified his authority and allowed her free passage.

Su Wan was stunned. No one had ever made such careful arrangements for her before.

When she returned to her courtyard, she found the front yard filled with peonies, and between two peach trees, a newly built swing stood.

Stepping across the clean bluestone tiles, Su Wan pushed open the door to the main room. A faint, elegant fragrance greeted her immediately, and her gaze was drawn to the incense burner on the tall table. The scent from the incense ball was quite pleasant.

The room was tastefully decorated, exuding a sense of understated luxury, with every detail carefully refined.

Particularly on the Duobaoge shelf^[1]Duobaoge shelf refers to a decorative shelf or cabinet used for displaying valuable items, artifacts, or collectibles. These could include items like antiques, fine china, jewelry, or other prized … Continue reading, each ornament was exquisite and valuable, a dazzling display of treasures that overwhelmed her senses.

A large woven floral carpet covered the floor, with seven or eight large chests arranged in the center.

The maid stood behind Su Wan and, seeing her hesitate at the edge of the carpet as if worried about dirtying it, explained, “Young lady, the master has prepared five or six woven carpets like this, and they are replaced daily. It’s very thick and soft, so your feet won’t hurt walking on it. Since you don’t like wearing shoes, you won’t catch a chill either.”

A smile curved on Su Wan’s lips as she took off her shoes and stepped onto the carpet. It was indeed soft, like stepping on cotton.

“The chests are filled with fabrics,” the maid added with a hint of amusement in her voice. “These fabrics are spoils of war, obtained by the master after his victories. Since there’s no lady of the house, they’ve been stored carefully in the warehouse all this time. Wearing clothes made from them carries a special significance.”

Su Wan’s heart stirred as she opened the chest. The fabrics inside shimmered with a soft glow, smooth and silky to the touch, extremely light and delicate. The colors were elegant and pleasing to the eye—if made into clothes, they would look ethereal and graceful.

“Young lady, which ones do you like?” the maid asked as she opened all the chests.

Su Wan glanced at them and replied, “I like all of them.”

“The master said that if you like them all, they should all be made into clothes, so you can wear a new outfit every day,” the maid remarked, noticing Su Wan’s surprised expression. Speaking in defense of the Regent, she added with a smile, hoping to bring the father and daughter closer, “The master said young girls love to wear new clothes, and wearing a new outfit always brings joy. If you wear new clothes every day, you’ll be happy every day.”

Su Wan felt a tinge of sadness in her heart and replied, “There’s no need for that. Just make a few outfits, and the rest of the fabric can be stored in the warehouse. I’ll wear them slowly over time.”

“Understood!” The maid gathered the fabrics Su Wan had chosen and instructed a servant to take the remaining ones to the storeroom.

Su Wan sat down on the floor, gazing at the room’s arrangement, which suited her tastes perfectly. The table was covered with various fruits and candied treats. Quietly, she made up her mind—no matter the cost, she was determined to cure Ji Xuan.

“Young lady, the seamstress and the people from Zhenbao Pavilion have arrived.”

“To the front hall.”

Su Wan stood up and followed the maid to the front hall.