Yang Haiyan said, “Grandma, Mother, this is the female shopkeeper from the ready-made clothing store in the county. She brought some ready-made clothes and fabrics. I called Third Aunt and San Ya to come along with you to choose. Let’s first see if there are any suitable ready-made clothes for you. If not, we can choose some fabric to make them instead.”

Qin Grandma replied, “Alright, alright. Yan Yan, later you help me choose; we need to pick something nice.”

Qin Mother added, “Exactly! We’ve never worn ready-made clothes before; we used to buy fabric and make them ourselves.”

As soon as she said this, Qin Mother realized that there were others around, and her words might embarrass Yang Haiyan.

She felt a bit awkward.

Yang Haiyan quickly responded, “That’s because the clothes you make are great, Mother. I used to enjoy making my own clothes too; I always felt that ready-made clothes were uncomfortable in some way. But recently, I’ve been busy and a bit lazy, so I’ve grown fond of ready-made clothes.”

The shopkeeper interjected, “Mainly, the clothes you make yourself fit well, while the ready-made ones have more innovative styles.”

Qin Mother sighed in relief, saying, “Yes, yes, that’s right.”

Yang Haiyan then said, “Shopkeeper, bring out the clothes and fabric for my grandma and mother to see.”

The shopkeeper shouted for the young girls she had brought along, and they brought out the ready-made clothes and materials.

There were garments for young girls, middle-aged women, and also suitable ones for elderly ladies.

The styles of the ready-made clothes were various, and they came in different colors.

Yang Haiyan noticed a few pieces of fabric and picked up one in a dark purple shade, embroidered with peonies in gold thread.

She said, “Mother, this fabric has a beautiful color, and it’s perfect for you.”

Although the peony design was embroidered with gold thread, it was sparse enough not to appear gaudy.

In fact, Qin Mother had also noticed this fabric.

At her age, she felt she shouldn’t wear bright colors; she preferred darker shades.

She had liked dark colors before because they were less likely to get dirty.

Now, however, there was another reason she was drawn to this piece: she was a noblewoman and the mother of a general, so she naturally couldn’t wear something shabby.

Qin Mother said, “Then let’s get this fabric too?” Her tone was somewhat hesitant, fearing that the fabric would be expensive.

Yang Haiyan replied, “It’s rare to find something Mother likes, so we must get it. Good things are hard to come by! And this piece in dark red, embroidered with the character for ‘happiness,’ is suitable for Grandma.”

Qin Grandma touched the edge of the fabric; she had never felt such smooth material in her life.

She hadn’t touched anything like it before, and now she liked it, but…

Yang Haiyan added, “Grandma, you and Mother are noblewomen. Noblewomen meet the wives of officials, so we can’t lack for decent clothes. Otherwise, others might think that your son is unfilial to you.”

The shopkeeper was shocked; she hadn’t expected that these seemingly simple women and the elderly lady were noblewomen.

As soon as Qin Grandma heard that it would affect her grandson, she immediately stopped hesitating.

Her grandson was so filial; she wouldn’t let anyone speak ill of him.

“Mother, Sister-in-law, Yan Yan.” Qin’s Third Aunt arrived with Qin Qiuya(Sanya), accompanied by Qin Siya.

Today, Qin Siya hadn’t gone to the embroidery workshop because they had guests at home and had asked her master for leave.

Grandmother Qin smiled warmly as she saw everyone arrive and said, “You all came. A-Fang’s wife has arranged for us to get new clothes. Come, take a look.”

Qin Qiuya greeted them politely, “Grandmother, Aunt, Sister-in-law.”

Qin Siya excitedly exclaimed, “There are so many clothes!”

Yang Haiyan chuckled and said, “Third Aunt and Qiuya, take a look and see if there are any ready-made clothes or fabrics you like. You can have a few sets made.

As for you, Siya, your clothes for this season have already been made, so today isn’t your turn.”

Yang Haiyan made four outfits for Siying each season, which was more than enough for a young girl without financial means.

She added, “But if you see something you like, I’ll allow you to advance your pocket money to buy one or have one made.”

Qin Siya, feeling a bit proud, replied, “Sister-in-law, I don’t need to advance my pocket money. I’ve earned some money myself.”

She had been learning embroidery at the embroidery workshop and occasionally sold her work there.

The workshop would buy high-quality embroidery pieces with the permission of the girls, paying them for the work, which was later resold.

This arrangement saved the girls from the hassle of selling their own work.

Yang Haiyan praised her, “Siya, that’s really impressive! In that case, why don’t you buy some fabric for Grandmother and make her a headscarf as a gift?”

Everyone turned to look at Qin Siya, who cheerfully agreed, “No problem. Grandmother, don’t worry, my embroidery skills have improved a lot.”

Qin Qiuya(Sanya), on the other hand, hesitated and seemed a little unsure of herself.

Seeing this, Yang Haiyan said, “How about Qiuya makes one for Grandmother as well? You two can discuss the design together. With two headscarves, Grandmother can alternate between them.”

Qiuying’s eyes lit up, and she eagerly agreed, “Of course! But…”

Her voice trailed off as her confidence faltered. “I’m not sure if I’ll do a good job.”

Yang Haiyan reassured her, “There’s no rush. It’s summer now, and Grandmother won’t need it until autumn. You have plenty of time to practice.”

Qiuya nodded firmly, “Thank you, Sister-in-law. I’ll do my best.”

Yang Haiyan had a good impression of Qin Qiuya.

She was a gentle and well-behaved girl but lacked confidence.

Though Yang Haiyan wasn’t going to put as much effort into guiding her as she did with Qin Siya, she felt a few words of encouragement here and there would be helpful.

Grandmother Qin was delighted to see the warm interaction between the sisters-in-law.

Family harmony was something she cherished.

In the end, Grandmother Qin, Mother Qin, and Third Aunt each selected a ready-made outfit and ordered an additional one.

Grandmother Qin and Mother Qin’s outfits were appropriate for their status as wives of officials, making them look like wealthy or official ladies.

They hadn’t brought many clothes from home, so this was necessary.

Third Aunt’s clothes were slightly simpler, reflecting the style of a typical townsperson with some spare money.

Qiuying chose two ready-made outfits and ordered two more, just like Qin Siya, making four outfits for the season.

The fabrics they chose were also similar.

While adults understood how to choose appropriately, sometimes young girls could feel self-conscious if treated differently.

Since this was Qiuying’s first time here, Yang Haiyan ensured her treatment mirrored Siya’s, but she knew this wouldn’t continue forever.

After all, Siya and Qiuya had different family backgrounds, and eventually, they’d need to recognize the realities of their situations.

Shielding them from that would only lead to misguided paths later.

Once the female manager from the clothing shop left, Qin Siya, thrilled, pulled Qiuya along, saying, “Second sister, go change into your new clothes! Afterward, I’ll take you to the embroidery workshop to meet my friends.”

Qiuya shyly replied, “Alright, thank you, Siya.”

Yang Haiyan, having led Grandmother Qin back to her room, added with interest, “Grandmother, Granny Lian is excellent at styling hair. How about having her do your hair today?”

Qin Grandma smiled and said, “That sounds great.”

While Grandma Qin was having her hair styled by Granny Lian, Qin’s Third Aunt watched from the side, and Qin Mother occasionally praised the beautiful hairstyle and complimented Granny Lian’s skill.

Once Grandma Qin’s hair was done, she looked into the bronze mirror, reluctant to touch her hair for fear of messing it up: “Oh, I’ve never had my hair styled so beautifully in my life.”

The elegant hairstyle made her look several years younger.

Yang Haiyan said, “Grandma, if you change into the new clothes you bought, Grandpa won’t even recognize you.”

Grandma Qin felt both amused and exasperated by this comment: “Then let’s go change.”

Yang Haiyan replied, “I’ll help you.”

By noon, when Qin Fang returned with Grandpa Qin and the others, he saw the women in the house—each one, from the youngest to the oldest—was almost unrecognizable.

He could easily recognize his wife and sister since he was used to their appearances, but when it came to Grandma, Mother, Third Aunt, and San Ya, he truly found it hard to recognize them.

Yang Haiyan stepped forward, taking his hand, and said, “Husband, look at Grandma and the others. Don’t they look good? I told you that not only you, but even Grandpa wouldn’t recognize Grandma.”

Qin Fang glanced at Grandpa Qin, seeking confirmation of his wife’s words.

Grandpa Qin was indeed stunned, staring at Grandma Qin, genuinely not recognizing her.

If it hadn’t been for Yang Haiyan’s comment, he wouldn’t have known that this was his old partner: “You… you…”

He stammered.

Seeing this, Grandma Qin shot him a glare: “What’s wrong with me?”

Grandpa Qin hurriedly replied, “You look great.”

What else could he say?

He wanted to express that at her age, what was the point of dressing up like this?

But he didn’t dare to say it.

In the Qin family, the men always cared about their wives’ feelings, and he was no exception.

When Grandma Qin heard him praise her, her face turned a bit red: “We’re both in our seventies, and you’re not embarrassed to speak like this.”

She had been with this old man for her entire life, and it was the first time she heard him praise her.

She truly felt shy.

Grandpa Qin replied, “I’m speaking the truth; if you don’t believe me, ask the eldest.”

Truly, being a man is hard.

If he spoke honestly, his wife would scold him; if he said the opposite, he would be told he was shameless.

Qin Father was still in a daze; compared to Grandpa Qin, he was only in his forties and still in his prime, so he felt no embarrassment.

When Grandpa Qin asked him, he was also staring at Qin Mother.

He had experienced tender moments with her when they were younger, and unlike the marriages arranged by their parents, they genuinely liked each other.

So now, looking at Qin Mother dressed up beautifully, he felt she looked stunning, reminiscent of her delicate appearance in their youth.

He was unknowingly mesmerized, and thus he didn’t hear Grandpa Qin’s words.

Qin Mother felt awkward; how could this man, at his age, be so oblivious?

Not to mention Qin Father, even Qin Third Uncle was the same.

It was as if he was seeing Qin Third Aunt for the first time.

In his memory, his wife had always kept her head down, not daring to look up, but today she raised her head, looking at him expectantly.

Qin Fang leaned down and whispered in Yang Haiyan’s ear, “Wife, what are you trying to do?”

His voice was deep, and the warm breath on her face made her heart race.

Yang Haiyan knew he was being intentionally teasing.

They were so familiar with each other now, and their bodies had developed beyond the usual limits; he knew very well that this kind of teasing would make her heart flutter.

She pinched his waist, saying, “We women should dress up beautifully. I’ll make sure all the women in the Qin family look gorgeous.”

Upon hearing this, Qin Fang couldn’t help but laugh, his chest swelling with a rich, pleasant sound.