Chapter Seven: A Beauty Beyond Compare

Yun’an County was not affluent, yet the brocade produced there was renowned for its exquisite texture and radiant colors. Almost every noble family in Daqing owned garments made from this brocade.

Shen Zhiniang lived in Yun’an County and naturally wore clothes made of this brocade since childhood.

One day, Shen’s mother sent two recently woven bolts of brocade to the Fragrant Breeze Garden, both of styles never before seen on the market.

The steward of the Shen household, who had watched Shen Zhiniang grow up, knew her temperament well. Although the master and mistress had disciplined the young lady a few days prior, no parent could help but love their child. So, this remarkable new gift was promptly delivered to the young lady’s quarters.

He knocked on the door and called inside, “Miss, madam has sent two bolts of brocade for you.”

Soon after, the gentle sound of footsteps came from within, and the door opened to reveal a tender, youthful face.

It was Yuzhu.

She said, “Miss went to the study after breakfast and has not come out yet.”

Upon hearing this, the steward handed the tray to her, sensing that his young lady was about to apply herself diligently.

Without waiting for Yuzhu to linger, he hurried away to report.

Inside the main hall, Madam Shen suddenly set down her teacup, staring in disbelief at the man before her, as if she had just received earth-shattering news.

“Is everything you said true? Has Zhiniang truly begun to study?”

The steward nodded earnestly and recounted with heartfelt conviction how he had seen Shen Zhiniang attentively poring over books in the study.

“Wonderful! It seems Zhiniang has truly changed her ways...” Madam Shen sighed with relief.

Just a few days ago, she worried that Pei Zhi’s strictness toward Zhiniang might make her resent them in the future.

But now, it seemed Zhiniang was not defeated but instead had become more diligent.

With her intelligence, it was not impossible that the Shen family might one day produce a female official.

Madam Shen was startled by her own thought. Women participating in politics was unheard of in all past dynasties.

Never mind; as long as Zhiniang lived a safe and happy life, that would be enough.

With this in mind, Madam Shen rose and took a stack of silver notes from her chest, handing them to the steward.

“Take these and have the messenger go to the finest jewelry shop in the capital. Commission a set of coming-of-age ornaments for the young lady. Don’t worry about the cost—only the most exquisite and precious will do.”

The steward took the silver notes, inwardly amazed. Even daughters of noble families in the capital rarely received such lavish gifts at their coming-of-age ceremonies.

It seemed Madam Shen’s favor for the young lady was extraordinary.

Meanwhile, in the study, Shen Zhiniang, secretly reading a serialized novel, suddenly sneezed.

“Damn Pei Zhi! It’s all his fault I’m under house arrest, so now I have to sneak around just to read a story.”

She thought to herself that patience was a virtue; once Pei Zhi returned to the capital, Yun’an County would be hers again, and she would see who could still control her then.

That night, by lamplight, Shen Zhiniang read her story, secretly displeased with the author’s ending.

Elsewhere, Madam Shen had the kitchen prepare a grand feast of all her daughter’s favorite dishes. She initially intended to invite her to the main hall but, considering how exhausted Zhiniang must be after a day of study, sent the food to Fragrant Breeze Garden with Yuzhu.

She also slipped a bolt of soft, fine gauze into Yuzhu’s arms, instructing that it, along with the two bolts of brocade, be made into dresses for the young lady the next day.

When Yuzhu entered, Shen Zhiniang saw her returning from the main hall laden with parcels and carrying an extraordinarily luxurious lunchbox.

“What is this?”

Yuzhu chuckled and deftly laid out the dishes on the table.

Braised pork knuckles, steamed fish, roasted duck wings, marinated chicken feet... the table was so full even the solid rosewood surface could barely hold everything.

“These were specially prepared by the kitchen today at madam’s order, seeing how hard Miss has been working in the study. Oh, and this...” Yuzhu produced the two bolts of brocade alongside the soft gauze.

“These were also given by madam—recently acquired fabrics. Once the seamstress measures Miss tomorrow, these will be made into garments.”

Seeing Yuzhu’s lively expression, Shen Zhiniang felt a wave of embarrassment.

Everyone thought she had been diligently studying today...

If her mother discovered she had only been hiding in the study reading stories, how awkward that would be.

Even worse, if Pei Zhi found out she spent her days reading such frivolous things, he would surely strip away her facade.

The thought made her shudder, cold sweat breaking out on her forehead.

Even with such a feast before her, the food seemed tasteless.

The spring rain fell endlessly outside, yet inside the room it was warm; the crackling of burning charcoal was clearly heard.

Sleep still lingered in Shen Zhiniang’s eyes, but the voices of Yuzhu and the seamstress outside roused her. She stretched lazily, her black hair flowing like silk over her shoulders.

“Miss, Seamstress Fang is waiting outside.”

Yuzhu announced as she entered. Shen Zhiniang responded faintly, allowing Yuzhu to assist her in dressing.

It was Seamstress Fang’s first time seeing the Shen family’s young lady in person. Although she had made clothes for her before, it had only been by following measurements.

Upon entering, Seamstress Fang was enveloped by a delicate fragrance.

The carved sandalwood bed was piled with brocade quilts, pale pink gauze curtains draped softly, revealing a graceful silhouette within.

Just as she was admiring the scene, Yuzhu parted the curtains and said, “Seamstress Fang, please wait a moment. Our young lady is still dressing.”

“No rush at all! Miss Shen, take your time.”

After a short while, footsteps emerged from behind the curtains.

Seamstress Fang looked up to see Yuzhu part the gauze again, and from behind her came the young lady herself, Shen Zhiniang.

At a glance, Seamstress Fang was captivated by her beauty.

Her face, no larger than a palm, bore cherry lips and a delicate nose, features flawless and refined. But most striking were her eyes—clear and deep as autumn waters—drawing one irresistibly in.

She couldn’t help but murmur in admiration.

Surely, no goddess from the heavens above could rival the young lady of the Shen family in beauty.

“Seamstress Fang humbly greets the young lady. Miss, you are truly extraordinarily beautiful—like a fairy from a picture album.”

Having traveled far and wide, encountering many noble ladies, no one compared to Shen Zhiniang’s unique beauty. Even as a woman, Seamstress Fang found herself willingly subdued by it.

“Seamstress Fang flatters me. Zhiniang is no great beauty, merely the courtesy of others. Besides, I have not yet come of age; this youthful charm is but the lingering bloom of childhood,” Shen Zhiniang smiled gently, stepping closer.

Seamstress Fang knew this was modesty, and it showed the young lady’s indifference to compliments.

She ceased her flattery and turned to take a soft measuring tape from her bag, beginning to measure Shen Zhiniang’s waist.