Chapter 11: The Maids and the Embroiderer

              

Concubine Zhao returned in a fury, and sure enough, another storm brewed. Within half a day, the entire Ye mansion knew she had gone to Third Miss’s Qingyi Pavilion to curry favor, only to be mocked and driven out by Qingshuang. Though she was currently favored, the Minister merely gave Third Miss a light reminder during morning greetings—proof that Concubine Zhao’s favor was not as secure as rumor claimed.

The concubines of the back courtyard seized the chance to sneer. Sharp‑tongued as ever, Zhao fought back. With Madam Wang confined to her courtyard teaching Ye Ying, the concubines, freed from supervision, made the back courtyard lively with gossip and quarrels.

Madam Wang had suffered heavily at Ye Li’s hands—losing tens of thousands of taels and being confined by the Old Madam. Ye Li cared little for how many porcelain pieces Madam Wang smashed in her rage, but she suspected confinement was not entirely genuine. With Prince Li’s betrothal gifts approaching, Madam Wang, as matriarch and Ye Ying’s mother, could not possibly avoid appearing.

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When Prince Li’s mansion came to present the betrothal gifts, Ye Li sat leisurely in her courtyard, selecting servants. The household, astute as ever, did not forget Third Miss’s instructions. While busy receiving Prince Li’s people in the front hall, the housekeeper’s wife brought maids for Ye Li to choose.

Ye Li sat composed beneath the eaves, her gaze calm upon the dozen maids lined before her. The housekeeper’s wife grew uneasy at her silence, fearing dissatisfaction. Just as she considered fetching another batch, Ye Li spoke coolly:
“Qingshuang, take a look. Keep the suitable ones.”

Qingshuang’s heart warmed at her miss’s trust. “This servant obeys.”

She walked among the maids, recalling how she herself had once been ostracized when her miss was out of favor. Now she was the one to select. She chose several refined, well‑behaved girls and presented them. Ye Li glanced, smiling inwardly—Qingshuang was perhaps too careful, even in choosing maids.

The housekeeper’s wife asked, “Will Third Miss select only these few? Perhaps two more, in case they’re needed?”

Ye Li’s clear gaze held a smile. “In that case, let’s select two more.”

This time, she pointed casually. “Those two.”

Qingshuang followed her gesture—one plain and unremarkable, the other strikingly beautiful yet arrogant, her gaze upon Ye Li filled with insolence. Truly not knowing life from death!

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Ye Li examined the six chosen. “What are your names?”

“This servant is Yun’er, this servant is Xiaocui.”
“This servant is Jing’er, this servant is Tian’er.”
“This servant is Xueyan, this servant is… Hanqing.”

Ye Li nodded. None were inappropriate. She turned to the last two. “Xueyan, where did you serve before? I don’t recall seeing you.”

Xueyan curtsied. “Reporting to Third Miss, this servant was a second‑rank maid in the Old Madam’s courtyard. Not presentable enough, Third Miss naturally would not have seen me.”

Ye Li smiled. “You hardly seem unpresentable. From now on, you shall serve by my side like Qingshuang.”

Xueyan was startled, then composed herself. “Thank you, Third Miss, for the promotion. This servant will serve wholeheartedly. Please grant this servant a name.”

Ye Li pondered, then said, “You shall be called Qingxia.”

“Qingxia thanks Miss for this grace.”

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Ye Li turned to Hanqing. “Can you embroider?”

Pride flashed in Hanqing’s eyes. “Of course. This servant’s embroidery is among the finest in the mansion.”

Ye Li nodded. “Very good. Then you shall serve in needlework.”

Hanqing’s face changed. “Miss, this servant is not an embroidery maid!”

Qingshuang rebuked sharply. “How dare you contradict Miss!”

Ye Li remained calm. “I know you’re not an embroidery maid. You won’t be given important work. Skilled embroiderers train for decades. You need not worry.”

Hanqing flushed, glaring. Ye Li ignored her, smiling. “If it’s too much, go to the steward. Once we’re at Prince Dingguo’s mansion, there will be more for needlework. Also… your name must change. Let’s call you Jingwen.”

Hanqing gritted her teeth. “Thank you, Third Miss, but this servant is satisfied with her name!”

Qingshuang sneered. “Impudent! What does your satisfaction matter? Our Miss isn’t satisfied. With such a face and improper name, do you think Qingyi Pavilion is a brothel?”

Ye Li’s voice was cool. “Change your name, or leave Qingyi Pavilion. Or… ask your former mistress.”

Hanqing’s face stiffened. “This servant thanks Miss for the bestowed name.”

Ye Li’s gaze swept over her. “Now that you’ve entered Qingyi Pavilion, behave properly and I won’t make things difficult. If you harbor other thoughts, leave early. Otherwise… those caned outside Rongle Hall will serve as your example. Qingshuang, Qingxia get ten taels of silver, the rest five taels each.”

“Yes, Miss.”

“Thank you for Miss’s kindness!” the maids chorused. For minor maids, five taels was a fortune. Even Hanqing—now Jingwen—knew she could not challenge Ye Li and joined in thanks.

Leaving Qingshuang to handle the rest, Ye Li turned to return to her chambers. From outside came the housekeeper’s wife’s voice:
“Third Miss, Noble Lady Xianzhao summons you.”

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