My Husband Never Oversteps The Bounds Of Propriety - Chapter 25

Chapter 25: The Silk Pouch

Su Yu moved much faster than Shen Jiuyuan had anticipated.

In just three to five days, the Yunjin Pavilion had quietly taken on a completely new atmosphere.

Before the pavilion’s doors hung an apricot-yellow banner, custom-made by a famous calligrapher and the only one of its kind. The display windows no longer held a disorganized array of ready-made clothes; instead, they showcased a few exquisitely crafted sample garments with ingenious designs, accompanied by landscape paintings with profound artistic conceptions or elegant tray landscapes. This caused passersby to stop and stare frequently.

On the second floor of the pavilion, several elegant and quiet private rooms were set aside. These were specifically for distinguished guests who wished to have bespoke clothing, allowing them to discuss styles and measurements in detail with the embroiderers and managers.

Meanwhile, Su Yu using unknown connections successfully invited Old Master Gu, famous in Jinling City for his paintings of orchids and bamboo, to hold a small tea and painting appreciation gathering at Yunjin Pavilion. Though it wasn’t grandly publicized, many literati, refined scholars, and noble young ladies came upon hearing the news. Consequently, the reputation of Yunjin Pavilion seemed as if it had been washed by the scent of ink and tea, suddenly becoming clear, elegant, and high-class.

As for the accumulated stock of old styles at Yunjin Pavilion, they were slightly modified by skilled embroiderers either adorned with trendy pearls and emeralds or paired with unique embroidery patterns—and released in limited quantities under names like “Time Reclaimed” or “Treasured Secrets.” Surprisingly, this piqued the interest of nostalgic customers, and sales were even better than in previous days.

After this series of coordinated moves, the strategy of Nishang House which relied solely on slashing prices while offering repetitive styles—instantly appeared coarse and unrefined. Within half a month, although the foot traffic at Yunjin Pavilion hadn’t exploded, the transaction value and profit per unit had more than doubled. Most of the customers were truly discerning guests who valued quality over cost; amidst the bustle of the marketplace, the shop possessed a calm and confident aura.

When the news reached the Su Manor, it naturally caused a stir.

Inside Baicao Hall, as the Old Madam listened to Matron Song’s report on the recent status of Yunjin Pavilion, her hand moving the prayer beads slowed down. A nearly imperceptible trace of surprise and deep thought flashed in the depths of her eyes. She had originally thought it was rare enough for this granddaughter-in-law from the North to manage accounts and household affairs without error; she never expected her to have such an exquisite mind and such insight into the way of merchant operations.

“I underestimated her,” the Old Madam said flatly, her tone unreadable.

Matron Song bowed and said, “The Eldest Young Grandmother is indeed quick-witted, acts steadily, and is neither proud nor impatient. Even Matron Yan has praised her in private, saying she has high perception and understands things instantly.”

The Old Madam gave a hum of agreement and said no more, though a few traces of gratification crossed her face.

In the Meditation Courtyard, the Eldest Mistress Lady Lin remained silent for a long time after hearing of this. Having managed the household for many years, she knew it was difficult enough for an inner-court woman to clear the accounts; to interfere in external business and propose such effective strategies was no easy feat. This daughter-in-law always seemed to reveal an unexpected side just when people thought they had seen through her.

Lady Lin remembered when Su Jin came to pay his respects and mentioned this matter; although his tone remained flat, the flash of nearly imperceptible approval in his brow did not escape her eyes. It seemed Jin-er’s feelings toward his wife were gradually changing. Lady Lin’s heart was filled with complex feelings a bit of relief, a bit of bitterness, and an indefinable, faint expectation for the future.

The biggest reaction, however, came from the Second Branch.

Lady Wang specifically prepared a lavish gift and personally went to Yuanlan Pavilion to thank Shen Jiuyuan, her words even more warm and intimate than before.

“Good child, it is truly thanks to you. If not for your clever ideas, Yu-er wouldn’t have known how long he’d be pulling his hair out. That Qin family, relying on their vast wealth, was truly bullying us too much. Now, let them see the true heritage of our Su family.” Lady Wang took Shen Jiuyuan’s hand, her smile so wide her teeth were visible. “In the future, if you need anything, just tell your Second Aunt! We are one family.”

Shen Jiuyuan responded with humility, yet her mind was as clear as a mirror. The Second Branch’s overture was partly because she helped Su Yu, but more so because the value she demonstrated was enough for them to place their bets on her. Even the arrogant Miss Su Tian from the Third Branch, who was usually very picky about Jiuyuan, showed much less provocation when they met at several family banquets; though she still didn’t initiate conversation, she no longer openly showed her displeasure as before.

Shen Jiuyuan accepted all these subtle changes calmly, remained unruffled by either favor or humiliation. She continued to learn etiquette from Matron Yan daily, handled household affairs, and audited accounts. In her spare time, she read, practiced calligraphy, or tended to the medicinal herbs she had specifically transplanted into her courtyard. Her days were full and peaceful.

Only in the dead of night would she take out the nameless book and the token left by her mother to study them under the lamp. Besides exquisite medical theories and poison formulas, the book contained symbols and short sentences that seemed disorganized but held hidden meanings, seemingly related to the mystery of her birth. As for the token made of neither gold nor jade and warm to the touch its patterns were ancient and mysterious. Shen Jiuyuan had searched through many records but had yet to find its origin.

Her birth was a mystery, and the road ahead was uncertain. Although the Su Manor offered temporary shelter, it was by no means her final destination. She needed power a foundation for standing that truly belonged to her.

On this day, Shen Jiuyuan was staring blankly at a newly transplanted medicinal herb. The leaves were a strange silver-white; the plant was recorded to “concentrate the heart and quiet the spirit, capable of curing miasma-related toxins.” While she was lost in thought, Su Jin unexpectedly stepped into Yuanlan Pavilion.

He was not wearing his usual black today, but a silk robe of rain-over-sky blue, looking less cold and more like a refined scholar. He had come to see the medicinal herbs.

“I heard you moved some herbs into the courtyard?” Su Jin stood with his hands behind his back under the corridor, his gaze sweeping over the thriving green plants before landing on the silver-leafed herb. “This herb is named ‘Moon Shadow.’ It grows in the miasma-ridden lands of Southern Yunnan and is rarely seen in the capital. Where did you obtain it?”

Shen Jiuyuan felt a slight chill but showed no change on her face. “I happened to purchase it from a traveling physician. Seeing the leaves were unique, I kept it for fun. Does Husband recognize this herb?”

Su Jin took a few steps closer, leaning down to examine the silver-white leaves, his fingertips ghosting over them. “I saw it in Southern Yunnan years ago while traveling with a merchant caravan. Although it can cure miasma toxins, its nature is yin-cold. If the sap accidentally touches a wound, it will cause ulceration; one must be cautious.”

Shen Jiuyuan suppressed her surprise that Su Jin had such knowledge of herbs. “Thank you for the reminder, Husband. I have noted it.”

Su Jin straightened up, his gaze moving from the herbs to her face. His deep eyes reflected the daylight, appearing exceptionally clear. “Regarding the Yunjin Pavilion matter, you did very well,” he said suddenly, his tone a bit warmer than usual. “Taking a different path and breaking the stalemate with elegance is not the perspective of an ordinary inner-court lady.”

This was the first time Su Jin had so explicitly affirmed her ability. Shen Jiuyuan lowered her eyes. “I only offered a few humble opinions. It was thanks to Second Brother’s adoption and implementation that it proved effective. I dare not take the credit.”

Su Jin watched her submissive appearance, yet felt he could see through to the intelligence and sharp edges hidden beneath her calm exterior. “Too much humility becomes pride,” he said flatly. His tone was unreadable, yet it made her heart skip a beat.

He paused and suddenly changed the subject. “In three days, the wife of the Jinling Silk Commissioner is hosting a spring-viewing banquet, inviting the female relatives of Jinling’s officials and merchants. Grandmother and Mother wish for you to accompany them.”

A spring-viewing banquet hosted by the Jinling Silk Commissioner?

Shen Jiuyuan was slightly surprised, her heart rate quickening almost imperceptibly. Although the Silk Commissioner held only a fifth-rank official post, he managed the weaving affairs of the South, holding a special status and maintaining close ties with Imperial Merchant families like the Su family. This banquet was undoubtedly the social stage for Jinling’s top-tier female circles.

Asking her to accompany them meant the Su family was formally pushing her to the front.

“Yes, I understand,” Shen Jiuyuan bowed and accepted. “I shall certainly be cautious in word and deed, and not fail the expectations of Grandmother, Mother, and Husband.”

Su Jin looked deeply at her, seemingly trying to see something in her calm face. Finally, he said, “Matron Yan will go with you. At that time, the female relatives of the Qin family will likely be present as well.”

Su Jin specifically mentioned the Qin family to remind her. She understood in her heart: the contest between the Su and Qin families had extended from the marketplace to the social interactions of the inner court.

“I am aware,” her voice was steady, without a trace of fear.

Su Jin said no more and turned to leave. When he reached the Moon Gate, he paused but did not look back, leaving only one sentence: “On that day, the honey-colored dress embroidered with magnolias would be very suitable.”

Shen Jiuyuan froze in place. Watching his silhouette disappear around the corridor, she slowly lowered her head to look at her current casual outfit it was precisely a honey-colored dress embroidered with magnolias.

Su Jin had actually noticed her daily attire.

Somewhere in the depths of her heart, it felt as though a feather had lightly brushed against her, creating a nearly imperceptible ripple. She reached out and gently touched the cold, silver-white leaf of the Moon Shadow herb. Her gaze gradually became soft and warm, appearing to hold a faint mist.

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