High-class maid

Chapter 196 The Chen Family Quarrel

"That's only right. I'll tell my parents later and have them prepare. Thank you for reminding us, Auntie. We're not completely unaware of what's happening in the manor," Shen Xing'er said.

"It's nothing, just a matter of a word." Shan Tao didn't think much of it and waved her hand dismissively.

After Shantao finished eating the pastries, the two sisters went to the street side by side.

They first went to the embroidery shop and gave Sister Gao the handkerchiefs and purses that Shan Tao had embroidered that month. The transaction was completed, and just as the two were about to leave, Sister Gao called them back.

"Ladies, I have a regular customer who admires your embroidery style and designs. She would like you to embroider a veil for her. Do you have some free time?"

Shen Xing'er and Shan Tao exchanged a glance; neither of them had expected that an order would actually come knocking on their door.

"I wonder when we'll need it? If we're in too much of a rush, we might not be able to finish embroidering it," Shen Xing'er asked, seeing that Shan Tao hadn't refused.

Sister Gao breathed a sigh of relief. Her interactions with these two girls over the past few days had made her realize that they were probably maids from a wealthy family, and that embroidery was just a side job for them, not a means to support their families.

"Don't worry, ladies. I won't agree if it's too rushed. Her wedding is in August, so there are still six months to go." Seeing that there was a chance, Sister Gao smiled even more happily.

"Shantao, are you sure you can do it?" Shen Xing'er didn't rush to make a decision, but instead asked Shantao.

After all, she no longer needs to work in the manor, and she can draw the flower pattern in no time. Shan Tao is different; she is now a second-class maid and has to embroider for Sister Gao every month. Shen Xing'er is afraid that she will hurt her eyes.

“Xing’er…I want to give it a try.” Shan Tao thought for a moment. There were still half a year left. She could embroider a little bit every day, which would be enough to finish before the girl’s wedding.

"Alright! That girl said that your color matching and design are all superb. She has entrusted them all to you. In addition to the principal, she will give you ten taels of silver as a service fee."

Seeing that Shan Tao agreed, Sister Gao hurriedly stated the price, as if afraid that Shan Tao would change her mind.

"Ten taels of silver is quite a lot. A wedding dress for an ordinary family only costs ten taels of silver. Her veil alone costs ten taels of silver for the labor," Shen Xing'er said.

It seems that the capital city is a place where hidden talents abound!

"She's the daughter of a wealthy merchant, so she's never short of money. The girl said she wants everything to be the best, so she'll just have to trouble Xing'er to send over flower patterns a few more times," Sister Gao said.

"Of course," Shen Xing'er nodded.

Custom-made items are different from finished products. Before the client makes a final decision, Shen Xing'er draws several patterns to see which one they like. This is why she and Shan Tao are indispensable.

The two men accepted a deposit of two taels of silver and then left.

"Shantao, why did you take this embroidery job? Are you out of money?" Shen Xing'er couldn't help but ask as soon as they left the house.

She knew Shantao too well. This girl had always been easygoing and her limit was four embroidery pieces a month. Why would she be willing to take on other embroidery projects?

"No, I keep my money myself. I just want to save up more money so I can buy myself a small courtyard in the future," Shan Tao said.

What she didn't say was that the family relationship was becoming increasingly tense, and it would only become more tense after her sister-in-law moved in. Rather than being disliked, she thought it was better to plan for herself now.

Shen Xing'er squeezed her hand to comfort her. Every family has its own troubles. Since Shan Tao wants to take on embroidery, she will do her best to cooperate with her.

"Xing'er, I'm going back! I'll come find you again next time I leave the manor!" The two walked to the street corner, and Shan Tao sniffed as she said goodbye to Shen Xing'er.

"Okay, cheer up. In a few days, when my parents and I go to the mansion to deliver congratulatory gifts, we'll bring you some delicious food," Shen Xing'er coaxed.

Shan Tao smiled and waved goodbye to Shen Xing'er.

That night, Shen Xing'er, who should have been asleep, was woken up by knocking on the door. She opened the door and saw Shan Tao, who should have been at home, with a red nose.

"Shantao? What brings you here? Come in quickly!"

Shen Xing'er looked at Shan Tao, who had rushed over under the cover of night. Although spring had arrived, the night was still a bit cold, and the spring breeze was blowing. She looked exhausted.

"Xing'er...I..." When Shan Tao saw Shen Xing'er, her nose tingled and tears fell. She could only cry and couldn't say anything.

Shen Xing'er's nose also stung with tears. She gently closed the door and said...

"Alright, alright, stop crying and come back to my room."

The two returned to Shen Xing'er's room. Shen Xing'er poured Shan Tao another cup of hot water, and after Shan Tao slowly finished drinking it, she asked...

"What happened? Do your aunt and uncle know you're here? They were fine this afternoon!"

When Shan Tao met Shen Xing'er's caring gaze, her eyes began to redden again.

It turned out that Shan Tao and her mother prepared dinner together after returning home. Shan Gen hadn't eaten at their house for a long time, and it was also the first time this year that her father, Chen Shan, had come home from the village to spend the night. Since the family had finally managed to get together, Chen Shan's family naturally put a lot of effort into it.

She was fine during the meal. Shan Gen coaxed her parents, saying that other families gave six rites, and since they were servants of the Minister's mansion, they should give eight rites so that they wouldn't be looked down upon.

Chen Shan thought this made sense, so he agreed.

Yamane then said that since other families gave twenty taels as a betrothal gift, they might as well give thirty-eight taels, since it would all be his in the future anyway.

Chen Shan felt that he had already given all the traditional gifts, so what difference would a few extra taels of silver make? Under the expectant gazes of his wife and son, he agreed.

Just as Chen Shan was about to lose patience, Shan Gen hesitated for a moment and said...

“Father, Chunniang said she wants to buy a small courtyard house, preferably close to her parents, so it will be convenient for her to help out at the stall in the future.”

"What? You're married and you don't live at home anymore?"

Before Chen Shan could speak, Chen Shan's family couldn't help but say something.

"No, we're not staying here. You have your sister with you. Anyway, you're all in the capital. If anything happens, you can come back quickly." Yamane glanced quickly at Yamamoto and said in a low voice.

"Your mother and I aren't even dead yet, and you're already thinking about dividing the family property?" Chen Shan looked at his son with disappointment.

He originally thought his son was only on his wife's side, but now it seems his son is also selfish and self-serving. He wonders who he's been following.

"Father! This is not a division of the family property. If it were, you would give me half of your property. Chunniang just wants a small courtyard of her own..." Shan Gen murmured softly.

“Brother! The saying goes that the family should not be divided while the parents are alive. Although you did not ask for the family property, your marriage has already emptied the family’s savings. How is this any different from dividing the family?” Shan Tao could no longer hold back and stepped forward to say.

"Shut up! You know how hard your parents work? What about your savings? Why won't you take them out?"

Yamane didn't dare to refute Chen Shan, but he dared to refute his sister. He widened his eyes and said.