A Good Country Wife
Chapter 496 - 490_1

Chapter 496: Chapter 490_1

The embroiderers in the embroidery room are one thing, but even Musheng’s wife had such thoughts. However, Musheng’s wife was too honest, perhaps her past experiences made her feel inferior, and even though she managed the embroidery room, she never felt any different about herself. She also felt she owed Lin Yue too much, so she kept her thoughts to herself and never spoke up. Otherwise, even if she went to the lady of the house herself, her husband might blame her for being too greedy, given that having their current life was already not easy.

"Sister-in-law Musheng, what do you think of the embroiderers in the room? I want to select two to follow me, and teach them the craft of double-sided embroidery. Do you have any opinions or recommendations? After all, you are the one who spends all day in the embroidery room and are closest with the embroideresses. You understand their temperaments and characters better." Lin Yue saw that Musheng’s wife had brought over the embroidery they had completed in the recent days and asked casually.

"This... I am but a simpleton and do not understand great truths, but since the lady has asked me to speak, I will share my thoughts. If what I say is not proper, the lady can just pretend I never said anything." Musheng’s wife did indeed have some thoughts but was afraid she wouldn’t articulate well, so she prepared her comment in advance.

Lin Yue knew of Musheng’s wife’s nature. "It’s fine, just speak. It doesn’t matter if it’s not good; I just want to hear some opinions."

"In my view, Lan Fang and Dong Xue are not bad choices. Though young, they are maidservants raised by the aristocratic family and have good embroidery skills and a solid foundation. Moreover, they are diligent and hardworking. They keep to themselves and do not like to gossip or indulge in underhanded behavior behind others’ backs. They are dependable and steady." Since learning that Lin Yue intended to teach her craft, Musheng’s wife had been observing quietly and thought long and hard before coming to this conclusion.

Musheng’s wife’s answer somewhat surprised Lin Yue. She had expected Musheng’s wife to choose Lun Qin, who had the best embroidery skills. She always thought Musheng’s wife was a person so honest that she could not be cunning, but now it seemed that was not entirely the case. "Oh? I thought you would choose Lun Qin. After all, that girl has the best embroidery skills amongst the embroiderers here apart from you."

"It’s not that I’m prejudiced against Lun Qin, but I don’t think she’s the most suitable one. The lady has a kind heart to be willing to pass on the art of double-sided embroidery, a such unique skill. Naturally, it should be taught to those who have the best character. Embroidery skill comes second. In my opinion, although Lun Qin’s skills are excellent, she tends to be arrogant and selfish in her usual conduct, and she doesn’t get along well with the other embroideresses. I’m afraid that if she learns the lady’s full skillset in the future, her ambitions might grow too large, which could lead to unwelcome issues. Lan Fang and Dong Xue, even if their skills are not as advanced as Lun Qin’s, are both honest, grateful people with a good foundation in embroidery. As long as they work hard, they will catch up." Musheng’s wife hurriedly explained her reasoning, worried that Lin Yue might think she recommended against Lun Qin due to personal grudges.

Musheng’s wife’s words once again made Lin Yue reconsider her. It turned out that she had underestimated Musheng’s wife. Such an honest person like her actually had a clear understanding and clear-headed judgment of things.

"Sister-in-law Musheng, you don’t need to be nervous. I asked you because I trust you, and there’s no other implication. Besides, my thoughts are quite similar to yours. I also don’t think Lun Qin is suitable for cultivation. However, between the two girls, Lan Fang and Dong Xue, Lan Fang is indeed reliable, while I am still uncertain about Dong Xue. I need to observe her further."

Seeing Lin Yue affirming her thoughts, Musheng’s wife smiled broadly, "It should be, it should be. Teaching a craft like this needs to be cautious, and one must observe more carefully."

"Eh, Sister Haishi, where have you come from? Are you looking for our lady with something important?" As Musheng’s wife stepped out of the courtyard, she ran into Haishi’s wife. Having arrived at the Zhao Family at the same time, and both previously working for the same household, their husbands also shared a good relationship. They were old acquaintances, so their meeting naturally carried an extra warmth and familiarity.

"I was just idle, really have nothing particular to do, so I thought I’d come over to see if the lady had any tasks for me. You must have delivered the embroidery to the lady, right? What did she say?"

"Yes, the lady thought it was very well done, saying that everyone’s embroidery skills have really improved lately. To reward us, she even specifically ordered the kitchen to prepare an extra meal for everyone." Musheng’s wife said joyfully, her face full of happiness. There was no reason to hide such news; it would be known by everyone sooner or later. As for other things that mustn’t be mentioned, her lips were sealed. Even though she had a good relationship with Haishi’s wife, she wouldn’t let slip a single word that could potentially disrupt the lady’s affairs. Whether or not to tell Haishi’s wife was up to the lady.

"Well, congratulations then. I used to think you were quite reserved, and I was afraid you wouldn’t be able to manage the embroidery room when the lady put you in charge. But it turns out you’re doing quite well and even getting praised by the lady." Haishi’s wife also smiled, but her smile did not reach the depths of her eyes.

Musheng’s wife noticed Haishi’s wife’s insincerity but didn’t mind it. "It’s only because the lady is willing to trust me. I know I’m kind of clumsy and not as clever as you, sister, so I can only try my best to manage things well, and not let the lady’s kindness go to waste."

"That’s true. You’re a busy woman now, so I won’t keep you. Go ahead with your work."

Seeing Musheng’s wife walk away, Haishi’s wife’s smile immediately collapsed, revealing a mix of dejection and defiance. She recalled how Musheng’s wife was just a lowly embroiderer, while she was the stewardess in charge in front of the lady. In the past, it was always her giving orders to Musheng’s wife. But now, Musheng’s wife was on equal footing with her and had even garnered the lady’s trust and favor. It was impossible for her to claim she had no thoughts about this; especially considering her current situation. Ever since Xumoumou had arrived, she had been left with much idle time. She used to manage all the household affairs, big or small, but now they had been transferred to Xumoumou, whom the lady trusted even more than her. Despite knowing she shouldn’t harbor any ill thoughts, Haishi’s wife still couldn’t help it.

That evening, as she returned home and rested for the night, Haishi’s wife couldn’t resist sharing her thoughts with Haishi. "Tell me, with Musheng’s wife’s dull nature, why on earth does the lady favor her so much, entrusting the embroidery room to her? Where do I fall short compared to Musheng’s wife? For every task the lady has assigned, haven’t I done my best to fulfill it? Yet the lady doesn’t see my hard work and diligence, pushing me aside as soon as Xumoumou came."

Haishi’s wife was merely venting, and deep down, she had no real dissatisfaction with Lin Yue, for she had always treated her well, and she was grateful for that kindness. But to Haishi, her words sounded terribly wrong, especially when she spoke with a complaint against Lin Yue. He immediately sat up, his face stern with severity.