Chapter 1015: Chapter 1013 Face-to-Face Encounter

Those two brothers of his were both cunning and devious, wanting Laoer’s property but unwilling to adopt his son. They coaxed Quan Laoer into bringing out anything valuable, like the family’s land deeds. Half were pocketed by the old wife of the Quan family, and the other half was divided between the two brothers.

The only things left were the two rooms given during the family division. This was because Miss Quan, now grown up, threatened with her life, saying that if they truly refused to leave a patch of shelter for her and her father, she would rather die. Anyway, if she were pushed to death, she would expose the whole truth for all to see the true nature of the Quan family.

Expose to the world that the Eldest Brother and Laosan of the Quan family forced their own brother and niece to death, ruining everyone’s reputation. Who would dare to be related to the Quan family then! Needless to say, the next generation of the Quan family was also growing up, with several needing to marry wives or daughters off. If things got noisy and the Quan family’s reputation went rotten, so many sons and daughters would be laughed at, ending up with nothing but a joke.

Moreover, those two rooms weren’t worth much. The girl would eventually be married off, and once Miss Quan was married, the house would fall into their hands sooner or later, without leaving a bad reputation, hence they were left alone.

That Quan girl is now sixteen, about to be betrothed. Her uncles are up to their schemes again, asking around about any families needing concubines or maids, as long as the silver offered is sufficient.

But Quan Laoer remains foolishly oblivious, unclear whether he truly doesn’t know or pretends not to.

After hearing all this, Old Granny Zhang and Wang Yongzhu exchanged glances and looked at Jindou, whose fists were clenched with anger.

They understood well enough, so Wang Yongzhu asked, “How can we arrange to meet this girl?”

The man quickly said, “That’s simple. Over the years, the Quan girl has been relying on embroidery to barely maintain the livelihood for herself and Quan Laoer. Every ten days she delivers goods to the Embroidery Store, and today just happens to be the delivery day.”

Looking at the sun, he continued, “The time is about right, just cross two alleyways to reach the Embroidery Store.”

Why wait any longer?

Wang Yongzhu called out to Jinguan and the others, instructing them to play in the courtyard and not to cross the threshold or play by the well.

Promising to return soon and take them to the restaurant for a meal, he felt assured as he locked the door from outside.

The man, seeing Wang Yongzhu’s concern, said, “Scholar’s Lady, rest assured, there are brothers around here keeping watch to ensure the children’s safety.”

Guided by the man, the three quickly reached the side of the Embroidery Store, and while pretending to chat idly, they indeed saw a girl in an indigo dress approaching. The guide coughed, and Wang Yongzhu and the others understood that this was Miss Quan.

As the Quan girl drew closer, she appeared fair and delicate while carrying a small bundle, head lowered as she entered the Embroidery Store.

Jindou couldn’t help but take two steps forward, itching to follow her into the store immediately.

But Old Granny Zhang pulled him back abruptly, glaring at him, “Useless thing!”

Jindou’s face turned red, not daring to step forward again, yet his eyes stayed glued, watching the Embroidery Store.

Understandingly, the man realized this was a private matter of the masters, and quickly took his leave.

Wang Yongzhu didn’t stop him, handing over a purse, “You’ve worked hard, take this and have some tea.”

The man didn’t decline, accepting the purse, “Thank you for your reward, Scholar’s Lady! We’ll be over at the alley entrance, just call out if you need anything.”

With that said, he promptly turned and left.

Old Granny Zhang and the others waited nearby for some time. Seeing Miss Quan come out, they slowly pretended to buy something as a family and coincidentally bumped into her at the Embroidery Store.

This close, they could see more clearly. Miss Quan appeared delicate but not sickly. Her brows and eyes looked relaxed and generous, without a hint of pettiness.

When encountering Old Granny Zhang and Wang Yongzhu head-on, she courteously moved aside.

Old Granny Zhang and Wang Yongzhu, with their sharp eyes, noticed that the fabric on Miss Quan’s clothes came from the Cloth Store of Lucky Fortune. Apart from this store, other places couldn’t achieve the same dye colors yet.

The fabric was sturdy and resistant to dirt. Although typically used by families for men’s clothing, on Miss Quan it didn’t appear old-fashioned; rather, her fair skin made her look taller.

Being so close to Miss Quan, Jindou could even see her eyelashes clearly, frozen in place, unable to move a step.

Only when Old Granny Zhang discreetly kicked him did Jindou snap to his senses, bowing his head, blushing down to his neck.

Meanwhile, Wang Yongzhu smiled and nodded at Miss Quan, “Miss, seeing you coming out of the Embroidery Store, I wanted to ask you something, if it’s convenient.”

Upon hearing this, Miss Quan stopped, seeing Wang Yongzhu with her hair styled as a married woman, she smiled back and nodded, “What would this lady like to inquire about?”

Wang Yongzhu stepped forward eagerly, “Here’s the thing, we’re from Qilidun. My household will hold a celebration soon, and we want it to be a grand affair. We need to buy some vibrant embroidery work, but being village folks, we don’t know which embroidery store in town crafts quality work. Seeing how kind you look, and that you came from the Embroidery Store, I thought I’d ask.”

Hearing this, Miss Quan discreetly glanced at the three opposite her. The elderly one and the lady speaking didn’t wear anything flashy, but her years of embroidery work had finely tuned her perception of fabric quality.

Their clothes were of fine quality, and although they wore no adornments, their demeanor certainly didn’t seem provincial.

As for the young man behind them, she dared not take a closer look, but a single glance was enough to see his clothes, though not as good as the first two, weren’t poor either.

Seeing him silent, head lowered, blushing, and recalling the lady’s words earlier, Miss Quan guessed that it was probably for the young man’s celebration.

Though she rapidly processed all this, Miss Quan retained her smile, “Lady, to speak of the Embroidery Stores, our town has just two. Without saying more, this store’s craftsmanship is good, prices reasonable, and the shopkeeper has run it in this town for about ten years. The neighborhood knows it well. If you want embroidered items, choosing this store won’t be wrong.”

Old Granny Zhang clapped her hands, “Wonderful, reasonable prices are good. Thank you, young lady, you’re truly a good girl!” She said this while extending a hand to shake Miss Quan’s.

Miss Quan, though startled by Old Granny Zhang’s action, promptly regained composure, “Auntie, this small matter is not worth thanks! If there is nothing else, I’ll leave, not to delay Auntie!”

Saying this, she pulled back her hand intending to leave.

Old Granny Zhang took the opportunity to release her hand and with a smiling face praised her a couple more times before pulling Wang Yongzhu into the Embroidery Store.

After taking a few steps and passing by Jindou, she kicked him again, whispering, “Stop being foolish, follow along!”

Jindou obediently walked behind Old Granny Zhang and Wang Yongzhu, entering the Embroidery Store.