Full House Spring

Chapter 17 Life Circumstances
Madam Xie's house is composed of a circle of houses forming a courtyard, which are connected by corridors. It has blue bricks, gray tiles, and carved window lattices, and the whole courtyard is filled with a faint poetic atmosphere.

There is a stone table under the osmanthus tree in the courtyard, where you can make tea and enjoy the flowers, which will make you intoxicated.

Qiao He closed the courtyard door and looked around. She found a well in the courtyard and said with joy, "Madam, this courtyard has everything. It is really a good place to go."

Xia Li smiled. She placed her clothes on the stone table and said briskly:

"Grandma said that except for the main room where she lives, we can choose the east and west wing rooms at will, and we can use whatever we want."

Qiao He curled her lips slightly, "You choose first. I'll use any room I live in. This kitchen has been unused for a long time. The pots and pans in it need to be cleaned thoroughly, otherwise we'll both be hungry at noon."

Xia Li also rolled up his sleeves and said excitedly: "Then I'll fetch water. I wonder if this well rope can be used..."

Qiao He hurriedly pulled her back and said angrily, "You'd better not cause me any more trouble. If you get a headache or a fever again, I'll have to find a doctor for you. Just go and pick a room. I'll help you clean up your bedroom first."

Xia Li didn't know whether to laugh or cry, "I'm not made of paper, there's no need to be so cautious."

Qiao He rolled her eyes at her and threatened, "If you don't listen to me, I will tell Madam to get a stronger maid to look after you."

Xia Li didn't dare to argue with her, so he said helplessly: "I'll listen to you. I'll do whatever you arrange. Grandma will arrange for the maid to come and sweep and dust every once in a while, so I guess it's not dirty inside."

As she spoke, she walked to the door of the east wing and pushed it open, revealing a quiet room.

The ink-black bed was placed in a corner of the room, with no curtains hung. All the furniture was made of yellow pear wood, which was delicate and elegant. Xia Li fell in love with this room at first sight.

She stepped inside and first opened the crabapple-patterned window lattice to ventilate the room. Qiaohe gently wiped the table with her hand and found no dust at the tip of her fingers.

"This room has no peculiar smell and no dust. We can just take the curtains and mattresses out to dry in the sun and use them. Madam Xie is really thoughtful."

Xia Li felt warm inside. Although her grandma didn't say it, she treated her like her own grandchild and took care of every detail. She would have to be doubly filial to her in the future.

The two men found curtains and bedding from the round-corner cabinet. When they got closer, they could smell the faint fragrance of soapberries. They were all brand new materials and had not been used by anyone else.

After taking the things to the yard to dry, Qiaohe took out a jujube wood reclining chair and placed it under the osmanthus tree for Xia Li to lie down on it and rest.

Her health is not as good as before. She feels dizzy when she is a little tired. It will take some time to recover.

Although the west wing where Qiaohe lived was not as elegant as the east wing, it had everything she needed and was much more comfortable than the room with seven or eight other people living in it. Although she still had to do some work here, there was no one watching her or ordering her around, so she did not feel oppressed.

After autumn came, the sun was no longer scorching, and Xia Li lay in the reclining chair, drowsy. She thought to herself that when she was freed from slavery in the future, she would also buy a house like this.

Qiao He was busy all the time. After she had cleaned up everything inside and out, it was time to make lunch. Before coming, Nanny Xie gave her a lot of nourishing herbs and explained in detail how to stew them. They were all for Xia Li to eat.

Soon, a faint medicinal fragrance wafted through the courtyard, causing the neighbors to wonder if it was Aunt Xie who had returned. Most of the people living in this street in the back alley were servants of the Duke's Mansion, and the courtyards of the prominent stewards in the mansion were not small.

Aunt Xie lives alone and bought this house to prepare for her retirement in the future. She only comes back occasionally, so she chose the quietest place in the west. Because she is the old lady's confidant, all the neighbors respect her very much and know that they will visit her when she comes back.

After Xia Li fell asleep, several waves of people came to visit, and Qiao He had to deal with them. There were people working in each mansion who were well-informed about the gossip, so they would not look down on Xia Li, but instead sent a lot of food to try to get close to him.

If it was other valuable items, one could still politely refuse, but it was difficult to refuse food. When Xia Li woke up, he was surprised to see the various vegetable and fruit dishes. He finally understood after listening to Qiaohe's explanation.

Grandma's house is so comfortable that she will definitely come to live here again in the future. It is also a good thing to make friends with the neighbors. She will prepare some food as a return gift someday.

The two of them had lunch at the stone table in the courtyard. After lunch, Xia Li pinched her nose and drank another large bowl of medicine under Qiao He's supervision. Her eyes and nose were wrinkled with bitterness, and she said in a negotiating tone: "I am almost well now. I don't need to drink this tonic every day."

Qiao He said firmly: "I only follow Madam's orders. She told you to drink every day, not even a meal. You don't want me to be scolded, do you?"

Xia Li wanted to cry but had no tears, so he had to obey obediently. Qiao He was busy for half a day and had no time to rest. In the afternoon, she went back to her room to lie down. Xia Li was in high spirits and planned to decorate her boudoir well.

Grandma discussed with her the night before, planning to choose an auspicious day to hold two tables of wine and officially recognize her as her granddaughter. She was of course happy about it, and she and Grandma would depend on each other in the future. This house would be her and Grandma's home.

The matter of leaving the country still needs to be planned slowly, but the home needs to be decorated to be warm and comfortable. She also opened the doors and windows of grandma's room for ventilation, as she might come back to live with her at any time. In the past, it didn't matter where she lived as a single person, but it was different now.

Nanny Xie has served the old lady for most of her life and has accumulated a lot of good things, many of which are placed in this house. Xia Li is not shy about using them.

The curtains hanging beside the bed were embroidered with orchids, every bit of which exuded exquisiteness.

A breeze passed through the window lattice, causing the curtains to float slightly. The small sachet hanging on the curtain hook emitted a faint fragrance.

Xia Li brought the needle and thread basket and the embroidery thread she asked for from the needlework room. Although she was away from home to recuperate, she couldn't return empty-handed. She planned to make some delicate velvet flower headdresses during these few days of free time, which would be very presentable whether she gave them to the old lady as a filial gift or as gifts to others.

Although this promotion was obtained by virtue of the merits of protecting the master, if he wants to gain a firm foothold, he must show some real ability, otherwise it will be difficult to convince others.

She had originally planned to embroider a portrait for the old lady. With her skills, the three-dimensional portrait would surely amaze everyone, but she was still young and it was not appropriate for her to be too prominent at the moment.

Xia Li is clear-minded and patient. Good things will be more effective when used at critical moments. She has plenty of time to plan, and she takes her time to do a good job. She will never go wrong if she is prepared.

This time she wants to buy more auxiliary materials for handicrafts. Some tools need to be designed and made by craftsmen. This is not an era where people can shop online at any time. She has to find ways to solve all problems by herself.

Xia Li calmly packed up the small items, then lay down on the couch and took a nap. Her body was like this now, she felt tired from time to time, and she felt energetic again after getting enough sleep.

She was half asleep when she heard knocks on the door. When she stepped out of the east wing, Qiao He had already opened the gate. Xia Li curiously stuck her head out to take a look, and it turned out to be Manager Chai, whom she had met once before.

Qiao He stayed in the small kitchen all day, so she had never seen him. Manager Chai looked up and saw Xia Li, and waved to her cheerfully, saying familiarly:
"I heard that you moved to this house to recuperate. I have nothing to do this afternoon, so I came to bring you some firewood, rice, oil and salt."

Xia Li was flattered and said, "How dare I trouble Grandpa Chai? I am really sorry." Manager Chai was unloading the things on the carriage and said nonchalantly:

"You have a head injury and can't do heavy work. This little girl looks skinny. If I don't help bring her here, how can you live in peace?"

Qiao He didn't know the inside story, and didn't know what to do at this moment. Xia Li smiled and explained to her: "Grandpa Chai and Grandma are good friends. They are also the elders of the family. They usually take good care of me. You don't have to worry."

Qiao He then felt relieved and hurried to get the things with him. Xia Li wanted to step forward to help, but they refused.

After the carriage was emptied, Xia Li invited Manager Chai to have tea under the osmanthus tree. Manager Chai walked while brushing the dust off his body. He saw the osmanthus flowers on the tree sparkling like tiny pieces of gold, which was very pleasing to the eye.

He said cheerfully, "Back then, your grandma bought the house because she liked this sweet-scented osmanthus tree. Now it looks like a house full of flowers. It's really nice."

Xia Li picked up the teacup and handed it to him, saying in a brisk voice, "Grandma has a good eye, and I like this house very much. When we have time in the future, I will come back to live here often with Grandma."

Manager Chai nodded slightly, took a sip of tea, and said calmly: "Your grandma is getting older, it's time for her to enjoy her retirement. The old lady has a lot of servants and maids around her, so she doesn't need to do everything herself."

Xia Li's eyelashes trembled slightly, and she said softly, "From now on, I will be closer to grandma when I work, and I will take good care of her and will not let her get tired or hurt herself."

Manager Chai drank the tea in one gulp and said with approval, "You are so thoughtful, little girl. No wonder your grandma thinks so highly of you. As long as you respect her well, you can come to me if you have any problems in the future."

Xia Li's eyes were deep. She was not curious about the two's past, nor would she take Manager Chai's kindness for granted. She just raised her eyes and smiled.

When Chai Guanshi saw that the house was tidied inside and out and there were no other problems, he said loudly:
"I came here on purpose in a carriage, and I'm not in a hurry to go back to work. Do you want to go shopping at the market?"

Xia Li's eyes lit up, and he said impatiently, "Of course I want to go, but I'm afraid I'll delay your work."

Manager Chai waved his hand and said cheerfully, "If you want to go, just get on the carriage. Going to the market won't delay anything."

Qiao He was also very excited when she heard this. They went back to the house and changed into lighter clothes. Xia Li brought some change with her. She had enough money now, so she didn't have to be afraid to buy things. With Manager Chai following in his carriage, she could visit more places and buy everything she needed.

The two girls got on the carriage and moved forward. Xia Li lifted the curtain and looked around. In her eyes, there were scenery everywhere and she could not see enough. Qiao He also found it novel. The two girls chattered non-stop, and Manager Chai did not find it annoying.

After walking for a while, when the carriage stopped at the busiest market, Manager Chai jumped off the carriage and stood still, raising his voice and saying, "You two, come down. Have you decided what to buy?"

Qiao He raised her hand to lift the carriage curtain and carefully helped Xia Li out. Xia Li got off the carriage and said with a smile: "Grandpa Chai, I want to pick out various embroidery threads, and I also have to go to the carpenter's shop and the blacksmith's shop to make some small items. I'm afraid it will take a lot of time."

Manager Chai said nonchalantly, "No problem, let's just have dinner at the restaurant before going back. I'm just worried that you won't be able to handle it."

Xia Li smiled with curved eyebrows and said in a brisk voice, "I can do it. Qiao He was the one doing the work before. I have rested enough."

This was indeed true. Qiao He saw it all. Manager Chai felt relieved. He found a place to tie up the carriage, and then leisurely strolled with the two girls.

Manager Chai's job is purchasing, so he is familiar with many shop owners and knows exactly where to find what they want to buy.

He first took Xia Li to the carpenter's shop. Xia Li went in and looked around, but didn't find the velvet flower stand she wanted. This thing would be used when combing the velvet.

She took out the design she had drawn, communicated with the carpenter, left a deposit, and came back to pick it up in two days.

Then he went to the blacksmith shop, where Xiali ordered velvet clips and copper wires to order. He then made a detour to the grocery store and bought some miscellaneous materials such as bristle brushes. Finally, he went to the needlework shop.

There are a wide variety of embroidery threads. Xia Li chose Suzhou embroidery threads, which can be used to make velvet flowers as well as embroidery. Some embroidery threads are very expensive, but in order to make exquisite works, she has to buy them despite the pain.

Xia Li paid the money and walked out with the wrapped embroidery thread. Qiao He clicked her tongue and said:

"I didn't know that at first. I didn't expect the price of embroidery thread to be so high. No wonder the monthly salary of the embroiderer in the mansion is also high."

Xia Li smiled and said, "Embroidery is a delicate job. Not only does it require good skills, but also a good aesthetic sense. This job can easily hurt the eyes. The money earned by embroiderers is hard-earned."

Manager Chai said thoughtfully: "You are so good at embroidery at such a young age, who taught you?"

Xia Li said with a look of sadness, "My grandmother taught me. She was good at embroidery and taught me everything she knew since I could hold a needle. Unfortunately, I don't know what happened later. If I were still with her, I would definitely continue to learn from her."

Qiao He frowned and said, "You can read and write, and you can do such delicate embroidery. Maybe you have an extraordinary background."

Manager Chai looked serious after hearing this, and Xia Li said generously: "None of this is important. The most practical thing is to live a good life in the future."

Manager Chai looked at her with a slightly warm gaze, and he said, "It's getting late, now that we've finished our business, let's go to the restaurant for dinner."

The two girls had no objection, so Manager Chai found a restaurant that he often visited. Just as the three of them sat down, a weak voice sounded behind them.

"Master, do you want rouge? We have the best rouge in our shop..."

Before she finished her words, she looked up and met Xia Li's eyes. The girl turned out to be ugly. She was surprised and asked, "Xia Li? Weren't you and Qiao He sold to a brothel? Why are you here?"

Qiaohe had never thought that she would see Chougu again. She had envied her very much at the beginning. Xiali saw that her clothes were tattered and her face was sad, and she must not be living a happy life.

She said calmly, "Qiaohe and I were sold to the Duke's Mansion. It's not what you think. Aren't you Pengge's adopted daughter-in-law? Why are you still selling rouge?"

Seeing them dressed in fancy clothes, Ugly felt very uncomfortable. It was hard to explain the fate of life. She sighed and said:

"After selling you guys, Grandma Jiang Ya had a lot more money on hand. But after a few days of ease, all the money was stolen by Li Laoguai. Now life at home is getting more and more difficult..."

(End of this chapter)