Chapter 543: Chapter 543: Sending the Cosmetic Case
Madam Zhou had lived for several decades and never worn such pretty and delicate flowers. Her temperament was not flamboyant either, and in the past, she didnât have the means to wear them. Moreover, after the incident she caused, she didnât dare to, fearing that both mother and daughter would be criticized by others.
Now, wearing such a bright silk flower in her hair, she felt a bit embarrassed. After all, she was no longer a young girl.
"Madam doesnât look old at all, standing next to the young lady, you look like sisters," Qiu Ye complimented again.
"Itâs only your sweet talk, you girl," Madam Zhou said with a playful scold and a smile.
Wufu gave Qiu Ye a faint glance, handed over the box of silk flowers to Qiu Xiang, and said, "Youâve all worked hard these days, and the New Year is approaching. Each of you head maids pick two flowers for yourselves, and give one to each of the younger maids to share.
These items were originally bought as gifts, and Wufu had not kept any for herself.
Qiu Xiang received the box, and together with several others, they expressed their gratitude in unison, "Thank you, Miss, for your generosity."
Wufu then picked out two pieces of cloth for Madam Zhou to make two outfits. The colors were lively yet not too outrageous, since she disliked Madam Zhou always choosing those lifeless colors that made people seem dreary.
Madam Zhou was only in her early thirties. Wearing brighter clothes wouldnât attract any criticism.
After selecting the fabrics, Wufu also chose a pair of plum vases for decoration in the house, and a small Shu embroidery table screen to adorn her room.
"Just placing them in my room? What about yours?" Madam Zhou asked, as Wufu showed no sign of stopping, and insisted on accompanying her.
"Mother knows, I spend very little time in my room. If Iâm not practicing martial arts, Iâm in the study. I donât need all these elaborate things in my room. I might accidentally break them," Wufu answered.
This wasnât modesty but genuine dislike. After all, she wasnât truly a delicate lady of a large estate. To her, such feminine possessions were optional. With too many things around, it would only hinder her movements.
Madam Zhou knew this, but still chose a vase for Hongyu to place in the study, saying, "Thereâs also a wax plum tree in the garden thatâs blooming now. You could break off a branch to put in the vase. It smells nice too."
"Okay!"
Seeing that she didnât object, Madam Zhou then picked out a few more items for her room. Wufu, seeing her mother so excited, didnât stop her.
Once they had finished selecting everything, they left the organization of the items to Qiu Xiang and the others, while Wufu accompanied Madam Zhou back to the main house to sit down.
After a while, Purple Jade came with a Yellow Pear Wood cosmetic case.
Wufu took it and placed it on the kang table. It was a folding cosmetic case with a carved mirror stand that could be propped up to use as a mirror. When the cosmetic case was opened, it revealed four layers of drawers. Now with all the drawers opened, they were filled with jewelry, meticulously arranged, with every kind there was.
If the miscellaneous items earlier were shocking, then this cosmetic case astounded Madam Zhou even more. She opened her mouth wide, dazzled by the variety of jewelry before her.
"Wufu, this..."
"Mother, this is my birthday gift to you," Wufu said with a smile.
"My birthday has long passed," Madam Zhou said.
Her birthday was in July, which had already passed, and even if it were the next one, it was not yet time.
"Itâs to make up for it. In these past years, I havenât properly given you a single birthday present. This cosmetic case is to make up for all those years," Wufu said, holding her hand. "Mother, you raised me all by yourself all these years, itâs been hard on you. From now on, just wait to enjoy the blessings from your daughter."
She spoke earnestly and seriously, shaking Madam Zhouâs heart. Her nose tingled and her vision gradually blurred as tears filled her eyes and quickly began to fall, landing on the back of Wufuâs hand.