Lin Wanyi hadn't expected to find such a fabric in the palace.
Half-believing and half-doubting, she asked cautiously, "Madame Fan, this material... it isn't prepared for someone else, is it?"
Her greatest concern was that it might have been set aside for the palace servants. If word got out that she had used fabric meant for them to make pajamas for the emperor, she could find herself in the cold palace before the day was out. Lin Wanyi had not entered the palace to end up there, so she had to be careful in all things.
Madame Fan smiled knowingly. With her years of experience, she understood the unspoken worry in Lin Wanyi's question.
"Don't worry, my lady. The materials I've brought today are all for the nobility. The silk brocade is also a tribute, but it's not as prominent as the other materials."
Lin Wanyi breathed a sigh of relief. It made sense. Surely, the head of the satin warehouse wouldn't risk her life by bringing fabric meant for servants when she was delivering supplies for the emperor's pajamas.
"With what you've said, I feel much more at ease."
Madame Fan then presented a stack of matching silk threads—lake blue and sky blue. Both were plain colors, ideal for pairing with the silk brocade.
She also handed over a sheet of paper. "This is the size of His Majesty's pajamas. Before I came, I went to the embroidery workshop to obtain it. I thought you might find it useful."
Lin Wanyi was genuinely impressed. The palace servants were far more thoughtful than she had expected. She had merely asked for fabric, yet they had gone above and beyond. Not only did they bring her exactly what she needed, but everything was perfectly coordinated.
"Madame Fan, you are too considerate. I truly appreciate it."
"Your kindness is humbling, my lady," Madam Fan replied. "Before I entered the palace, I stayed at Yunxiu Pavilion, so I've always had a good relationship with you."
Yunxiu Pavilion, Lin Wanyi's grandfather's prestigious establishment, was renowned across Shengjing City and Jiangnan. It wasn't surprising that Madame Fan, being a product of Yunxiu Pavilion, was selected for such an important role.
Lin Wanyi didn't expect to encounter someone connected to her family here, and the surprise brought a quiet happiness. "So you're from Yunxiu Pavilion. What a coincidence."
The two exchanged a knowing look. Though the satin warehouse wasn't the most important place in the palace, having someone connected to Yunxiu Pavilion in such a position was a blessing for Lin Wanyi.
Chunqi, with her sharp eye, noticed the moment and wisely dismissed the others, giving Lin Wanyi the chance to speak with Madame Fan privately.
"Outsiders think Yunxiu Pavilion belongs to the Dong family," Lin Wanyi began, "but in fact, it was originally left by my grandmother, the Du family. It was in danger of failing, but my great-grandmother revived it, and now it thrives under my mother's generation."
She paused before adding softly, "So even though the eldest Dong lady is the wife of the first room of the prime minister's mansion, she's actually the head of Yunxiu Pavilion."
Madame Fan's eyes softened as she nodded in understanding. "I learned from Madam Du, and I'm in the Liu generation."
Liu generation… Madam Du. Lin Wanyi's heart skipped a beat.
"So, Madam Fan is actually my grandmother's direct disciple?" Lin Wanyi said, slightly taken aback.
Madame Fan smiled, her eyes full of warmth. She then straightened and handed Lin Wanyi a button embroidered with copper coin patterns—something few outside of her family knew.
"This was taught to me by Madam Du," she said. "It's an emblem of her teachings."
Lin Wanyi held the button with reverence. "I'm ashamed I didn't realize sooner. You must have suffered many trials."
Madame Fan's eyes darkened for a moment, but she quickly regained her composure. "It's all thanks to Madam Du's guidance that I entered the palace, but..." She trailed off, not willing to elaborate on the setbacks she had faced.
Lin Wanyi, too, sensed the bitterness in her words but refrained from probing further.
"So, Madame Fan came here because of my grandmother's instructions?"
Madame Fan nodded, her expression sincere. "Half a month ago, when I went out to buy fabric, Madam Du called me. She knew you had entered the palace and asked if I could offer any help. She is always thinking of you."
Lin Wanyi's heart warmed. "Grandmother still cares for me so much. I feel bad that she has to worry about these matters."
Madame Fan smiled gently. "Please don't worry, my lady. She is well and strong, and I believe she will live many more years. But I am concerned about you. I had been hoping to see you, but it was only when I met Xiao Luzi searching for fabric that I had the chance to come so quickly."
She spoke with such kindness that Lin Wanyi couldn't help but feel reassured. "I'm grateful for your concern, Madame Fan. In the palace, things can be either lively or quiet, but hearing your words gives me peace of mind."
Madame Fan smiled, her eyes full of sincerity. "Although I'm not a high-ranking person in the harem, I do know a few things. Please, don't hesitate to rely on me."
Madame Fan had only one younger brother, who worked outside the Dong family, but thanks to Old Master Dong, she had built a prosperous life. Whether for the sake of her relationship with her master or for her brother's future, she was genuinely willing to help Lin Wanyi.
After their conversation, Lin Wanyi smiled warmly. "With your help, I'm sure we won't lack good materials in the future."
The two shared a quiet laugh.
"I'm a little hungry after this afternoon's work," Lin Wanyi said, turning to Chunqi. "What's for dinner tonight?"