"Yes."
This time, Chunqi's tone was more energetic than before.
The young lady had only recently entered the palace, and already she was tasked with sewing pajamas for His Majesty. It seemed clear—she was favored by the emperor.
But as she rummaged through the cabinet, she sighed in frustration.
"Young lady, we didn't bring any fabric into the palace, and all the materials sent here are for women's clothing. What should we do?"
Lin Wanyi paused to think before calling Xiao Luzi.
"Is the Nei Tingsi responsible for fabric here in the palace?"
Xiao Luzi nodded respectfully. "There are six warehouses, seven workshops, and two rooms in the Inner Court. The fabric belongs to the satin warehouse, and the embroiderers are from the embroidery workshop. If anything needs mending, it should go to the needlework room."
"A nightgown involves all that?"
"Naturally. Whether it's for the master or palace maids, new clothes are ordered every spring, summer, autumn, and winter. If there's a reward, it can't be delayed. So while it seems like just one garment, it involves many people," Xiao Luzi explained.
"When I was in the Prime Minister's mansion, there were embroiderers, but none as skilled as the eldest lady."
At this, Chunqi couldn't resist showing off, pulling out the pomegranate-colored sachet hanging from her waist for Xia An and Xiao Luzi to see.
"Look, this is what the eldest lady made for me."
Xia An had seen it many times, so she only smiled. But Xiao Luzi, his eyes widening, took a closer look.
"Madam's craftsmanship is truly excellent. I think it's better than the embroiderers in the palace."
Chunqi beamed at the praise.
"If I'm to sew pajamas for His Majesty, I should go to the satin warehouse for fabric, correct?"
"My lady, yes. But I've never done this kind of thing before, so I'm not entirely sure."
Xiao Luzi hesitated for a moment, then spoke up.
"I could ask Eunuch Qin, but I don't want to cause suspicion."
Lin Wanyi nodded thoughtfully. "I think I'll have the treasurer of the satin warehouse come to us directly."
She turned to Xiao Luzi. "Go quickly, find the treasurer of the satin warehouse. If he's there, bring him to me. If not, ask if there's any water-light brocade from Jiangnan in stock."
"Water-light brocade?"
"Yes, it's made from water silkworm silk unique to Jiangnan. It's light and comfortable—perfect for nightgowns."
"I understand. I'll go find out right now."
Chunqi leaned in, her voice low with curiosity. "My lady, aren't you worried he might go to the inner court and talk to Eunuch Qin?"
Lin Wanyi smiled serenely. "Xiao Luzi is an apprentice of Eunuch Qin. It's normal for him to interact with him. I just prefer he keeps my words to himself. If he's discreet, that's all I ask."
She had observed Xiao Luzi carefully over time, and found him reliable. Despite his youth, he had not been corrupted by the palace's culture of sycophancy. It seemed that Eunuch Qin had treated him well, which gave Lin Wanyi some peace of mind.
But why had Eunuch Qin sent this boy to her? The idea surprised her. Did he have some agenda, or was he genuinely trying to help her?
Chunqi seemed to understand Lin Wanyi's reasoning, but Xia An, ever perceptive, felt something had changed in her lady.
She seemed more concerned with His Majesty's affairs than she had been before. Perhaps it had something to do with the conversation she'd had earlier, about the possibility of pregnancy. Xia An felt uneasy but chose not to voice her concerns.
Shortly after, Xiao Luzi returned, accompanied by a dignified elderly woman. Her neat attire and pressed robes made it clear she held a position of respect.
"I am Fan Baoju, head of the satin warehouse. I greet the young lady. May the young lady be blessed."
Lin Wanyi smiled warmly, not showing her usual reserve. She needed Fan Baoju's help, so she put her best foot forward.
"Madam Fan, please rise. Chunqi, serve tea to Madam Fan."
Fan Baoju looked a little surprised but accepted the gesture. "Thank you, young lady. I am honored."
After taking the tea from Chunqi, Madam Fan sat down on the round stool near the window, where Lin Wanyi was seated.
"I understand you're looking for water-light brocade?"
"Yes," Lin Wanyi confirmed. "His Majesty has requested a nightgown, and I thought the material would be ideal. I sent Xiao Luzi to inquire."
"Unfortunately, we only received six pieces of water-light brocade last year, and His Majesty has already used them all. This year's shipment has yet to arrive," Madam Fan explained.
Then she gestured to the palace maids standing nearby, who stepped forward with various materials in their hands.
"Since it's for His Majesty's pajamas, I selected a few other options. These fabrics are soft, elegant, and simple in color. They're quite similar to water-light brocade."
Lin Wanyi inspected the fabrics with interest. The quality of materials in the palace was exceptional—some even rarer than the water-light brocade. Each piece was valuable, but Lin Wanyi was looking for something particular.
After a careful examination, she pointed to a simple silk brocade. "This one will do."
Fan Baoju, experienced as she was, immediately recognized the choice. She hadn't planned on bringing this particular brocade, but seeing Lin Wanyi's preference, she wasn't surprised. This silk brocade was often used as a substitute for water-light brocade, especially by those who couldn't afford the latter.
"It's an excellent choice," Fan Baoju said, nodding. "It's not as fine as water-light brocade, but it is very suitable for nightgowns."
Lin Wanyi had seen this fabric before at her grandfather's house. Her grandmother, an expert in embroidery, often used it as a more affordable alternative to the prized water-light brocade.
"Perfect," Lin Wanyi said with a satisfied smile. "Please have it prepared."