「Tingxue Pavilion, in the Huang Mansion's Inner Courtyard.」
Xu Xiuhua was reclining on a concubine's couch covered with a thick brocade mattress, a maid gently massaging her legs.
Xu Fang sat on an embroidered stool below her, holding a cup of hot tea. The aunt and niece chatted idly, mostly about trivial household matters and fashionable fabrics.
"Xiaofang, what did you think of those bolts of Yunjin Brocade that Brocade Square sent over the other day?"
Xu Xiuhua asked nonchalantly.
"The material is excellent, and the colors are perfect, but the patterns are a bit too complex."
Xu Fang answered cautiously.
Xu Xiuhua's gaze fell on Xu Fang's downcast face. Her tone suddenly shifted, laced with worry. "Xiaofang, there are some things I, as your aunt, must remind you of."
Xu Fang's heart skipped a beat. She looked up. "Please, go on, Aunt."
"The two of us might look glamorous here in the Huang Family, but in reality, our foundation is shallow."
