The Slender Waist-Chapter 304 - 213 Offering Help in a Time of Need

Feng Yun’s simple storefront and residence were completed before the Peace Negotiation Hall.

This project didn’t need to be as meticulously constructed as the Negotiation Hall, with materials, labor, and experience handy, it was built quickly.

The shop was situated in the front, and the lodging at the back, scattered along the road from the Negotiation Hall to Mingquan Town. It was simple, but distinctive, featuring Feng Yun’s novel ideas and the old craftsmen’s experience and skills, appearing quaint yet elegant.

When the peace negotiations begin, envoys from both nations will bring a large number of Imperial Guards and attendants, but the Negotiation Hall is some distance from Mingquan Town and there’s nothing nearby, as the land is all hers.

At noon, Qian Sanniu returned from Andu County.

He brought with him a letter from Ying Rong and over ten people, including cooks and servants.

Qian Sanniu was full of joy.

"Madam Ying says that the first batch of winter clothes, about five thousand pieces, can be shipped out tomorrow morning," Qian Sanniu said with a smile, "Madam Ying asks for instructions from Madam, whether to send them now or to wait until all the fabric and wadding are finished, and send them together."

The winter clothes from Pingyang County temporarily alleviated the urgent need of the Northern Yong Army, but there was still a shortage.

Feng Yun thought for a moment and instructed Qian Sanniu.

"Tell Madam Ying to have her men deliver them here in the next two days. Also..."

She smiled slightly, as if thinking of something, and gave her orders calmly.

"Tell Nan Kui and Chai Ying to come along on the way, and tell them I have tasks for them."

Qian Sanniu complied, enjoyed a meal at the Chunpei Academy, met with Xing Dalang and the Ge brothers, and then went to carry out his orders.

Xiaoman was quite puzzled, "Why is the young lady asking Sister Nan and Sister Chai to come over?" 𝓯𝙧𝓮𝓮𝒘𝓮𝙗𝙣𝒐𝒗𝒆𝓵.𝓬𝓸𝒎

Feng Yun replied, "We need more hands on this side."

Back in Andu County, Feng Yun had actually given these concubines the choice to stay or leave, but not a single one left, and they all lived in Changmen.

The principle of Changmen was to work for one’s keep.

Since Pei Jue had no use for them, Feng Yun reluctantly put them to work for him.

In the past, the twenty beautiful concubines, like Feng Yun, were merely lowly servants; Feng Yun had left Andu once and had become the General’s wife.

She was now truly the lady of the house.

By dusk the next day, Nan Kui and Chai Ying arrived in Xinzhou with the team transporting the winter clothes.

Coming with them was also Jiang Yin.

The three ladies visited Feng Yun at the Chunpei Academy, treating her as if she were the new mistress, their attitude more respectful than usual, all bowing deeply in salutation.

"Congratulations, Madam, and best wishes."

Feng Yun lifted her teacup and took a sip, her gaze sweeping over their faces, "Why so formal among sisters?"

Nan Kui and Chai Ying were overjoyed.

"It should be just so. Madam’s big wedding, we were too far away in Andu to present our congratulations in time, so we brought them with us this time."

Nan Kui had prepared a mandarin duck love knot, handwoven and much larger than those sold in the market, which hung in the room and was very festive.

Chai Ying had prepared an embroidered handkerchief, featuring a pair of lotus flowers on the same stalk, decorated in a festive red color and finished with cloud-patterned edging. Judging from the stitches, a lot of thought had gone into it.

"Congratulations to Madam and the General on your wedding."

Madam first, General second.

Both were, in a way, Feng Yun’s supporters.

Jiang Yin, not having prepared in advance, blushed at the sight of their gifts.

"I am dull-witted; I actually forgot about this and didn’t prepare a gift for Madam."

Feng Yun glanced at her, "It doesn’t matter, it’s not a big deal."

How could it not be a big deal?

All three women looked at her, and Feng Yun, smiling, changed the subject.

"I’ve asked you to come this time because there is a task for you. But first, tell me if you are afraid of showing yourselves in public?"

Nan Kui and Chai Ying shook their heads together.

"Not at all. Whatever task Madam assigns us, we will do it."

In these chaotic times, the status of favored and non-favored concubines and servants was no different, and it was Feng Yun’s kindness that allowed them to be taken care of at Changmen Village, without having to do dirty or tiring work, living more luxuriously and at ease than most.

Now, Wen Hui managed Yutangchun, Ying Rong and Kong Yun’e had started a clothing workshop in the village, and had brought in many village women to join them in sewing winter clothing. Both had become managers and earned Feng Yun’s trust.

Those two had also helped Feng Yun distribute porridge early on, but after that, they hadn’t been given other tasks and were idling around.

"This time for the negotiations, I plan to open a shop in Mingquan Town, which you two will be in charge of."

Nan Kui and Chai Ying were thrilled, their eyes shining brightly with excitement.

But for Jiang Yin...

Since she didn’t want to ask directly for a task, she said, "I was idle at the village anyway, living off free meals, so I came along to see if there was anything I could help with. Madam, just command me if there is anything I can do."

Feng Yun had not expected her to come beforehand.

Due to Chunyu Yan, it was difficult for her to assign tasks to Jiang Yin.

The partner’s beloved was not someone to be ordered around lightly.