Chapter 118

In the past, fabrics woven south of the Yangtze had been easy to distinguish from those made in the north. The south favored graceful, elegant flowers and plants, while the north preferred imposing beasts—tigers, lions, leopards. It was one expression of their cultural differences. But later, wealthy buyers developed a taste for southern fabrics, and northern weavers began imitating them. These days, it was almost impossible to tell where a piece of cloth had been made.

The two madams debated the matter passionately in the pavilion. Whenever it was Shen Lantang's turn, she simply nodded along.

"Mother is right!" or "Madam is right!"

She had become an expert at humoring them.

Madam Zheng sighed. "We'll be going home in a few days. We won't get to see Hongwen in his winter clothes."

Madam Xie said, "Children grow so quickly. He may well shoot up by winter. Besides, what's fashionable or unfashionable about children's clothes? The padded winter jackets Xie Jin wore as a boy are still worn everywhere today."

"True. Children's clothes don't go out of style easily."

"So put your mind at ease. I only brought fabrics for the autumn chill today. In a couple of days, I'll bring out the winter fabrics, and we can cut an outfit for him together. It'll be ready when winter comes."

"That would be wonderful!" Madam Zheng agreed, delighted.

Someone in the household who knew how to make clothes brought over a measuring tape and took Xie Hongwen's measurements. Young as he was, Xie Hongwen liked new clothes too. He spread his arms happily and cooperated so well that several servants seized the chance to praise how clever he was.

Everyone in the pavilion was chatting and laughing when Zheng Wanru came over.

"Mother, Madam." Finally, she glanced at Shen Lantang and