Lady Mei followed behind Mei Qingdai cautiously as they stepped into the meditation hall.
The faint scent of sandalwood lingered in the air. Old Madam Yu knelt facing the deity, her back turned toward the entrance.
She was clad in moonwhite silk, a fabric of extraordinary rarity, once exclusive to noblewomen in the imperial court, valued at the price of a thousand gold coins per bolt.
The silk's worth lay in its shimmering cloud patterns, created through the intricate art of double-sided embroidery—an ancient technique rumored to have long been lost to time. It is said that this stitching method was rediscovered only after studying garments unearthed from ancient tombs. Such attire is no longer suited for daily wear but rather showcased in museums.
Old Madam Yu's moonwhite silk robe, modest at first glance, revealed its brilliance upon closer inspection. Under sunlight, the cloud-like patterns glimmered like golden waves, dazzling yet elegant.
