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Seeing her sincerity, Qian Wan'er took the pouch and began to play with it lovingly. "The embroidery is exquisite, so lifelike!"
Nangong Shuang also picked up a piece of embroidery to examine it closely, nodding in approval. The craftsmanship was superb, with tight stitches and bold yet harmonious colors; it was indeed not something an ordinary embroiderer could produce.
"Miss Qiao Er's embroidery skills are extraordinary," Nangong Shuang praised sincerely. "Such talent is rare even in the capital."
Qiao Er smiled shyly. "Sister Shuang, you flatter me. It's just a family tradition."
Nangong Shuang noticed the subtle change in how Qiao Er addressed her and became even more certain that Qiao Er's background was not simple. An ordinary vendor would not so naturally adjust their manner of speaking; this indicated her keen awareness of social hierarchies, unlike a commoner.
At that moment, a commotion arose from nearby as a group of soldiers approached, led by the same guard captain they had encountered at Yao Wang Miao. Nangong Shuang's heart raced, and she quickly lowered her head, using her hat to obscure her face.
"What’s wrong?" Qian Wan'er noticed Nangong Shuang's unease.
"Nothing, it's just too noisy here. Miss, why don't we go somewhere else?" Nangong Shuang suggested quietly.
Qian Wan'er nodded and was about to leave when she noticed that Qiao Er had swiftly packed up her stall and seemed ready to follow them.
"Sister Shuang," Qiao Er looked at Nangong Shuang eagerly, "can I come with you?"
Nangong Shuang was taken aback. "What?"
"I want to be Sister Shuang's maid!" Qiao Er blurted out, her eyes sparkling with hope. "Sister, your medical skills are impressive and your abilities remarkable; I admire you greatly. Let me follow you, and I promise I won't be a burden!"
This sudden request caught both Nangong Shuang and Qian Wan'er off guard. Qian Wan'er looked at Qiao Er suspiciously. "You were just running a stall; why do you suddenly want to be someone’s maid?"
Qiao Er bit her lip, her eyes reddening slightly. "To be honest, there have been changes in my family, and I came to the capital alone to make a living. I've faced many setbacks these past few months; after finally saving some money, I encountered those thugs demanding extortion..." Her voice choked with emotion. "If it weren't for Sister Shuang's rescue, I truly wouldn't know what to do. Now that winter is approaching, I have nowhere to go and just want to find a good master to serve; having food to eat would be enough."
Her heartfelt words made Qian Wan'er nod repeatedly, sympathy filling her eyes. However, Nangong Shuang observed closely and noticed that while Qiao Er's eyes were moist, they were also clear and determined; there was no sign of fear, indicating that not all of what she said was entirely true.
But then Nangong Shuang thought about it: Qiao Er possessed martial skills and was adept at embroidery; she was articulate as well. If she could be put to good use, she might prove to be a valuable assistant—especially since she was about to meet Xiao Zhongyan to investigate the truth behind the massacre of the Nangong Family; having an extra capable helper would always be beneficial.
"Miss," Nangong Shuang turned to Qian Wan'er, "would it be possible for Qiao Er to accompany me? Her embroidery skills are excellent; I'm sure she can help you create some beautiful pouches and sachets."
Qian Wan'er was already soft-hearted; hearing Nangong Shuang say this made her readily agree. "Sure! You don't have a personal maid anyway; Qiao Er seems clever enough—let her follow you."
Qiao Er was overjoyed and quickly knelt down to bow deeply. "Thank you for your kindness! I will serve Miss and Sister Shuang wholeheartedly!"
"Get up," Nangong Shuang helped her up gently and said softly, "You need to learn the rules now that you'll be following me."
Qiao Er nodded in understanding, a glint of cunning flashing in her eyes.
Qian Wan'er seemed quite pleased with the new addition to their party as they wandered through the lantern market for a while longer. As night fell and the market grew busier, Qian Wan'er began to feel tired and decided it was time to return home.
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