Song Ci did not refuse Concubine Shui's kind gesture. With her assistance, she tried on the cotton shoes and took a few steps around the room, nodding repeatedly.
"They fit well, not bad."
Concubine Shui's face lit up with joy, and she said, "It's good as long as the Madam doesn't mind."
"You are thoughtful."
Then Concubine Mei also presented her gift: "I am not as skillful as Sister Shui, so I made a cloak for the Madam. Please do not find it lacking."
She unfolded the cloak, a dark red sable fur cloak, simply embroidered with a continuous swastika pattern. The brim was sewn with a complete sable fur strip, looking quite luxurious and warm.
Song Ci did not hold back her praise and had someone put it away. She then invited the two to sit and, as usual, engaged in some small talk, which gradually shifted to Old Master Song.
