Embroidered Phoenix Chronicle

I was startled awake in the morning by a strong wind that was violently lashing the curtains and rattling the window paper. Dust and willow catkins were seeping in through the cracks in the door, and my mind was instantly filled with worries.

"I never imagined that dust storms have existed since ancient times. At least modern people can keep their doors and windows tightly shut. Now, sigh, no cell phones, no games, no food delivery, no cars, no… God, how am I supposed to live like this? If I commit a crime, let the law punish me. What's with putting me in this godforsaken place? Other people who transmigrate are either rich young ladies or palace maids, and even if they fight within their families, it's still interesting. Or they might become special agents, doctors, or academic geniuses who can cheat their way through life. Even if they transmigrate into a peasant girl with superpowers, they can still fight off their wicked mother-in-law and become rich…"

Liu Lian saw through his simple life almost at a glance: Old Man Huo was a doctor, but he didn't own any land—even if he did, it wouldn't matter, since the children in the village didn't do farm work in modern society, and he didn't have any special abilities, so this path was blocked.

Liulian has always dreamed of marrying a majestic general, riding a white horse and wielding a silver spear, clad in armor and wielding weapons, with the world in his heart and only her for his beloved. While there are generals in this era, when will one ever grace this small town in the county with his presence? Will she even see him? Will she fall in love at first sight? That path is probably blocked. Similarly, she's unlikely to encounter a prince in distress. If she can't even meet a prince in distress, it's even more uncertain whether she'll meet someone not in distress. Besides, a prince isn't crazy or stupid; why would he suddenly come to marry a simple-minded country girl as his princess? All that's left is to enter the palace and level up. She doesn't know when the emperor will hold his selection of concubines, but with her appearance… and these big feet, it's unlikely she'll even get into the palace. Using her looks to curry favor won't work; she needs to think of something else. What should she do? What are her special skills?

After much deliberation, Liu Lian had to admit that she was practically useless. She was indeed a good cook, but her current guardian would never allow her to take such a job or even open a restaurant. Yesterday, she learned that Liu Ye'er had five hundred taels of silver earning interest in a shop; while not a large sum, it would be enough to open a small restaurant. In her previous life, she had never even done cross-stitch, let alone any other sewing or mending. The only thing she was somewhat skilled at was tying knots, but what good was that!

Liu Lian sadly realized: all I know how to do is eat! Why didn't I study harder back then? You only realize how little you know when you need it! Even learning to knit sweaters or crochet slippers would have been good! Maybe I should learn medicine from the old man and develop some medicinal cuisine later. But wait, I should learn calligraphy first; at least I should be able to write, do math, and recognize characters. It seems this girl was in school before she died, otherwise that silly boy wouldn't have offered to help me with my studies. Lost in thought, Liu Lian heard Liu Ma getting up on the kang (heated brick bed), and quickly followed suit.

After a hasty breakfast, Liu Lian quickly retreated to her room. The sandstorm outside was unbearable, and being alone in the room with nothing to do was equally uncomfortable. Under the window was a long, narrow rose-colored women's table, covered in a layer of dust. She wiped it clean, opened a drawer containing patterned shoe scissors, laces, and the like. Opening another drawer revealed a jumble of oddly shaped, gaudy objects and a red lacquered jewelry box. Closing the drawer, Liu Lian listlessly surveyed the room. Accustomed to work, she suddenly felt utterly idle, unsure where to put her hands.

Jiang Ma carried Chang Ge'er, followed by Xiao Hu. Chang Ge'er was Sixth Sister's second son, a chubby little boy of seven or eight months old, showing off his little white teeth and reaching out for a hug. Liu Lian quickly took the chubby little boy and happily played with him. Although Jiang Ma was thin and frail, she was shrewd and capable. She plopped down on the kang (a heated brick bed) and said to Liu Lian, "Madam asked me to come and tailor clothes for you. She said that the ruler that Second Aunt sent over is smooth and soft, and the color is bright. It's perfect for making your summer clothes. Hurry up and show it to us!"

Liu Lian took out the piece of cloth she had just received yesterday and placed it on the kang table. The two children also gathered around, looking at it with great interest. Liu Lian was alright; after all, she had seen many smooth, bright fabrics in her previous life. But Aunt Jiang kept clicking her tongue, turning it over and over, touching it and nodding as she looked at it. After a while, Sixth Sister also helped the old lady over. The group discussed the style enthusiastically. Liu Lian was a little resistant. How could she, a thirty-year-old modern woman, like to wear this light blue dress with small white flowers? How could she like this style with its side-fastening and wide sleeves? This was completely different from Hanfu! Suddenly, she heard Aunt Jiang say something to her, and she quickly smiled and asked, "What? I didn't hear you clearly."

Everyone assumed she was busy playing with Changge'er and didn't pay much attention. Jiang Ma smiled and said, "Madam said she'd make you a jacket, a shirt, and trousers, plus a skirt. The rest will be used to make turbans for Xiaohu'er and Changge'er. What do you say?"

Lingering around, she was completely overwhelmed. She couldn't imagine herself wearing a floral shirt, floral pants, a floral skirt, and a floral shawl over it. She blurted out, "No, I, I..." and then stammered, "I won't wear this floral dress! This fabric is so smooth and soft, perfect for wearing next to the skin. Let's make it for Xiao Hu and Chang Ge'er instead."

The sympathy and pity in the eyes of the people made Liu Lian's scalp tingle. "How about we make you a shirt? After all, it's a token of my sister's affection," Liu Lian stammered.

Sixth Sister said, "This is from Second Sister! Your father's death anniversary has passed, so you can wear this simple floral pattern now. What are those two rascals doing wearing such fine fabric?"

Liu Lian secretly breathed a sigh of relief, "How about I and Sixth Sister each make one shirt, and the rest can be made for the two of them!"

"Are you silly! I'm making clothes for you! Why are you always thinking about other people!" Although she was sharp-tongued, Sixth Sister felt warm and happy inside.

"Speaking of which, the fourth day of next month is the birthday of Manjushri Bodhisattva, and the eighth day is the Buddha's Birthday, so everyone goes to offer incense. Your clothes from last year are too short, so stop being so hesitant and come over to have your measurements taken!"

"No, I absolutely can't wear something all floral," Liu quickly said. "I'll wear something plain instead!"

Aunt Jiang quickly smoothed things over, saying, "This folded cloth is comfortable to wear next to the skin, but if it's made into a kimono or a skirt, it might not look as elegant as silk. So, we can just make a shirt and a close-fitting undergarment."

"Alright, I still have some hibiscus-colored satin. I'll make you a light blue silk dress. You give me one, and I'll give you two back. Am I a good older sister?"

"Okay, okay!" Liu Lian smiled sheepishly. As long as she didn't wear a flowery outfit, she could worry about the rest later. Liu Lian breathed a sigh of relief.

"If you don't take the lead, you might not even be able to breathe properly, hmph!" the old lady scolded. "You're a mother of two, and you're still fighting with your sister for food and clothes, aren't you ashamed?"

The warmth of the room filled the air, and my eyes welled up with tears. Outside, even the wind became gentle.