The next hour passed in pleasant conversation.Zhao Wei asked intelligent questions about her farming methods and seemed genuinely impressed by the pun plant concept.The cheese merchant's husband wanted to know if she could grow anything dairy-related beyond the milkweed.
"I haven't tried yet, but there might be something," Wren admitted."I'm still discovering new seeds."
Kenji regaled them with the story of the dogwood disaster, making everyone laugh."Ten minutes of non-stop barking!The guards thought someone was being murdered!"
"It was horrible," Wren said, laughing despite herself."I had to uproot it immediately."
"Not all experiments work," Zhao Wei said philosophically."That's the nature of innovation.The key is learning from failures."
Across the room, Jin was watching her.Not obviously, since he was ostensibly in conversation with another guest, but she could feel his attention.When their eyes met, he gave her that almost-smile.The one that made her heart flip.
Zhao Lin appeared at Wren's elbow with impeccable timing."Miss Wren.How...festive of you to join us."
"Thank you for having me, Mrs.Zhao."
"Mei-Lin insisted."The words were polite but the tone made it clear whose idea this had actually been."I understand you've been in town just over two weeks now?"
"Yes, ma'am."
"Quite an achievement, surviving so long on that property.Most don't last even one week."Zhao Lin's smile didn't reach her eyes."Of course, two weeks is still...early."
"Mother," Jin said, appearing beside them with perfect timing."Wren's been doing remarkably well.Her trade relationships are solid, her property is thriving, and she's integrated into the community faster than most newcomers."
"Yes, I've noticed how quickly she's made...connections."Zhao Lin's gaze flicked between them."Very efficient."The barb was subtle but clear.
Before the conversation could get more uncomfortable, Mei-Lin clapped her hands."All right ladies!Time for gifts!"She directed the ladies to follow her to a smaller sitting room."Girl time!"she announced, motioning for the men to stay in the main room.
Wren found herself in a cozy space with Mei-Lin, Sara, the cheese merchant, and reluctantly, Zhao Lin.
Mei-Lin opened gifts enthusiastically.Sara had brought beautiful hair combs.The cheese merchant gave her a cookbook with family recipes.
Then Mei-Lin opened Wren's package.The silk spilled out, catching the lamplight.Lavender nightgown with delicate embroidery, matching chemise, stockings so fine they were almost translucent.
The room went silent.
"Oh," Mei-Lin breathed, holding up the nightgown."Wren, this isexquisite."
"From your silk trees?"the cheese merchant asked, touching the fabric reverently."I've heard about these but never seen them up close."
"Yes.I thought the color would suit you."
"It's perfect."Mei-Lin hugged her impulsively."This is the best gift.Thank you!"
Even Zhao Lin couldn't hide her reaction.She reached out to touch the fabric, and Wren saw the moment she registered the quality."This is...very fine," she said slowly."Madame Lin's work?"
"The tree grows them complete," Wren explained."No sewing needed.The magic creates the whole garment."
"Remarkable."Zhao Lin's tone was grudging but genuine."I can see why Madame Lin is so eager for your supply.This quality..."She trailed off, clearly struggling between disapproval of Wren and appreciation for exceptional silk.
"Mother's been trying to commission Madame Lin for months," Mei-Lin said, eyes dancing with mischief."But there's a waiting list now.”
Zhao Lin's lips pressed into a thin line, but couldn’t resist the silk’s allure."Perhaps," she said carefully, "we could discuss a private commission.For family use, of course.I would pay a fair market rate."
Wren blinked.Was Jin's mother actually asking to do business with her?"I...yes, of course.I'd be happy to."
"Excellent."Zhao Lin stood, smoothing her skirts."We can discuss details another time.Mei-Lin, dear, we should serve the cake soon."
She left, and the other women let out collective breaths.
