Chapter 18

Shen Qingtan could feel Shen Shaoheng’s eyes on her, sticky and disgusting like a worm crawling out of a gutter, making her stomach churn.

He was the legitimate eldest son of the Marquis of Cheng’en’s family, born to the main wife. On the way back to the capital, his father and mother were killed by bandits, leaving behind baby Shen Shaoheng, who was then raised by Madam Shen and doted on by the Old Madam.

Madam Shen spoiled him completely, letting him waste time on cockfighting, gambling, and women.

Many servant girls in the manor had been ruined by him, but Madam Shen covered it up every time.

This was Madam Shen’s way of destroying him while appearing to support him—because the title should have been inherited by the main branch. But since the eldest master died early, the current Marquis took it instead.

If Shen Shaoheng became capable, her own son wouldn’t get the title.

“Big brother, please behave yourself.”

In her past life, when she was locked up in a side courtyard, she overheard servants gossiping that Shen Shaoheng had an affair with one of the Marquis’s concubines. In the end, the Shen family erased his name from the family records.

Shen Qingtan walked past him into the courtyard.

Being ignored made Shen Shaoheng’s gaze turn dark. Her graceful curves made his heart itch, but he turned and went toward the back courtyard.

She glanced in his direction, then withdrew her eyes and prepared to go inside.

Hong Xing, the maid beside the Old Madam, came out. “Eldest Miss, the young master just came by and made the Old Madam so angry she felt dizzy. She took her medicine and is resting. She said you don’t need to come greet her—just spend more time with Madam.”

Shen Qingtan wasn’t surprised. The Old Madam only loved Shen Shaoheng and hoped he could inherit the title. She was always indifferent to the other grandchildren.

Unfortunately, Shen Shaoheng was useless, which often disappointed her.

Shen Qingtan spoke softly, “Please send my regards to Grandmother. I won’t disturb her rest.”

She returned to her maiden room and only went to the side hall for the meal when a servant came to call her.

The women ate at one table and the men at another, separated by a screen.

At the door, she met Madam Shen, who wasn’t accompanied by Mama Wei.

Madam Shen smiled gently. “Tan’er, you don’t look well. Did you not rest enough?” She didn’t mention Mama Wei at all.

Shen Qingtan touched her cheek with the back of her hand, a little embarrassed. “I slept too much and now I feel worse.”

“You’re still like a little girl.” Madam Shen affectionately took her arm and led her to the table.

Shen Mingzhu bit her lip in silence, sitting to Madam Shen’s left.

The Marquis had four illegitimate brothers, all serving as officials elsewhere with their families.

At the table, besides Madam Shen, Shen Qingtan, and Shen Mingzhu, there were two of the Marquis’s concubines and one illegitimate daughter.

Shen Qingtan remembered there were three concubines—the youngest, only eighteen, hadn’t come today.

“Concubine Mei isn’t feeling well and doesn’t want to disturb you two, so she’s not coming.” Madam Shen wiped her hands with a handkerchief. “Let’s eat.”

Concubine Liu and Concubine Hu stood behind Madam Shen, serving her dishes.

Liuyue, the maid, placed a dish close to Shen Qingtan.

Just as she was about to eat, she faintly heard someone from the men’s side say, “Why hasn’t Heng’er come?”

Her eyelashes trembled slightly, but she ate slowly, unbothered.

The dish in front of her didn’t taste good, so she stopped after a few bites.

Liuyue brought tea for her to rinse her mouth—

“Ah—!”

Someone bumped her arm, spilling tea on her skirt.

Madam Shen looked up.

Liuyue’s face turned pale, and she knelt down. “I didn’t hold the cup steady and disturbed everyone. Please punish me.”

Madam Shen set down her chopsticks and wiped her mouth. “Today is a happy day—the young lady and young master-in-law are visiting. You’re an important helper to Tan’er, so I’ll spare you.”

Liuyue bowed her head gratefully. “Thank you, Madam, for your kindness.”

“Next time, be careful. Don’t hurt your mistress.” Madam Shen waved. “Go change your clothes.”

Liuyue looked at Shen Qingtan, who nodded.

Shen Qingtan handed her a handkerchief. “Wipe it off.”

Liuyue whispered her thanks and left.

In the servants’ quarters, she changed clothes, rolled up the dirty ones, stuffed them in a bundle, and quickly returned.

But at the waterside pavilion, Shuyue stopped her. “Liuyue, the Eldest Miss just finished eating. She’s walking with the young master-in-law at Late Maple Pavilion. She told me to wait here and let you know.”

Liuyue stared hard at Shuyue. They and two other maids, Tingsnow and Yansnow, had served Shen Qingtan since childhood.

Now, only she and Tingsnow followed their mistress; Shuyue and Yansnow had married and stayed at the Marquis’s manor.

Feeling the pressure of her stare, Shuyue pinched her own finger to stay calm. “What’s wrong, Liuyue? You don’t trust me?”

“Why would you say that?” Liuyue tapped her forehead with a smile. “We grew up together. I know you best. Apart from you three, I trust no one else.”

Shuyue’s face eased. She smiled. “The Eldest Miss loves the rice cakes I make. I made some yesterday—later I’ll bring you some.”

“Alright.” Liuyue asked, “Anything else to tell me?”

Shuyue shook her head. “Go serve the Eldest Miss. We’ll talk later.”

Liuyue waved. “I’ll go then.”

Shuyue watched her walk toward Late Maple Pavilion, then clenched her fists and turned away.

—

In the side hall, Shen Mingzhu fiddled with her embroidered handkerchief, secretly glancing at Shen Qingtan, who was quietly sipping tea, waiting for Liuyue and Tingsnow.

Madam Shen looked outside—the bright spring sun shone on the lush green leaves.

She suggested, “The weather is nice today. Let’s walk in the garden.”

Shen Qingtan set down her teacup, worried. “Mother, Liuyue hasn’t returned. Tingsnow went to look for her but didn’t come back either. I’m worried something happened and want to find them first.”

Madam Shen frowned. “Maybe they got delayed. I’ll send someone—”

“Madam! Madam!”

A rough servant woman burst in, panting. “Something terrible happened!”