Chapter 5

A few days later…

The snow had finally stopped.

With the sun shining just right, Shen Wei was leaning against the window, trimming orchids.

Mo Qi stood quietly beside her, holding a handkerchief for wiping, but her gaze couldn’t help but drift toward Shen Wei.

Today, Shen Wei wore a moon-white robe embroidered with orchids. She had become much thinner recently, and the robe, once perfectly fitted, now hung a few inches loose. The way she lowered her head to trim the flowers made her resemble a graceful lady from a painting, exuding a charming elegance. The snow had ceased, and the sun broke through the clouds, shining through the window and bathing her in light. The sunlight added a few more shades of radiance to her delicate, refined features.

Mo Qi recalled the recent gossip among the servants and couldn’t help but murmur, “Ever since the madam woke up, she has indeed become much quieter than before. But… the smiles on her face have also decreased a lot.”

On usual days, the madam would either go to greet the old madam or meet with the steward in the Bisha Ward. If she had some free time, she would sit on the couch and read books or tend to the flowers and plants. Life was rather peaceful… but something about it felt strange to her.

Since waking up, the madam had never mentioned the Duke.

Mo Qi glanced at Madam Shen’s expression, and it seemed like the madam still harbored some resentment toward the Duke.

Madam Shen naturally noticed the look Mo Qi gave her, but she didn’t speak, continuing to trim the orchids. She understood what Mo Qi was thinking—it was all about Lu Buwei. Since Mo Qi hadn’t brought it up, Madam Shen had no intention of saying anything either.

Among all the servants, Mo Qi was the one Madam Shen was most comfortable with.

Quiet, steady, and good at reading the room—far better than the other impulsive girls.

Just as Madam Shen finished trimming the orchids, a soft voice came from outside the curtain. “Madam, Mrs. Shen has arrived. She is already at the screen. Do you wish to meet her in the flower hall or invite her into the room?”

Mrs. Shen was the wife of her half-brother and was named Chu Fuyun.

If there was any character that Madam Shen liked in this book, it would be Chu Fuyun. Although she appeared delicate, she was very persistent when it came to matters she was determined about.

Chu Fuyun and Shen Xifeng were betrothed since childhood. However, Shen Xifeng, worried that marrying would prevent him from taking care of his younger sister, decided to break off the engagement, thinking Chu Fuyun should find another suitable husband.

Madam Shen remembered a scene from the book where Shen Xifeng tried to discuss this with Chu Fuyun. She had responded with, “Since the engagement was arranged by our elders, how can it be broken just like that? Shen Xifeng, you fear delaying my years, but how can you know my thoughts?”

That was the first time Chu Fuyun had refused Shen Xifeng.

The usually gentle and graceful woman did not hesitate at all when it came to her own marriage. She said, “No matter what Shen Xifeng thinks, I have already decided that he is my husband. Life is long, and I am never afraid of waiting. What I fear is living this life without him by my side.” Fortunately, Shen Xifeng did not make her wait long, and now, after a few years of marriage, they had a six-year-old son. Their deep affection for each other was indeed enviable.

Madam Shen placed the scissors down and said, “Please invite my sister-in-law over.”

After speaking, she instructed, “Brew another pot of Liu’an melon seeds tea.”

Mo Qi, seeing her rare interest, quickly agreed. She went out while giving instructions to the small kitchen to prepare some pastries. It wasn’t long before Mo Qi brought the tea, and Chu Fuyun had arrived. She wore a willow yellow robe embroidered with cranes holding branches, with a white and gold skirt. Her attire was simple yet elegant. As she walked, the jade pendants at her waist swayed steadily, showing the proper manners cultivated from a young age through poetry, books, and etiquette.

Madam Shen stood up to greet her as soon as she entered.

Because she liked Chu Fuyun, Madam Shen felt even more admiration for her, besides the affection from her previous life. She held Chu Fuyun’s hand, speaking gently, “Sister-in-law, what brings you here?”

Chu Fuyun looked at Madam Shen’s complexion and sighed with relief.

She allowed Madam Shen to hold her hand, smiling gently as she said, “I heard you’ve recovered, so I came today to visit you, since the weather cleared up.”

As they spoke, they walked towards the soft couch. After Mo Qi served the tea, Chu Fuyun continued, “You were very ill that day, and your husband was terribly worried. If not for his busy schedule, he would have come to see you personally.”

“It’s just a minor illness. Brother is in such a high position now and rarely has free time, so there’s no need for him to worry about me…” Madam Shen replied, taking the tea and adding, “I know you like this tea. A few days ago, my mother sent some, and she gave me most of it. I don’t really like it, so I’ll send it with you when you leave.”

Chu Fuyun was a bit surprised by her words.

Although Madam Shen was pure and kind, she had been spoiled too much since childhood. Chu Fuyun had originally thought that, given Madam Shen’s former nature, she would have run home to ask her husband to take charge, but she didn’t expect this kind of response. Moreover, the earlier remark seemed deliberate or not, but its meaning was clear—her feelings for the old madam remained unchanged.

Chu Fuyun didn’t voice her thoughts but smiled gently, “The old madam has always doted on you.”

“In this season, aside from the royal family, only large families like the old madam’s could manage to send such gifts…” After saying this, Chu Fuyun smiled lightly, “It’s quite a coincidence.”

The two women chatted warmly in the room, and Madam Shen invited Chu Fuyun to stay for lunch.

After the noon hour, Chu Fuyun mentioned that it was time to leave. Mo Qi saw her off, and just as she stepped out of the long corridor, she asked, “I heard the child has entered the mansion?”

“Three days ago. He’s been settled in the outer courtyard at Wen Yuan Pavilion…”

Since Mo Qi was from the Shen family, there was no need for her to hide anything when talking to Chu Fuyun. After the initial conversation, she added softly, “Although the madam is cold toward the eldest son, she hasn’t made things difficult for him. Even the servants and gifts sent to him were carefully selected.”

Chu Fuyun nodded thoughtfully. She walked slowly, her voice soft as usual, but if one listened closely, they could detect a hint of helplessness. “It’s best if that child can be treated well, no matter what. After all, he has to call her mother… But if my husband knew she was so sensible now, he would probably be heartbroken.”

If one could always live innocently, who would want to grow up like this?

Mo Qi naturally understood her meaning. She was still supporting Chu Fuyun, and when they were about to reach the shadow wall, she added, “But, Madam has been acting strangely these past few days…” After saying this, seeing someone look at her, she quickly followed with, “Madam hasn’t mentioned the Duke since she woke up.”

Chu Fuyun wasn’t particularly bothered by this and simply said, “Although Lu Buwei’s actions may be understandable, how could Sui Sui easily forgive him year after year?”

After this, she was helped into the carriage. Then, she instructed Mo Qi, “If it’s not necessary, don’t bring him up these days. It might upset Sui Sui.”

Mo Qi immediately agreed, “Understood.”

The carriage started moving, and as she watched it go farther away, her heart still carried an unspoken thought. Madam didn’t seem to be heartbroken or resentful, but rather, it seemed like she didn’t care at all… but how could that be? Madam and the Duke had such a deep bond—how could she truly not care?

Perhaps, she had been too tired these days and had misinterpreted things.

Mo Qi shook her head and turned back toward the road.
—-
The next morning.

After finishing breakfast, Shen Wei was visited by Li Shi and Lu Mizhi for the morning greeting.

Li Shi had originally been a maid in Lu Buwei’s room. She was gentle in nature and very honest. After two years of marriage to Lu Buwei with no children, she took the initiative to elevate Li Shi to a concubine, allowing her to bear children… Lu Mizhi was her daughter and Lu Buwei’s only daughter, though now there was also Lu Qihuai.

The Lu family had no formal rules for the morning greeting, and the original person (Shen Wei) never required Li Shi to serve her, though Li Shi was a sincere person and, regardless of the weather, would always bring Lu Mizhi for their morning greetings.

While Shen Wei didn’t particularly like Li Shi, she was kind to Lu Mizhi.

Whenever there was something interesting or fun, she would send it to Lu Mizhi. So, Lu Mizhi was quite close to Shen Wei.

At this moment, when Shen Wei saw Lu Mizhi eagerly eyeing the candy, she smiled and handed her a handful. Shen Wei had no resistance to children, and seeing the delicate Lu Mizhi naturally made her feel affectionate. She gently spoke, “This candy is delicious, but you mustn’t eat too much. If you get a cavity, it will hurt later.”

Lu Mizhi was at the age of losing baby teeth. A few months ago, she had eaten too much candy and spoiled a tooth, so the servants had since restricted her from having more.

Fortunately, Lu Mizhi was well-behaved and obedient. Now, upon hearing Shen Wei’s words, she nodded obediently, putting the candy into her purse and sitting quietly beside her. However, her little face showed some hesitation, as if she had something to say.

Shen Wei, being perceptive, noticed it and smiled, asking, “Do you have something to say?”

Lu Mizhi was about to speak when Li Shi quickly interjected, “Mizhi, don’t say anything rash.”

Then it was clear there was something going on.

Shen Wei casually glanced up at Li Shi, seeing her pale face and silence. She then lowered her head again and softly asked, “Mizhi, you’ve never lied to me. What is it?”

Lu Mizhi looked at Shen Wei’s kind face, thought for a moment, and then softly spoke, “I was passing by the West Courtyard earlier with my aunt and saw Second Brother and Third Brother blocking Big Brother. There were also many servants. I… I’m afraid they will bully Big Brother.”

Upon hearing this, Shen Wei furrowed her brows. This event indeed happened in the book.

Because the original Shen Wei had repeatedly punished Lu Qihuai, the people in the house had begun to follow suit. This time, the two boys from the second house had not only blocked Lu Qihuai but also pushed him into the water. Afterwards, they claimed it was just playful brotherly behavior and only punished a few servants.

Although it was now the first month of the year, the weather was still cold, and standing outside for long periods could make one feel chilled, let alone falling into the water.

Although Lu Qihuai would later become the ruler of Bianliang City, at this moment, he was still just an illegitimate son with no support. How could he possibly resist the two boys from the second house?

Shen Wei, thinking this, stood up.

Li Shi, seeing this, hurriedly stood up as well and gently advised, “Madam, they are just children. Nothing serious will happen. If you go there to protect the eldest son like this, the Second Madam might think you’re purposely making things difficult for her two sons.”

The Duke had just passed away, and the Second Master had been promoted, so the Second Madam in the West Courtyard was particularly authoritative at this time. If Madam acted this way, it would inevitably turn a small matter into a big one.

Shen Wei understood her concerns but said nothing. She simply walked toward the door.

The other maidservants, seeing this, hurriedly followed her. Li Shi, seeing she couldn’t dissuade her, thought for a moment, then took Lu Mizhi in her arms and went toward Da Cheng Zhai.

As Shen Wei reached the West Courtyard, she heard a male voice mocking, “You’re just a concubine. How dare you call yourself a brother? Bah, have you looked at yourself? What eldest son? You’re no son!”

After this, he added, “Throw him into the lake! It’ll wake him up.”

The servants, who were used to bullying others, immediately responded.

Through the gap between the trees, Shen Wei saw the servants holding Lu Qihuai, who was still dressed in black. The wind made him appear even more slender and weak… Although she had come for a different purpose, her anger was now stirred.

She walked toward them, her face filled with anger, and spoke in a low voice, “What are you doing?!”