Chapter 53

Taoran Studio

As it was not yet time for dinner, Shen Wei sat on a soft couch, flipping through a book she had read a few days ago. She had just turned a few pages when someone came in to deliver a message, saying, “The seventh young lady has arrived.”

Upon hearing this, a smile appeared on Shen Wei’s face. She set the book aside and allowed Lu Mizhi to enter.

As soon as she gave the order, the curtain was lifted—

Soon enough, Lu Mizhi’s small figure walked in. She was dressed in the items Shen Wei had sent over a few days ago. Children grow quickly, and Lu Mizhi had grown significantly taller in the past few months. Even her facial features had matured a bit.

Seeing her from afar, Shen Wei could already discern the budding beauty in Lu Mizhi’s features.

Upon entering the room and spotting Shen Wei, Lu Mizhi quickened her pace. It was more of a small run than a walk. Seeing this, the maid behind her immediately reminded her, “Young lady, slow down. If Nanny Xu sees you, she’ll scold you again…”

Among the young ladies of the Lu family, Lu Mizhi was always the most well-behaved. But at this moment, she couldn’t care less and ran straight to Shen Wei.

Seeing Lu Mizhi running towards her, Shen Wei was momentarily stunned. Noticing her panting, Shen Wei asked someone to fetch a cup of warm water while she used a handkerchief to wipe Lu Mizhi’s forehead, saying, “What happened? Why are you running so fast?”

Hearing this, Lu Mizhi looked up at her after catching her breath. Her delicate face was full of worry, and even her voice carried concern, “Mother, are you feeling better now?” She then grabbed Shen Wei’s sleeve and continued, “This morning when I came to pay my respects, Sister Mo Qi said you were ill. I didn’t dare to disturb you, so I rushed over after my lessons…”

After saying this, she furrowed her brows and lightly wrinkled her nose. She scrutinized Shen Wei carefully before asking, “Mother, do you still feel unwell?”

Seeing the undisguised worry on Lu Mizhi’s face, Shen Wei paused in wiping her forehead. She could see the genuine concern in the little girl’s eyes. Last night’s reckless behavior had worried those who cared about her. Reflecting on this, she couldn’t help but feel touched.

She had been in this era for nearly six months now—

During these six months, Shen Wei mostly viewed herself as an outsider. Even when she treated others well, she did so cautiously, without giving her whole heart.

She still worried that one day they might discover her true identity.

If she always remained an observer, without fully investing her emotions, then no matter the outcome, she believed she could accept it calmly. But if she gave her whole heart and one day saw fear or disgust on their faces… even she didn’t know how she would react.

Years in the workplace had taught Shen Wei the first lesson: never give your all to anyone…

She had adhered to this principle well over the years. But now, recalling Mo Qi’s dark circles, Old Madam Xie’s worry, and the genuine concern of this little girl before her, she felt a rare hesitation… Perhaps, if that day ever came, the outcome might not be as she imagined?

Lu Mizhi didn’t know what was going on with Shen Wei. She continued to look up at her, seeing the contemplation and distraction on her face, assuming she was still unwell. She gently called out to her again… When Shen Wei looked back at her, Lu Mizhi tightly gripped her sleeve and asked, “Mother, what’s wrong? Are you still feeling uncomfortable?”

Hearing this, a smile spread across Shen Wei’s face…

She gathered her thoughts and withdrew her hand from Lu Mizhi’s forehead. Once Lu Mizhi sat beside her, Shen Wei said gently, “Don’t worry, I’m fine now.”

Although Lu Mizhi heard her say this, the worry on her face did not disappear until Mo Qi also assured her with a smile. Only then did she breathe a sigh of relief. She sat with Shen Wei on the couch, her little face slightly upturned, still holding onto Shen Wei’s sleeve, and said, “Mother, you always scold me, but now, even as an adult, you don’t know how to take care of yourself.”

When she said this, her small face was stern, and her words carried a rare tone of reproach, displaying an unusual seriousness.

The maid standing behind Lu Mizhi turned pale at this sight. Although the madam had always taken good care of the seventh young lady, in the end, the seventh young lady and the madam were separated by blood. Today’s words from the seventh young lady were indeed a bit too presumptuous… Just as she was about to apologize, she heard Shen Wei’s gentle voice, “It won’t happen again.”

No matter the reason—

From now on, she wouldn’t let those around her worry like this.

Moreover, what happened last night shouldn’t happen again. She and that person were now separated by an era, and they had long since parted ways. When she chose to leave him without hesitation, she had never thought of looking back.

Lu Mizhi’s face lit up with a smile again when she heard her promise. She still held onto Shen Wei’s sleeve and started talking about recent amusing events to cheer her up. Shen Wei allowed her to do so, and the two sat on the soft couch, chatting.

They hadn’t been talking for long when Yiqin entered with a folded letter. After greeting Shen Wei and Lu Mizhi, she addressed Shen Wei, “Madam, this is an invitation from the Shen family.”

Shen Wei took the letter and glanced at it, feeling momentarily surprised by its contents. She had forgotten that the 25th of this month was Shen Chunting’s birthday.

She closed the letter and instructed, “Have the manager of Qibaolai bring the catalog to the residence tomorrow.” Recently, she had the items in the store cataloged and illustrated with descriptions… This way, those who preferred not to go out could make their selections from the comfort of their homes.

Yiqin quickly acknowledged her orders and went to make arrangements.

Lu Mizhi was familiar with Qibaolai, having chosen her birthday gifts from there. When Yiqin left, she asked, “Mother, is it someone’s birthday?”

Hearing this, Shen Wei placed the letter on the nearby desk and nodded, smiling, “The 25th of this month is your brother Chunting’s birthday. Would you like to go with me?” Lately, Lu Mizhi had been confined to the residence, learning music, chess, calligraphy, and painting, which was rather tedious. She and Shen Chunting were close in age and could play together.

Lu Mizhi’s eyes sparkled at this, though her voice was hesitant, “Can I?” Her mother had never taken her back to the Shen family before. She had only seen her uncle, aunt, and brother Chunting at home.

Her brother Chunting and aunt were always kind to her and often brought her many things.

But her uncle…

Whenever she saw him, she felt a bit scared.

Although young, Lu Mizhi was mature for her age and understood why her uncle disliked her. After all, she wasn’t her mother’s biological child. If her mother could have children, she and her aunt wouldn’t exist.

Thinking this, the light in her eyes dimmed, and her expression became despondent.

Shen Wei, being perceptive, noticed her unease. She had Mo Qi, and the others leave and gently took Lu Mizhi’s hand, speaking softly, “Mizhi, do you remember what I told you before? We can’t make everyone like us, but it’s enough if the people we like also like us… The last time I visited, your brother Chunting asked why I didn’t bring you.”

“If you’re there for his birthday, I’m sure he’ll be very happy.”

Listening to these words, Lu Mizhi’s eyes regained some of their sparkle. She looked up at Shen Wei, seeing the smile on her face, and her previous hesitation and doubt faded. She let Shen Wei hold her hand and, under her gentle and attentive gaze, returned to her former self. Her eyebrows arched, and the two small dimples on her face appeared as she smiled, “I’ll go with Mother.”

Seeing her like this, Shen Wei’s smile deepened.

Lu Mizhi’s delicate face was also adorned with a smile. However, she suddenly asked, “Mother, will my brother be there that day?”

Shen Wei was taken aback by the question but quickly regained her composure, smiling as she replied, “Your brother—” Before she could finish, someone lifted the curtain and entered. The person was dressed in a red official robe and wore a black hat, and his presence was accompanied by a warm, elegant voice, “What about me?”

Hearing this voice, Shen Wei was momentarily stunned. She looked up and saw Lu Qi Huai wearing a red official robe.

It was the first time she saw Lu Qi Huai in official attire and the first time she saw him in red. The room was lit with candles that Mo Qi and the others had lit earlier. As Lu Qi Huai stepped in, smiling, his features were highlighted by the flickering candlelight, making him look even more handsome and dignified. Even Shen Wei, who was used to seeing beautiful people, found herself momentarily lost in his presence.

As he got closer, Shen Wei regained her composure. As she did, she frowned slightly…

Lu Mizhi, seeing her expression, understood what she was thinking and spoke first, “When I came in, I saw no one outside, so I couldn’t announce my arrival in time. Mother, please don’t be upset.” With these words, he bowed respectfully.

Shen Wei, hearing his explanation, couldn’t say much more…

At this hour, Mo Qi was probably preparing the meal. With this in mind, she calmed herself and said, “Rise.”

Lu Qi Huai thanked her and stood up. After sitting down, he placed his black hat on the nearby table and then turned to Shen Wei with a smile, “When I came in, I heard you and the seventh sister talking about me. Is there something you need?”

Just as he finished speaking, Shen Wei hadn’t yet responded when Lu Mizhi smiled and chimed in, “The 25th of this month is Brother Chunting’s birthday. Will you join us, Brother?”

Lu Qihuai continued to look at Shen Wei, his voice gentle and his eyes smiling, “May I?”

Looking at Lu Qihuai’s demeanor, Shen Wei felt a strange sensation she couldn’t quite pinpoint. Even though Lu Qihuai was behaving as usual, something seemed different. However, she couldn’t figure out what exactly had changed. This thought brought her back to the peculiar dream she had last night, recalling his cold fingertips brushing against her lips and his soft laughter by her ear.

What a bizarre encounter.

How could she have such a dream about Lu Qihuai?

Fearing her emotions might be noticed, Shen Wei picked up a teacup and used the act of drinking tea to mask her turbulent feelings. The tea had cooled, which surprisingly helped calm her down. After taking a couple of sips and regaining her composure, she said, “It’s just a child’s birthday, so it probably won’t be a big celebration…” As she finished, she saw Lu Qihuai still smiling at her. Pausing for a moment, she continued, “If you’re free that day, you can come with us.”

Lu Qihuai’s smile deepened, and his voice grew even gentler, “Alright.”

—-

On the 25th of May, Shen Wei woke up early to go to the Shen family home. Given the importance of a birthday, she took extra care in her appearance. Just as she finished getting ready, Lu Mizhi arrived.

Outside, Yiqin reported, “The carriages are ready.”

Shen Wei nodded in response.

As she raised her hand, Shui Bi, who was standing by, was about to help her up as usual when Shen Wei spoke first, “Qiuhuan, you’ll accompany me today.”

The moment Shen Wei spoke—

The servants in the room were taken aback.

Since Mo Qi started training the new servants, it had always been Shui Bi who accompanied Shen Wei whenever she went out. The three other maidservants, though receiving the same pay, rarely had the opportunity to serve Shen Wei directly… What had changed today?

Despite the confusion, Quihuan was delighted.

Although she received the same salary as a head maid, only Shui Bi was favored by the Madam in Tao Ran Zhai, aside from the old hands Mo Qi and Yiqin. Quihuan, having come in at the same time as Shui Bi, felt it was unfair that only Shui Bi enjoyed the Madam’s favor. Now that the Madam had remembered her, she was determined to serve well.

With a composed demeanor, Quihuan respectfully curtsied and responded, “Yes.” She then moved quickly to help Shen Wei up.

With Qiuhuan’s assistance, Shen Wei stood and looked at Lu Mizhi, her expression playful, “Alright, let’s go.” As she held Lu Mizhi’s hand and passed Shui Bi, she noticed Shui Bi’s bewildered expression but said nothing, continuing to walk outside.

After the curtain fell—

The remaining maidservants glanced at Shui Bi with curious and speculative expressions. One spoke up in a not-too-soft, not-too-loud voice, “Could it be that she upset the Madam? Why else would the Madam take Qiuhuan out instead? The Madam has only ever taken her before.”

Another added, “We’re all head maids; why should only she receive the Madam’s favor? This change is good. With Qiuhuan leading, we should serve diligently. If the Madam notices us too, our future will be bright.”

They spoke without any attempt to hide their words, and after finishing, they ignored Shui Bi and left the room.

Once the room was empty, Shui Bi withdrew her hand, still suspended in mid-air, and furrowed her brows. She couldn’t understand the Duke’s wife’s actions today. Had she discovered something about that night’s incident with her master? She quickly dismissed the thought.

Impossible…

If she had known, she wouldn’t be this calm. If it wasn’t because of that, then what was it? Shui Bi, known for her intelligence, wouldn’t have been at Lu Qi Huai’s side otherwise, but even she couldn’t fathom what the Dukes Rong intended.

She looked out the window at Shen Wei’s departing figure and furrowed her brows once more.