Volume One, Chapter Seven: The First Day of the Lunar New Year

Page 1 of 3

Fang Qiuxin simply smiled without a word. Taking her hand, he led her into the courtyard and only after seeing her safely back into the room did he say, “Alright, rest now. Tomorrow I’ll make you your favorite dishes.”

Shen Qingdai nodded obediently, a well-behaved response.

If she could, she wished to remain her mother’s little girl forever.

But she had more important matters to attend to.

After watching Fang Qiuxin leave, Shen Qingdai had Ping Chun summon Xiao Lian inside.

Seeing that Xiao Lian had already changed into Ping Chun’s old clothes, she felt somewhat relieved.

Shen Qingdai slipped two gold ingots into her hand, her voice gentle yet imbued with an irresistible allure: “After this period passes, I will bring you from outside to serve as my personal maid. If you are willing to truly serve me, I will sincerely reward you.”

Xiao Lian said nothing in response, but kowtowed deeply twice.

After Ping Chun and Xiao Lian had left, Shen Qingdai finally sat down to contemplate all that had happened today.

She was somewhat surprised that Shen Dengdá had punished Shen Manxuan so severely today, but on reflection, it made sense. In the previous life, she hadn’t come for the New Year’s Eve gathering, but neither had things escalated to this extent.

Even just glancing at the expressions of the clan elders at the banquet, it was clear how much Shen Dengdá had lost face today. For someone who valued reputation as much as he did, this was enough to infuriate him greatly.

As for the matter later when Shen Dengdá was urged to return, seeing Granny Liu binding that maid, it was evident that the Liu family intended to punish them harshly. Liu Shi surely did not expect that she had already seen through her facade of virtue.

When Shen Dengdá returned then, he would undoubtedly stumble upon some “interesting things,” and Shen Qingdai could take the opportunity to reveal herself before him.

With her mind full of swirling thoughts, Shen Qingdai finally drifted into sleep...

“Miss, it’s time to get up.”

Shen Qingdai slowly opened her eyes, still greeted by the youthful face of Ping Chun.

In high spirits, she pinched the baby-fat cheeks gently.

How wonderful—it was true, everyone was still alive.

As she rose, she asked, “How is Third Miss?”

Ping Chun stuck out her tongue mischievously: “Granny Liu brought a doctor to guard her. They took her away just at dawn, afraid to delay even a moment. I heard that at that time, Uncle Shen’s face turned dark.”

Page 2 of 3

Shen Qingdai nodded, a cold smile forming in her heart. Liu Shi had long managed the household and was not content with just controlling the rear quarters; from time to time, she also extended her reach into the front yard. Uncle Shen managed all affairs there, so Liu Shi’s actions naturally offended him.

Yesterday’s incident surely made Uncle Shen feel that Liu Shi looked down on him, showing him disdain, so naturally, he returned the favor with a sour expression.

Shen Qingdai contemplated briefly. There were still two years before Liu Shi would move against her and her younger brother, but her mother was likely already in danger. She needed to quietly investigate the deaths of the former madam and the eldest miss.

Before she died, Liu Shi had confessed—her own mother had poisoned the former madam, and Liu Shi herself had been responsible for the eldest miss’s death.

Lowering her brows, Shen Qingdai thought carefully. Liu Shi’s mother was far away in the capital; even if she uncovered the truth, punishment would be difficult. If she went to the authorities, she would have to expose herself publicly, which was undesirable. She did not want to reveal her identity.

Besides, filing a complaint would give the Liu family an opportunity to retaliate against her. It would be better to pin the deaths of both the former madam and the eldest miss on Liu Shi herself. With those two deaths weighing heavily against her, Liu Shi would lose all chance of recovery in the household.

After all, she knew well—the former madam had been Shen Dengdá’s true love in this life. The living could never outmatch the dead, especially since the eldest miss was Shen Dengdá’s first child.

She needed to consider carefully where to begin her investigation.

When the Liu family sent Liu Shi off for her marriage, they had purchased a residence in Yangzhou. There should be some clues there.

Shen Qingdai made a mental note: now, it was time to pay respects to her formidable stepmother.

Money was money—why leave it on the table?

At the main courtyard gate, Granny Liu blocked her way with a smiling face: “Second Miss, the master is inside chatting with the madam and Third Miss. I’m afraid you’ll have to wait a moment.”

Had this been her former self, she would have felt heartbroken, but now she no longer expected paternal love from Shen Dengdá and felt indifferent.

Still, she feigned a hint of disappointment, speaking softly, “I came at an inconvenient time. I’ll wait here then. Granny, you needn’t trouble yourself with me.”

Seeing her forlorn look, Granny Liu was somewhat satisfied: “Then this old servant will get on with her work.”

After about the time it takes for an incense stick to burn, Granny Liu returned: “Second Miss, you may go in now.”

Shen Qingdai nodded slightly and stepped inside.

Upon entering, she saw Liu Shi and Shen Dengdá sitting upright at the head of the room, with Shen Manxuan standing obediently to one side.

Judging by yesterday’s incident, Shen Manxuan dared not be spoiled before Shen Dengdá at this moment, fearing further punishment.

But it seemed that Liu Shi had once again used some means today to have Shen Dengdá lift Shen Manxuan’s house arrest.

Otherwise, Shen Manxuan would not appear so restrained—wanting to show off yet holding back.

Page 3 of 3

Shen Qingdai withdrew her gaze and bowed respectfully: “Greetings to Father and Mother.”

Shen Dengdá waved his hand: “Rise.”

She then turned slightly and offered an equal-rank bow to Shen Manxuan: “Greetings, Third Sister.”

A look of approval flashed in Shen Dengdá’s eyes; he was clearly very pleased with her manners.

Shen Manxuan’s eyes blazed with fury, glaring fiercely at Shen Qingdai as if to say: How can you pretend so well!

Shen Qingdai was unfazed. Had Shen Dengdá not been present, she would have spoken out long ago. But a single glare was enough to keep her restrained.

Shen Dengdá asked her a few perfunctory questions about her studies, whether she needed anything, and the like.

Afterward, he handed her a red envelope, and Liu Shi, playing the role of a virtuous and gentle stepmother to the fullest, gave her one as well.

Shen Manxuan’s eyes suddenly rolled mischievously as she said, “Father, it’s been a long time since my Second Sister and I have read any new books. Now that the New Year has just begun, why not let her go to the bookshop to pick out some?”

Shen Dengdá considered briefly: “That’s acceptable. You two can go together.”

Shen Manxuan quickly interrupted: “Second Sister’s learning far surpasses mine. She will surely choose suitable books for me. Let her pick for both of us!”

Though unaware of her daughter’s ulterior motive, Liu Shi supported the idea: “Then let Dai’er go. It’s rare for Xuan’er to want to be closer to her Second Sister.”

Seeing both of them agree, Shen Dengdá nodded: “Then let Dai’er go.”

Upon hearing this, Shen Manxuan looked at Shen Qingdai triumphantly, thinking, Hmph, it’s freezing outside, so you’re going to the bookshop for a good stroll. You’re still sick—hope you don’t freeze to death!

And if your condition worsens when you return, that’s even better!

Shen Qingdai scoffed inwardly. They were always like this, never asking if she wanted to go.

But it didn’t matter. The power she desired, she would seize for herself.

She bowed humbly with a gentle smile: “Dai’er understands.”

After escorting Shen Qingdai and Shen Dengdá out, Liu Shi turned to Shen Manxuan and asked, “Why did you ask her to go to the bookshop? Have you made any arrangements?”