Chapter 39: Paying a Visit (2)

Shen Xiling was truly wronged.

In fact, even Shen Xiling herself hadn’t expected the Qi family to treat her so generously. Lady Yao’s kindness left her feeling overwhelmed with gratitude. Not only did Lady Yao personally arrange a separate courtyard for her to stay in, but she also assigned several servants to take care of her and even purchased new clothes and jewelry for her—each piece exquisite and valuable. Naturally, Shen Xiling tried to decline, but Lady Yao consoled her with a smile, patting her hand and saying, “If you really don’t want them, go tell Jingchen. Though I arranged these items, it was all paid for by him.”

Upon hearing this, Shen Xiling felt a whirlwind of emotions and could no longer bring herself to refuse.

Not only that, but Qi Ying also assigned Shui Pei and Feng Chang to serve as her personal maids. The two sisters were both refined and amiable, treating Shen Xiling with great respect, as if she were a proper young lady. Even more surprisingly, Qi Ying had the steward from Fenghe Garden send over Zijun as well.

The steward explained to Shen Xiling, “Master has instructed that Zijun will serve in Miss Fang’s private kitchen or as a maid in your quarters—it’s entirely up to you. As for Shui Pei, Feng Chang, and Zijun, their monthly stipends will come from Fenghe Garden’s accounts, so there’s no need for you to worry.”

Shen Xiling was delighted, and Zijun was overjoyed. In Fenghe Garden, she was merely an undermaid in the kitchen, but now she had entered the main house as a personal maid, and her monthly stipend had increased significantly. How could she not be thrilled?

Shen Xiling never imagined that Qi Ying would arrange everything so thoroughly. Since the New Year’s Eve, he had been treating her so kindly, like providing her with a fire in the freezing cold, warming her body and soul. She couldn’t help but feel deeply grateful and attached to him.

However, though Qi Ying recently stayed at the main house, his schedule remained busy, leaving early and returning late. She rarely encountered him. On the few occasions when she happened to see him, he was always in a rush, and they didn’t have a chance to speak.

Five days passed in the blink of an eye, and today was the first day to meet Teacher Wang. Shen Xiling had never experienced such an occasion and naturally felt nervous, unsure how to behave appropriately. Seeing her anxiety, Shui Pei and Feng Chang consoled her, carefully grooming her. When Shen Xiling looked into the mirror, she thought her outfit seemed too extravagant and inappropriate. However, the two maids laughed behind their hands.

Shui Pei said, “Miss, please don’t make things difficult for us. Among the clothes Lady Yao prepared, this silver-embroidered blouse is already considered plain. Besides, with your beauty, anything you wear looks precious. There’s nothing we can do about it.”

Just then, Zijun came in and, upon seeing Shen Xiling dressed up, was so stunned that she almost dropped the handful of soybeans in her hand. She exclaimed continuously, “Beautiful, truly beautiful! No wonder Second Master dotes on you.”

The girls burst into laughter, making Shen Xiling blush furiously, further enhancing her charm and beauty.

Since it was her first day meeting Mr. Wang, Shen Xiling arrived early at the main hall to avoid any mishaps. After waiting for the time it takes to burn a stick of incense, Zhao Yao and her mother, Lady Zhao, arrived. Shen Xiling promptly stood up to greet them respectfully. However, when Miss Zhao saw her, her almond-shaped eyes seemed to spit fire. Even someone as sensitive as Shen Xiling noticed it, and so did Shui Pei and Feng Chang.

Lady Zhao discreetly pulled her daughter aside and smiled warmly at Shen Xiling, saying, “Miss Fang, there’s no need to stand on ceremony. Please sit down.”

With that, she and Zhao Yao took their seats, and Shen Xiling sat down after ensuring they were settled.

Lady Zhao subtly examined Shen Xiling from head to toe, marveling at her beauty and finding her demeanor extraordinary. Feeling intrigued, Lady Zhao put on a gentle smile and asked, “I heard that Lord Fang was a jinshi scholar from the sixth year of Qinghua and ranked in the top tier. As his only daughter, surely you must have inherited much from your father. Once you enter the study, please take good care of my Yao’er.”

Although Zhao Yao knew her mother’s words were just formalities, she still felt displeased and shot a reproachful glance at her mother.

Shen Xiling cautiously replied, “Lady Zhao flatters me. I am dull-witted and far from matching my father’s capabilities. Miss Zhao comes from the illustrious Fu family with profound scholarly heritage. I hope Miss Zhao won’t hesitate to guide me. I wouldn’t dare to talk about taking care of anyone.”

“Miss Fang is too modest,” Lady Zhao chuckled. “From now on, you and Yao’er will study together. It’s awkward to keep addressing each other as ‘Miss.’ My Yao’er is a year older than you, so you may call her ‘Sister.’”

Zhao Yao inwardly resisted calling Shen Xiling her sister and wanted to protest, but her mother gave her a subtle glare, forcing her to suppress her discontent. Shen Xiling silently observed everything, understanding the situation. Sensing it best to follow Lady Zhao’s suggestion, she said, “Then… if Lady Zhao permits, I’ll humbly address her as Sister Yao.”

Shen Xiling rose and bowed slightly to Zhao Yao. Lady Zhao gestured for her daughter to return the courtesy. Zhao Yao was reluctant, but just then, movement was heard at the entrance. Lady Yao had arrived, and Zhao Yao’s eyes lit up. She sweetly called out “Aunt” and rushed toward Lady Yao, stopping halfway when she noticed the elderly lady had also arrived, accompanied by a girl around fifteen or sixteen years old.

Lady Yao entered the main hall, helped the elderly lady to the main seat, and turned to Zhao Yao and Shen Xiling, saying, “Yao’er and Wenwen are here?”

Turning to Shen Xiling, she smiled, “I believe this is Wenwen’s first time meeting our family’s matriarch. Come, let her take a look at you.”

Seeing this scene, Zhao Yao was both surprised and angry. She couldn’t understand what tricks the orphan had used to win Aunt’s favor, even addressing her affectionately as “Wenwen.” How could things change so drastically in just a few days? And who was the pretentious-looking girl standing close to the matriarch, seemingly favored by her? It infuriated her!

However, Shen Xiling had no time to dwell on Zhao Yao’s thoughts. She obediently followed Lady Yao’s introduction to pay respects to the matriarch.

The matriarch looked in good spirits today, appearing quite cheerful. She glanced at Shen Xiling twice and asked Lady Yao, “Oh, is this the young lady from the Fang family you mentioned earlier?”

Lady Yao nodded with a smile, “Yes, she is the daughter of Jingchen’s benefactor.”

The matriarch nodded and appraised Shen Xiling again, commenting, “What a lovely appearance this young lady has.”

She then turned to the teenage girl standing beside her and asked, “Rong’er, what do you think?”

Lady Zhao initially hadn’t recognized the girl, but when the matriarch called her Rong’er, she realized who she was—the daughter of the Fu family, younger sister of Fu Zhuo, named Fu Rong.

The Fu family’s rise to prominence was worth mentioning, especially their remarkable history.

Before the Southern Migration, the Fu family was just an ordinary bureaucratic household. Though they had generations of officials, few reached the highest ranks, maintaining a middling status. Everything changed over thirty years ago during the Southern Campaign when Great Liang fought fiercely against Gao Wei. The enemy advanced into the capital, and the emperor and noble families fled south across the Yangtze River to Jiangnan, barely escaping with their lives.

During this campaign, the Fu family produced a remarkable figure—Fu Jin, the grandfather of Fu Zhuo and Fu Rong. During the retreat, Fu Jin somehow managed to hold off the brilliant general Yan Guogong of Gao Wei for half a month in Huizhou with fewer than five thousand troops, buying crucial time for the emperor’s escape.

Such a life-saving contribution couldn’t go unrewarded. After the migration, Fu Jin was enfeoffed as Duke of Huaichuan, and his brothers and nephews who fought alongside him were also ennobled. The Fu family thus rose to prominence, joining the ranks of the Qi, Shen, and Han families, forming the four great noble families of Great Liang.

Though the Fu family’s status had improved, their foundation was still weaker compared to the others. After Fu Jin’s passing, their position became somewhat precarious. Had the Shen family not fallen dramatically, the Fu family might have faced further uncertainties.

Despite some instability, the Fu family’s prospects remained promising due to their outstanding descendants. For instance, Fu Zhuo was the most talented of his generation before Qi Ying emerged. At seventeen, he ranked eleventh in the imperial examinations and now served as a censor, highly regarded by the emperor. His sister, Fu Rong, was also a paragon among noblewomen—beautiful, well-versed in poetry and literature, and exuding refinement.

Following the matriarch’s gaze, Shen Xiling discreetly glanced at Miss Fu. She had delicate eyebrows, phoenix-like eyes, and a face akin to a meticulously painted court lady. Her demeanor was impeccable—simply standing quietly by the matriarch without uttering a word, yet radiating grace and poise.

After hearing the matriarch’s question, Fu Rong glanced at Shen Xiling, politely nodding before smiling at the matriarch, “Indeed, very beautiful.”

Lady Yao chimed in with a smile, “A few days ago, Jing’an and Jingkang mentioned that Miss Fang was even more beautiful than a painting. I didn’t believe it until now…”

Before she could finish, commotion was heard at the door. Qi Ning and Qi Le had arrived. They first greeted the elders in the hall, then exchanged greetings with Fu Rong, Zhao Yao, and Shen Xiling.

Qi Ning secretly glanced at Shen Xiling, while Qi Le covertly looked at Zhao Yao, even waving at her. However, Zhao Yao, upset that Lady Yao had praised Shen Xiling’s beauty, pretended not to see him.

Qi Ning joked, “What auspicious day is today? This hall is filled with beautiful sisters—it’s dazzling!”

Everyone in the hall laughed, and the matriarch scolded playfully, “You rascal, always sweet-talking to charm your sisters.”

“Grandmother speaks as if I’m forbidden from complimenting my sisters,” Qi Ning grinned.

The matriarch glared at him, “If you applied your cleverness to studying, you wouldn’t suffer so many beatings from your father.”

At the mention of studying, Qi Ning wilted. Sensing his stepmother might chime in, he quickly changed the subject, asking Cousin Rong, “When did you arrive, Sister Rong? Are you in a hurry to leave?”

Fu Rong replied, “I just arrived to visit Grandmother and will leave soon.”

Hearing this, the matriarch panicked, grabbing her hand and saying, “You mustn’t leave. Stay with your grandmother for a while. I’ve already spoken to your father, and you should stay here for some time. If you insist on leaving, I’ll be upset.”

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Author’s Note:

Fu Rong has arrived. It’s time for Yao’er to learn the correct way to be a supporting character. But does it matter? The male lead’s heart is set on career and raising children.