Chapter 010: Calamity

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Seeing this, Lin turned to Nian Xia behind him and said: "It is stuffy here; you take the third young lady to the adjacent room to rest for a while"

Early in the morning, Lin rose and had her maidservant apply her makeup. She changed into exquisite and luxurious attire, adorned with a headdress that was entirely new, featuring rubies embedded in it that were as large as yellow soybeans

Upon hearing this, Aunt An was naturally overjoyed. When the Fourth Young Lady was born, it was only half a year after the passing of the Zhang family. Moreover, she was born in February, which displeased the old lady, so not only was there no grand celebration for her full moon, but even her first birthday was only a small affair at home. Now that she is eighteen months old and still cannot speak, there are whispers in the household suggesting that the Fourth Young Lady might be mute. Therefore, when Lin proposed to take Shen Yue out to meet friends and relatives, she was naturally very happy.

When evening arrived, the maid went out to fetch the meal, and only then did she learn that Shen Yue had somehow injured her head in the side room, reportedly bleeding profusely, and at this moment, her life or death remained uncertain

As a group of people arrived at the pavilion, they saw someone performing somersaults on the stage. Lv Wu joyfully remarked, "The show hasn't started yet; we haven't arrived too late."

This rose essence, a small bottle costs several taels of silver, and the preparation is quite troublesome. On ordinary days, apart from the third young lady who enjoys it, no one else in the household has a taste for it, so the kitchen has always prioritized the third young lady's needs.

As Shen Lingcheng approached, Shen Changle had not yet greeted him when he fiercely instructed Aunt Shun, "Immediately take the Third Young Lady back to the courtyard. No one is allowed to enter without my orders"

However, her words not only failed to reassure Aunt An, but instead heightened her anxiety and unease. She did not dare to rise and continued to plead for forgiveness, saying, "I acknowledge my mistake, and I ask the madam to punish me."

Madam Shun observed that several young maidservants were reluctant to leave, and quickly said: "We should hurry over to pay our respects to the lady, so as not to delay."

Having suffered a loss, Nianxia returned to the courtyard, naturally feeling resentful. However, the lady was chatting and laughing with the eldest daughter of the Lin family, so she did not dare to speak up. When the meal was served on the table, Lin glanced at it and asked, "Wasn't the kitchen supposed to prepare a rose pastry?"

"Mama Liu, today is the full moon celebration for our fifth daughter. The matriarch of the in-laws has come from afar, and if we let this slip, I won't even be able to present a single rose pastry. I have no way to explain this to the madam." No matter how Nianxia thought about it, she couldn't swallow this grievance, so she looked at Mama Liu and said, "This was personally ordered by the madam."

But as she thought this, another voice echoed in her mind, it is you who has returned, it is you who has changed everything, it is you

Lin instructed a few words and then dismissed them all. Except for Aunt An, who had children, the others naturally had no part in going forward

On the occasion of the full moon celebration for the fifth Miss Shen, a number of carriages were already parked at the entrance of the Shen residence early in the morning. Judging by the dust on some of the carriages, it seemed that they had traveled a long distance to arrive. After the old Duke of the Wei State passed away, he had a strong desire to return to his roots. Therefore, Shen Lingcheng led his entire family back to Guangping Prefecture, originally intending to observe three years of mourning. However, due to the unfortunate passing of the Zhang family's newborn daughter, they ended up staying in Guangping Prefecture for several more years. Thus, Shen Lingcheng led his entire family back to Guangping Prefecture, originally intending to observe three years of mourning. However, due to the unfortunate passing of the Zhang family's newborn daughter, they ended up staying in Guangping Prefecture for several more years.

Upon hearing this, Shen Changle's mind immediately buzzed, as if countless bees were swarming inside, creating an incessant noise that prevented her from remaining calm

Although the young maidservants wore expressions of regret, they did not dare to delay. Once Shen Changle entered, she was led to Lin's side, where she was currently seated at the main table conversing with several noblewomen. Upon seeing her approach, the others began to praise her, saying: "Oh, whose child is this? She is so exquisite and lovely, just like a celestial child under the Bodhisattva Guanyin."

After a few people entered, Lin glanced around and, noticing that Aunt An was absent, said lightly: "You all have arrived quite early"

Who would have thought that Nianxia went to the kitchen and ordered the rose pastry, only to hear Mama Liu bitterly smile and say: "Miss Nianxia, it's not that I can't make it for you, but the rose pastry requires rose dew to prepare. Unfortunately, the third young lady's courtyard also ordered the rose pastry today, so we have used up the last bit we had. The supplier said that there is a shortage of stock these days, and it will take a few days to deliver more."

"Madam, Miss San has also ordered a portion of rose pastry. Mama Liu mentioned that there is only one portion of rose syrup left, so we cannot make more." Nianxia quickly replied, naturally not forgetting to report the situation.

Upon hearing this, Lin's originally cheerful expression immediately darkened. Seeing this, Xiao, who was opposite, quickly intervened, saying: "Forget it, forget it, it's just a rose pastry. It's fine if we don't eat it this time."

How could she die? She will not die

The ladies nearby heard this and immediately covered their mouths, laughing. Mrs. Fang smiled and said, "Your third daughter is truly very clever; she knows how to watch a play at such a young age"

Get up, today is the auspicious day for Fifth Miss. Punishing you would surely ruin this joyous occasion Lin said kindly, and even Xiao, who was in the inner room, nodded in agreement.

When the appointed time arrived and the full moon ceremony was held, everyone gathered together. Lin Shi held Shen Jin, showing the child to everyone for their admiration. Shen Changle was already impatient with Shen Jin; she had grown tired of seeing how Shen Jin had developed and was not interested in her current appearance. Thus, she busied herself watching the performance. However, while she was watching, she heard Lu Wu softly say from behind her, "Shun Gu Gu, what is going on with that maid over there?"

Who would have thought that Lin suddenly slammed her hand on the table, causing the dishes and books on it to shake. She said resentfully: "Eldest sister-in-law, do you think I care about this rose pastry? Although I am a respectable wife, as you can see, I still have to yield to this little girl in every way. Ultimately, in the Wei Guogong residence, I am still inferior to a mere maid."

Lin seems to have transformed into a different person today, appearing particularly generous. He simply said: "Later, you should bring out Fourth Miss as well; many relatives and friends have come from the capital today, so let everyone meet Fourth Miss."

Shen Changle clapped her small hands as the performance on stage reached its conclusion. The martial artist executed eighteen consecutive somersaults, astonishing the audience who erupted in applause.

Turning her head, she said to Shun Gu: "Take the Third Young Lady out to watch a play, but do not let her be exposed to the sun. Take good care of her."

As she spoke, her eyes were filled with resentment, and the surrounding maidservants had long been frightened into silence, lowering their heads and daring not to speak

Aunt Shun immediately chided in a low voice: "Speak less and listen more. How have I taught you on ordinary days?"

Upon receiving the order, Shun Gu led Shen Changle out. Meanwhile, Lu Wu and the others were all smiles; they preferred watching the performance to resting in the side room. Due to Shen Changle's status, as soon as they arrived under the cool pavilion, a maidservant brought her a yellow pear wood armchair. The petite figure of Shen Changle sitting in it was truly delightful.

Xiao, upon seeing this, quickly said: "Alright, alright, calm down. Today is our Fifth Young Lady's auspicious day. It is not worth getting angry over such a trivial matter. We still need to go greet the guests later."

She was still puzzled when she was brought back

My good girl, you must help me say a few flattering words in front of the madam. This is truly not the servant's fault; it is just that there is no way to do it. Liu Mama immediately pulled her to the corner and stuffed something into her hand

After several gentle persuations from her, Lin finally calmed down a bit, but deep down, she still felt quite unsettled.

You have worked hard serving the master; even if you arrive a little late, what does it matter? Lin said with a gentle smile.

At this moment, Shen Changle saw Shen Lingcheng approaching from a distance, and as he drew closer, she noticed the anger on his face

The birth of a daughter in the Lin family is indeed a joyous occasion. Therefore, many relatives and friends in the capital sent congratulatory gifts. Those who were closer even sent their female family members to celebrate. The entrance of the Shen family was bustling with activity, filled with voices and the constant flow of carriages. The family servants at the Shen residence were dressed in uniform attire, and under the direction of the steward, they welcomed each guest in turn.

It is not true; clearly, Shen Yue lived steadily into adulthood, even got married, and had several children.

Lin saw that it was Shen Changle coming over, smiled, and quickly said: "This is my family's third young lady, Madam Fang. You mustn't praise her so much; she is just a little girl and cannot withstand such flattery."

After Aunt An got up and sat down, Lin turned her head to look at her and asked, "I heard that the Fourth Young Lady has been a bit restless these past few days"

"Could something have happened?" Lu Wu said suddenly

This time, the ladies' gathering was set up in the garden, with a canopy erected in front of the pavilion. A stage was also built in the open space opposite, creating a lively and relaxed atmosphere. Therefore, Shen Changle eagerly insisted on coming to enjoy the festivities. Aunt Shun could not refuse her, so she naturally brought her along. Lu Wu, being the oldest and strongest among the maidservants, was the one carrying Shen Changle.

Just as she was about to speak, the maid announced that Aunt An was requesting an audience outside. Madam Lin raised her hand, and shortly after, the maid led Aunt An in. Upon seeing everyone present, Aunt An, who was already feeling anxious, immediately knelt down and pleaded for forgiveness, saying, "I have arrived late, and I ask the madam to punish me."

After she left, Mother Liu spat on the ground and cursed, "What a troublesome little bookworm."

"I have troubled you, madam; it is entirely my fault for not taking proper care of the Fourth Young Lady," Aunt An said, trembling with apprehension.

"Madam, I would like to watch a play," Lin's words had barely fallen when Shen Changle spoke up in a crisp voice

Nianxia, upon hearing that it was the Third Young Lady's request, naturally dared not say much, yet felt a surge of frustration within. Unexpectedly, at that moment, Chunliu from the Third Young Lady's courtyard also came over with a maid, greeted Mama Liu, and, right under Nianxia's eyes, took away the plate of rose pastries.

Until breakfast was finished, a maid reported that several concubines were waiting outside. Previously, due to Lin's confinement, these concubines were naturally exempted from paying their respects, so they all came over only after having breakfast.

Shen Changle turned to look and saw several maidservants rushing over in a flurry. The one at the front spoke to the steward, after which the steward's expression also turned anxious

After she was properly groomed, she instructed the maid Nian Xia to go to the kitchen and order a few types of breakfast that Xiao Shi loved to eat, specifically mentioning the rose pastry, stating that it was Xiao Shi's favorite dessert

Shen Changle had not yet regained her composure when she found herself under house arrest. At this moment, Shen Lingcheng had already hurriedly walked away. Seeing the master's expression, Aunt Shun knew that something must have gone wrong. She embraced Shen Changle and left without looking back.

After Nian Xia snorted, she led the maid to take away the breakfast.

Lin was granted a seat, and everyone else dared not speak

Shen Changle endured for a moment, yet still refrained from rolling her eyes at the Lin family. Back then, she even held the title of a demoness, comparable to the likes of Bao Si and Da Ji, nearly ranking alongside the historically notable demonesses. Therefore, she truly could withstand any words thrown her way

"So it turns out to be the third young lady, how truly adorable she is," Mrs. Fang praised again

Lin remarked with a light laugh as she saw everyone praising Shen Changle, "Children simply enjoy the excitement."