Chapter 004: Rebirth
Although she did not like Lin in the past, she had to respect her, for Lin was not only her stepmother but also her aunt. Her mother, Madam Wang, was the younger sister of Shen Changle's maternal grandmother, the Wang family. It was precisely because of this relationship that Lin was able to connect with the Duke of Wei's household. Previously, she thought that Lin was able to overshadow her merely by relying on her seniority, but now it seems that Lin excels in both singing and acting, and her tears come and go as they please. Just this point alone, Shen Changle has lost more than just one round.
The weather is too hot, and I don't have much of an appetite. Lin's words were indeed meant as an excuse, but as she said this, she cast a glance at Shen Lingcheng that was both delicate and resentful
As for how she knew she was ill, Lin merely sat outside, and it was not the first time she had dealt with such matters. Although Lin appeared to be meticulous in her actions, this meticulousness was merely superficial; once this thin veneer was pierced, the underlying inadequacies would be revealed. However, Lin was adept at pleasing her father, which often left Shen Changle at a loss for words.
But who would have known that Shun Gu, standing nearby, suddenly knelt down and, facing Shen Changle and Shen Lingcheng, bowed twice. She then said: "Master, please see clearly. When the third young lady was ill, I did not dare to invite the madam into the room. The madam sat outside for a quarter of an hour before leaving, fearing that the illness of the young lady would be transmitted to her. Even the young lady understood the importance of the sister in the madam's womb. Even if I had ten times the courage, I would not dare to be careless."
She cannot sleep; once she falls asleep, the dream awakens, and she must return. Moreover, she clearly remembers that she had already been shot with an arrow, so if she sleeps, she fears she will soon arrive at the Naihe Bridge.
Shen Changle looked at Shun Gu, who was kneeling on the ground, and felt an overwhelming urge to hold his belly and laugh heartily at the sky
After Lin left, Shen Changle remained nestled in Shen Lingcheng's embrace. Seeing that the master was solely focused on feeding her, Shun Gu softly suggested, "Master, perhaps it would be better for me to assist the third young lady with her meal."
Upon thinking of this, Shen Changle's eyes turned red again, her large, watery eyes gazing at Shen Lingcheng, making his heart soften: "Heed your father, Changle, I will always be here with you and will not leave."
Since Lin has been pregnant, she has not dared to drink even a sip of tea in the old lady's courtyard, let alone dine here. However, Shen Changle, relying on her youth, finds it easy to act spoiled and charming. Yet, even she felt it strange after saying this, for she had never acted this way before; it must be a natural talent that children possess.
Although she naturally felt indignant at heart, as a servant, she did not dare to speak out easily. If she were to open her mouth, it might very well lead to accusations against her mistress
She grasped Shen Lingcheng's arm, gazing at the embroidered pattern on his chest, making a continuous effort to keep her eyes open. This is just a dream; if she falls asleep, the dream will awaken, and perhaps she will return.
Lin observed that the person who usually struggled to articulate even simple words was now coming to pay their respects, leaving her momentarily stunned. However, her prolonged daze caught the attention of Shen Lingcheng, which inadvertently turned into a show of authority towards Shen Changle. Consequently, his expression grew increasingly dark and severe.
Aunt Shun raised her head and saw Shen Changle's small face tense with concentration. She extended her chubby little hand; despite still being a little baby, her posture was amusing. However, Aunt Shun had always treated her with respect and only asked softly, "Miss, what is your command?"
After finishing the meal, Shun Gu wanted to hold Shen Changle and go to sleep. However, she held onto Shen Lingcheng's hand and refused to let go, shaking her head repeatedly, saying: "Daddy, don't go, please don't."
Shen Lingcheng held his daughter's small body and gently stroked her fine, soft hair, feeling a pang of affection as he said, "Zhang Le is truly well-behaved, knowing to protect her younger sister at such a young age"
He was taken aback for a moment, clearly not understanding the meaning behind his daughter's sudden words. However, he then thought that even little Chang Le, at such a young age, knew to cherish her sister, which brought him some comfort. At the same time, Lin was also frowning, staring at Shen Chang Le, only thinking that this little girl had been seriously ill and wondering if her mind had been affected. But upon reflection, she realized that she was just a small child, and it was inevitable for her to speak in a disordered manner.
"Since you are feeling unwell, you should go back and rest. Here in Chang Le, I will take care of things," Shen Lingcheng said, turning to glance at Lin with a neutral tone.
This meal was truly enjoyable
She was unexpectedly unaware that Shun Gu was so clever. She merely initiated the conversation, yet Shun Gu was able to cooperate with her in such a manner, even articulating the words she wished to say but could not express. At her young age, if she were to say something, her father would likely dismiss it entirely. However, Shun Gu was different; she was someone who served by her side and would not speak falsehoods in front of her master.
"It is not, it is just my younger sister," Shen Changle stated emphatically
She turned to look at Aunt Shun, this time seriously observing everything around her. The furnishings in this room were not those of her original boudoir. Instead, they resembled the furnishings in her old home, which she had only visited once after returning with her grandmother, so she was not familiar with it. However, it was said that before she turned six, the entire Shen family resided in the old house. It was only later that her father led the whole family back to the capital.
However, Shen Changle remained composed and unaffected by the surroundings, speaking clearly and deliberately: "The sister in the lady's belly is important"
Now, she also wants to let the Lin family experience this kind of taste
At this moment, Shen Lingcheng had already put down his chopsticks. He looked at Lin's prominent belly, and a trace of guilt flashed across his face. He had gone to serve the elderly lady on a family visit, leaving her and Chang Le alone at home. Even if Chang Le fell ill, it was not intentional on her part. If one were to speak of negligence, it should be the maids and servants around Chang Le who ought to be punished.
Shen Changle did not refuse at all and happily ran to sit on his lap
"My lord, it is not that this old servant is trying to excuse the lady, but these past few days the young lady has been ill. The lady has been sending for doctors and has been here taking care of the young lady. If it were not for the severe stomach pain she experienced yesterday, this old servant would have desperately urged her to take care of the young master in her womb; she would have come over early today. Since Madam Lin has adopted a posture of grievance, then the nearby Granny Zhang has taken on the role of a loyal servant. If it were not for the severe stomach pain she experienced yesterday, this old servant would have desperately urged her to take care of the young master in her womb; she would have come over early today. Since Madam Lin has adopted a posture of grievance, then the nearby Granny Zhang has taken on the role of a loyal servant.
Shen Lingcheng looked at her little domineering demeanor, smiled down, and quickly coaxed her, "Alright, alright, alright, today you don't need to be fed by your aunt, just let your father feed you."
"You are currently pregnant, so even if you have a poor appetite, you should eat something." After hearing this, Shen Lingcheng's displeasure on his face eased somewhat
Someone shouted from the side: "Third Miss."
This sleep was truly sweet, as if a delightful fragrance lingered throughout my dreams
Uncertain how much time had passed, perhaps just a moment, or maybe several hours, Shen Changle suddenly opened her eyes. She stared at the pink gauze canopy above her head, still not having had the chance to turn her head.
Shen Lingcheng : `` ... ... ''
At this moment, Lin's complexion had not yet recovered, and upon hearing her speak so affirmatively, she could not help but tremble inside. She looked up at Shen Changle's dark eyes, which were so bright that they seemed capable of seeing through one's heart. She instinctively covered her belly, insisting that it was not true; the doctor had clearly said that this time she was definitely having a son.
Shen Lingcheng did not refute this; he had also heard that children's eyes are the brightest, allowing them to see many things that adults cannot. Perhaps this is truly what she saw. Thinking of this, Shen Lingcheng smiled as he held her. He already had two legitimate sons, so whether Lin Shi gave birth to a boy or a girl made little difference to him.
At this moment, Nurse Zhang stepped forward to support Madam Lin, speaking with concern: "Madam, please do not cry at all. Don't you remember? The doctor said that you are currently in a delicate condition and need to stay calm; you cannot always be so anxious and fearful."
Shen Changle watched from the side, and a smile crept into her heart at Lin's behavior. She knew that Lin had always been a gentle and accommodating person, capable of humbling herself to please Shen Lingcheng. Therefore, it was no surprise that Shen Lingcheng had chosen her; after all, even though Lin had connections with the Zhang family, her status was still far inferior. Even if she were to become his secondary wife, it would still be an elevation for her.
So none of this is a dream; she has truly returned to her childhood.
Upon hearing the words "sat outside for a quarter of an hour," Lin's face instantly turned pale, and it was unclear whether it was due to anger or fear.
At this moment, Shen Changle was completely unaware.
Shen Lingcheng had never seen her so attached to him, thinking it was simply because he had been away for a few days and his daughter missed her father. Therefore, he simply held her in his arms and personally coaxed her to sleep. Shen Changle was Shen Lingcheng's first legitimate daughter. He and Zhang Shi were childhood sweethearts, and their relationship had always been harmonious. When she left, their two sons were already sensible, but this daughter had not even recognized her own mother. Thus, Shen Lingcheng's greatest affection and indulgence were directed towards Shen Changle, even more so than towards his two sons.
After listening to Shun Gu's words, Shen Lingcheng also understood that Shen Changle's earlier remarks were a form of reproach, questioning why Shun Gu did not stop Lin from coming to see him. She was concerned about Lin and the child in her womb. He turned to look at the little girl sitting gracefully on the couch beside him, a delicate and exquisite child who, despite being at the most innocent and carefree age, already knew how to care for her elders
"No." Shen Changle said crisply, as she tightly grasped Shen Lingcheng's arm: "I want to eat with Father."
However, after he finished asking, he also laughed. Listening to his daughter call her "sister" repeatedly, he found himself saying it effortlessly as well. He chuckled, "How does Chang Le know it's a sister? What if it's a brother instead?"
Unable to sleep
Shen Changle watched the two of them, master and servant, performing in such harmony; it truly was a splendid show
Lin was so frightened that her whole body trembled; she clutched her stomach and took a step back. However, Shen Changle, seeing her in such a state, immediately raised her lips in a smug smile. Yet, she still felt it was not enough and waved her hand, calling out: "Madam, come and eat."
"Le Jie'er, hurry and get up." Next to her, Zhang Mama gently nudged her lower back, and Lin Shi gradually came to her senses
"Why didn't you stop her, madam?" Shen Changle called out in a childish voice. When Shen Lingcheng turned to look at the girl in this manner, he didn't pay attention to what she said, but couldn't help but laugh.
Unaware of the underlying circumstances, Shen Lingcheng felt a twinge of regret after hearing this. He was about to speak up and ask someone to bring a chair for Lin to sit down.
Lin wished to speak again, but Shen Lingcheng had already lowered his head to converse with his daughter, "Changle, have you eaten enough?"
Shen m.hetushu.com.com watched the fear on Lin's face and couldn't help but feel a sense of pride. Although it was only in a dream, the thought of causing Lin some distress genuinely pleased her
"Aunt Shun." Suddenly, Shen Changle called out.
But as soon as she turned her head, she caught sight of the little girl's gaze across from her, so cunning and mischievous; it was hardly the gaze of a three-year-old child
In recent days, Sister Le has not been well, and I have been worried every day. I am also afraid that when the master returns, he will blame me for not taking good care of Sister Le. As she spoke, tears began to well up in Lin's eyes, glistening and swirling around in her eyes several times, yet they did not fall. Looking at Shen Changle, it was truly a sight to behold.
Shen Changle struggled to rise from the bed. Nowadays, her body was not only small but also particularly round, making it especially difficult for her to get up. When she did manage to rise, the commotion was such that even Shen Lingcheng across the room couldn't help but glance at her a few times. However, once she was up, she performed a proper greeting to Madam Lin: "I pay my respects to you, Madam."
Hmph, she has no desire to protect Shen Jin; she is arrogant and overbearing, not likable at all
Shen Changle did not speak, but her eyelids grew heavier and heavier. She tried hard to shake her head, forcing herself to keep her eyes open. However, after a moment, her eyelids involuntarily drooped again. After repeating this several times, she finally could not endure any longer and closed her eyes.
Shen Lingcheng still thought that his daughter was afraid he would leave midway, and gently assured her.
Beside her, Aunt Shun, upon hearing Zhang Momo's words, displayed a hint of anger on her face. Ever since the young lady fell ill, she had promptly sent someone to inform the madam and also dispatched someone to invite a doctor. However, it was only after a long wait that the madam finally arrived in a sedan chair. Later, she merely sent over some tonics, and yesterday she only sat briefly outside before leaving, without even entering the young lady's room.
At this moment, Shen Lingcheng saw her with her big eyes wide open, and every time she blinked, her long eyelashes trembled slightly, making her instantly adorable. He couldn't help but feel his heart soften and gently asked, "Why isn't Chang Le asleep yet"
"Not yet, I still want to eat that." Shen Changle was already interrupted while eating halfway, and now seeing Lin's family at a disadvantage, she was so pleased that she wished she could eat three more large bowls.