Wen Zhu is the unloved illegitimate daughter of the Minister of Rites. From a young age, she was sent to a manor, and her birth mother was also out of favor.
In her previous life, she was sen...
"Yes, my father has a cold constitution, so he has many dietary restrictions. In particular, most common teas and beverages are not suitable for him. Fortunately, however, this specially processed snow tea is an exception. It is one of the only good things my father can enjoy without worrying about any adverse effects on his health."
After hearing this, Mrs. Jiang smiled slightly and explained gently.
"In this case, Lord Jiang's health must be carefully cared for. After all, his health is not only related to his personal quality of life, but also of vital importance to our entire society."
Concubine Xiao said this cheerfully, her tone filled with genuine concern.
After hearing this, everyone at the scene nodded in agreement.
The originally slightly cold or distant attitude was immediately broken. Everyone became closer to each other because of this unexpected common interest. Although the topic of discussion quickly shifted, from then on, everyone would no longer look at Wen Zhu, the maid, the same way as before - she was no longer an insignificant character.
After drinking those cups of tea, Wen Zhu returned to the Duke's wife and busy himself with the next task.
Just as she was tidying up the items on the table, she suddenly heard another lady's concerned voice not far away: "Excuse me, why didn't your second daughter attend the party today?"
"Oh, I'm sorry to have made you all laugh. The truth is, the temperature outside has been quite low these past few days, and the weather conditions have been inclement. Plus, my precious little daughter has always been quite delicate, so I simply let her stay home to rest and do some needlework. This way, on the one hand, she can protect herself from the cold wind and possibly worsening her condition, but on the other hand, I'm worried that if she does catch a cold and fever, she might accidentally pass it on to others if she goes out, which would be terrible!"
The Duke's wife explained patiently, her tone full of a mother's concern and love.
"I see. Your second daughter is not only beautiful and graceful, but also considerate of others. She's truly an outstanding child."
The lady praised.
The Duke's wife quickly understood the deeper meaning behind the other person's words, and then heard the following words: "I have a younger son who currently holds an important position in the Ministry of Works. Please allow him to take time off to visit you."
"Oh? Has your son already made a name for himself in official circles? It's truly not easy for him to be entrusted with such an important responsibility at such a young age."
The Duke's wife praised.
The other party said modestly: "Hey, how can this achievement be compared with your prince's? The gap is really too big."
The Duke's wife said gently, "Although he may be a few years younger than Huai Jin, it is a remarkable achievement for him to be able to do this."
On the carriage back to the mansion, the Duke's wife said, "Lord Liang is currently the Sixth Department's Censor. Although his position is only fifth rank, he has considerable power. The young man from the Liang family is young and promising, and he is Huai Jin's subordinate. If this marriage goes through, I believe the Liang family will treat Shu Yan better."
Wen Zhu nodded, thinking that the young master of the Liang family would definitely take special care of his boss's sister.
"Besides, the wife of the Liang family's youngest son doesn't need to be the mistress of the house, nor does she need to manage household affairs. Shuyan's personality is actually not suitable for taking on heavy responsibilities, so marrying the youngest son is quite suitable. When Huai Jin comes back, I have to inquire about this young man's character."
The Duke's wife said.
Wen Zhu thought to himself that the Duke's wife really cared about Sheng Shuyan.
If she could really marry into such a family, with the support of the Duke's Mansion, her life should be more comfortable.
A few days later, Mrs. Liang came to visit with her son Liang Chengfu.
The Duke's wife tacitly signaled to others to call Sheng Shuyan to be in charge of entertaining the guests.
Liang Chengfu is extraordinarily handsome and exudes a youthful and energetic masculine aura.
When he appeared before her, the Duke's wife immediately felt quite satisfied with her future son-in-law and couldn't help but nod in praise in her heart.
When Sheng Shuyan walked out of the house and her eyes met Liang Chengfu's, a barely perceptible light seemed to flash in her eyes.
She maintained a dignified posture and bowed lightly, "Hello, Madam Liang, hello, Mr. Liang."
The voice is gentle and polite.
To show her closeness, Mrs. Liang gently held Sheng Shuyan's wrist and said a few polite words in a soft voice.
"Look at the beautiful weather! The red plum blossoms in the yard are in full bloom. Why don't we all go to the garden to enjoy the flowers together?"
The Duke's wife made a suggestion.
This proposal received an active response from Mrs. Liang, who readily agreed and then walked out of the room with the Duke's wife.
When walking in front, the two mothers seemed to speed up their pace intentionally or unintentionally, leaving enough time for private communication with the two young people behind them.
Liang Chengfu and Sheng Shuyan, who followed closely behind, slowed down their pace a little. The two chatted intermittently, and the topics were relaxed and casual.
When they arrived at the woodland area where plum blossoms were planted, they saw the trees were all bright red, which was a beautiful sight.
At this time, the Duke's wife smiled and said, "My second son loves to make tea with red plum blossoms under the snow. It is said that the tea has a fragrant aroma, light and elegant."
Hearing this, Mrs. Liang couldn't help but sigh, "Oh, I see. So, it seems your eldest daughter is not only clever and skillful, but also very sentimental!"
However, just as she turned around to praise him, she was surprised to find that Sheng Shuyan next to her had a gloomy face and seemed to be in a bad mood.
Mrs. Liang noticed the subtle change in the other person's expression and was confused in her heart, but she did not show her doubts too much on her face.
At this time, Sheng Shuyan stepped forward lightly and bowed deeply to her mother. "Mother, I suddenly feel unwell. I want to go back and lie down to rest for a while."
Speech is steady and clear.
Upon hearing this, the Duke's wife was startled at first, then immediately expressed great concern, "Then you should quickly return to your room to rest. Remember to put on an extra coat to keep warm."
After saying that, he watched her leave.
Watching her leaving, Mrs. Liang casually admired the beauty of the plum blossoms around her, her eyes lingering on the blooming plum blossoms for a moment.
There is a faint floral fragrance in the air, as if telling you that spring is coming.
Then she nodded gently, turned around and took the hand of Liang Chengfu, who had been silent for a long time, and after politely saying goodbye to the host, she slowly left.
That night, the Duke's wife stepped into the brightly lit Guanshui Courtyard and sat down steadily on the intricately carved mahogany chair.
After looking around the warm yet elegantly decorated room, he asked his daughter Sheng Shuyan who was sorting clothes with her head down.