Chapter 41 Sobbing

Ziyu knew nothing about her stepmother's affair before, but now that she did, she was stunned. Of course, she couldn't answer Zhang Ren's wife's question.

Fortunately, compared to getting an answer, Zhang Ren's wife was actually happier to see Zi Yu looking so dejected and speechless. It was so satisfying!

Just as Wang was about to say something, someone suddenly walked in, interrupting her thoughts.

It turned out to be the son of this family, Ziyu's older brother, who had returned from outside.

Li Chuan patted his trouser legs as he walked in. He looked up as soon as he entered the door and saw Zhang Ren's wife. He immediately smiled and said, "So this is Auntie. I just saw Xiao Tao from your family. She was looking for you. She said she looked everywhere inside and couldn't find you. She was so worried that she cried."

Zhang Ren's wife exclaimed "Oh!" and hurriedly stood up from her chair. "I have to go!" she said, and left in a panic. As she left, she thought to herself, "This son of the Li family isn't as honest as his parents; he's a slippery fellow. Maybe he's lying to me, but what if it's true? Better safe than sorry."

Wang pretended to see him off for a couple of steps, and only after he was out of sight did she turn back and ask her son, "Weren't you supposed to be tending the garden today? Why are you back so soon?"

Li Chuan glanced at the girl and said with a smile, "Something happened at home, so of course I had to come back to see."

Ziyu lowered her head, her face turning red again.

"What earth-shattering thing happened that made things like this, with people coming from all over to watch the spectacle?"

Wang felt sorry for her daughter, so she said to her son, "It's not her fault. She's still young. Of course she'll cry when she feels wronged. What's wrong with that? It's those people who are malicious. You can't blame her." After saying that, she turned to her daughter and advised, "You heard it too. She's different. She'll be half a mistress in the future. What's the point of complaining about being suppressed by such people? Girl, try to be more understanding!"

That's true, but Ziyu is not someone who can be easily appeased with just a few words.

Ziyu had always been ambitious. She never felt inferior to those around her, but compared to other parents, hers was far less capable. So, despite being no less capable than others, she ended up in a worse situation, which she simply couldn't accept. Sometimes, when the pain became unbearable, she hated her parents, resenting their lack of ambition and how they had dragged her down. Because of them, her excellence seemed like a joke, while those less capable than her lived better lives. What else could she be but a joke? If this was her fate, she would never accept it. This was how she had thought since childhood, which was why she dared to speak those words to Madam Le alone.

She had put in so much effort, only to end up with nothing. How could she be content with that?

If she could truly accept this, she would still be Tuan'er, not Ziyu.

She just couldn't handle it for a moment.

"I won't admit it! So what if she's my aunt! I'm not someone you can easily fool!" She raised her hand and rubbed her face hard twice, her eyes revealing a fierce look. "I'm not done yet! Just you wait and see!" After saying that, she didn't say another word to her family and ran out the door like the wind.

Seeing this, Li Xiu wanted to chase after her, but his son stopped him: "Don't chase her. I think she's still relatively sober right now, so let's not go against her. If we make things worse, our family will really become a laughing stock."

Li Xiu's eyes widened. "That's your sister!"

"Of course I know! I'm only thinking about my sister's reputation. If there's anything to say, we can have Mother talk to her secretly. Why make a scene? What good does it do?"

That was the truth. Li Xiu was persuaded, and after a moment he sighed and said, "I'm really worried about her..."

Li Xiu's worries are unnecessary. Zi Yu won't do anything foolish again; doing something foolish once is enough.

Ziyu ran all the way back to Guangyi Hall. When she entered, everyone looked at her. They had all seen her earlier loss of composure, and Ziyu knew they had all seen it, but she still held her head high and remained calm. The various gazes of the crowd did not make her feel the slightest bit timid. She took firm steps and walked slowly and unhurriedly towards the center of the courtyard.

"Is the young master awake?"

She asked casually, still in the same calm and relaxed tone as before.

There's still no movement.

The one who answered was Green Willow. She was a good-natured person, and her relationship with Purple Willow was fairly good. After what happened earlier, she had been worried about Purple Willow. Now that she saw Purple Willow had returned safely, she couldn't help but breathe a sigh of relief. As she spoke, she took two steps forward, thinking of shaking Purple Willow's hand.

The two stood facing each other, holding each other's hands. Ziyu asked Lüyang, "Has Madam sent anyone else? She said she wanted to have dinner with the young master at Qingxue Pavilion, and it's about time now."

Green Willow was about to shake her head when her gaze suddenly fixed on something. Purple Elm noticed this and turned to look.

Lady Yue sent someone to urge Liu Min to attend the banquet.

Ziyu's return came at just the right time.

Ziyu led Liu Min towards Qingxue Pavilion, while Lüyang and the others stayed behind to help the maids deal with Liu Min's belongings in the courtyard.

After Shanlai tidied up Anjian'er's bed, she had nothing to do and wasn't assigned anything, so she just sat on Anjian'er's small bed, listening to the voices of other people and the footsteps of those coming and going, lost in thought.

The dark room was indeed dark, with no windows or doors. It was just a small space partitioned off by partitions, big enough for a bed, a table, two stools, and a tall cabinet. That was enough, since it was just a place for the maids to sleep. The maids had to work during the day, so why would they worry about not having a place to stay?

In terms of living alone, this dark room is by no means a good place, but living here means being close to the master. On the other side of the partition is the master's bed. When everyone is asleep at night, the people living in the dark room will know first if the master gives any orders, and of course, they will be the ones to serve him. There are plenty of opportunities to show their faces, which is why Ziyu occupied this place early on.

Now this place has returned to goodness.

Of course, she is the future young mistress, and in terms of closeness, how can any other maid compare?

Shanlai and Liu Min were inseparable for life. She was sold to their family, becoming his possession, her life and death belonging to him. It was tragic; from a person to an object, she sacrificed herself, seeking only the possibility of keeping her father alive—her only desire. But she failed; her father ultimately left her. She neither kept him nor gained her freedom; all her efforts were in vain, making her even more tragic. That's how she used to think, but now she has a new perspective. She benefited from this transaction, the biggest benefit not being money, but a predetermined path.

Yao Yong is dead. She's all alone, a helpless little girl. What will become of her? Only heaven knows. Even with her composure and maturity, she can't help but feel apprehensive, unless she decides not to live anymore. But because of Liu Min, everything is different. Her future seems certain. Now she's young, so she can be a maid making beds and folding blankets; when she grows up, she can become a concubine serving her husband. To be fair, this isn't a bad ending, because Liu Min is a good person, and not unpleasant at all.

Even though Liu Min was a despicable person, she was still willing to follow him because he was not important. It was always between her and Old Madam Qin, and she was repaying Old Madam Qin's kindness.

She was determined to repay the kindness, even if it meant falling to her death.

As long as she lives, she cannot help but treat Liu Min well.

He treated her very well when they were in Pingcheng, but now that he's not doing well, she has no choice but to do something for him.

Thinking this, she was about to stand up when she looked up and was suddenly startled to see a white face in the dim light, which made her gasp in horror.

"Ouch!" the "pale-faced" man cried out, clutching his chest and staggering backward.

Amidst the screams, Shan Lai recognized the face; he had seen it before in the courtyard.

Green Willow came to ask Shan Lai where he wanted to eat. When she came in, she saw him sitting alone in deep thought. Afraid of disturbing him, she didn't make a sound and just waited quietly to the side. Unexpectedly, he suddenly came back to his senses, and she didn't react in time, which startled him.

"It's my fault." She quickly said, then smiled apologetically. "I didn't mean to scare you, it's just... I saw you were thinking about something, and I was afraid that if I suddenly spoke, I would frighten you. I didn't mean to scare you anyway, it's all my fault..."

Her heart was still pounding. Shanlai reached out and clenched her fist in front of her chest to calm her racing heart. She smiled at Lüyang and said, "It's not my fault, sister. I'm just timid and easily startled. I can't stand the slightest noise and always end up hurting the people around me... Did I scare you just now?"

Green Willow laughed and said, "I was just a little startled. Actually, I'm quite timid too."

The two looked at each other and smiled.

After laughing, Shanlai asked, "Sister, is there something you need from me?"

Green Willow said, "The food has arrived. Where would you like to eat? I think this place is too dark and poorly ventilated. It would be better if you ate with us. But you just arrived today and must have had a long journey. I'm worried you might be too tired to walk around anymore... If you are really tired, I'll bring it over for you."

Green Willow was unaware of the matter concerning the young mistress, so her thoughtfulness was not out of flattery, but simply because she was a good person.

“Of course we’ll eat together over there.” Shanlai agreed without hesitation. “I was just looking forward to getting to know you.”

She is a kind and righteous person. Once she cares about someone, she will give her all and do anything for them.

Now, Liu Min is the man in her heart; she puts him before herself and only wishes for his well-being. The shame and resentment she felt as a servant girl are completely gone now; she's afraid of burdening him.

A group of people, all young girls, all as neat and bright as flowers.

Green Willow first introduced herself, and then introduced Shanlai to the others one by one.

Shan Lai called out to them one by one, his face almost stiff with laughter.

"It's okay if you can't remember now. You'll be working with us from now on, so you won't have trouble recognizing each other."

Green Willow spoke softly, her smile very kind.

She was sincere, and Shan Lai could feel it. As for the others, although they were smiling, there was something between them.

Thinking about it, perhaps it's because of Ziyu.

Since their master was not present and all the work had been done, there was nothing else to do for the time being. Green Willow, remembering what Shanlai had said earlier about getting to know people, pulled Orange Maple and Peach aside after the meal to chat with Shanlai, hoping that Shanlai would get closer to them as soon as possible.

They chatted idly, without any set rules, saying whatever came to mind. Since Shanlai was a newcomer, she was unfamiliar with everything, so she mostly answered questions from others, such as her age, hometown, hobbies, and any interesting things that happened on her way here. Shanlai thought carefully and answered all of them.

They got carried away with the conversation and talked non-stop.

As she was laughing, Chengfeng suddenly spoke up, "Little sister, what were you in charge of when you were in the south?"

The laughter gradually subsided.

Under her intense gaze, Shanlai slowly said, "I know nothing about anything. I may need the older sisters to teach me in the future so that I can be of some use. I would be grateful if the older sisters would be so kind as to teach me."

Chengfeng said "Oh," and the corners of her mouth curved slightly.

After exchanging a few more words, Lü Yang felt that was enough and asked Shan Lai if he wanted to rest, since they had been traveling all morning. Cheng Feng and Bi Tao echoed this, their faces showing concern.

Shanlai was indeed tired, so he got up to say goodbye, and everyone dispersed.

After the meeting, Shanlai did not go back directly, but went to the west wing to see Wu Qingyu. However, he did not see her, as Wu Qingyu had already gone to sleep. Shanlai knew this, so he went back to the dark room to sleep.

I slept until dark, when all the lights were turned on.

Liu Min still did not return.

We ate together again, but didn't chat afterwards.

Sweep the floor, prepare water, trim the candle wicks, light incense, fumigate the bedding, and find the clothes.

Shanlai got the job of trimming candle wicks. She took the lampshade and a small pair of silver scissors, put them into the flame, and with a snip, the candle flame stabilized and stopped jumping restlessly. She stared at the fire, and suddenly the candle broke open, and the wax dripped down, just like tears.

Just then, Liu Min walked in, followed by Zi Yu, whose face didn't look too good.

"Bring me water, I need to wash up."

The people who went to fetch water have not yet returned.

Green Willow, steeling herself, said, "Please ask Liu Min to wait a moment."

Liu Min said nothing, and his expression remained calm.

Shanlai stood beside him, savoring a different flavor from the tranquility.

After Liu Min tidied up, she turned off the light and went to sleep. Of course, Shan Lai also had to turn off the light and sleep with her. However, she had just slept during the day and didn't sleep well. She stared at the roof for a long time before she finally felt a little sleepy. Even when she fell asleep, she slept lightly and could be woken up by the slightest noise.

She kept her eyes open, listening intently to the low sobs coming from the other side of the partition.