When Sheng Moshi saw Madam Chu approaching, he stood up and bowed to her.
She smiled gently and called out "Mother".
Although Madam Chu knew that Sheng Moshi was no good, she still had to do her best to follow the hair-pinning procedure because she had received money.
She nodded slightly, took a jade hairpin from the nanny beside her, and gently inserted it into Sheng Moshi's hair.
Then he began to offer his blessings:
"My son, Moshi, today marks your coming of age, a great joy in your life. You have been intelligent since childhood, and your character is 'upright,' which makes me very pleased. Today, I present you with this jade hairpin, wishing you to be as steadfast as the hairpin, to remain chaste as jade, and to have 'noble and pure' character."
The hairpin ceremony marks your coming of age. From this day forward, you should be self-reliant and strong, diligently cultivate your inner qualities and refine your outward appearance. Wherever you are, you should uphold the honor of your family and adhere to the virtues of a woman.
May your future path be bright and open, filled with both blessings and wisdom. Marry a good man, befriend a true friend, be courageous in adversity, and humble in prosperity. May your life be peaceful, prosperous, and filled with joy and longevity.
"Thank you for your teachings, Mother. I will obey your instructions."
Sheng Moshi felt a surge of resentment upon hearing Chu Shi's words, but maintained a sweet and obedient smile on her face.
She noticed that whenever Madam Chu spoke about character, she would slow down her speech and emphasize her tone. Was she subtly mocking her for her poor character?
"Really? I hope you will keep these blessings in your heart."
After Chu finished speaking, she ignored Sheng Moshi and looked at the guests who were watching the ceremony.
"I am feeling slightly unwell today and may not be able to stay long to entertain you all. I hope you will enjoy the fine food and wine and have a pleasant time. I wish you all a wonderful trip."
As she spoke, Madam Chu bowed apologetically to everyone.
“We understand Madam Sheng’s feelings. Madam Sheng’s family is full of loyal and righteous people. Madam Sheng has suffered injustice today, but we will definitely report the truth to His Majesty tomorrow and ask His Majesty to uphold justice for you!”
A burly middle-aged man stepped out from the crowd. He was a former subordinate of General Chu and now served as the Vice Minister of War in the capital.
He stepped forward at this moment, looking at Sheng Lingtian with righteous indignation.
Sheng Lingtian felt more wronged than Dou E, and was about to say something.
Then Chu's gentle voice rang out again.
"Minister Li, you flatter me. I have only caught a cold, not been mistreated! There is no need for you to do this..."
As Chu spoke, she glanced at Sheng Lingtian.
His eyes were filled with resentment and pleading...
Sheng Lingtian was so angry at that look that he gritted his teeth. This woman really wouldn't stop until she had him to death!
Now, even if he tries to explain anything, I doubt anyone here will believe him...
"Madam, if you are not feeling well, please go and rest! Everything here is fine with me!"
Sheng Lingtian just wants to get rid of the Chu family as soon as possible...
Upon hearing this, Madam Chu responded with a "Yes" and left...
Watching Madam Chu leave, Vice Minister Li also flicked his sleeves and left the General's Mansion...
"Alas! The most beautiful woman in the Great Yan Kingdom, who was once so talented and beautiful, has been ruined and turned into this state. How pitiful!"
"He looks like he's seriously ill. He's not like the kind you read about in storybooks..."
"Shh... You can't say these things. General Sheng is incredibly powerful. If you do, he might make things difficult for you behind your back. He's willing to harm even his own wife; what wouldn't he dare to do?"
"You told me not to speak, but you've made it clearer than I have..."
"I...I was just too angry, I couldn't help it..."
"..."
For a time, the guests who came to attend the coming-of-age ceremony were all whispering about Chu's tragic situation.
The Sheng family members were furious upon hearing these words, but dared not show it in the slightest!
Pretending not to hear the whispers, Sheng Lingtian ordered the banquet to begin and invited everyone to take their seats.
While everyone sympathized with the Sheng family, those who secretly looked down on them did so only in private.
Ultimately, the Chu family's affairs were just a family matter of the General's Mansion. People could discuss it and have their opinions, but no one would really disrespect the General's Mansion because of it. Most people pretended that nothing had happened and attended the banquet.
Of course, one or two upright officials, along with General Chu's former subordinates and their families, simply left...
Sheng Moshi watched the scene below and gave Mu Rou'er a wink. Mu Rou'er, seeing her daughter's signal, nodded slightly to Sheng Moshi.
A cold smile curled at the corner of Sheng Moshi's lips.
On the other side, Si Mingye stepped into the backyard, his gaze inadvertently falling on a small pavilion.
Sheng Wanwan was sitting in the pavilion, holding a grilled fish tightly in her arms, her little mouth moving as she ate with great relish.
At her feet, a black cat lazily squatted, with a piece of golden-brown roasted fish at its feet, enjoying its meal.
Sheng Wanwan was enjoying her food so much that her little face was covered in oil. She stuck out her pink little tongue and gently licked the corner of her mouth, looking adorable and cute, just like a little foodie.
She blinked her big eyes, looked at the black cat at her feet, and said in a childish voice:
"Big Blackie, this fish is so delicious! Why didn't I take out a couple more?"
If we go back to the main kitchen now, it'll probably be empty, but I'm still not full! How about we sneak off to the front yard and see if there's anything good to eat?
The black cat lazily raised its head, meowed a few times, and seemed quite interested in the suggestion.
Upon seeing this, Sheng Wanwan immediately became excited, her little face beaming with anticipation.
"Big Black, there must be lots of good food in the front yard right now. Not only fish, but maybe some delicious meat too!"
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