Chapter 488 My Jiaojiao (1)
After the tribute banquet, Dingjing was still bustling. The streets seemed much busier than usual, as they welcomed the dignitaries from Daliang and Qin. At all times, the Mingqi royal family always hoped to present a prosperous and flourishing image to other nations.
In the Shen Mansion, the servants sweeping the Qiu Shui Garden were discussing new topics.
"What is the background of the new girl in the mansion that deserves such kind treatment from the Third Madam?"
"I've brewed the new tea leaves I received this year for that girl first. Could she be a distinguished guest in the mansion?"
An old woman in a blue cloth jacket whispered, "I heard that this girl's father used to be very close to the old general. He even blocked a knife for the old general and nearly lost his life..."
A young maid quickly covered her mouth and said in surprise: "No wonder, she is indebted to the old general, which means she is indebted to the Shen family. No wonder she is treated as a guest of honor."
"She said she came to seek refuge. Perhaps something happened at home. Judging from the Third Madam's expression, she will take good care of this girl."
"What do you mean by taking care of me? The people in the mansion are already struggling to make ends meet, and now they want a freeloader? We'd better get rid of him as soon as possible."
After these words were spoken, a silence fell all around. While the Shen Mansion might appear to be doing well on the surface, the people inside knew full well that since the branch of Shen Xin was split off, money had become much tighter, and even the servants' monthly wages had been reduced significantly. Thus, even if a great nobleman came and ate for free, the servants would still be unhappy.
"I don't know why the Third Madam is so harsh to us on weekdays, but is so generous to that girl this time." Someone asked in confusion.
In Qiushui Garden, Ren Wanyun was sitting in the room at the moment. She pushed the teacup in front of her to the woman opposite her and said with a smile, "New tea leaves, Cui'er Tip, Miss Qing, please try it."
The woman sitting across from her wore a long, emerald green brocade dress. It lacked any fine embroidery, a simple garment whose color was highly discerning. If worn poorly, it would make one look like a country girl. However, the woman before her wore it, and it surprisingly looked very comfortable and striking.
The woman looked to be in her early twenties. Her clothes and hairstyle were very simple. She was very graceful and gentle. Most importantly, she had a strong bookish air. It was obvious that she was raised in a scholarly family and was well-educated.
Chen Ruoqiu has always disdained warriors' love of flowery things, and the same goes for people. This woman in front of him, he felt a sense of mutual understanding and became more polite to her.
Seeing Chen Ruoqiu's enthusiasm, the woman didn't hesitate. She picked up the teacup and took a sip. She smiled and said, "The tea is very light but fragrant, the leaves are scattered and the aroma is strong. Madam is also an expert in making tea."
"Miss Zaiqing also knows the tea ceremony." Chen Ruoqiu smiled even more deeply: "Tea ceremony is the best, but nowadays, young girls like you rarely know the tea ceremony."
"A cool breeze rises from my armpits, and I'm ready to go to Penglai." The woman smiled and said, "Madam, you are right. Tea ceremony is the best. But Madam, please don't make fun of me. I'm twenty-six now. How can I be considered a young girl?"
"Twenty-six?" Chen Ruoqiu exclaimed. "Looking at Miss Zaiqing's appearance, I thought she was in her early eighteen or nineteen. But that's okay. Although she looks eighteen or nineteen, she has the demeanor of someone in her twenties. It's rare to see someone so open and calm."
The woman in green clothes in front of him was the one who came to "beg for money" yesterday. Her name was Chang Zaiqing. Her father, Chang Hu, was once a subordinate of General Shen. He blocked a knife for General Shen on the battlefield and was injured. From then on, he could no longer go to the battlefield. Chang Hu's family was supported by Chang Hu alone. General Shen felt guilty and had been secretly giving money to help him. At that time, Chang Zaiqing was still young, but Shen Xin was already at the age of getting married. General Shen even joked that he wanted Chang Zaiqing to be his daughter-in-law. However, General Shen passed away before he could see Shen Xin get married. Because General Shen secretly helped Chang Hu's family without anyone knowing, after that, the Chang family and the Shen family no longer had any contact.
Continue read on readnovelmtl.com
