Mother and daughter
The summer sun was scorching, cicadas chirped merrily in the trees, and the hibiscus flowers in the courtyard curled up at the edges.
Mei Sheng sat back on the soft camphor wood couch, calmly embroidering magpie patterns.
A sudden gust of wind swept by the window frame, and a faint floral scent entered the room. She looked up and saw Granny Lin hurrying into the courtyard with small, quick steps, heading this way.
Chun Tao, who was waiting nearby and was so sleepy that she could barely keep her eyes open, was awakened by the sound of knocking on the window frame. When she saw her mother coming, she suddenly pinched the soft flesh on her arm twice, and she immediately woke up.
She quickly took the embroidery from Mei Sheng's hands, smoothed out the slightly wrinkled hem of her skirt, and subtly warned her: "What should you say and what shouldn't you say, Miss?"
Upon hearing this, Mei Sheng gave a deep "hmm" and obediently cooperated with Chun Tao, tidying up her clothes and hair.
"Madam requests that you come to Lanxiang Courtyard." Granny Lin pushed open the wooden door, interrupting their conversation.
She bowed slightly, a smile spreading across her face: "If you're ready, young lady, please come with me."
Mei Sheng lowered her eyes and her eyelashes trembled slightly: "I'll go now."
After saying that, he went out first.
Xiao Yuan, the maid who followed Granny Lin into the house, quickly opened an umbrella and went outside to wait.
Chun Tao hurriedly handed her embroidery work to her mother, grinning foolishly and begging for a reward: "Mother, look at this embroidery, doesn't it look better? Can I go to the rouge shop tomorrow, Mother~"
The embroidery was neat and much better than a few days ago. Granny Lin's face twitched slightly; she gave her a suspicious look, but still quietly refused her suggestion.
She hesitated and said, "I'm afraid it won't work tomorrow."
Mei Sheng's ears twitched outside, concealing the fleeting surprise in her eyes.
Passing through winding corridors, along flowerbed paths, and across several courtyards, lotus flowers bloom in a small pond not far away, creating a particularly enchanting scene.
The lotus never clings to the mud, but only loves the wind and freedom.
Upon seeing this, Mei Sheng couldn't help but smile, leaving the two people beside her momentarily stunned.
Granny Lin quickly came to her senses and muttered a curse under her breath.
What's the use of being beautiful? Isn't she just a tool to curry favor with the powerful and wealthy?
A short walk along the winding path brought them to Lanxiang Courtyard, where several familiar maids and servants were performing their duties. Granny Lin stepped forward, lifted the curtain, and led Mei Sheng into the room.
"Wan'er, come and greet Miss Lu, who is also your cousin." Madam Lin of the Prime Minister's residence waved with a smile. At the age of thirty, she was as beautiful as a young woman in her prime, and her every move exuded charm.
Especially her figure, so delicate and graceful, with a slender waist.
Aunt Lin took her seat at the head of the table, awkwardly holding a string of Buddhist prayer beads in her hand. Her gaze swept over the two people before finally settling on Mei Sheng.
Today, Mei Sheng wore a lotus-colored cross-collar short dress and a light blue skirt with gold thread embroidery on the edges. Silver bells hung from her waist, making her even more charming than the lotus flowers in the pond outside.
She wore no makeup, her hair styled in two buns, adorned with pearl tassels that reached her ears, making her skin appear even whiter and more lustrous.
As she walked, her figure was graceful and charming, and her voice was as delicate as a nightingale's: "How is Cousin Lu?"
Seeing Mei Sheng bow and greet her, then lower her head and shrink to the side, Aunt Lin's smile faded: "Ever since this child returned to the manor, I don't know why, she becomes shy around people. Miss Lu, I hope you will forgive her."
Lu Qiao, who was sitting to one side, looked up in response, glanced at Mei Sheng, and then raised her chin and snorted softly.
She had an arrogant expression, wore a flamboyant water-red brocade dress with gold trim, the cuffs were embroidered with tulip patterns, her hair was styled in a high bun, with a hibiscus hairpin inserted at an angle, she held a purple handkerchief in her hand, her little finger raised high, and the balsam juice on her nails was beautiful and captivating.
“Aunt Lin, my cousin’s mother, the First Madam of the Prime Minister’s Mansion, has long since passed away, and she didn’t leave me any younger sister.” Lu Qiao lightly touched her hair, her eyes filled with pride, and she dragged out her words, ignoring Aunt Lin’s affection.
Her cousin, Zhou Suining, was the legitimate daughter of the Prime Minister's family and the Crown Princess of the Eastern Mu Dynasty. She was a model of noble ladies in the court, naturally elegant and graceful.
As the Crown Princess's cousin, she naturally possessed a certain arrogance. Over the years, her appearance, demeanor, and skills in music, chess, calligraphy, and painting were in no way inferior to those of noble ladies from high-ranking families.
Aunt Lin's expression hardened, and she immediately became displeased: "Now that Wan'er has arrived, Miss Lu, please speak your mind."
As soon as she finished speaking, Mei Sheng clutched her clothes tightly and glanced at Lu Qiao in a panic.
Lu Qiao flicked her fingernails and smiled contemptuously.
"Tomorrow is the day to go to Wanfo Temple to pray for peace. My cousin is thoughtful and sent me to ask if the newly returned Fifth Miss can go. Aunt Lin has been hiding for so long, I was wondering what would happen. Ha."
I wanted to take this opportunity to deliver a message and see what kind of trouble Aunt Lin was up to this time!
It is said that her daughter, who had just returned to the mansion, bore a striking resemblance to the Crown Princess. However, Consort Lin kept her daughter hidden from public view, fearing that she might have ulterior motives.
Looking at them today, they do indeed resemble each other somewhat, but their behavior is crude and vulgar, and they are not presentable enough to amount to anything.
Having a few pretty faces isn't enough to turn the world upside down. Besides, how could Yanjing City be short of beautiful young women?
Aunt Lin slowly took the teacup, not to be outdone: "I heard from the master the other day that Miss Lu is engaged. I wonder which family the Crown Princess has found for you? Has the date for the betrothal and proposal been set?"
Lu Qiao's face stiffened slightly, and her aura hardened. No matter how much she resented this marriage, she maintained a smile on her face and said proudly with her neck stiffened, "Marriage is a major event, and the words of the matchmaker should naturally be decided by the elders. If Aunt Lin really wants to know, she might as well go and ask her herself."
"As for tomorrow's trip, whether or not to go, we still need to ask Fifth Miss. After all, this household is not something that a mere concubine like you can decide. As a person, you must recognize your own position."
Lu Qiao made a few sarcastic remarks, then turned and left.
Upon hearing this, Aunt Lin's face darkened.
When her gaze settled on Mei Sheng, she sternly questioned, "Why are you like this today? How have I taught you?"
Mei Sheng raised her eyes at the opportune moment, her eyes filled with tears, and said in a flustered manner, "My daughter has been practicing dance for the past few days and is really exhausted, that's why..."
At this point, Aunt Lin's eyes narrowed, and she immediately knelt down, tears streaming down her face as she pitifully begged for mercy: "I...I'm afraid of her."
As if remembering something, Aunt Lin sighed softly: "Never mind, you grew up in the rough and uncivilized countryside, so it's natural that you're afraid of her kind of aura."
She flicked away the tea foam and asked calmly, "You heard what she said just now. Let me ask you, do you want to go?"
She took a small sip of tea, her gaze sweeping sharply over the girl before her. Her tone, however, carried a hint of seduction, encouraging Mei Sheng to express her true desires.
Mei Sheng knew perfectly well that this was the same old trick, so she hurriedly knelt down and stepped forward, stopping a step away from Aunt Lin. She affectionately and obediently tugged at Aunt Lin's clothes and said, "Mother, you're doing this for my own good. I'll listen to whatever you say."
Aunt Lin nodded in satisfaction: "You are the most sensible one. Your brother makes me worry every day."
My elder brother, Zhou Huaijun, was born out of wedlock to the Prime Minister's family. He was neither fond of poetry nor martial arts, and loved to frequent brothels, taverns, and gambling dens. He was rarely seen on ordinary days.
Mei Sheng lowered her eyes and remained docile, neither interrupting nor speaking.
"Wan'er, it's been half a year since you returned to your mother's side, hasn't it?" Aunt Lin gestured for Mei Sheng to sit down beside her, taking the opportunity to chat about everyday matters.
Mei Sheng endured the discomfort in her hand, lowered her eyes, and replied softly, "It's been seven months."
For the past seven months, Mei Sheng has not been able to leave the mansion even once.
"It's all that bitch's fault, she caused my daughter and me to be separated for so many years."
When she spoke of that person, her words were harsh and her face contorted with rage.
Mei Sheng didn't dare to say much, and just listened quietly.
Aunt Lin's eyes flickered, and she began wiping away her tears again: "These past few days, I haven't let you leave the manor. Do you blame me?"
"No, how could I blame Mother?" Mei Sheng said hastily, which made Aunt Lin laugh through her tears.
"I can't count on your brother anymore, Wan'er. From now on, you will be your mother's support."
She paused, patted Mei Sheng's hand affectionately, and revealed the true purpose of her trip.
"You know, the most important thing for us women in this life is to find a good partner. Men should marry when they are of age, and women should marry when they are of age. It is the natural order and morality. Besides, you have already come of age. No matter how reluctant your mother is, she can't bear to part with you."
"Fortunately, your father values you and has found you a good marriage."
Mei Sheng could only blush and ask with a hint of girlish longing, "May I ask which family's young master you are?"
Aunt Lin's smile deepened immediately.
Wan'er may not be as composed and calm as the Crown Princess back then, but her charming cuteness, gentleness and obedience are exactly what men like most nowadays.
Moreover, her temperament is easy to control, and she would never do anything out of line.
After observing her over the past few days, she gradually felt at ease.
"This marriage was not a good match for you, but your father took pity on you for the suffering you had endured over the years, so he arranged for you to marry the eldest son of the Pei family. From now on, you will be blessed with wealth and honor," Aunt Lin explained slowly.
"Has Wan'er ever heard of the Pei family?"
Seven months ago, she intentionally bought this girl from outside the city, but when she woke up, she had no memory of her origins or her name.
Aunt Lin then had a brilliant idea: she sent her daughter back to the Zhou family mansion in place of her own daughter to teach her with great care.
Mei Sheng shook her head in confusion, then suddenly realized something and exclaimed with delight, "Could it be the Pei from the household of Governor Pei, who is about to return to the capital?"
Aunt Lin looked at her meaningfully and nodded with a smile.
“But given my status, the Pei family would certainly look down on me,” Mei Sheng hesitated.
"Coincidentally, your father and the old lady of the Pei family are old acquaintances. I heard from the master that the old lady has arranged for you to take a concubine. This is a rare opportunity. Wan'er, are you willing?"
Aunt Lin was certain that this was a wonderful opportunity, and she had never heard of anyone being unwilling to accept it.
Mei Sheng was overjoyed, her face flushed with embarrassment, and she said timidly, "Of course I'm willing, but I don't know what he looks like or how old he is."
Ah, Aunt Lin felt even more at ease now. What young girl in her prime wouldn't like someone who is good-looking? With a look of reminiscence, she said, "Wan'er, don't worry. I met him once ten years ago. This Commander Pei is truly a man of exceptional talent and bearing. He was even once betrothed to... the Crown Princess, who is your eldest sister, by the elders."
I met him ten years ago, which means he's almost thirty now, nearly twice the age of Mei Sheng.
Mei Sheng lowered her head, her cheeks flushed with embarrassment: "Then would he even consider my daughter?"
Aunt Lin smiled and looked at Mei Sheng's face, then smiled mischievously: "Don't worry, as long as you listen to your mother and do your daily homework well, you will definitely succeed."
"Um!"
"Madam, it's time for the young lady to take her medicine." Granny Lin entered the room, bringing with her an unpleasant smell of medicine.
Aunt Lin covered her mouth and nose with her handkerchief in disgust, picked up a small pastry from the coffee table, and winked at her: "This is a secret recipe from my family. Have you found it easier to practice dancing these past few days after drinking it?"
Mei Sheng nodded and obediently picked up the porcelain bowl.
The medicinal soup was dark and had a pungent, cloying smell, but Mei Sheng drank it down almost without hesitation.
Just then, a maid clumsily spilled pastries from the tea table onto the table. She quickly knelt down and begged for forgiveness, when suddenly a soft scolding voice came: "Why aren't you coming down with me? You clueless girl."
The maid, who had just gotten up, was covered in cold sweat: "Yes...yes."
Aunt Lin's anger was barely contained by Mei Sheng, but thinking of the perfect marriage, she waved them away.
The remaining maids immediately tensed up, quickly removing the medicine bowls and filling the room with the rose scent that Aunt Lin usually loved.
Granny Lin stepped forward and reported to Fifth Sister on her recent progress in her studies.
"How is her dancing going?" Aunt Lin asked slowly, sipping her tea and fiddling with her prayer beads.
Granny Lin said respectfully, "With the help of that medicinal soup, your waist is now slender and your dance moves are already those of a lady."
"It will just take some time, with diligent practice..."
Aunt Lin immediately showed disdain: "If she hadn't been lucky enough to meet me, would she be living such a good life? Those filthy brothels have all sorts of tricks up their sleeves..."
"The lady is kind and benevolent."
"How about the other teachings?"
Granny Lin hesitated and then stopped.
Aunt Lin stopped asking questions and laughed in exasperation: "That's fine, let this fool become a stepping stone for Jun'er's promotion!"
"When she returns tomorrow, we need to teach her how to serve others as soon as possible. It's almost time to take a concubine."
Granny Lin bowed and replied, "Yes."
"Since the Crown Princess has taken the initiative to send someone to the mansion to inquire, the Master will surely know as well. How can I not give her face? I will pass on the message and tell her to be prepared, and to make sure to send more people to keep a close eye on the person."
After talking for a while, Aunt Lin felt tired and went to take a short rest.
At night, Mei Sheng sat by the window, propping her forehead with one hand and a slight smile on her lips, oblivious to the months of hard work she had put in to get the news to Lu Qiao's ears.
It's time to escape.
Continue read on readnovelmtl.com
