Chapter 113 Wicked Stepmother and Poor Child 6
Shen Ci looked back at the courtyard. This was the main courtyard, so it seemed very large, but because there wasn't much stuff inside, it also seemed quite empty.
She had been ill for so long that everything in her home was taken over by outsiders. The courtyard was her last stronghold, and instead of the elegance and luxury of an official's wife, it was quite dilapidated, exuding an air of decay.
"Without my permission, no one is allowed to put anything into the yard. Otherwise, not only will there be no reward, but you will also be punished for failing to protect your master."
With a hefty reward of five taels of silver hanging in front, everyone in the main courtyard was in high spirits.
Shen Ci gave the instructions, and then changed into a bright green Hangzhou silk jacket with a floral pattern. The color was like the tenderest green on the willow tips in early spring, which made her look much more energetic and different from her usual lifeless appearance.
The fabric was the softest Jiangnan silk, with a subtle shimmer like flowing water under the light. The collar and front of the jacket were embroidered with several intertwined magnolia flowers.
The purplish-red flower buds hang gracefully on the branches; the magnolia flower symbolizes health and well-being.
After dressing up, she looked exactly the same as when she was healthy. Dan Gui felt as if something sharp had pierced her heart. Her mistress had always been this youthful and radiant.
Since marrying Gu Hongjian... she gradually withered away until her life was over.
The sight of the lady's sudden burst of lucidity reminded Dan Gui of the past, and she couldn't help but feel bitter. If her mistress hadn't married the wrong person, would she still be doing well now?
Shen Ci took the child out, while Dan Gui deliberately lagged behind, giving instructions to everyone in the courtyard.
"Everyone, keep your spirits up. You've all served Madam for a while now, and she knows how she usually treats us. Don't let her down."
This also fulfilled the bond between master and servant.
As she said this, Dan Gui reverted to her usual dignified demeanor as a head maid, causing everyone's hearts to tighten. Dan Gui's words were loaded with meaning.
"Miss Dan Gui, don't worry, no matter what, we will guard the courtyard and won't let anyone in!"
"We only recognize Madam!"
"Don't worry, it's five taels of silver. I don't believe anyone would be willing to part with it."
Dan Gui quickly followed. Shen Ci had already taken the children into the carriage, holding one on each side. Through the silk fabric, the two children's small bodies looked rather thin.
"Dan Gui, since when did the children's and the main courtyard's meals become like this?"
Now that she's awake, it's better for her to ask the adults for clarification.
"Reporting to Madam, since you fell ill six months ago, the household has been somewhat stingy with the food."
He rarely sets foot in the main courtyard, especially after you fell into a coma, he has only come twice in total.
The adults didn't care much about the young masters and misses, and became increasingly stingy with their food.
The tea gets cold when the person leaves, but this person hasn't even left yet; they've only half left, and the tea is already completely cold.
Lady Shen Ci had been in a coma for so long that everyone said she was beyond saving. All the doctors who came to the hospital concluded that Shen Ci would not live for more than two years. Even the imperial physicians invited from the palace said the same thing. Everyone predicted that she would die in the next few days.
How many people in the household would care about a dying person?
In addition, Gu Hongjian's change of heart became too obvious. His wife was still alive, yet he was already flirting with other women, spreading rumors and even bringing them into his home. This sent a clear message to everyone.
Shen Ci is dying, and after her death, Zhou Jingxuan will enter the mansion. Everyone is busy currying favor with the future new wife. Who will care about the dying first wife and the two children she left behind?
The attitude of the head of the household determines the attitude of the servants; this is a case of the superior influencing the subordinates.
The carriage traveled smoothly, and the tense nerves of the people in the carriage, except for Shen Ci, relaxed.
With the lady awake, they felt reassured.
Tianxianglou.
On the banks of the Imperial Street, the most bustling street in the capital, stands a magnificent three-story pavilion with flying eaves, bracket sets, green tiles, and red roofs, which gleams in the sunlight during the day.
What's even more amazing is the night view of Tianxiang Tower, where countless glass lanterns hang at night, making it look like a fairy palace.
The most famous restaurant in the capital is not only famous for its delicious food, but also for its prices that make it unaffordable for ordinary people. They can't afford to eat there even once a year. At ordinary small restaurants, a dish would cost at most a few or a few dozen coins.
At Tianxianglou, there is no dish that costs less than one tael of silver.
Since it was a time when they were growing, Shen Ci didn't insist on not eating meat all at once. Everyone was craving it, so they treated it as a treat and didn't eat only meat and fish every day.
Upon entering Tianxianglou, one can feel the restaurant's extravagance, which is so great that people without money dare not enter.
The ground is paved with black jade and gold bricks from Yunchuan. Stepping on them makes them so shiny they reflect your image. What's even better is that even walking on them doesn't make much noise.
Several thick pillars made of South China Sea agarwood, requiring several people to encircle them, stand in the hall. They are not carved with anything, but a subtle fragrance wafts through the air, refreshing and delightful.
The walls weren't adorned with paintings or calligraphy by famous artists, but rather with large-scale mother-of-pearl inlaid murals. They didn't care for famous artists, only for luxury.
"That suits her perfectly, just like her status as a super-rich person." Shen Ci was very satisfied. She led Dan Gui and the child upstairs without asking about the second floor or lingering on the first floor. She greeted the waiter who came up to her.
"Third floor, Moon-Viewing Pavilion."
The waiter was overjoyed. The third floor! That's a distinguished guest! Not to mention, this guest ordered Lan Yue Pavilion without asking any questions. He's a regular customer.
Lanyue Pavilion is one of the best spots on the third floor, especially at night!
"Please come in, sir. You're very lucky today; the Moonlit Pavilion is not booked..."
The waiter respectfully led the guests upstairs, not daring to walk ahead of them, but only leading the way from the side and behind. In the large private room, you could see the riverbank as soon as you opened the window, and your gaze could reach far into the distance. Just one look at it made you feel that a lot of the depression in your heart dissipated.
The seemingly ordinary cubicles are actually quite sophisticated. The doors are carved from rosewood, the windows are draped with gossamer-thin gauze, the tables and chairs are made of huanghuali wood, the chopsticks are silver with gold trim, and even the menus are gilded...
Just how rich is the owner of Tianxiang Restaurant? Perhaps he also has a super-rich system? Shen Ci took the menu and placed it in front of the two children to look at together.
"Bring up your best dishes; they should be exquisite, refreshing, and have a good balance of meat and vegetables."
Prepare a separate sweet soup for the child.
Shen Ci was overwhelmed by the sheer volume of Tianxianglou's menu. It was so thick, how long would it take to read it?
Before long, the dishes were served, and the aroma filled the air.
"Please, sir. Let me introduce these dishes to you."
This is called "Qilin Treading on Clouds," made with layers of ham hock, Yunnan ham, shiitake mushrooms, and tender bamboo shoots, arranged in the shape of a qilin. It is steamed in broth for several hours, resulting in a dish with savory ham, plump shiitake mushrooms, sweet bamboo shoot tips, and abundant juice.
This is Golden Minced Fish Slices, made with freshly killed and sliced Songjiang perch. The fish slices are as thin as cicada wings and as transparent as a jade plate. It is served with Golden Minced Fish, which is seasoned with orange peel, minced ginger, minced garlic, cilantro, salt and vinegar. It is fresh, tender and smooth to the taste, without any fishy smell.
This is a phoenix carrying a pearl, the sound of a temple bell, jade trees and precious branches, splendid eight-treasure rice, crab roe pomegranate buns…
This money was well spent! At that moment, the two men from the Gu family rushed to the main courtyard, only to find it empty!
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