Chapter Thirteen: An Item Given Away Casually
Early that morning, just as Shen Qingnian finished washing up, Mianzhu came over and said, "Miss, Madam wants you to come over. She says she has something to tell you."
Shen Qingnian realized that she hadn't paid her respects to the Second Madam for several days, so she decided to take Ling'er with her.
But Mianzhu stopped her, saying, "Miss, the Second Madam only asked you to come over, so there must be something important that she doesn't want anyone other than you to know."
Shen Qingnian wondered if there was anything she could only tell her.
She paused, remembering the pearl hairpins and clothes that Lin had bought for her a few days ago.
After a moment's thought, she gave Ling'er a look and then followed Mianzhu.
Ling'er understood her mistress's meaning and quietly followed behind.
However, Mianzhu did not take her to the Second Madam's courtyard, but instead brought her to this side room.
Shen Qingnian sensed something was wrong and was about to turn away when she saw Madam Lin come out of the house and call out to her, "Qingnian, come quickly."
Shen Qingnian braced herself and went over to Lin Shi, curtsying: "Second Madam."
Lin said, "I called you here today because there's something I'd like you to do for me."
"What do you need Qingnian's help with?"
Shen Qingnian understood. There are no free lunches in this world, so she should repay them as soon as possible.
Madam Lin then brought Shen Qingnian into the house and instructed her to copy Buddhist scriptures at the desk.
Meanwhile, another maid was leading Master Lu back to the courtyard via a secluded path.
Having received the news, Lin was already waiting at the courtyard gate.
When she saw Second Master Lu coming over, she hurriedly went up to him gracefully: "Second Master, please come in."
She then gave Master Lu a look, and Master Lu understood immediately, following Madam Lin inside.
"Where is she?" Master Lu couldn't wait to see what the beauty looked like.
Lin smiled, holding a handkerchief, and lifted the curtain of the inner room.
Master Lu looked inside and saw the person in the room sitting at the table with their head down.
Her eyebrows and eyes seemed to have been gently blurred by the misty rain of Jiangnan, with delicate, curved eyebrows like distant mountains shrouded in mist, carrying a hint of shyness.
A few strands of hair fell down her neck, swaying gently as she wrote, serene and beautiful.
It is like a magnolia reflected in the water, clean and gentle, making one dare not disturb it.
Master Lu stared in disbelief, as if he had seen a goddess.
She was indeed a rare beauty; none of the many noble ladies in the capital could compare to her.
Looking at Lu Erye's expression, Madam Lin felt more confident.
Lu Erye couldn't wait to lift the curtain and go in, but Lin Shi stopped him, saying, "Second Master, you mustn't."
Upon hearing this, Master Lu frowned and said in an unpleasant tone, "Why not?"
Isn't this the beauty prepared for him?
Madam Lin smiled and said, "Second Master, you may not know this, but Qingnian is, after all, a cousin of my Marquis's family. She has been taught the etiquette of a young lady since childhood, including music, chess, calligraphy, and painting. She is more reserved than other women outside."
Seeing that Master Lu's complexion had improved, Madam Lin continued, "Master Lu's abrupt entry into the room might not have startled her, but rather it might have damaged your composure, isn't it?"
"Women of this age all admire elegant gentlemen. Second Master, you only need to sit here, and I will go and call her out to meet you."
Master Lu also felt that Shen Qingnian had a fresh and elegant temperament, which was incomparable to the vulgar women in the room.
Besides, since ancient times, virtuous ladies have always loved gentlemen, so he should also act as a gentleman for once.
He was indeed willing to spend time and effort on such a beautiful woman.
Master Lu sat down on a chair next to him and waved to Madam Lin: "Go ahead."
Lin opened the door and was very satisfied to see that Shen Qingnian was completely unaware of what was happening outside.
She walked over and said, "Qingnian, we have a distinguished guest visiting today. Please come with me to meet him, and be sure to observe proper etiquette and decorum."
Although Shen Qingnian felt strange, she still followed Lin Shi out.
Seated in the hall was a middle-aged man dressed in a black brocade robe, with an ancient jade pendant at his waist indicating his noble status.
Why did Lin ask her to meet this person?
Just as she was lost in thought, Madam Lin pulled her to stand in front of Master Lu and said to Shen Qingnian, "Qingnian, this is Master Lu from the Marquis of Guangde's residence."
Shen Qingnian gracefully bowed to Second Master Lu: "Second Master Lu."
Not hearing a response, Shen Qingnian looked up and saw that Second Master Lu was staring at her with his narrow eyes, and the look in his eyes made her very uncomfortable.
She had been feeling somewhat uneasy all day, and now that she had seen the person in front of her, there was nothing she couldn't understand.
So that's how it is.
When Master Lu saw Shen Qingnian gracefully walking towards him, her dress fluttering, she was even more beautiful than the fairy in the painting.
She bowed with her eyes lowered, exuding gentleness in every gesture.
Seeing that Second Master Lu was lost in thought, Madam Lin coughed and said, "Second Master?"
Master Lu came to his senses: "Miss Qingnian, please sit down."
Shen Qingnian was about to sit down to the side when Lin Shi pulled her to sit down in the chair next to Second Master Lu: "Qingnian, sit here. Second Master has something to say to you."
As she spoke, she patted Shen Qingnian on the shoulder.
"I had long heard of your extraordinary beauty, and seeing you today confirms it."
"The Second Madam was right to not deceive me."
Shen Qingnian was startled. Looking at Madam Lin and Master Lu, she became even more certain of her suspicions.
Could it be that Lin is going to hand me over to Master Lu today?
But she knew she couldn't panic, so she calmly replied, "Second Master is too kind. Qing Nian is just an ordinary-looking woman."
Master Lu said, "Miss Qingnian, to be honest, I fell in love with you at first sight and want you to come into my Guangde Marquis's mansion."
"Second Master Lu..." Shen Qingnian was about to refuse when Second Master Lu immediately interrupted her.
“Miss Qingnian, although I already have eleven concubines, I assure you that once you enter my household, I will never let you suffer any grievances.”
As he spoke, he took off the mutton-fat jade pendant from his waist and placed it on the table, continuing, "This jade pendant is worth more than ten thousand gold pieces; I'm giving it to you today as a betrothal gift."
Looking at the ancient jade, a hint of jealousy flashed in Lin's eyes.
This Second Master Lu is very generous to Shen Qingnian, giving her such a fine piece of mutton fat jade.
But then I thought, what good things has Shen Qingnian seen? It might be good to give her this so she can understand some of the riches and honors.
Master Lu also thought that Shen Qingnian, a poor girl from the countryside, was short-sighted and should be very happy to see this jade pendant.
Unexpectedly, Shen Qingnian stood up and said, "Thank you for your kindness, Second Master Lu, but my status is too low and I am afraid I am trying to climb the social ladder by associating with the Marquis of Guangde."
Master Lu thought that Shen Qingnian was worried that her lowly status made her unworthy of him.
He smiled and comforted her, "It's alright. Your birth is a bit low, but I don't want you to be my wife. I'll give you a concubine, and you'll never have to worry about food or clothing again, and you won't have to live under someone else's roof like this."
"Furthermore, I will have eighteen loads of betrothal gifts delivered tomorrow. I guarantee the young lady will enter my manor in grand style!"
After Lu Erye finished speaking, he looked at Shen Qingnian meaningfully.
His previous concubines were never treated like this.
He's given Shen Qingnian all the glory! This little girl should be incredibly grateful to him and rush to throw herself into his arms, right?
Madam Lin chimed in, "Qingnian, look how sincere Second Master Lu is! You're incredibly fortunate to become his concubine. You should thank him quickly!"
Shen Qingnian frowned and glanced at Lin Shi; she was truly angered by these people.
First Xie Yanzhi thought she was trying to climb the social ladder, and now this Second Master Lu thinks she's eager to become his concubine!
And this Lin family, what do they take her for? Just an object to be given away casually?
Shen Qingnian took two steps back and said coldly, "Second Master Lu, what I mean is that I do not want to become your concubine!"
“I didn’t expect to meet you here today. If there is any misunderstanding about today’s events, please speak with the Second Madam. I will take my leave now.”
Shen Qingnian meant that Lin was responsible for everything that happened today, and if Master Lu wanted to blame someone, he should blame Lin. She never had such thoughts.
Seeing that Shen Qingnian was about to leave, Lin grabbed her arm tightly and said to Master Lu, "Master Lu, since this slut won't listen to reason, she'll have to suffer the consequences."
Since Shen Qingnian already knew about this, Lin thought that she couldn't let her leave like this.
Firstly, they were afraid she would go out and report it, letting everyone in the Marquis's mansion know about her misdeeds.
Secondly, if things don't go smoothly today, Shen Qingnian will definitely be more cautious next time.
Thirdly, Second Master Lu will definitely take his anger out on her. At that time, not only will Min'er's marriage be ruined, but she may also be implicated in this matter, affecting her marriage prospects.
Having made up her mind, she said to Second Master Lu, "Second Master, we absolutely cannot let her leave today!"
Master Lu was also furious. He hadn't expected Shen Qingnian to be so ungrateful, refusing to listen to reason!
What kind of woman couldn't Master Lu have? This woman dared to disrespect him and make him lose all face!
There's no woman that Master Lu has set his sights on that he hasn't gotten.
Shen Qingnian is a rare beauty, and he must have her today no matter what!
He rushed forward and slapped Shen Qingnian across the face, angrily saying, "You shameless wretch! It's your good fortune that someone of your status has even crossed my mind. Today, whether you like it or not, you have to submit to me!"
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