Chapter 7: Return to the Marquis of Jiang’s Residence

Not only in this life, but even in her previous one, Master Xu had never truly taught Shen Sisi; he had only grown disappointed and left the household after seeing her complete ignorance and poor attitude toward learning. Master Xu smiled gently, his voice as soft and clear as a breeze passing through lotus blossoms: “I have heard that in recent days, the eldest young lady has invited you to enjoy flowers and scenery, to go out and play, but you have chosen instead to stay home and study. You have done well. I have also read the poems of the eldest young lady of the Shen family before—too cloistered, filled with empty laments, and, judging by her words and actions today, she and I are bound to differ in many ways.”

Though Master Xu spoke in subtle terms, Shen Qingyun understood perfectly.

She had only just begun to learn her letters—a crucial time—and instead of guiding her, Shen Sisi, as the elder sister, sought to distract her with games and outings. Such intentions were far from pure; her character, lacking. Poetry, after all, reflects the heart, and Shen Sisi’s was entangled in the petty intrigues of the inner chambers. How could Master Xu be willing to expend his effort on someone like her?

As for her past life, she had always feared Master Xu’s coldness, felt inferior because of her poor studies, and, following Shen Sisi’s lead, grew lazy and sly. Naturally, she never earned his approval.

Shen Qingyun did not ask why Master Xu valued her so highly now, but this wholehearted trust warmed her deeply.

“Sir, I will not fail your guidance,” she promised.

“Good. Let us continue from yesterday’s essay.”

Today, Fourth Miss Xu had boldly rebuked Shen Zhifeng, carrying herself with pride and youthful vigor, but she could not have foreseen that before long, Shen Qingyun would stand out in the capital, and in time become her truest pride, living up to these very words.

Madam Han, upon hearing that Shen Zhifeng had made a scene with Shen Sisi, was angered as well, though she blamed Shen Sisi for stirring up trouble. “Qingyun, don’t hold it against your father for speaking carelessly—he meant no harm. If you do well in your studies, he will surely be pleased.”

To this, Shen Qingyun only nodded obediently, unwilling to argue with Madam Han. She would, in time, strip away Shen Zhifeng’s false facade.

Beneath the surface calm, the day to visit the Marquis of Jiang’s estate arrived.

After recuperating at the Duke’s manor for half a month, Shen Qingyun looked noticeably healthier—her cheeks were fuller, the sickly aura had vanished, replaced by a scholarly grace.

Though early summer still held a trace of chill, she wore a brocade jacket with a standing collar, overlaid with a pink silk vest embroidered with fresh orchids, and a skirt scattered with pomegranate blossoms. Her hair was styled in twin buns, adorned with silk flowers and a delicate hairpin. The look was elegant yet youthful—suited to her age, though she had not yet grown tall.

“Miss, does this style make you look a bit too young?” Yicui asked uncertainly.

Shen Qingyun was already half a head shorter than Shen Sisi, who always dressed in the latest fashion. Beside her, Shen Qingyun appeared two or three years younger.

But Hongyu was delighted, thinking this would allow Shen Sisi to outshine her. “Miss is still so young—dressing adorably is no matter at all.”

“It’s fine. Let’s go—Mother is waiting,” Shen Qingyun replied. Appearing younger might serve her well today.

As expected, Shen Sisi was already waiting, dressed in a lake-blue gauze robe, her waist cinched with a pearl-studded sash that sparkled. Her cheeks were painted with rouge and her lips with crimson—a striking sight.

But as Shen Qingyun approached, her exquisitely delicate features and natural grace began to overshadow Shen Sisi’s charms.

Madam Han, paying no mind to Shen Sisi’s souring expression, only grew more pleased with Shen Qingyun. “Come, Qingyun, it’s your first time attending such an outing. You must be nervous—just stay by my side.”

Noticing Shen Sisi’s mood, Shen Qingyun smiled innocently. “Sister, what’s wrong? You don’t look very happy.”

“Of course not, don’t overthink it,” Shen Sisi replied, forcing a proper smile as she followed Madam Han into the carriage. Once inside, she eyed Shen Qingyun’s increasingly fair complexion, wondering why the powder Hongyu had tampered with seemed to have had no effect.

Shen Qingyun, catching her gaze, knew exactly what she was planning. In her past life, her face had been covered in red sores, her skin sallow and unhealthy—all thanks to Shen Sisi. This time, of course, she had avoided using that poisoned powder.

Arriving at the Marquis of Jiang’s estate, Shen Qingyun glanced at the stone lions by the grand red gates and allowed a cold, amused smile to curl her lips.

She knew perfectly well what her future mother-in-law was like. After the old Marquis and the current Marquis died, Jiang Lin busied himself with poetry and music, securing only a minor, idle post. The family had long since fallen on hard times, yet still clung to ostentatious gatherings, craving flattery and admiration.

For this gathering, the Marchioness had invited a number of familiar ladies and young misses, but aside from Han Rou, the Duchess, most were from lesser families or the wives of illegitimate sons from noble houses—some attending merely for Han Rou’s sake.

Everyone knew the Duke’s family had brought back a second young miss from the countryside, rumored to be illiterate, and all craned their necks, eager to see for themselves.

But when Shen Qingyun entered, the room fell silent with surprise.

How could this be? Such a delicate, lovely little fairy, with features as if painted and eyes as clear and bright as a mountain spring. Seeing Han Rou’s fond, protective manner, the ladies soon began to shower Shen Qingyun with praise.

“So this is Qingyun? Come, let me have a look. Rou’er, she’s the very image of your younger self—far prettier than our Miao Dan!” the Marchioness said with a laugh.

“Mother!” Jiang Miao Dan pouted, stomping her foot, inciting laughter among the ladies.

The Marchioness affectionately took Shen Qingyun’s hand, slipped off her own bracelet, and placed it on Shen Qingyun’s wrist. Shen Qingyun declined once, but accepted graciously.

Compared to the gifts Han Rou had brought for the Jiang family, this little token was nothing—so Shen Qingyun accepted it without guilt, though her face remained bright with joy.

Jiang Miao Dan, however, skipped right past Shen Qingyun and clung to Shen Sisi’s arm. “Sisi, you’re here too!”

Seeing her daughter’s closeness with Shen Sisi, the Marchioness covered her mouth and laughed. “This little monkey can’t sit still—she’s been waiting for Sisi and Qingyun all morning. Go on, take the ladies to the pavilion.”

Jiang Miao Dan agreed, and called the other young ladies to join them. Outside, the pavilion was already laid with fruits, and as the girls arrived, maids brought warm tea.

The ladies broke into small groups—some chatted over tea, others admired the lake view from the pavilion. Shen Qingyun soon noticed Jiang Miao Dan whispering something to Shen Sisi, causing her to blush and leave the pavilion.

Shen Qingyun excused herself to “use the restroom.” Since she was not close with the others and Jiang Miao Dan did not care for her, no one paid her much mind.

Familiar as she was with the Marquis’s estate, she quickly found Shen Sisi and quietly followed behind.