Volume One, Chapter Three: Rebirth

“Miss? Miss? It’s time to get up. Madam and the young ladies are all in the main hall preparing to share the reunion dinner.”

Shen Qingdai’s mind felt like a thick fog, her head pounding fiercely. It seemed as if she were still floating vaguely in the sky after her death, yet when she opened her eyes, she saw a youthful, inexperienced face before her.

It was Ping Chun.

She froze on the spot, her hand trembling as she reached out to touch the girl’s face, her voice wavering slightly. “Ping... Ping Chun?”

Ping Chun looked puzzled but smiled and replied, “What is it, Miss?”

Shen Qingdai steadied her racing heart and tried to compose herself. She wanted to understand the current situation first. If Ping Chun was still alive, then what about her mother...?

With that thought, Shen Qingdai looked at Ping Chun and smiled. “It’s nothing. What year is it now? I’ve been muddled these past few days and lost track of even that.”

Ping Chun did not think much of it; their young mistress had been feverish for over half a month, still burning with fever on this New Year’s Eve. It was normal not to remember the exact date.

“Miss, today is the day before the first day of the first lunar month. After today, it will be the fourteenth year of Jianning.”

Shen Qingdai shuddered. The fourteenth year of Jianning...

She had actually returned to a time before her coming-of-age ceremony.

She hurriedly searched her memory carefully. There were still three years before her coming-of-age. Today was indeed the last day of the thirteenth year of Jianning.

Everyone in the Shen household had gone to the main hall to prepare for the reunion dinner and to keep watch over the night. She had been ill with a cold for nearly half a month. Last life, despite her illness, she had planned to join them, but Madam Liu suddenly sent word that both she and her father, out of concern for her condition, said she need not attend.

At that time, Shen Qingdai was naturally touched but, fearing she would spread her illness, stayed in her room.

Who would have thought that after that day, her reputation in the mansion plummeted. They said she was disrespectful to her elders, did not even attend the New Year’s Eve gathering, became spoiled by favoritism, and behaved arrogantly and tyrannically.

Shen Dengda even summoned her for a harsh reprimand, saying she had no manners and punished her to kneel before the ancestral hall in the freezing cold, only to have Madam Liu plead for some leniency.

Yet, the illness lingered, and from then on, she caught colds at the slightest breeze.

Recalling how grateful she had been to Madam Liu back then, Shen Qingdai gave a bitter smile. It was time she collected some interest on that debt.

She looked at Ping Chun and asked, “Have the Third Miss and the others already gone to Mother’s side?”

Ping Chun shook her head. “Third Miss hasn’t gone yet. Fourth Miss just left. I think we should get up now, or we’ll be late.”

Shen Qingdai nodded. The nanny sent by Madam Liu should be arriving soon. Thinking of this, she quickly said, “I’ll go wash up first. Ping Chun, bring out that peach-pink jacket with the scattered flower pattern for me to wear later. It’s New Year’s Eve; I should dress more festively.”

After sending the nanny away, she could still get ready and head to the main hall in time. This time, she would never allow that poisonous woman to gloat over using her as a pawn!

If they wanted to see her lose all manners and ruin her reputation in front of the elders, then she would repay them in kind through their precious daughter!

Shen Qingdai opened the jewelry box, already planning which pieces to wear so as not to waste time later.

Her thoughts shifted as she casually summoned a maid named Xiao Lian.

She remembered that after her death last life, most of the people in this courtyard had left. Only Xiao Lian remained, quietly sweeping this desolate, bleak courtyard.

Xiao Lian pushed open the door and saw Shen Qingdai leaning weakly on the couch, lost in thought.

She stepped closer, bowed her head respectfully, and said, “Miss, is there any order for me?”

Shen Qingdai withdrew her thoughts and appraised Xiao Lian carefully.

The girl looked quite ordinary, dressed in rough cloth that had faded from many washings, with embroidered patterns on the sleeves.

But Shen Qingdai knew that was not the usual fashion of a servant who liked to adorn herself; rather, it was a piece of clothing that had been patched because it was torn but mended so carefully that the patches were almost invisible.

Though the stitching was perfect, upon close inspection, one could still see subtle seams.

Shen Qingdai beckoned her closer. Xiao Lian hesitated briefly before obeying.

“Miss, is there something you need me to do?”

Shen Qingdai was somewhat surprised by her quick wit. She took out two gold coins from the jewelry box, wrapped them in a plain cotton cloth, and pressed them into Xiao Lian’s hand.

Xiao Lian’s hand was quite cold, causing a slight tremor in Shen Qingdai.

She held the cloth-wrapped coins in her hand, locking eyes with her.

Since Xiao Lian had been so loyal in the past life, Shen Qingdai felt moved and wanted to give her a legitimate opportunity to be by her side.

She narrowed her brows. If Xiao Lian was willing, then this lifetime she would not only have Ping Chun accompanying her.

“There is indeed an important matter for you to handle, but don’t worry, it’s nothing big—just a bit of talking. Though it might offend Madam, I understand it is somewhat difficult. Consider these gold coins as a small token of my gratitude. If you agree to help me with this errand, I will not treat you unfairly when you return. If you refuse, that’s fine too. Keep the coins as if I never asked.”

“I’m willing!”

Shen Qingdai kept her gaze lowered, thinking Xiao Lian would consider a moment before answering, but she was surprised by the girl’s prompt response.

She looked up, astonished, at Xiao Lian.

Xiao Lian smiled warmly, “Miss, I’m honored you would entrust me with this chance. Just say what you need, and I will do my best!”

A flicker of doubt stirred in Shen Qingdai’s heart, but with little time left, she set her concerns aside for now.

She smiled gently, “It’s nothing major. You just need to quietly go to Third Miss’s side and find a way to let her know that Madam and Father, out of concern for my illness, have allowed me not to go to pay respects or keep watch tonight. You can make it a bit more public—after all, it’s the truth.”

Xiao Lian nodded firmly, as if this would prove her sincerity to Shen Qingdai. “I’ll go at once.”

After she left the room, Shen Qingdai suppressed her smile.

Ping Chun brought over the clothes and, noticing Xiao Lian had gone out, asked curiously, “Miss, why suddenly rely on her?”

Shen Qingdai never intended to tell Ping Chun about this matter—not because she didn’t trust her, but because Ping Chun was simple-minded and might wonder why she had changed so abruptly.

Better not tell her for now. After tonight, she would have a reason not to be as obedient and respectful to Madam Liu as she had been in her previous life.

“It’s nothing. I just asked her to fetch some things. But I noticed her clothes are worn out. When she returns, you can bring her two sets of cotton clothes. She doesn’t need to wear such tattered garments anymore.”

After today, Madam Liu would surely begin her investigation. Among the many maids in the mansion, most wore similarly worn clothes, so no suspicion would fall on her.

When Xiao Lian returned in the evening, she would change into new clothes, matching Ping Chun’s. Even if Madam Liu saw her, she would have no reason to doubt anything.

Ping Chun did not ask further and simply agreed.

As for whether Xiao Lian truly wished to serve her or harbored other intentions, Shen Qingdai would investigate herself in due time.