Volume One, Chapter Four: The Annual Banquet

As Shen Qingdai had predicted, it wasn’t long before there was a knock at the door.

Ping Chun went to open it and ushered the visitor inside. “Miss, it’s the madam’s nanny from the main residence.”

Shen Qingdai quickly rose from the couch, smiling as she spoke, “Nanny, what brings you here? Has Mother sent any instructions?”

The nanny returned her smile kindly. “Not exactly instructions. The second young lady has been ill for some time now, and the madam has been quite concerned. Today’s bitter cold and the strain of night watch duty could harm your health. The madam asked me to inform you so you wouldn’t have to pay your respects in person. She said you should rest in your own quarters. The kitchen will send some good dishes shortly, so you and the maids here can enjoy a warm and peaceful New Year’s Eve.”

Shen Qingdai feigned gratitude, dabbing at the corner of her eye with her handkerchief. “Mother is truly considerate to remember me so. Qingdai is deeply thankful…”

Seeing her response, the nanny nodded with satisfaction and smiled again. “Then, second young lady, please rest. I shall return to the madam’s quarters with your reply.”

Shen Qingdai’s smile was gentle. “Ping Chun, please see the nanny out.”

Only after hearing the footsteps fade did Shen Qingdai’s smile abruptly vanish, replaced by a cold sneer as she stood to carefully dress herself.

Ping Chun closed the door and approached cautiously. “Miss, are you really going?”

“Of course. It’s my duty.”

Ping Chun seemed to exhale in relief. Had the young lady refused, it would have given others reason to gossip. She had warned her many times before, but Shen Qingdai’s unwavering trust in the main residence had made her scold Ping Chun for meddling. After that, she dared not be so direct.

Now, the young lady had come to her own decision—it was indeed cause for joy.

Ping Chun fetched a comb and styled her hair into an elegant chignon—graceful and modest, yet lively. Shen Qingdai had already laid out some simple hairpins and rings on the table. Though unremarkable, they were dignified enough.

Madam Liu had intended to overwhelm her with gaudy jewelry—gold and silver of the most ostentatious kind—yet it was vulgar rather than refined. Finding these more modest pieces was no small feat.

Once prepared, Shen Qingdai stepped out with Ping Chun.

She kept a low profile, with only Ping Chun carrying a lantern ahead to light their way.

Shen Manxuan was always spoiled and domineering, and she despised Madam Liu and Shen Dengda's attentions, even if they were only superficial.

Perhaps Madam Liu’s scheming mind was too convoluted, but her daughter was dull-witted and oblivious to the subtle politics within the household.

Had Shen Manxuan known she was excused from paying respects and keeping watch tonight, her petty nature would surely have made her throw a tantrum, refusing to appear in the main hall and waiting for Madam Liu’s coaxing.

Besides, she disliked the whole night-watch custom.

Yet this time, having promised Madam Liu not to come to the main hall, Madam Liu would surely belittle her in front of the entire household, inciting Shen Dengda to punish her and sully her reputation.

But Shen Qingdai was no longer the naive girl of her past life; she could already imagine how Madam Liu’s face would darken upon seeing her expression.

If Shen Manxuan, whom she regarded as a precious treasure, did not show up, Madam Liu’s reaction would surely be even more spectacular.

At the thought, Shen Qingdai stifled a chuckle.

Ping Chun glanced back. “Miss, what’s amusing?”

Shen Qingdai shook her head, suppressing her smile. “Nothing. I just saw a field mouse try to climb over a wall to forage but failed and ended up killing itself. I found that somewhat amusing.”

Ping Chun hummed and continued walking ahead with the lantern.

Outside the main hall, lanterns blazed brightly, their light melting the snow on the ground.

Shen Qingdai stopped at the courtyard gate, her brows tightening as laughter echoed from within.

She would have to face that venomous woman again—fearing she might not control the fury raging inside, yet forced to suppress her resentment.

She could not let Madam Liu perceive any hint of her true feelings.

Taking a deep breath, Shen Qingdai stepped slowly into the courtyard.

The New Year’s Eve festivities were lively; even the maids and servants who normally cleaned the yard had gathered behind in a separate room, leaving only the personal maids and nannies to attend in the hall.

This worked in her favor—no one would rush to inform Madam Liu of her arrival.

Sure enough, as she approached the door, she heard Madam Liu’s sharp voice chastising her.

“Really, it’s a shame to our second brother’s wife. Our master’s second daughter has always been spoiled by me. She rarely shows propriety in the morning or evening, and now she refuses to come on New Year’s Eve…”

Madam Liu feigned hesitation while glancing toward the second madam. “Your daughters are always so well-behaved. If I may be so bold, perhaps you could share some advice with me.”

The second madam smiled disdainfully. “Those brats raised by the concubine don’t deserve my guidance. Disobedience can be handled in many ways. My Ruan’er is obedient—after all, she came from my own womb and naturally knows my heart.”

She paused, curling her lips. “Sister-in-law, forgive my bluntness, but the second young lady is not your biological daughter. With how much Shen Deng’s eldest brother dotes on her, she’s difficult to discipline. Only those of us who are the matriarchs can truly understand this hardship.”

The Shen family had two sons—the second, Shen Dengde, was a good-for-nothing, while Shen Dengda was somewhat talented, having passed the imperial examination and become an official. Shen Dengde had married well, taking as his wife the second daughter of the capital’s Inspector Liu—a match that suited their status. Yet, Shen Dengde truly married up.

He had no merits, no official post, and no land, but with his handsome face, he married the daughter of the foremost merchant in Jiangnan. Thus, he held little authority in the household; most affairs were managed by the second madam.

The Shen family had yet to divide their estate, but Madam Liu delegated the management of the second branch to the second madam, as much of the Shen household’s wealth came from her.

Not even Madam Liu, nor Shen Dengda himself, dared to slight this sister-in-law. From the way she spoke earlier without restraint, Shen Dengda’s silence signaled his tacit consent.

Madam Liu, after hearing the second madam’s words, did not respond immediately. Instead, she cast a discreet glance at Shen Dengda’s expression, and seeing no change, spoke again.

“Indeed. Just a few days ago, I sent bird’s nest soup, but the second daughter refused to accept my kindness and had it thrown away, saying it wasn’t good enough and could only be given to our Manxuan, who is delicate and can’t eat it.”

The second madam sneered. “She is so precious—she doesn’t seem like the concubine’s child at all, more like the legitimate daughter of a high-ranking official in the capital!”

Shen Dengda tilted his head to look at Madam Liu, frowning in displeasure.

It wasn’t that he favored Shen Qingdai, but he cared about appearances. Madam Liu’s brazen airing of household affairs embarrassed him deeply.