Chapter 10: A Maiden of the Sheng Family Comes of Age

The mother and daughter were whispering excitedly to each other.

Over there, Sheng Hong was just about to escort Zhao Han out of the residence when Lin Qingshuang eagerly sent someone to invite him over.

Sheng Hong knew that his actions today had caused considerable dissatisfaction in Wang Ruofei’s heart.

If he didn’t soothe her, there was a good chance she would cause an uproar in the mansion tomorrow, or even escalate it to the Wang family.

With a light sigh, Sheng Hong went straight to Wang Ruofei’s courtyard.

As soon as he entered, he saw Hua Lan’s gentle and serene smile, which appeared even more radiant and enchanting under the glow of the candlelight.

He couldn't help but marvel inwardly: the Sheng family’s daughter has come of age, naturally beautiful and impossible to overlook!

“What are you two talking about? You seem so happy.”

As he spoke, Sheng Hong looked at them with a smile.

Wang Ruofei’s smile instantly vanished at his words; she snorted coldly and turned her back.

Hua Lan tugged at her sleeve, gracefully rising and said, “Father, you two continue your conversation. I shall take my leave.”

“Don’t go. I have something to say to you.”

“Your father has just arranged your marriage with Zhao Han. He is a prudent man, and there are no mother-in-laws or sisters-in-law at his home to trouble you. You will not be wronged in the future.”

Hua Lan was momentarily stunned. She lowered her eyelids, her slender, fair fingers twisting the handkerchief constantly.

“I will obey you, Father. Your judgment is keen; the person you choose cannot be wrong.”

Seeing how sensible she was, Sheng Hong’s face softened with relief. He said warmly, “When Zhao Han passes the imperial examination, I will make sure your wedding is a grand and glorious occasion.”

Hua Lan smiled sweetly and nodded obediently.

After she excused herself, Sheng Hong turned his gaze to Wang Ruofei.

“From now on, you must take charge of Hua Lan’s marriage arrangements.”

Wang Ruofei rolled her eyes at him and responded sarcastically, “When the Sheng family’s dragon is in the sky, the common earth is but mud beneath its feet!”

“What use is there for me to manage anything? Just leave it all to that fox-like woman. After all, the master only trusts her words.”

Sheng Hong was momentarily at a loss for words, a few dark lines appearing on his forehead.

Yet knowing he was in the wrong, he patiently said, “What nonsense is this? I’m acting for the greater good. This is a minor matter, there’s no need to create such a fuss.”

“Since the inner traitor has been caught, the Wei family should compensate generously in the future.”

“Hua Lan’s marriage concerns the Sheng family’s reputation; naturally, you as the matriarch must oversee it.”

“A few years ago in Bianjing, I bought quite a few properties and shops, all of which will be given as Hua Lan’s dowry.”

Wang Ruofei glanced sideways at Sheng Hong. Seeing he had softened, she finally spoke in a clear voice, “Rest assured, Master, I will make sure Hua Lan’s wedding is grand and magnificent, upholding the Sheng family’s honor.”

When the eldest daughter marries, the more lavish the dowry and the more spectacular the ceremony, the better.

It not only benefits the future marriages of the younger siblings but also showcases the family’s strength.

Seeing her attitude mellow, Sheng Hong smiled and said, “It’s late; let’s rest early.”

Wang Ruofei was quick-tempered, but her mood passed just as swiftly. She rose to help him remove his outer garment.

Just as they were about to enjoy a moment of intimacy, Dong Rong’s voice suddenly came from outside the door.

“Master, Lin Xiaoniang sent someone with a message. She says her health isn’t good and asks you to come over.”

Wang Ruofei paused, displeasure flashing across her brow.

“Never sick early or late, but just now—does she really think this trick still works?!”

Ever since Lin Qingshuang entered the mansion, she often feigned illness to lure Sheng Hong away from Wang Ruofei’s room.

She sneered quietly, restraining the urge to smash cups and plates.

“You’d better go see her. If you’re late, I’m afraid Lin’s chest pain will only worsen.”

Sheng Hong looked embarrassed. He knew full well Lin Qingshuang was faking.

Clearing his throat, he called outside softly, “If she’s unwell, call the doctor. I’ll have time to visit her tomorrow.”

In the west wing, a side room.

Lin Qingshuang, hearing the servant’s report, angrily slammed her fan onto the floor.

“Miss, please calm down. I heard that the Master has been busy arranging a marriage for the eldest daughter lately. Perhaps that’s why he hasn’t come.”

Zhou Xueniang stood by cautiously, trying to comfort her.

Lin Qingshuang’s expression darkened.

Her carefully arched brows now gleamed with a sharp edge, quite unlike her usual delicate and gentle appearance.

“The Master must harbor some resentment towards me; otherwise, why would he be entangled with Wang Ruofei?”

“If Zhao family’s son hadn’t interfered today, our plan would have succeeded long ago. The Wei family’s truly lucky.”

“Is Lady Guan completely dead?”

Zhou Xueniang nodded repeatedly, “Don’t worry, Miss, I personally checked. She’s definitely dead.”

“The young Miss Wei still has some time before giving birth. Don’t rush. As long as we hold the housekeeper’s authority, we won’t lack opportunities.”

Lin Qingshuang slowly rubbed the jade bracelet on her wrist, a cold gleam of calculation flickering in her eyes.

After a moment, she brushed her temple and curled her lips into a meaningful smile.

“You’re right. We have plenty of chances.”

“Prepare some high-quality tonic and clothing. Tomorrow, we’ll visit Miss Wei and the Sixth Miss.”

“Call Zhu Lou and Green Luo as well. From now on, they will serve by Miss Wei’s side.”

Zhu Lou was Lin Qingshuang’s trusted maid, while Green Luo was a spy planted by Wang Ruofei.

Zhou Xueniang nodded in response. Her eyes flickered as she immediately understood Lin Qingshuang’s plan.

---

Meanwhile, at the Zhao residence, after Zhao Han returned, he saw that Hu Mama’s room still had a light on. He went in and informed her of Sheng Hong’s arrangements.

Hu Mama’s face lit up with joy.

“Last year at the Mid-Autumn Lantern Festival, I was fortunate enough to see the Sheng family’s eldest daughter. Her bearing is such that even searching all of Yangzhou City, you wouldn’t find another like her.”

“Before she passed, the madam always cared most about your lifelong affairs. Now that you have such a good match with the Sheng family, she must be watching over you from heaven.”

Zhao Han smiled softly, his eyes growing tender.

“The Sheng family’s eldest daughter is indeed exceptional. We mustn’t skimp on the betrothal gifts.”

Hu Mama waved her hand and said loudly, “Don’t worry about that. The madam and the old master left enough silver for you to host a grand wedding.”

“Leave all that to me. Tomorrow, I’ll find a reliable matchmaker and ensure the Sheng family happily brings their daughter over.”

“Thank you, Hu Mama, for handling everything.”

Just as he was about to leave, Hu Mama suddenly called out to him with a slightly anxious expression.

“Where is the jade pendant you had on your waist?”

Zhao Han glanced down and whispered, “I was in a hurry earlier and didn’t bring the pendant.”

“That’s good. That half of the matching pendant was the madam’s most cherished item. You must keep it safe.”

“Don’t worry, Hu Mama. I understand.”

Back in his room, Zhao Han picked up the jade pendant and examined it closely. Aside from its delicate craftsmanship and exquisite pattern, there was nothing particularly special about it.

Yet since it was a keepsake from his mother’s past life, he naturally intended to cherish it carefully.