Chapter 102
Chapter 102
Madam Zhang had seen Shen Si before. She could still remember the sight of him making his way through the crowd while everyone dropped to their knees before him.
He was a man of truly exalted status – so exalted that people scarcely dared to look upon his face.
At the thought, she could not help glancing at Ji Hanyi again. Why had someone so distinguished and powerful helped Ji Hanyi that day?
The two of them did not appear to have anything to do with each other, but Madam Zhang had witnessed the incident herself. Given Marquis Shen’s status, why had he just happened to pass by that particular place that day?
Just then, Ji Hanyi’s soft, pleasant voice sounded. “He is exceptionally handsome. In any case, he is better-looking than most men.”
Gu Wanyun blushed. “Even compared to my Third Brother?”
Ji Hanyi paused. Shen Si truly was the most handsome man she had ever seen.
Still, she merely smiled. “I couldn’t say.”
Madam Zhang quietly reprimanded Gu Wanyun. “Once we’re inside Shen Residence, you mustn’t chatter so much.”
Gu Wanyun promptly fell silent, though her heart continued to pound.
Madam Zhang then looked at Ji Hanyi. “You’ve spoken with Old Madam Shen before. When we arrive, make sure to be warm with her. Don’t let things become awkward.”
Ji Hanyi murmured her assent.
Meanwhile, Shen Si was seated in the Censorate Main Hall. Work had been piling up there lately. There were numerous cases sent up by the Provincial Administration Commission, along with reports submitted by the Censor. He had always reviewed every document with meticulous care, but today, an inexplicable restlessness simmered within him.
Then he saw the urgent letter Wang Shu had sent regarding the case in Shilin County.
He opened it and read it through before letting out another cold laugh.
The letter had arrived at just the right time.
Just then, Wen’an came in from outside, looking delighted. When he saw Shen Si bent over his official work, he did not dare interrupt and went to stand off to the side.
Shen Si glanced at him, then lowered his gaze again and uttered a single word. “Speak.”
Wen’an’s face brightened. Gathering up his robe, he hurried up the two steps to Shen Si’s side and whispered, “The Gu Family has arrived.”
He lowered his voice even further as he watched Shen Si’s expression. “Miss Ji came too.”
Shen Si’s fingers stilled. The tension in his expression eased by an almost imperceptible degree.
How could Wen’an possibly fail to notice?
His master had come to work as usual that morning, but he had clearly remained concerned about the news from the residence – concerned that Miss Ji might not come today. If she did not, then an entire day’s anticipation would have come to nothing.
Wen’an recalled the previous night. His master had been sitting alone in the study late at night, with no one stationed outside. Wen’an had intended to go in and replace the tea, but when he slipped quietly through the door, he saw the Marquis sitting with his back to him, secretly gazing at the earring Miss Ji had left behind.
The Marquis had been so absorbed that he had not even noticed Wen’an enter.
Wen’an had not dared venture any farther. He had quickly backed out again.
Miss Ji was the only person Wen’an had ever seen the Marquis care about. Wen’an almost wished he could go to her and confess the Marquis’s feelings on his behalf.
As he thought this, the shadow before him shifted. He looked up to find that the Marquis was already on his feet.
The Marquis gave him only two words. “Back home.”
Wen’an grinned to himself and hurried after him.
Elsewhere, Ji Hanyi and Gu Wanyun walked behind Madam Zhang. Guided by two older female attendants, they followed the winding paths toward Old Madam Shen’s courtyard.
During their previous visit, Old Madam Shen had received them in the main hall of the rear courtyard. This time, however, they were being taken directly to her private quarters. It was a privilege reserved for those she considered close to her.
The honor left Madam Zhang both flattered and thrilled.
The attendant guiding them was exceedingly courteous and attentive. As one of Old Madam Shen’s personal attendants, she understood her mistress’s intentions and naturally could not afford to neglect the guests.
She was surprised to see Ji Hanyi with them, but still greeted her with perfect courtesy.
Having served Old Madam Shen for so many years, she naturally recognized Ji Hanyi. She could not help feeling a touch wistful. The fair, pretty little girl who had once looked as though she had been carved from jade had, after only a few years apart, blossomed into such a radiant beauty.
Although Ji Hanyi was plainly dressed, she did not look drab in the slightest. Her lack of ornamentation only enhanced her natural beauty, and she remained impossible to overlook.
They proceeded all the way to Yide Residence. At the entrance, the attendant personally raised the curtain and invited Madam Zhang and the others to enter first.
She was one of Old Madam Shen’s most senior attendants, yet she was personally holding the curtain for them. Madam Zhang was startled once again and hastily led Gu Wanyun inside.
As Ji Hanyi entered, Nanny Sun deliberately glanced at her profile. Ji Hanyi’s eyes were lowered, and she was quiet and composed. Her bearing had changed considerably since the old days.
Still, she ought to be the Young Madam of the Xie Family now. Why had she come here today?
Despite her confusion, Nanny Sun waited until Ji Hanyi had entered before following behind her.
Old Madam Shen’s private quarters were naturally far from ordinary. Even the most inconspicuous decoration in the room was a rare treasure that could not be found elsewhere.
They were led into a cozy inner chamber designed to retain warmth and energy. Though it was not large, the fragrance of aged sandalwood lent the room an unmistakable air of refinement and luxury the moment they stepped inside.
Old Madam Shen sat on a seven-paneled couch chair decorated with subtle Eight Treasures motifs. Two young maids attended her. One stood behind her massaging her shoulders, while the other knelt at her feet and covered her knees with a small sable blanket to keep them warm.
The opulent furnishings stunned Madam Zhang. Old Madam Shen’s pampered elegance and noble birth were apparent at a glance. In the hushed room, under the eyes of so many servants, Madam Zhang immediately grew stiff and timid. When she pulled Gu Wanyun forward to pay their respects to Old Madam Shen, her voice trembled slightly with nerves.
Gu Wanyun was terribly nervous as well, her heart nearly leaping into her throat. She had never encountered anyone of such exalted status before. Although she had met Old Madam Shen once, there had been many others present at the time, so she had not felt nearly as tense.
Today, without so many others around, how could she not feel flustered under Old Madam Shen’s scrutiny?
In truth, Old Madam Shen’s gaze had first fallen on Ji Hanyi.
Ji Hanyi was dressed far too plainly. Aside from the hairpin in her hair, she wore no other jewelry.
Old Madam Shen had once been fond of Ji Hanyi. The girl had been gentle, innocent, and free of schemes, while her appearance was even more endearing. She had inherited her father’s striking beauty and her mother’s soft grace, making her exceptionally lovely even at a tender age.
Old Madam Shen did not know why she was dressed so simply now, but Ji Hanyi had a delicate yet shapely figure. No matter how plain her clothes were, there was still a subtle allure about her.
Ji Hanyi was not the important person today, however, so Old Madam Shen turned to Madam Zhang first. “There’s no need for all those formalities. I’m delighted that you’ve come today. Please, sit down and talk with me.”
She then instructed the maids to bring over the pastries she had prepared for them to try.
The maids hurried forward to serve them, their movements so light that they did not make the slightest sound.
Madam Zhang marveled inwardly that these were indeed maids from a great noble house. At the same time, she realized that Old Madam Shen was not nearly as aloof and unapproachable as she had imagined.
Gu Wanyun was seated closest to Old Madam Shen, while Ji Hanyi took the seat farthest away.
Madam Zhang took the initiative to begin the conversation. “We owe everything to Marquis Shen this time. Otherwise, who knows how much worse the situation might have become?”
She then turned to Gu Wanyun. “Wanyun, why haven’t you brought out the thank-you gift you made for Old Madam Shen?”
The gift had actually been made by Ji Hanyi. She could hardly give Shen Si anything directly, but since they were coming here, they naturally had to bring a token of gratitude. Old Madam Shen lacked for nothing, so a handmade sachet was both thoughtful and an excellent display of skill.
Of course, Madam Zhang would never allow Ji Hanyi to take the credit. She had Ji Hanyi bring out the sachet, then told Gu Wanyun to present it.
Ji Hanyi did not care. It did not matter who presented it, so long as Old Madam Shen accepted their token of thanks.
Only when her mother called her name did Gu Wanyun hastily rise. She carried a blue drawstring sachet decorated with an assorted-treasures motif over to Old Madam Shen and said respectfully, “I made this sachet myself. Inside is a blend of Bedchamber Plum Blossom Incense that I personally prepared. Please see if it is to your liking, Old Madam Shen.”
The senior maid beside Old Madam Shen hurried forward to receive it and presented it to her with a smile. “Old Madam Shen, just look at this embroidery. This old servant has never seen finer work.”
Her words contained a measure of flattery. Gu Wanyun might become the future Marchioness, after all, so how could she not curry favor with her? Still, the embroidery truly was excellent.
Old Madam Shen took the sachet and examined it closely. A lifelike white crane had been embroidered among the assorted treasures. Even though she had seen countless exquisite pieces of embroidery, this workmanship could still be considered outstanding.
She lowered her head and took a sniff. The plum blossom fragrance inside was faint and delicate. Worn on one’s person, it would seem as though the scent naturally emanated from the wearer.
Old Madam Shen genuinely liked it, and her fondness for Gu Wanyun grew a little more.
This was the woman her son liked, so she would have accepted her regardless, even if her embroidery had been poor. The residence employed plenty of embroiderers, and her daughter-in-law would never need to do such work herself. Yet this level of craftsmanship suggested that Gu Wanyun was gentle, poised, and meticulous – the best sort of temperament.
A smile appeared on Old Madam Shen’s face as she studied Gu Wanyun more carefully. Her deportment was proper, and she had an oval face and slender brows. At first glance, she really did resemble Ji Hanyi somewhat. But with Ji Hanyi sitting right there for comparison, the resemblance seemed to vanish.
Ji Hanyi possessed an unconscious sensual allure, while Gu Wanyun appeared more virtuous and demure. Between the two, Old Madam Shen still preferred Gu Wanyun’s looks.
Smiling, she beckoned Gu Wanyun to sit beside her. “Your embroidery is so accomplished that you must have devoted a great deal of effort to it. What else do you enjoy doing in your spare time?”
Though Gu Wanyun was nervous after being summoned to Old Madam Shen’s side, there was not the slightest fault in her manners.
She answered with composure, “I usually enjoy brewing tea and arranging flowers. Occasionally, I also embroider or read.”
Old Madam Shen smiled and remarked casually, “I happen to enjoy flower arranging as well. Spring is nearly here, and plenty of flowers will soon be blooming in the back garden. When the time comes, I’ll have to entrust the flower arrangements in my room to you.”
She looked at Gu Wanyun and asked, “Would you be willing?”
Such an honor was not extended to just anyone. By showing Gu Wanyun this much favor, Old Madam Shen clearly intended to keep her close.
Gu Wanyun froze for a moment before nodding hastily. “If Old Madam Shen does not find me lacking, it would be Wanyun’s great fortune.”
Old Madam Shen smiled and was just about to speak when a maid’s voice suddenly came from beyond the curtain. “Master has arrived. Old Madam is inside speaking with Madam Gu.”
The words had barely left her lips when the curtain was lifted, and a tall, slender figure with the bearing of a crane stepped inside.