This was truly an injustice to Shen Xiling.

In fact, even Shen Xiling herself hadn’t expected the Qi family would treat her so generously. Yao Shi was so kind it flattered her beyond measure – personally arranging a separate courtyard for her to live in, assigning several maids and servants inside and out to care for her, and even having new clothes and jewelry made for her, each piece exquisite and precious. Shen Xiling naturally declined, not daring to accept such gifts. Yao Shi consoled her at length, then took her hand and smiled: “If you truly don’t want them, go speak with Jingchen about it. Though I arranged for these things to be made, all the money came from him.”

Upon hearing this, Shen Xiling’s heart was filled with mixed emotions, and she could no longer voice any words of refusal.

Not only that, Qi Ying had also given her Shuipei and Fengshang as personal maids. The two sisters were both dignified and amiable, treating Shen Xiling with great respect and regarding her as a proper young lady. Even more surprising was that Qi Ying had the steward from Fenghe Courtyard send Zijun over to her as well.

The steward told Shen Xiling: “Young Master instructed that from now on, Zijun should serve in Miss Fang’s small kitchen, or work as a rough maid in her room – everything according to Miss’s wishes. As for Shuipei and Fengshang, oh, including Zijun as well, their monthly wages will all come from Fenghe Courtyard’s accounts. Please don’t trouble yourself about it, Miss.”

Shen Xiling was delighted, and Zijun was also happy. She had been merely a lowly kitchen helper at Fenghe Courtyard, but now she had not only entered the main Qi residence but also became a house maid, with her monthly wages increased by several coins – how could she not be joyful?

Shen Xiling truly hadn’t expected Qi Ying to arrange everything so thoroughly and properly. Since New Year’s Eve until now, he had treated her so well, like building a fire for her in the ice and snow, warming her from body to heart, inevitably making her feel both grateful and attached to him.

However, though Qi Ying had been staying at the main residence recently, just as when he stayed at Fenghe Courtyard before, he left early and returned late. She still couldn’t easily encounter him, and the two times she did happen to meet him, he was in a hurry and they didn’t get to speak.

Five days passed like this, and today was the day for her first meeting with the teacher. Having never experienced such formality, Shen Xiling was naturally nervous, not knowing what would be considered proper. Seeing her anxiety, Shuipei and Fengshang both comforted her and together gave her a thorough grooming. Looking at herself in the mirror, Shen Xiling felt her dress was too luxurious and inappropriate, but the two maids covered their mouths and laughed upon hearing this.

Shuipei said: “Miss, please don’t make things difficult for us. Among all the clothes Madam had made for you, this silver-embroidered jacket is already considered plain. Besides, with your looks, anything you wear or put on appears precious – we two are helpless.”

Just then Zijun came around from the courtyard, and seeing Shen Xiling’s dressed-up appearance, she was so amazed she nearly dropped the handful of soybeans she was holding. Clicking her tongue continuously, she praised: “Beautiful, truly beautiful – no wonder Second Young Master dotes on you so.”

The maids all laughed together, making Shen Xiling’s small face flush red with embarrassment, appearing even more gorgeous and lovely.

Since it was her first day meeting Master Wang, Shen Xiling feared making any mistakes and arrived early at the main hall to wait. After waiting for about the time of one incense stick, she saw Zhao Yao and her mother Zhao Qishi arrive, so she respectfully stood up to greet them. However, when Miss Zhao saw her, her almond-shaped eyes seemed ready to spit fire – not only would someone as sensitive as Shen Xiling notice, but even Shuipei and Fengshang could tell.

It was Zhao Qishi who quietly tugged at her daughter, smiling as she said to Shen Xiling: “Miss Fang need not stand on ceremony, please sit down.”

She then seated herself with Zhao Yao. Shen Xiling waited until both were seated before sitting down herself.

Zhao Qishi discreetly looked Shen Xiling up and down, also marveling at her beauty, and finding the orphaned girl’s overall bearing extraordinary, feeling puzzled. She put on a smile and amiably asked Shen Xiling: “I heard Master Fang was a jinshi in the sixth year of Qinghua reign, and even made it into the first tier. Miss Fang is the Master’s only daughter, so you must have inherited his talents. After entering the school, please take care of my Yao’er.”

Though Zhao Yao knew her mother was only speaking politely, she was still displeased and couldn’t help giving her mother a reproachful look.

Shen Xiling heard this and answered cautiously: “Madam flatters me. This humble girl is dull-witted and hasn’t achieved even one ten-thousandth of my father’s abilities. Miss Zhao is descended from the Grand Tutor – her family’s scholarship must surely be profound. I only hope Miss Zhao won’t withhold her teachings. How dare I speak of taking care?”

“Miss Fang is too modest,” Zhao Qishi smiled. “Since you and Yao’er will study together from now on, it wouldn’t be proper to keep calling each other ‘Miss’ all the time. My Yao’er is a year older than you, so you may call her elder sister.”

Zhao Yao had no desire to be called sister by Shen Xiling and was about to object when her mother secretly glared at her, forcing her to suppress her dissatisfaction. Shen Xiling quietly observed everything, understanding the situation. She pressed her lips together, thinking it best to go along with Zhao Qishi’s words for now, so she said: “Then… I’m honored by Madam’s regard, and will presume to call her Sister Yao.”

Shen Xiling rose and curtsied lightly to Zhao Yao. Zhao Qishi gestured for her daughter to stand and return the courtesy, but Zhao Yao was naturally unwilling. Just then, there was commotion at the door – Yao Shi had arrived. Zhao Yao’s eyes brightened, and she called out sweetly “Aunt” and was about to run to Yao Shi’s side when she noticed halfway that the Old Madam had also come, accompanied by a young woman of about fifteen or sixteen.

Yao Shi entered the main hall, first helped the Old Madam to the seat of honor, then said to Zhao Yao and Shen Xiling: “Have Yao’er and Wenwen both arrived?”

She looked toward Shen Xiling and smiled: “Speaking of which, this should be Wenwen’s first time meeting our Old Madam – come, let the Old Madam have a look at you.”

Seeing this scene, Zhao Yao was both shocked and angry, not knowing what methods that orphaned girl had used to win her aunt’s favor, making her call her “Wenwen” so intimately! She had only been away from the Qi family for a few days – how had things become like this! And who was that person standing beside Old Madam Qi? She had such pretentious airs yet stood so close to the Old Madam, looking quite favored! It was infuriating!

Shen Xiling had no time to think as much as Zhao Yao did, only obediently following Yao Shi’s introduction to pay respects to Old Madam Qi.

Old Madam Qi was in good spirits today and seemed quite pleased. She looked at Shen Xiling twice, then asked Yao Shi: “Oh, this is the girl from the Fang family you mentioned to me before?”

Yao Shi smiled and nodded: “That’s right, she’s the daughter of Jingchen’s benefactor.”

Old Madam Qi nodded and examined Shen Xiling again, smiling: “The girl really has a fine appearance.”

She turned her head to look at the young woman standing beside her and asked: “What do you think, Rong’er?”

Zhao Qishi, who had not recognized this woman’s identity before, knew upon hearing the Old Madam call her “Rong’er” – this was a daughter of the Fu family, Fu Zhuo’s sister, Fu Rong.

The Fu family’s circumstances were quite noteworthy, especially their rise to prominence, which was worth telling.

Before Great Liang’s southern migration, the Fu family was merely an ordinary official household. Though generations had worn court caps and sashes, few had reached the pinnacle of power, so they remained mediocre and unremarkable. It wasn’t until over thirty years ago, when Great Liang fought a major battle with Gao Wei, that they were beaten all the way to the imperial capital. The emperor and various aristocratic families fled south in disarray, crossing the natural barrier of the Yangtze River to Jiangzuo, barely preserving their lives.

In this southern migration, the Fu family produced a remarkable figure – Fu Jin, the grandfather of Fu Zhuo and Fu Rong. During the southern migration, Fu Jin somehow struck incredible luck, leading fewer than five thousand government troops to hold off Gao Wei’s military genius Duke Yanguo at Huizhou for half a month, buying time for Emperor Liang’s southern escape.

Such life-saving grace would make the imperial family ungrateful not to reward it properly, so after the southern migration, Fu Jin was enfeoffed as Duke of Huaichuan. Several brothers and nephews who fought alongside him were also made dukes of prefectures or counties. From then on, the Fu family rose to prominence, ranking alongside the Qi, Shen, and Han families of that time, establishing the pattern of Great Liang’s four great aristocratic families.

However, though the Fu family’s status had greatly improved, their foundation was still somewhat thinner than the other three families. After Fu Jin’s death, the Fu family’s position became somewhat shaky. If not for the Shen family’s catastrophic downfall now, the Fu family might still face uncertainties.

Though the Fu family’s position was somewhat unstable, other mansions still felt they had hope of recovery, because the Fu family’s younger generation was truly outstanding. For instance, Fu Zhuo – before the Qi family’s Second Young Master emerged, he was the most brilliant figure of this generation, achieving eleventh place in the first tier at seventeen. He now served as Administrative Vice Minister in court and was highly regarded by His Majesty. His sister Fu Rong was also a model among current aristocratic ladies – not only beautiful but especially accomplished in poetry and literature. One could tell at a glance she was raised by an aristocratic family, possessing incomparable nobility and propriety.

Following Old Madam Qi’s gaze, Shen Xiling also quietly looked toward this Miss Fu. She saw this noble lady had delicate eyebrows and phoenix eyes, her face as beautiful as a lady painted in fine brushwork. Even better was her bearing – though she simply stood quietly beside Old Madam Qi without any words or actions, she still conveyed her excellent upbringing, appearing serene and well-mannered.

Fu Rong heard Old Madam Qi’s question, glanced at Shen Xiling, politely nodded to her, then smiled to Old Madam Qi: “She is indeed quite beautiful.”

Yao Shi laughingly continued: “A few days ago, Jing’an and Jingkang came back saying Miss Fang was prettier than painted beauties. I didn’t believe it at first, but unexpectedly…”

Her words were cut short by commotion outside – Qi Ning and Qi Le had arrived together. They first paid respects to the elders in the hall, then greeted Fu Rong, Zhao Yao, and Shen Xiling respectively.

Qi Ning secretly glanced at Shen Xiling among the crowd, while Qi Le secretly looked at Zhao Yao, even quietly waving at her. But Zhao Yao was angry with him because of what Yao Shi had said earlier about Qi Le praising Shen Xiling’s beauty, so she pretended not to see.

Qi Ning laughed: “What day is this? A hall full of beautiful sisters – it’s so bright when you enter, it could blind someone’s eyes!”

Everyone in the hall laughed. Old Madam Qi scolded with a smile: “You little monkey are just sweet-tongued, always wanting to charm your sisters until they’re dizzy.”

“Grandmother, what are you saying,” Qi Ning grinned playfully. “When sisters are beautiful, aren’t people allowed to say so?”

The Old Madam gave him a withering look: “If you put half this cleverness into your studies, you wouldn’t eat so many of your father’s beatings.”

At the mention of studying, Qi Ning deflated. Seeing his stepmother about to add a few words following Grandmother’s lead, Qi Ning quickly tried to change the subject, turning to ask his cousin Fu Rong: “When did Sister Rong arrive? Are you leaving soon?”

Fu Rong answered: “I arrived not long ago, came to see the Old Madam, and will leave soon.”

As soon as she said this, Old Madam Qi became anxious, grasping her hand: “You mustn’t leave – you should stay by your great-aunt’s side for several more days. I already spoke with your father about having you stay here peacefully for a while. If you talk about leaving again, I’ll be angry.”

Author’s Note: Fu Rong has arrived – it’s time to let Yaoyao learn the correct way to play a supporting female character. But what’s the use? The male lead’s heart only has room for career advancement and raising children.