That night, the several maids worked quite hard. They hadn’t even had time to speak with Shen Xiling before they were busy changing the bedding and tidying up the room.

Shen Xiling changed into clean clothes and skirt, and with Zijun’s help, padded herself with straw paper. They had barely finished when Qing Zhu led the doctor in.

Shuipei was most considerate. Knowing Shen Xiling was embarrassed to see people at this time, she said to Qing Zhu: “Thank you for your trouble, young master. We’re keeping watch over things here, so please go back first.”

Who would have thought Qing Zhu would stand outside the door motionless. Hearing this, he still kept a straight face, showing no awareness of being sent away, and answered on his own: “No matter. I’ll wait here for the doctor’s word and then go report back to the young master.”

Since he said this, Shuipei couldn’t say anything more and closed the door, leaving him standing guard outside.

Actually, Shen Xiling had simply gotten her monthly flow and didn’t need to see any doctor, but Qi Ying thought she was weak, and had knelt in the snow outside Fenghe Garden’s gates for half the night before, fearing she had hurt her body. He thought it would be more reassuring to have the doctor take a look.

The doctor took Shen Xiling’s pulse and said she had a cold constitution and her foundation was rather weak. He prescribed some warming and nourishing medicine for her. Shen Xiling thanked the doctor, and Fengshang led him out.

Shen Xiling knew Qing Zhu was standing just outside the door, and knew he would soon go tell Qi Ying about her condition, so her face began burning again. Recalling the scene of him witnessing her embarrassing state today, the more she thought about it, the hotter her face became and the more dejected she felt. The maids all saw her mood was off, but when they asked what was wrong, she answered vaguely, still listless overall.

Though she wouldn’t say, Shuipei and the others guessed pretty accurately. But they were also considerate, knowing Shen Xiling was thin-skinned, so they didn’t tease her. They prepared a hot water bottle to warm her lower abdomen and attended to her early rest.

But though they didn’t tease Shen Xiling, they couldn’t help chattering privately among themselves. Once they closed Shen Xiling’s door, the three gathered in the side room to gossip. After discussing for a while, they all agreed that the reason the atmosphere in the room was so subtle when they entered today was mostly because the young master had witnessed Miss’s first menstruation.

This matter was extremely exciting!

Their Second Young Master had always maintained a cool and aloof immortal appearance. The maids really couldn’t imagine what it was like for him to encounter Miss’s first menstruation. Moreover, their miss was born so beautiful, it inevitably made people feel… this scene was somewhat romantic…

Seeing Zijun and Fengshang both blushing with expressions that were both laughing and lost in wild thoughts, Shuipei couldn’t help but laugh and hit them both, spitting: “Bah! Shameless! What are you thinking!”

Zijun and Fengshang laughed together. Fengshang even hit back, also striking Shuipei once, laughing and scolding: “You’re the shameless one! If you weren’t thinking anything, how would you know what we’re thinking?”

Of course Shuipei had thought about it too, but she was more sensible than the other two. After laughing for a while, she advised: “Aiya, we’d better not talk about this anymore. If it gets out, it probably wouldn’t be good for Miss…”

The two maids thought the same, but Zijun added: “Though it wouldn’t be good if it got out, this matter is still good for Miss overall.”

Fengshang didn’t understand and asked: “How so?”

Zijun proudly raised her head and said with great seriousness: “You’re so silly! If the young master hadn’t encountered this, he’d probably still consider our miss a child. Now that he’s encountered it, that’s completely different.”

Hearing this, Fengshang suddenly understood.

Yes, the longer these two spent time together, their relationship would inevitably become settled. If the young master always thought their miss was a child, he’d probably continue thinking that way in the future. Now with this incident happening, plus the young master’s attentive attitude toward their miss…

Tsk, wonderful beyond words.

The maids understood each other’s meaning and laughed together again, calling each other shameless, playing and fighting for quite a while until deep into the night before each went to sleep.

Because Shen Xiling suddenly got her monthly flow, Qi Ying temporarily set aside his plan to teach her reading and let her rest well for a while.

During this period, two things happened.

The first was that Qi Ying went to see Wang Qing.

Wang Qing was an incorruptible official. The mansion where he lived wasn’t as luxurious as aristocratic families’, just several simple courtyards, probably ancestral family residence, somewhat old. When Qi Ying went to find him, he was shut in his room reading, with books piled everywhere in cramped stacks.

Wang Qing lifted his head from the pile of old papers. Seeing Qi Ying, he smiled: “Just now the house servant reported you’d come, and I didn’t believe it. I didn’t expect it really was you—sit, please sit.”

Qi Ying thanked him, avoided the book mountains piled half a person’s height everywhere, and sat down across from Wang Qing. Glancing at the book pages in Wang Qing’s hands, he asked: “Is Master working on collecting scattered works of Lord Yingshan?”

When it came to scholarly matters, Wang Qing became extremely interested and said happily: “Exactly, exactly. Lord Yingshan’s essays were written extremely beautifully. These several pieces look like his lost works to me. I thought I must organize them properly so the younger generation can have good examples to study from.”

Qi Ying smiled and said: “Master has written volumes upon volumes, yet still continues writing tirelessly. This truly makes this junior feel ashamed.”

Wang Qing waved his hand and looked at Qi Ying, saying: “Actually, if the world were more peaceful and you weren’t entangled in these worldly affairs, you would certainly produce better scholarship than mine. It’s just a pity…”

Qi Ying cupped his hands: “This student has failed Master’s expectations.”

“How is this your fault?” Wang Qing sighed. “When the nation faces difficulties and the court lacks people, you are a pillar of talent with vision in your heart. You should be directing the affairs of the realm. If we let you burrow into old papers all day like me, that might be failing the people…”

His tone was melancholy, as if quite regretful. He paused, then turned to be more philosophical, saying: “It’s just that court politics inevitably make people’s hearts gather dust. If you’re tired, you could learn from me and burrow into old papers—at least it has the effect of clearing the heart and calming the spirit.”

Both teacher and student smiled. Qi Ying’s brows relaxed as he responded affirmatively.

Wang Qing continued writing with his head down, asking while writing: “You came to ask me to return to the Qi family to continue teaching?”

Qi Ying answered: “Nothing can be hidden from Master.”

Wang Qing snorted coldly and said: “You know my temperament clearly. No matter toward what person or matter, I speak of nothing but the two words ‘justice.’ Your family’s old madam acts unjustly, so naturally I can’t stand it. If I can’t stand it, I won’t go back, no matter who comes to persuade.”

He paused, looked up to stare at Qi Ying, and added: “Even if you come to persuade, it’s useless.”

Qi Ying indeed knew Wang Qing’s temperament—most upright and inflexible. When encountering unfair matters, he could never remain silent and had to speak out, not stopping until things were clear. Qi Ying was prepared for this. Hearing Wang Qing’s words now, he wasn’t surprised. He just smiled and said: “Grandmother’s handling was inappropriate. I must thank Master for speaking up for Wenwen.”

Hearing this, Wang Qing snorted again and said very decisively: “I wasn’t speaking up for her! I was speaking up for justice! Don’t confuse the two!”

Qi Ying didn’t argue with him, admitting his misspeak. Wang Qing felt better and sighed again: “That child… is indeed quite good. Quiet temperament, able to endure hardship, and has tenacity. She was the youngest, but every time we tested recitation, only she never made a single mistake. You could tell she was a child who pushed herself hard.”

Qi Ying felt the same.

Though Shen Xiling was young and usually very gentle with people, her character actually had quite some edges. For instance, when she first entered the Qi family, he hadn’t expected her to learn the Bajun dialect on her own. Later when she entered the school, he also hadn’t expected her to study so diligently.

She often surprised him in small details.

Wang Qing set down his brush, slowly leaned back in his chair, and continued: “It’s just that she’s too cautious and careful in dealing with people, probably due to her current situation of depending on others. Last time I hit her hand with the board, it wasn’t entirely to punish her for helping Miss Zhao cheat—I was just using the opportunity to teach her a lesson.”

Hearing this, Qi Ying finally knew Wang Qing truly liked Shen Xiling, which was why he taught her so painstakingly. His heart filled with gratitude toward Wang Qing: “Master has taken great pains.”

Wang Qing glanced at Qi Ying sideways, paused for a while, then asked: “That little girl is at your place now? Did she come to complain about me?”

Qi Ying smiled and answered: “She is at my place, but didn’t complain. She also likes Master very much.”

Wang Qing snorted again, unclear whether he believed it or not. Then he heard Qi Ying say: “My family’s personnel matters are complex. Wenwen probably isn’t suitable to stay there anymore. I’ve already discussed with Father and Mother—from now on, I’ll teach her myself.”

Hearing this, Wang Qing was very surprised.

He only knew Qi Ying was a good student but didn’t know if he could be a good teacher. After all, he was busy and spoke little, making Wang Qing unable to imagine what it would be like for him to teach someone.

So he advised: “Are you certain? The way of teaching isn’t easy. Imparting knowledge, teaching skills, and resolving doubts all require mental effort. With your current political duties so complex, can you spare the time? Moreover, leading a child requires teaching her how to conduct herself—this is even more difficult. Do you have a clear understanding?”

Qi Ying secretly sighed, thinking that accidentally witnessing the little girl’s first menstruation a few days ago had already made him deeply feel how difficult it was to care for her. So he nodded with deep feeling and answered: “Master’s guidance is correct.”

Seeing his expression was quite determined, as if he had already made up his mind, Wang Qing knew it wouldn’t be good to advise further. He couldn’t help but feel he was meddling: Who knows if Qi Er really intends to raise a child! Maybe he’s changed his way of saying he’s keeping a mistress!

He had truly seen Qi Er as too much of a gentleman before!

Wang Qing’s heart filled with lament. He heard Qi Ying continue: “Since Wenwen won’t go back and Master wants justice to be implemented, I think Yao’er needn’t go to school either. Since this matter arose because of her, this can be considered fair. As for Cousin Fu, if the other two girls aren’t going to school, leaving her alone to study in the same room as Third Brother and Fourth Brother would also be inappropriate.”

Wang Qing understood. Qi Ying’s meaning was: Since Miss Fang couldn’t continue her studies, these female students should all go back to their respective homes—none of them should study.

Though this action inevitably had the suspicion of protecting one’s own, Wang Qing found it reasonable. Then he heard Qi Ying say: “Grandmother is getting on in years and has been frequently ill recently. I hope Master can let bygones be bygones and return to the Qi family to teach Jing’an and Jingkang.”

Seeing Qi Ying’s sincere words and being quite satisfied with this arrangement, Wang Qing’s resentment had mostly dissipated. But he felt if he agreed so easily now, it would seem he was too easy to talk to. So he continued to snort coldly and glance sideways at Qi Ying, entangling with him for a while. Only after enjoying enough of Second Young Master Qi’s repeated pleas did he reluctantly agree to return to the Qi family to teach.

The second thing was that Yao Shi came to Fenghe Garden.

Yao Shi seldom set foot in her second son’s separate residence. This visit was naturally to help Qi Ying arrange the flower viewing party.

Though this flower party was about appreciating natural beauty, proper preparation required much manpower. For instance, how to arrange the servants on that day, how many soft mats and fragrant tea to prepare for distinguished guests, which families to place together on which mountaintop—all were very particular matters. This was one of Jiangzuo’s grand events and couldn’t be handled carelessly.

Yao Shi brought many maids and servants from the main house to help. Naturally, she encountered Shen Xiling.

Shen Xiling was very grateful to this mistress of the Qi family. That day in Rongrui Hall, she was the target of everyone’s criticism with no one speaking a word for her, only Yao Shi protected her. Later, bearing pressure, she secretly sent her to Fenghe Garden. Without Yao Shi, she might have already left Jiankang City by now, not knowing where she’d be drifting.

Seeing Yao Shi again now, Shen Xiling felt both happy and grateful, with some inexplicable nervousness and shyness, not knowing what to say to this lady. Fortunately, Yao Shi was always kind to juniors. Seeing Shen Xiling, she was only concerned and happy, continuously asking how her injury was healing and whether her illness had fully recovered. After Shen Xiling answered everything, she finally felt relieved.

But once Yao Shi arrived, she caused another big commotion: she disliked that the courtyard Qi Ying had previously given Shen Xiling was too remote and small, with poor orientation. So she began arranging for servants to move Shen Xiling to a new courtyard.

Shen Xiling truly felt she didn’t deserve such kindness. Being dependent on others, having even a brick and tile to shelter from wind and rain was already extremely good—how dare she be choosy? Moreover, she really didn’t feel there was anything wrong with her original room and thought such fuss was really unnecessary.

But Yao Shi wouldn’t listen to her. Before Qi Ying returned, she had made the decision, having people pack Shen Xiling’s things and moving that very day.

The courtyard was named Woyu Courtyard, the west courtyard of Fenghe Garden, extremely close to Huaijin Courtyard where Qi Ying lived, separated only by a Viewing Garden. It was also very convenient to go to Wangshi—just a tea’s time walk. The courtyard was spacious and had grape vines planted. Though it wasn’t the season, so only greenery was visible without fruit, it had abundant vitality. The main house was built exquisitely and imposing, even with a small flower hall for receiving guests. Door frames and windows all had carved floral decorations, thick carpets on the ground, complete furnishings inside, just lacking human presence.

Seeing such magnificence, Shen Xiling dared even less to move in, repeatedly saying she wanted to go back. Yao Shi smiled and pulled her to sit on the bed in the room, saying: “This courtyard originally had no residents either. When built, it was intended as a guest room, but with Jingchen’s temperament, he rarely has friends stay overnight, so it’s been empty until now. If you don’t move in, it’s a waste. Why let it sit there gathering dust?”

Before Shen Xiling could speak, Yao Shi pulled her hand and walked around the room, pushing open a carved flower window. Outside sunlight immediately made the room bright. Yao Shi smiled: “You child have a weak constitution and should live somewhere brighter. I saw that previous room was somewhat shaded, not good for your health.”

The sunlight was clear and transparent. Spring sunshine was always particularly pleasant and warm, making Shen Xiling feel warm and comfortable all over. She heard Yao Shi continue: “Jingchen has the heart to care for you, but he’s a man and inevitably has careless places, bound to let you suffer some grievances…”

Hearing this, Shen Xiling quickly said: “Second Young Master treats me extremely well and has never let me suffer grievances. I’m very grateful to him…”

Yao Shi was amused by her urgent tone defending Qi Ying: “I didn’t say anything bad about him. Do you need to protect him like this?”

Making Shen Xiling’s little face turn completely red with embarrassment.

Yao Shi smiled, but her eyes were very serious as she said to Shen Xiling: “Lord Fang is Jingchen’s benefactor. The Qi family owes the Fang family gratitude, and I as his mother am even more grateful to your respected father. What our old madam did, I truly had no way to stop, but arranging a brighter courtyard for you is still possible. Even so, this can’t repay even a fraction of Lord Fang’s kindness—Wenwen, just settle in peacefully and don’t decline anymore.”

Having said this much, Shen Xiling couldn’t say anything more. Though she had received Yao Shi’s care, her heart felt even heavier: She wasn’t the orphan of that Lord Fang, yet she was borrowing another’s identity to enjoy protection she shouldn’t receive. This feeling… made her deeply uneasy.

Author’s Note:

Our Wenwen has a good mother-in-law~

[BTW four chapters doesn’t mean four updates (covering head)]