Chapter 14

Ever since Jiu Liu was sent to Dakong Temple, she hadn’t been able to eat well and stay warm. Her face was sallow, hair dry, body thin like a stick, a complete look of malnutrition. Later, when she went to the Yu Royal Residence, she was abused. How could she look good?

Dragons give birth to dragons. Phoenixes give birth to phoenixes.

Looking at it this way, it wasn’t that she was born ugly. As long as she has enough nutrients, it shouldn’t be a problem for her to grow up to be at least on the same level as Jiu Liu.

Shi Qingshan was now treading on thin ice. There was not only the large Prime Minister family to deal with, but also that mysterious young master. She was afraid that Yang Ze may come up with some bad ideas someday.

However, according to the current situation, Yang Ze shouldn’t pose much of a threat to her.

The only thing that caused Shi Qingshan worry was the hunting party in a few days.

The young noble ladies were all busy dressing up and polishing their skills in order to shine the day of.

Especially Shi Chenghuan.

Shi Qingshan remembered very clearly that back when she was fifteen, Shi Chenghuan rose to fame at the hunting party and became the “Moon Palace Fairy” of Bo Re City.

Because of this, the princes, noble young masters, and others with status all fell under Shi Chenghuan’s skirt, exchanging thousands of gold for a smile.

And because of Shi Qingshan’s identity, she was neglected and not taken to the party.

With her eyes closed, Shi Qingshan revealed a smile. ‘Shi Chenghuan, I’m afraid things won’t go your way this time.’

Today, just when Shi Qingshan was about to apply those various herbs and medications, the old madam sent someone over.

Hu Momo and a small servant came in and properly greeted Shi Qingshan.

Shi Qingshan was quickly ordered Wen Cha and Duan Xian, “Quickly help Hu Momo up. Qingshan is still young, how could I accept such a big bow from Hu Momo?”

Her words were spoken well and Hu Momo felt more goodwill towards her. She revealed a smile, “Fifth Young Miss, the old madam sent me over to inquire if you needed anything.”

“Thanks for Grandmother’s concern. I am not lacking anything. I only hope that Grandmother and the rest of my family will be happy and at peace.” Shi Qingshan smiled sweetly.

Such a generous Shi Qingshan made Hu Momo very moved, but what needed to be said was still spoken, “A few days back, you have been wronged by the matters in this residence. The reason why the old madam didn’t say anything was to maintain peace in the household. She really thinks of Fifth Young Miss in her heart!”

Hu Momo was always strict and righteous in her words and actions. She didn’t offend anyone. There was reason why she could become the old madam’s confidante.

Shi Qingshan gave a tired smile. Her watery eyes seemed especially helpless and lost, “Yes, it is Grandmother that cares for me the most in this residence. If I still don’t understand her, then I am a heartless white-eyed wolf!”

(TL: White-eyed wolf basically means someone who doesn’t appreciate another’s kindness or someone that stabs another in the back after being cared for.)

Hu Momo’s eyes held traces of heartache, but was teased into smiling by this child: “Fifth Young Miss, the old madam thinks about you very much and specially selected this smart servant to serve you. Come.” She called the servant over, “This is Cai Yi.”

The servant feebly greeted, “This servant has seen Fifth Young Miss.”

Cai Yi lifted her head. Her eyes were filled with vigor.

Shi Qingshan nodded, her crescent eyes filled with gratitude, “Grandmother is indeed thorough. I only have Duan Xian and Wen Cha here, and am lacking in manpower. Hu Momo, please thank Grandmother for me…”

Seeing Shi Qingshan’s surprised and excited expression, Hu Momo unexpectedly had a flash of pity cross her eyes. She immediately respectfully answered, “This old servant has taken note.”

After sending Hu Momo away, Shi Qingshan arranged some leisurely work for Cai Yi to do. She even dragged her around and spoke to her for a long while, completely treating her like a baby.

Cai Yi’s nose wasn’t stuck high up in the air and she paid attention to everything that was said.

When Cai Yi was sent to her room to rest, Wen Cha couldn’t hold back and said, “Young Miss, you’re treating Cai Yi like she’s the mistress!”

Shi Qingshan recalled the enthusiasm she greeted Cai Yi with in the morning and lightly smiled, “How could I treat someone Grandmother sent over poorly? Not only me, you two must be even more attentive to her every need.”

“What?” Wen Cha was slightly mad.

Duan Xian of few words quietly stated, “The old madam sent Cai Yi over to monitor Young Miss.”

Shi Qingshan looked at the moon outside the window, her eyes staring at someplace far away.

She obeyed the old madam’s every whim in order to earn her trust.

However, the old madam was the female master of the house. Her greatest responsibility was to protect the peace of the inner courtyard. Shi Qingshan was rather too strong as of late, and the old madam wouldn’t allow an illegitimate daughter to turn the heavens and earth on its head.

This old madam was never an old fool!

Shi Qingshan could understand the old madam’s intentions. How could the madam not understand this?

The funny thing was, after an entire day, the madam followed the pattern and sent over a servant named Fang Yue to serve Shi Qingshan in name.

Shi Qingshan was not moved and treated Cai Yi and Fang Yue the same. She even allowed Fang Yue to enter and leave her room.

However, Shi Qingshan privately ordered Duan Xian to pay more attention to Fang Yue.

That’s why wherever Fang Yue went would be where Duan Xian went. It made Fang Yue especially annoyed to see her.

Before two days had passed, Duan Xian had noticed that Fang Yue would secretly enter the room, rummaging around for who knows what.

But when Duan Xian went in to check later, nothing was missing.

“Let her torment herself, but you must stay by her side. Remind her from time to time to not overdo things!” Shi Qingshan didn’t care much about this matter.

Fang Yue entered her room but didn’t take anything. Therefore, she was probably helping the madam flip through her account books or check her balances.

The madam was definitely not simple. Shi Qingshan always had a feeling that if the madam weren’t here…

In front was the madam and Shi Chenghuan, behind was that playful young master Yang Ze who might explode at any time. Shi Qingshan was treading on thin ice, but she was still planning for her little brother Shi Qinghan.

Just when she wanted to bring Shi Qinghan to the doctor, Wen Cha poured a bucket of cold water over her, “Second Young Master isn’t here.”

Shi Qingshan was confused, “Not here? Where did he go?”

“I heard from the servants that Eldest Young Master brought Second Young Master out to play,” Wen Cha replied.

Shi Qingshan frowned even more.

Shi Jinghua was an idiot. Under Shi Jingxuan and Concubine Mo’s teachings, he looked down on Shi Qinghan, calling him a mute. How could he possibly bring him out to play?

The more she encountered troubling matters, the less she could panic.

Shi Qingshan stated, “Wen Cha, you must keep a careful eye on Fang Yue these days, especially at night.”

Wen Cha confusedly asked, “Isn’t Duan Xian watching the two?”

“Duan Xian is in the light, I want you to follow in the dark.”

Shi Qingshan felt like a big net was falling down on her head, and she had no way to resist.

Right now, she still couldn’t see through what the madam was planning, but Fang Yue must be a key person!

Shi Qinghan wasn’t a threat to the madam and wouldn’t be harmed as of yet.

Shi Qingshan calmed her mind and handed a letter to Wen Cha.

Wen Cha asked, “Young Miss, what is this?”

“Grandfather gifted these shops in Bo Re City to Mother and personally wrote down the names of these shops. He even left his seal on it. If I want to take back the rest of these shops, I can only rely on this.” Shi Qingshan explained.

In her past life, Wen Cha was beaten and punished to protect her. Before Shi Qingshan could marry, in order to make her alone, the madam charged Wen Cha with stealing and beat her to death…

Therefore, Shi Qingshan didn’t doubt Wen Cha’s loyalty.

“Come out with me. Since the madam didn’t obediently hand over the shops, we can only take it back ourselves!”