“Crash! Crash!” the sounds of porcelain breaking filled the room. After a long while, the piercing noise finally faded. Inside Qinxue hall, delicate porcelain pieces were strewn all over the floor. Shen Linghan sat on a chair, fuming. Wanxiang knelt before her with a bleeding forehead.

First lady Zhao Yunxiang frowned as she walked in. She ordered Nanny Qin to find someone to clean up the mess. “What are you doing? You can take your anger out on the maids, but if you let your anger mess up your body, you’re just playing into that b*tch’s plans.”

Shen Linghan’s eyes reddened, “Mother, your daughter really cannot accept it. Grandmother called Shen Ninghua the Eldest daughter, then what am I?” From today onwards, Shen Ninghua would have a higher status than her. Whenever she thought about it, Shen Linghan would feel bitter. Why should that wrench receive such a title?

Zhao Shi straightened Shen Linghan’s clothes carefully and her expression darkened, “an insignificant brat like Shen Ninghua is not worth your anger. Remember this, Linghan, you are the true Eldest daughter within the Shen family. That Shen Ninghua is not even worthy to be an obstacle in your path. She is but a b*tch with some intelligence. Relax, Mother will definitely help you remove this thorn by your side.”

Shen Ninghua was too beautiful, not to mention she greatly resembles that wrench Xiashi. Such person should not be allowed in this world!

Shen Linghan brightened up, “Mother, do you already have a plan?”

“A woman gone for a year without a trace, she can’t possibly be clean. Rumors from the masses will be enough to crush her. Since she dare plot against us, she’d better be prepared for her reputation to be ruined. The Shen family will not tolerate a dirty, scheming young miss!” If that wrench wants to use Xiashi’s dowry against her, she would still have to see if that wrench is worthy enough!

“Mother wants to ruin her reputation?”A woman’s reputation was worth more than her life. If her innocence was taken, she might as well be dead. Just thinking about it, Shen Linghan felt a grin creeping up her face and she held Zhaoshi’s arm tightly.

“Didn’t you plan a feast for tomorrow? Invite your friends. Your father will be inviting the 5th prince. … Just relax, Mother will ensure things go smoothly.”

“Yes Mother, thank you.” Shen Linghan smiled. Her gaze landed on Wanxiang who was still on the floor. Her expression darkened, “Mother, your daughter cannot stand servants who are not disciplined, Since Wanxiang served that woman before, your daughter cannot keep her.”

Wanxiang was stunned. Not caring about the wound on her forehead, she begged for mercy, “madam, young miss, spare me, spare me.”

The headdress was given to her by Shen Linghan, she was completely unaware of its origins. The excuse that Wanxiang served the previous First lady was completely made up as well. When the previous First lady passed away, she was only five years old. She may have played in her courtyard, but other than that, how much can she know?

“Since you don’t like it, Mother will place her somewhere else. Wanxiang, you were born here and you have stayed with Xiashi when you were young. You should serve under Shen Ninghua from now on.”

Wanxiang kowtowed fervently, “Madam, Wanxiang has always served the young miss, Wanxiang will not be loyal to anyone else….”

“I know you are very loyal, “ Zhao Yunxiang cut her off, “if not I would not have taken care of your parents and brothers. Wanxiang, you have been in this house for very long, you should know what you should do.”

Seeing the First lady’s smile, Wanxiang only felt fear for Zhaoshi’s threat was extremely obvious. Wanxiang’s relatives were all in the Shen house and the First lady could dispose of them easily.

“Wanxiang understands.”

The First lady nodded with satisfaction as her headdress glittering brightly. “I know you are clever, you can go.”

Shen Ninghua was not surprised by Wanxiang’s arrival. She let Bairuo take care of her quarters and resumed reading a book.

“Young miss, I have investigated madam’s dowry. A large portion of it has been given out. Only the ones that cannot be given are left.” Hongling said gently.

Shen Ninghua looked up, “we don’t need to worry about such things.”

If Zhao Yunxiang wanted to protect her own reputation, she must settle this case. Shen Ninghua only had to wait.

Just as she thought, the First lady put off the dowry case, claiming that she needed more time to organize the dowry. Shen Ninghua did not rush her either. She greeted Xiaoshi diligently as per normal and stayed in Jingxin courtyard quietly.

One day, as she was reading, Wanxiang came in with a girl carrying a salver.

“Young miss, the First lady asked to pass on a message. The second daughter will be holding a feast today and wants to invite young miss to join as well.”

“I understand.” Shen Ninghua replied. But Wanxiang remained in the room. “Is there anything else?”

“Replying to the young miss, the First lady has sent someone to deliver clothes. She said that the young miss has just returned and will surely be unprepared for such an occasion so these will be good enough to deal with the situation now.”

Shen Ninghua’s eyes flashed with interest. She got up and studied the clothes. A faint blue long dress, laced with golden silk, and had the flower patterns of brightly colored azaleas sewn on it. The cloth had fine artistry and was lightly scented with perfume.

“After the feast, I will definitely thank Mother for her care.” Shen Ninghua smiled. It was her own Mother’s favorite azalea flower. Was this a warning from Zhaoshi?

Bairuo took out some silver to reward the girl who sent the clothes before signaling Wanxiang to leave. Carefully, she checked the dress, “Young miss, this dress doesn’t seem to have anything problems.”

“It’s just a dress so that’s to be expected.” The First lady was very careful, she would not do things that she weren’t confident of its success. If this dress really had problems, Shen Ninghua could surely link it to her since she was the one who sent it to her.

“Young miss, will you wear this for the feast?”

“Why not?” Shen Ninghua smiled slightly as her eyes flashed of mischief, “Bairuo, go prepare for it. Today will be my first time participating in a feast held in the Shen house. Let Qingque and Hongling follow me. Guard the courtyard with Bizhu. Today will definitely not be peaceful.”

Bairuo helped Shen Ninghua tidy her skirt, “young miss, everything has been prepared. You can relax.”

Shen Ninghua smiled brightly, “Good.”

TL notes:

How do you guys feel about cursing/name-calling? It is minimal in this story but it exists. Just trying to get some input