BXBX NOVEL Chapter 47-49
“Then alright. You are heavy with pregnancy, I will go visit you again some other day!”
“En!”
……
They had believed that the matter with Zhang Xiangling would pa.s.s like this, but after a few days, Qi Xueyan came to invite Shen Jingshu over to play. Shen Jingshu did not want to go, but Qi Xueyan kept pulling her to go, Shen Jingshu was powerless and had no other choice but to go. However, she did not think that Zhang Xiangling would be there,“ Zhang xiaojie…” this Zhang Xiangling had already reached a marriageable age, it was reasonable to say that there was a large difference between their ages, why was she here?
“Haha, Shen xiaojie, you came? Quick, come sit!” Zhang Xiangling was acting just like the master of the household, she intimately pulled Shen Jingshu down to sit. Compared to the disrespect she had shown to Dan Yuerong that day, Zhang Xiangling was a lot better towards Shen Jingshu. “There are many snacks here, you can eat more. And, this is a gift I prepared for you. Take a look, do you like it?” Zhang Xiangling gave Shen Jingshu an exquisitely embroidered handkerchief. It was clear to see that the other person’s embroidery was very good, but they had only met once in person. It was reasonable to say that this kind of intimate thing was unnecessary, but why?
Unable to understand, Shen Jingshu declined, ” Zhang xiaojie your embroidery is beautiful, I can not accept it. You had better take it back.” She still did not understand the other person’s intention, how could she easily accept another person’s things?
“Shen xiaojie, you must not be polite. When I first saw you, it was like seeing a loved one, you should take it!”
“How is this proper?”
“It’s fine, I specifically made it for you. If you don’t take it, then I will be angry.”
……
After some resignation, Shen Jingshu had no choice but to say that if Zhang Xiangling, this person, wanted to please someone, it was very easy. This person was very intelligent and knew how to adapt to another person’s preferences and also how to make others have no way to refuse. So after saying a few words, Zhang Xiangling and Shen Jingshu had already become familiar with each other. “Shen xiaojie, when I first saw you, I really liked you. Can I call you Jingshu?”
“Haha, then can I call you Jiejie?” Innocently looking at Zhang Xiangling, she saw that the other person’s face was stiff. Zhang Xiangling looked at Shen Jingshu’s eager expression and was very annoyed. She quickly looked for an excuse to change the topic, “Ya! Jingshu, the pearl flowers on your head are really nice! “Clearly, Zhang Xiangling did not want Shen Jingshu to call her Jiejie. This kind of sudden change in topic was not obvious, but Shen Jingshu could still sense it.
This Zhang Xiangling…
“Haha, really? Zhang jiejie, is it really good-looking?” The other person did not want to be called “Jiejie“? Then she would insist on saying it! Staring at Zhang Xiangling’s somewhat distorted face, Shen Jingshu was amused.
“Of course it is good-looking!” She had originally believed that Shen Jingshu had the temperament of a small child, she had heard that if you overly praised something, they would forget about things that just happened. However, she did not expect that the other person would directly change her words, Zhang Xiangling somewhat regretted that she had mentioned this topic. At this moment, it was also not good to say anything.
“Then does Zhang jiejie like it? If you say that you like it, I will give it to Zhang jiejie!”
“This is what you are wearing, it could be a.s.sumed that you also like it. If that’s the case, then there is no need to give it to me.” Zhang Xiangling rejected Shen Jingshu’s kindness. Although Zhang Xiangling was a daughter born from a concubine, her aspirations were very high, how could she take things from a small child like Shen Jingshu? However, as she thought of something, there was actually a smile on Zhang Xiangling’s face.”Right, Jingshu, do you have many good looking pearl flowers like this?”
“Of course, I have so many!”
“Then can you let me take a look?” Guiding step by step, Zhang Xiangling had not found an opportunity to go to Shen fu these days. Was this not a heaven-sent opportunity?
“But they are all at home!” It was reasonable to say that Shen Jingshu should have directly invited Zhang Xiangling at that moment, however, Shen Jingshu did not seem to understand the other person’s profound meaning. Looking rather distressed, Zhang Xiangling was worried and wanted to say something, but Qi Xueyan interrupted from the side, “Jingshu, come over and sit, drink some hot tea!” Qi Xueyan had not forgotten Qi furen’s instructions, she had to appear to be close friends with Zhang Xiangling.
This cousin of hers was very fishy. Out of all the people, why did she treat Shen Jingshu particularly good? Furthermore, that day…
In the end, Qi Xueyan was much younger and couldn’t guess what Zhang Xiangling was thinking, so she just acted in accordance with Qi furen’s instructions. However, Shen Jingshu had already experienced one life, she could see through many things. Seeing the light that had been in Zhang Xiangling’s eyes a moment ago coupled with Zhang Xiangling’s previous actions, Shen Jingshu now had a basic understanding.
But, why? Obviously, it was impossible for the two people to meet each other!
Suspicious, Shen Jingshu continued to accept Zhang Xiangling’s goodwill but did not show her much interest. No matter what Zhang Xiangling said, Shen Jingshu did not invite the other person to go to her home. Instead, she found an opportunity to question Qi Xueyan, “Xueyan, why did you suddenly remember to call me to play today?” Shen Jingshu had not forgotten that Qi Xueyan still held resentment towards her.
“Haha, I have not invited you in some time and my cousin said that it was somewhat boring so I let you come over. I also wanted it to be lively.” After Qi Xueyan said these several things, it was clear that she was very cold towards Shen Jingshu, Shen Jingshu naturally felt it. However, she did not mind.
“This…” As expected, Zhang Xiangling, Zhang Xiangling, what do you want to do?
……
With her thoughts becoming increasingly confirmed, Shen Jingshu did not know why, but looking at Zhang Qingling’s youthful appearance, she couldn’t tell what the other person was feeling. After sitting for a while, she found an excuse to leave. Zhang Xiangling chased after her, “ Jingshu, why are you leaving so fast? Why aren’t you sitting for a while? We want to talk to you!
“It’s late. Mom told me to come back early, I’ll come back another day!”
“Then, I, can I find you to play?” Courageously saying these words, Zhang Xiangling looked at Shen Jingshu with a nervous expression, “You, you also know that it is rare for me to come here. I also do not know several people here, Xueyan is also busy, can I find you to play?” Looking at the other person’s friendly expression, if Shen Jingshu did not know that the other person was abnormal and did not now that there was a large gap between their ages, she was afraid that she would have already taken the other person’s expression as real.
“Haha, if Zhang jiejie wants to come, then come with Xueyan!” Smiling, if she said it like this, could Shen Jingshu still refuse? However, the prerequisite was that she had to come with Qi Xueyan. According to Qi Xueyan’s recent att.i.tude towards her, one’s afraid that she would not be willing. But looking at Zhang Xiangling’s happy expression, it seemed that she was not worried at all, “Then it’s settled.”
……
Shen Jingshu had originally thought that Zhang Xiangling would not come for a while. After all, there was Qi Xueyan. However, she did not expect that just after the fifteenth, Zhang Xiangling would pull Qi Xueyan over looking very happy.
“Jingshu, I originally wanted to come over earlier but was busy celebrating the New year, Aunt also did not allow me to go out. It was difficult for us to come today, we should have a lot of fun!” This was Zhang Xiangling’s first time at Shen fu, looking at the exquisite decorations in the courtyard, Zhang Xiangling’s eyes held envy and a trace of longing.
Zhang Xiangling wore a peach colored jacket today, she also had exquisite jewelry in her hair. As she walked up the road she swayed to showcase her appearance, it was clear that the other person had put a lot of effort into her appearance today. The objects on her body were all new, it seemed that in the past few days, the other person had prepared a lot!
Zhang Xiangling had never lacked beauty, now that she had attentively dressed and her makeup was refined, Shen Jingshu only felt that the prior bright look in her eyes had really come. Shen Jingshu inwardly sighed, “Haha, why didn’t you say anything in advance that you were coming? I would have prepared to entertain you. Say, without saying anything, isn’t it impolite?”
“No way, we just come and sit and talk. Oh, that’s right, Jingshu are Shen laoye and Shen furen home? Since we have come, it’s only right to go and pay respects.” When speaking, Zhang Xiangling’s eyes were somewhat eager, although she tried to hide it well, Shen Jingshu noticed it.
“My parents are home!” It had to be said that Zhang Xiangling had really picked a good day, Shen Wenhua just happened to be taking a rest at home today, Shen Jingshu suspected that this was what Zhang Xiangling had planned.
“Then we will have to trouble you to take us to see Shen laoye and Shen furen so as to avoid seeming impolite.” Zhang Xiangling’s request was reasonable, although Shen Jingshu was not willing, she had no way to refuse, “Alright, come with me!”
Along the way, Shen Jingshu deliberately walked slowly, looking at Zhang Xiangling’s eyes, they clearly held some anxiousness. So much so that she kept fixing her clothes and head ornament. When they finally reached the door Zhang Xiangling even stopped to touch her head ornament and clothes again, confirming that there was no problem, she let out a relieved sigh and smiled as she went in. Watching this from the corner of her eye, Shen Jingshu could not help but feel more certain and suspicious.
……
“Dad, Mom! “Walking in, she saw her parents’ friendly and affectionate expressions, Shen Jingshu smiled and went over. Shen Wenhua noticed that some people had come over and could not help but reveal a little smile.” Shu-er came? Haha, we have guests today? “Looking at Qi Xueyan, Shen Wenhua recognized her, but the other person…
Looking at the other person’s face, Shen Wenhua frowned, “This is…”
“Daddy, this is Zhang jiejie, Xueyan’s concubine born cousin!” Pointing out the other person’s status, Shen Jingshu saw a streak of anger cross Zhang Xiangling’s eyes, “Shen laoye, Shen furen!” Cutley bowing, Zhang Xiangling’s every move was filled with the tenderness of a young woman. The smile on Zhang Xiangling’s face was also just right, it made it seem that she was filled with gentleness.
“So it is Zhang xiaojie …” Nodding his head, Shen Wenhua did not look at Zhang Xiangling again. His eyes were locked on his wife, how could he notice another?
“Shen laoye, Yan-er and I paid a visit today, I don’t know if we disturbed you?” Zhang Xiangling’s mother was a good concubine, naturally her status was much higher compared to ordinary concubine born daughters. What’s more, she had been intelligent since childhood and was pampered at home. After reaching a marriageable age, there had been many people who came and asked for her hand in marriage. She was also good-looking, any man that saw her would usually take several glances, why did this person in front of her only glance at her briefly? Zhang Xiangling was very upset.
“You are Shu-er‘s friend, how could you disturb us? Shu-er, it was hard for Zhang xiaojie to come over, you must carefully take care of your guests!”
“Yes, Daddy!” Smiled, Shen Jingshu was very satisfied with her daddy’s behavior, looking at Zhang Xiangling’s disappointed expression, Shen Jingshu was too lazy to take care of this much and waited until Qi Xueyan said her greetings. Shen Jingshu sat for a while and then pulled them to leave.
Although Zhang Xiangling did not want to leave, she knew that she was older and as a guest, how could she justify staying behind? Reluctantly she glanced at Shen Wenhua, Zhang Xiangling was undoubtedly envious of Dan Yuerong, she was envious that the other person could obtain Shen Wenhua’s favor and envious of the other person’s fortune!
……
“Jingshu, Shen laoye treats Shen furen really well, it truly makes other people envious.” Zhang Xiangling recalled Shen Wenhua’s thoughtfulness and consideration toward Dan Yuerong just now, when she remembered that the other person had only glanced at her once, she became even more jealous.
“Of course daddy treats mom well. Mom is still pregnant with little brother, daddy wants to hold mom in the palm of his hand!”
“How did you know that it is a younger brother? What if it’s a younger sister? Would Shen laoye not like it?” Wanting to comfort herself, Zhang Xiangling looked at Shen Jingshu and spoke with urgency.
“No matter if it is a younger brother or sister, daddy will like it. These years daddy has only had me, one daughter, he loves me a lot.”
“But I have heard that Shen furen has not been pregnant for many years. Now that she had finally become pregnant with great difficulty, if it is a daughter, how can that be good? Shen furen is now very old….”
“Daddy said that regardless of whether it is a younger brother or sister in mom’s belly, he would love it equally!”
“Then what if there are no sons? How could that be good? Shen laoye, he…” Zhang Xiangling carelessly spoke the words in her heart, she quickly stopped at that moment in fear that other people would see something, “Jingshu, don’t misunderstand. I was merely worried, that’s it. There is no other meaning.” Zhang Xiangling appeared to be concerned about Shen Jingshu, but who knew what she was really thinking?
“Zhang jiejie, why does it seem that you especially hope that my mom will give birth to a daughter?” Shen Jingshu looked strangely at Zhang Xiangling. A child’s heart was the most sensitive and direct, for her to speak like this was hardly taboo, Zhang Xiangling was filled with embarra.s.sment,” No, no, I was just worried, that’s all. Really, I’ve always heard that Shen laoye and Shen furen had excellent feelings between them. In these years, Shen laoye has always kept his hands clean for Shen furen and is not like other males who have three wives and four concubines. It has made many people feel envious. I also admire Shen furen, naturally I was also worried for her.” In the end, Zhang Xiangling saying these things as an unmarried woman was still somewhat awkward. Furthermore, one did not know if she had a guilty conscience as she did not make eye contact.
“So it turns out to be like this. Haha, thank you Zhang jiejie. But, you don’t have to worry. Regardless if mom gives birth to a little brother, the way daddy treats her will not change!”Smiling as she looked at Zhang Xiangling, Shen Jingshu was still not sure what the other person was thinking. This is really stupid, Shen Jingshu really did not understand why Zhang Xiangling fancied her father.
“Haha, really?” Hearing Shen Jingshu’s words, Zhang Xiangling felt particularly uncomfortable and felt that Shen Jingshu had said this deliberately but could not find any evidence. She had no better option but to think of a way to deal with Shen Jingshu, after sitting for a while, Zhang Xiangling’s mind had already drifted far away. Thinking for a moment, Zhang Xiangling finally found an excuse, “Jingshu, my stomach hurts … …” covering her stomach, Zhang Xiangling’s face looked anxious. Shen Jingshu had no choice but to allow Chun Xiao to accompany her to go, “Chun Xiao, go with Zhang jiejie!”
“Yes, Xiaojie!”
“Jingshu, then I’ll go first and come back in a while!” Walking somewhat anxiously, one did not know if Zhang Xiangling was really anxious or if something was going on. Before they left, Shen Jingshu had instructed Chun Xiao to properly care for Zhang Xiangling so she relaxed and continued to speak with Qi Xueyan. However, Qi Xueyan did not speak much today. It still seemed that she had not laid down the grudge she held in her heart for Shen Jingshu.
“Xueyan, are you still angry with me? Why are you not speaking?”Actually, there was no need to ask, Shen Jingshu knew that Zhang Xiangling had definitely thought of a way to call Qi Xueyan over today. She did not know what method the other person used, but the other person was really somewhat smart so, she still had to be really careful.
“Haha, how can that be? I just saw you speaking happily with cousin, it was not easy to interrupt.” In the end, Qi Xueyan was still young and her mind did not think that way, how could she know Zhang Xiangling’s thoughts?
“Haha, Zhang jiejie was very pa.s.sionate.”
“Indeed, she was very enthusiastic. But in the end, she is only a concubine born child who can not appear in public!” Qi Xueyan, this person, cared most about status, how could she care about Zhang Xiangling. This time, if it weren’t for Zhang Xiangling promising her benefits, would she have really come?
“How could you say that Xueyan? Zhang jiejie is very nice!” She gave Qi Xueyan a puzzled look, Qi Xueyan saw Shen Jingshu’s innocent expression and did know why she felt particularly annoyed. However, she had no choice but to Qi furen’s instructions and accompanied Shen Jingshu with a smiling face “She is very good, I was just kidding!”
“Haha, so you were telling a joke! By the way, what are you thinking about Xueyan? Why does it seem that you are thinking about something?” Qi Xueyan had indeed been a little hard to get along with these days, she was always lost in thought. According to Shen Jingshu’s opinion, she was afraid that Qi Xueyan was pining after someone.
However, Qi Xueyan is still very young, is it possible that she had really met someone?
“No, how can that be?” Qi Xueyan was certainly thinking of something, but how could she tell Shen Jingshu what was on her mind?
“Xueyan, we are friends. If you have something in your heart, you have to tell me so that I can help you, I will definitely help you!”
“Haha, of course I will tell you, don’t worry!” Although her mouth said these words, Qi Xueyan certainly did not think this way in her mind. She did not want to deal with Shen Jingshu because she feared that the other person would s.n.a.t.c.h that thing away from her, it was important to note that Shen Jingshu’s status was higher than hers!
“That’s good. Seeing you this way, I can relax. I still thought you were angry with me and did not plan to interact with me!”
“No, if I didn’t care about you, I would not have invited you to my house to play or come here.”
“Haha, I knew you were the best!” Really do not mind? Haha, you only said these words but I can see that you do not believe them.
“That’s right! Jingshu, I heard that during the New Year’s Duan w.a.n.g shizi gave you all New Year’s gifts, is that true?” Suddenly asking this, Qi Xueyan had actually wanted to ask this a while ago but was afraid that Shen Jingshu would discover something. After thinking about it she remembered that Shen Jingshu was only a child who did not have any scheming thoughts. If she asked this question, the other person would not have any ideas.
“Yeah, what’s the matter?” Shen Jingshu was very cooperative and did not show any suspicion, Qi Xueyan was then able to relax.
“Does Duan w.a.n.g shizi come to your house often?” Why had Duan w.a.n.g shizi never visited her home after her brother’s birthday? Was it because her father was only a fourth-ranked official? Could they not compare to the Shen family? Or was it because of that one event that Duan w.a.n.g shizi had an opinion of them, so he did not come?
Thinking of this, Qi Xueyan’s resentment towards Shen Jingshu could not help but rise again.
“ Xueyan, how can Duan w.a.n.g shizi, this kind of person, come often? It was only because we sent New Year’s gifts to Duan w.a.n.g shizi first and Duan w.a.n.g shizi sent return gifts. Afterward, it is only normal to walk around, it was nothing!” Shen Jingshu said it this way of course because she saw Qi Xueyan’s feelings towards Duan w.a.n.g shizi. Furthermore, she did not have any feeling toward Duan w.a.n.g shizi. Of course she had to explain it clearly to avoid Qi Xueyan considering her as an imaginary enemy.
“Really?” Looking at Shen Jingshu’s simple and harmless expression, Qi Xueyan felt that she was thinking too much. What was Duan w.a.n.g shizi’s status, how could he fall for Shen Jingshu? Aside from having a much better family background than her, how could the other person compare to her?
She was only a small child who did not understand anything. A person who had a peerless deity like appearance like Duan w.a.n.g shizi was naturally worthy of an outstanding woman like her!
“Haha, Xueyan, why did you suddenly ask about Duan w.a.n.g shizi?”
“No reason, I just randomly asked!” After obtaining the answer she relaxed, Qi Xueyan’s att.i.tude towards Shen Jingshu became much better. Thinking of Qi furen’s instructions, Qi Xueyan started to talk about interesting things that had happened recently. The two girls talked and laughed and seem to have regained their intimacy with each other.
“Haha, Jingshu, it would be better to go out tomorrow evening to see the flower lanterns. I heard it is very fun!”
“Okay!”
“Then it’s settled. When the time comes, Gege will also come!”
“Alright!”
……
If Qi Xueyan really wanted to get someone to like her it was a very easy thing to do. The two girls talked so intimately that people who did not know would think that their feelings for each other were very good, but only they themselves clearly understood.
The two girls chatted and forgot about the time but after a while, Qi Xueyan discovered that something was wrong, “Jingshu, how come older cousin has still not returned?” Calculating the time, Zhang Xiangling had already been gone for a very long time.
“Zhang jiejie has really been gone for a long time, Chun Mei, you go and see what happened!”
“Alright Xiaojie!” Just as Chun Mei was preparing to go she saw Chun Xiao frantically running in, “Xiaojie not good, not good.”
“What happened that made you so fl.u.s.tered?”
“Xiaojie, Zhang xiaojie fell.”
“How could she fall?”
“Nubi, nubi doesn’t know…”
“How did you take care of Zhang jiejie, did I not tell you to carefully serve her?”
“Xiaojie, nubi…” Wanting to say something else, she suddenly stopped after seeing Shen Jingshu’s expression and her heart sank. “Alright, where is Zhang jiejie now?”
“Laoye already called a doctor to come over, Xiaojie don’t worry.”
“Daddy?” This Zhang Xiangling was really taking advantage of an opportunity!
“En, when Zhang xiaojie fell Laoye saw and let people help Zhang xiaojie rest.”
“Was there anything blocking the path?” What was going on? Shen Jingshu wanted to ask but Qi Xueyan was there so she did not.
“She fell on her leg, I don’t know about any other place. The doctor is on the way!”
“Then we will quickly go over and take a look!” This Zhang Xiangling really caused people to worry!
“Xiaojie, in the garden!”
“Alright, you lead the way!” Shen Jingshu wanted to go and Qi Xueyan also did not want to stay behind, “Wait Jingshu, I will also go and see!” In the end, it was her cousin, although Qi Xueyan was not satisfied with Zhang Xiangling’s birth, Zhang Xiangling was still a person who knew how to conduct herself. In these days that she had come to Jiangnan, she had sent many good things to Qi Xueyan to make her very happy. Otherwise, why would Qi Xueyan have brought Zhang Xiangling there today?
However, how could she be so careless? Really troublesome!