DDR 59

Chapter 59: Encountering shizi

With no Ruan momo to incite trouble at home, and with the aid of Master Hui, Dan Yuerong once again searched for a wet nurse for Shen Zihan. The wet nurse they found was poor, and had recently given birth to a child. Her husband was also honest, and she herself was clean and tidy. Although she was not well dressed, she looked very energetic. Dan Yuerong met her in person and felt she wasn’t bad, so she retained her. The wet nurse’s husband’s family’s surname was Wang, so everyone called her Mrs. Wang. She conducted herself in an upright and good-natured manner. At this time, Shen Jingshu felt thoroughly relieved.

In the blink of an eye, winter had arrived, but this year because Shen Zihan was still young, Shen Wenhua found a reason not to return to the capital. Although Old Madam Shen missed her son and grandson, she also knew that the child shouldn’t be out in the cold in the winter. She could only endure and agree. Shen Wenhua naturally sent a lot of New Year’s gifts to the capital.

This time, Old Madam Shen did not send any more people, but she did have people send some things over, as well as meet with Ruan momo. After all these days, Ruan momo naturally knew of Shen Wenhua’s determination, and so she didn’t dare to do much, and she helped Shen Wenhua play dumb. Old Madam Shen didn’t suspect anything, and so Dan Yuerong had quite a few free and unfettered days in Jiangnan.

“Wenhua, for Duan Wang shizi‘s[1] side, is this year the same as last year?” For more than a year, the Shen family and Duan Wang shizi had maintained a distance that was neither distant nor close. At the New Year, they gave each other gifts.[2] Their relationship was somewhat more intimate than before, but nevertheless they did not visit each other often. Duan Wang shizi kept a low profile. Although he was studying in Jiangnan, and everyone looked upon him favorably, he did not have many dealings with rich merchants or bureaucrats. It was only during New Year’s last year that he personally came to give a return gift, and he hadn’t returned to the Shen residence again since.

“En, compared to last year, it’s a little more. But I heard that Duan Wang has sent someone to ask Duan Wang shizi to go back. No one has seen him leave yet, so if we’re going to send gifts, we should do it quickly!”

“Yes, Wenhua.” With Shen Wenhua’s words, Dan Yuerong quickly prepared gifts for people to send, but this time Duan Wang shizi didn’t show his face. He merely sent a return gift and had people convey his thanks. Dan Yuerong did not concern herself over it, and one New Year’s gift after another resulted in another merry New Year.

“Wenhua, this year Jiangnan had a good harvest. It looks like this year, everyone’s days have been excellent. It’s truly a good thing!” Having stayed here for another year, Dan Yuerong knew that this kind of life did not come easily or often, so she cherished every day.

“Indeed, it is so. In the past few years, the weather has been good for crops. The people have been well-fed and well-clothed. Seeing that they’re getting along happily, my heart is comforted.”

“That’s true. I went out today and saw a lot of people wearing new clothes. Everyone is happy!” Another year had passed, and Shen Jingshu’s heart was actually very anxious. Now that the day when Shen Wenhua had met with mishap was getting nearer and nearer, Shen Jingshu wanted to start preparing.

The time was about to arrive. In the spring, she must persuade her dad not to repeat the events of her previous life!

Although she was worried, Shen Jingshu’s face did not reveal it. She was cheerful every day during the New Year’s celebrations. Seeing Shen Zihan growing up day by day, his face becoming more and more rounded, and him smiling and giggling all day long, Shen Jingshu felt that nothing could make her more content.

Now her parents were here, and she had one more family member. The relationship between the Shen residence and the Qi residence was now one of only keeping up appearances on the surface. Everything was much better than her previous life, so she could definitely change the ending!

After the end of the year, it was natural to give New Year’s greetings everywhere. Shen Jingshu and Shen Zihan both received a lot of red envelopes, especially Shen Zihan. Because he had just been born and it was his first year, he got extra red envelopes, and Shen Jingshu became jealous. “Dad, Mom, look, Hang’er has a lot more than me. Everyone is so biased!”

“Shu’er, your brother is still young, and it’s his first year, so naturally he’s received more. When you were born, you got about the same amount as Hang’er, and maybe even a little more. Don’t be jealous!” Shen Jingshu was Dan Yuerong’s and Shen Wenhua’s first child, and held the position of an official eldest daughter, which was not lower than an official son.[3]

“Got it, Mom!” She puffed out her cheeks, and Shen Jingshu’s face revealed a little embarrassment. Although she had been reborn, now she was used to this tiny body, and sometimes the things did were really childish.

* * * *

Celebrating the New Year was originally a happy affair, but Shen Jingshu still encountered something unhappy. On the day of the Lantern Festival,[4] there would be a dragon lantern dance outside,[5] and of course Shen Jingshu planned to go see it with a few good friends. Although Qi Xueyan was dissatisfied, Shen Jingshu also called Yang Huilan and Kong Xinhe. Because she had no choice but to follow her older brother’s instructions, she could only follow them unwillingly.

The street was very lively, the dragon for the dragon lantern dance was very long, and the drums and gongs sounded constantly. The group of girls wandered around with smiles on their faces, and the maids following them felt very worried, “Miss, please slow down, don’t wander off!” There were so many people on the street that if one got lost, it wouldn’t be good. Today, it was Chun Mei who came out to accompany Shen Jingshu. Thinking of Dan Yuerong’s instructions before leaving, Chun Mei was anxious.

“Chun Mei, don’t worry, it’s okay, don’t be nervous!” In fact, Shen Jingshu didn’t want to bring anyone, as it was just going out to play with a few people, but they were after all still young, and her family was not at ease, so Shen Jingshu had no choice but to let Chun Mei follow along.

However it was rare for them to come out, so it was only natural for them to be like birds released in the wind. Looking at the bustle and excitement, the dazzling goods to delight the eye on the street, and the lively dragon lanterns, the girls had a fun time. However, they did not notice that due to their gorgeous clothes and uncommon appearances, in some peoples’ eyes they looked like gold ingots.

Being stared at by others, Shen Jingshu felt a bit of a chill down her back. Shen Jingshu had just begun to turn to look around, when she felt someone knock into her, causing a chain reaction. Very quickly, she was turned about many times, until she was pushed out far away from where she’d been standing.

“Huilan? Xinhe? Xueyan?” There were already a lot of people, and Shen Jingshu was pushed in amongst them. Very quickly, she was no longer able to see Qi Xueyan and the others. She wanted to go look for them, but there were too many people, and she had no way to get back. She couldn’t help but feel a bit anxious and uneasy. Shen Jingshu began pushing through the crowd, thinking to return. At that moment, she heard a familiar voice she did not expect to hear. “Shen meimei, why are you here?” That pleasantly surprised voice was coupled with Qi Shaodong’s ever more handsome face. Shen Jingshu looked back and caught sight of Qi Shaodong’s smiling face that was mixed with surprise. Shen Jingshu suddenly felt a headache coming on.

Ai, she also didn’t know what was going on. Although Qi Shaodong was good to her before, he would not take the initiative to come stick to her, and he was even more unlikely to take the initiative to show her goodwill, or look at her with such an expression in his eyes.

Now Qi Shaodong wasn’t young anymore. In a few years, he could marry a wife and have children.[6] It was already time for him to be gradually getting to know the ways of the world, and unconsciously the look in his eyes when he looked at her was becoming more fervent and possessive. That kind of expression made Shen Jingshu very uncomfortable. “Shaodong gege, why are you here?” Although she asked, but observing the pleased expression on his face like he’d gotten away with something, Shen Jingshu could guess that he was responsible for her being pushed and separated from Huilan and the others just now!

Nowadays, they were actually making more petty maneuvers, and compared to before, this was even one step further!

“Hehe, Shen meimei, today is the Lantern Festival. With such nice dragon lamps outside, why wouldn’t I come out? I just didn’t expect that I’d run into you. But are you alone? Why don’t you have anyone with you?” He asked, though he knew the answer. Qi Shaodong looked at the surroundings around Shen Jingshu and found there really wasn’t anyone. He couldn’t help but nod a little in satisfaction.

“I was with people just now, but I got separated. Shaodong gege, what about you? You’re also by yourself?” Such a coincidence, he came to see the dragon lanterns alone? Shen Jingshu didn’t think Qi Shaodong was that carefree.

“I was originally with a few friends, but there are so many people and I also got separated. I was planning to go back, but I didn’t expect to meet you, Shen meimei. It’s truly fated!”

“Is that so?” Wearing a fake smile, Shen Jingshu looked at Qi Shaodong’s earnest gaze. She really didn’t understand, why had Qi Shaodong changed so much from before?

Previously, hadn’t he always been polite and refined towards her? She’d never seen him be so eager towards her, even as part of a little trick? What changed? Or was it because she no longer stuck to him like glue in this lifetime, so he found it interesting, and wanted to conquer her?

“Shen meimei, you’re by yourself, you’re young, and you are still a girl. It’s not safe. It would be better if I accompany you. If something happened, it wouldn’t be good.” Shen Jingshu was now alone. Whether one assessed emotionally or logically, he should accompany her. Qi Shaodong felt particularly happy about his plan.

Shen meimei didn’t know what was going on. Although she still treated him nicely, she wasn’t as close to him as before. In addition, she’d become much cuter, and he couldn’t help but look at her. Nowadays, the more he looked at her, the more he wanted to get close to her. Qi Shaodong was gradually getting older, so it was natural that he was vaguely beginning to understand his own thoughts. Therefore, he had to hurry up. After all, the present was not like the past. His family and the Shen family were excellent. If he wanted to marry the person in front of him, he must work hard!

“Hehe, okay, Shaodong gege, let’s go together. Come with me to find Huilan and the others!”

“En. Be careful!” Seeing someone come over, Qi Shaodong naturally wanted to pull Shen Jingshu out of the way, but he had just barely touched her clothing when Shen Jingshu evaded his hand. Qi Shaodong felt the soft touch on his hand and couldn’t help but feel a little regret. He looked at Shen Jingshu’s bearing which was much more sweet and graceful than before, and noticed she had gradually grown. He really wanted to know this girl’s appearance if he hugged her. “Shen meimei, there are many people here. You can lean on me, so you don’t get knocked into.” Qi Shaodong naturally acted upon what he was thinking in his heart. He wanted to get closer to Shen Jingshu, and this was a good excuse.

However, apparently Shen Jingshu did not appreciate it. “It’s okay, Shaodong gege, I’ll pay attention. Let’s go!” After she finished speaking, she began walking forward, not giving Qi Shaodong a chance to respond.

This person made her feel nauseated just looking at him. How could she let him touch her?

Qi Shaodong, ah, Qi Shaodong, it’s you yourself that insists on provoking me. When the time comes, you cannot blame me!

“Okay, then be careful!” Originally, he wanted to pull Shen Jingshu, but she didn’t give him the opportunity. Qi Shaodong’s face was a little awkward, but he soon covered it up. He walked very carefully along with Shen Jingshu, but he did not want Shen Jingshu to find Qi Xueyan and the others too quickly. “Shen meimei, look at all the bustle over there. Shall we go take a look?”

“No thanks. We should find Huilan and the others without delay, so that they don’t worry!” Just now, she’d felt very uneasy. She believed she should find Yang Huilan and the others earlier so as to avoid any accidents.

“All right, they might be over there. I saw a few people over there that from the back seemed to look like them!” He had already discussed it with Qi Xueyan before, so that Qi Xueyan would go one way after separating from Shen Jingshu, so as to avoid finding Shen Jingshu. At this moment, Qi Shaodong naturally pointed in the opposite direction.

Nonsense, he’d had a difficult time meeting up with the girl he admired, so how could he let this opportunity slip away so easily?

Now they were older than before. He couldn’t always go to the Shen residence, and he could no longer go see Shen Jingshu by himself. That’s why he’d used a lot of thought on this!

“Really?” She wrinkled her brows. Of course, Shen Jingshu knew that Qi Shaodong wouldn’t really point out the direction where Qi Xueyan and the others were, and that they must be in the opposite direction from where he pointed. In that case, the direction she should walk was…

“That’s right. I saw them just now. I remember that Yan’er is wearing green clothes today. Look, aren’t those Yan’er’s clothes?” He pointed to a random place. In any case, the crowd was walking fast and Shen Jingshu probably couldn’t see.

Qi Shaodong thought that Shen Jingshu would follow him, but he never thought Shen Jingshu would look at where he pointed and shake her head, “Shaodong gege, that’s not Xueyan. You saw it wrong, let’s go. We’ll go this way, they may have gone there.” She pointed to the opposite direction from Qi Shaodong.

Qi Shaodong saw that that direction was exactly where he had discussed with Qi Xueyan, and he was a bit unwilling. “Shen meimei, I really saw it. It can’t be that I would mistake my own sister, right?” Why is it so difficult to lie at such a young age?

Qi Shaodong felt that he was more and more attracted to Shen Jingshu, but the more he felt this way, he felt that Shen Jingshu was getting farther and farther away from him. Therefore he wanted to get closer!

“That person’s figure looks similar, so it’s not impossible for you to make a mistake, Shaodong gege. Let’s go, or Xueyan and the others will be worried!” She didn’t wait for Qi Shaodong to refuse and started walking, her heart anxious. She was a little upset and worried that something would happen.

“Ai, wait for me, Shen meimei, wait, don’t wander off!” Seeing Shen Jingshu leaving, Qi Shaodong had no choice but to follow her. He felt unwilling, and wanted to slow her down. He didn’t have many opportunities to interact with Shen Jingshu, but she was walking very quickly. If he were to slow down, he would not keep up with Shen Jingshu. Qi Shaodong had no choice but to obediently walk at her side. “Shen meimei, don’t worry. If they can’t find you, they will naturally wait for you. Look at how lively it is, and there are so many fun things. Don’t you want to take a look?” He tried using these things to distract her, but Shen Jingshu didn’t want to spend even half a moment with him. Furthermore, she was worried about Yang Huilan and the others. How would she be willing?

“Let’s find them first, and discuss that later. I’m afraid they are anxious about me. Shaodong gege, hurry up!” They still had not found Qi Xueyan and the others. Shen Jingshu was very worried, and she increased her pace.

“Shen meimei, wait for me!” Seeing that Shen Jingshu was going faster and faster, Qi Shaodong accelerated his footsteps and followed after her. The two people walked around in a big circle and still did not find the girls, even in the place where Qi Shaodong and Qi Xueyan had agreed on earlier. At this moment, Qi Shaodong also became a bit concerned. “Where did Yan’er and the others go? Why haven’t we seen them?”

“Hurry up and search, I’m worried something may have happened!” Shen Jingshu frowned and Qi Shaodong also began to worry. He looked all around him. He was sure that this was the place that he and Qi Xueyan had previously discussed. Shen Jingshu thought it over, and finally went towards the area where she’d first gotten separated. Sure enough, she saw Chun Mei waiting there anxiously, “Chun Mei, what about Huilan and the others?”

“Miss, you’re here! Where did you go just now? This servant was so anxious that one almost went to look for you!” Chun Mei was still smart. She was worried that Shen Jingshu would not be able to find her, so she did not dare move from where she was. Luckily, Shen Jingshu appeared again quickly, otherwise she would be scared to death.

“I accidentally got lost just now. Have you seen Huilan and the others?”

“This servant, this servant has not. Miss, you had disappeared just now. This servant was worried, and could only wait here in the original spot. Miss Yang and the others were uneasy, and said they were going to look for you. Why, Miss, haven’t you seen them?”

“No, are they together?” If they were together, she could feel relieved.

“Miss Yang and Miss Kong are together, but Miss Qi went a different direction alone, saying they’re going to find you.”

“What, Yan’er didn’t go with them?” When Qi Shaodong saw Chun Mei, he was hopeful, but now that he heard that his sister had left alone, he couldn’t help but worry.

There were so many people here, and his sister was good-looking, looked wealthy, and was so small. What if she were seen by an evildoer? Wouldn’t that be awful? There was some anxiety in his heart, and Qi Shaodong could not help but feel reproachful, “How could Miss Yang and Miss Kong let Yan’er go off alone? What if something happened to Yan’er?” The habit of looking for others to blame could be considered a Qi family trait, could it not? When they did something wrong, they rarely found that they themselves were the cause, but rather blamed others.

“Miss Yang wanted Miss Qi to go together with them, but Miss Qi said that she saw my Miss and wanted to go the other way, and Miss Yang couldn’t do anything about it!” Chun Mei noticed Qi Shaodong blaming Yang Huilan and Kong Xinhe, and was not happy. Naturally she felt the need to explain.

Just now no one drove Miss Qi away, it was she herself who walked away! Who was the one to blame?

“She wanted to go, wouldn’t you all follow her? Why did you leave her alone?” Qi Shaodong felt very uncomfortable listening to Chun Mei’s words. Thinking about how there wasn’t a trace of his little sister, Qi Shaodong was uneasy. He was also worried about returning home and being punished by his parents.

“All right, Shaodong gege, now is not the time to talk about this. Let’s separate to go search, lest something really does happen.” Shen Jingshu couldn’t see Qi Shaodong as a person who wouldn’t take responsibility. Shen Jingshu pulled on Chun Mei and started walking. Qi Shaodong watched Shen Jingshu go, and he naturally followed, “How can I let you go alone? I’ll join you, but if we don’t find Yan’er, you’ll be lost again!”

“It’s okay, I have Chun Mei with me. If we all go look together, it’ll be too slow, so it’s better to be separated!”

“But…” He had created this opportunity with great difficulty. Could it be gone just like that? Qi Shaodong really didn’t want to accept it!

“Shaodong gege, don’t say anymore, it’s important to find them!” No longer wasting any more time with Qi Shaodong, Shen Jingshu directly pulled Chun Mei and left. Although Qi Shaodong wanted to follow, he could only sigh with annoyance when thinking of what Shen Jingshu said. He turned and went in the other direction to search for Qi Xueyan.

Meimei, you must not run into trouble, otherwise I will be miserable when facing our parents!

* * * *

Having avoided Qi Shaodong, Shen Jingshu also completely let go now. “Chun Mei, do you remember which direction Huilan and Xinhe went?” Qi Xueyan had Qi Shaodong looking for her, but she was still concerned about her two friends!

“This way!”

“Go, let’s take a look!” There were many people on the street, both adults and children, and there are also many peddlers, all of which were very lively. However, because of this, it made it a lot more troublesome for Shen Jingshu to find anyone. In order to avoid getting separated from Chun Mei, the two held each other’s hands tightly as they pushed through the crowd. They searched this way and that, but still didn’t find Yang Huilan and Kong Xinhe. Shen Jingshu was worried, “Chun Mei, are you sure it was this way? Why haven’t we seen them yet? “

“This servant is certain! Miss, let’s look again!”

“Okay!” Shen Jingshu flew forward, not looking at the road, when she ran into a warm wall. That wall felt a little bit hard. Shen Jingshu felt her sight was a little blurred. “I’m sorry, I’m sorry, I didn’t hurt you, right?” She hurriedly apologized. Just now she had been too preoccupied talking to Chun Mei and neglected to look at the road in front of her. Now she’d knocked into someone, and she vaguely sensed he was male. Shen Jingshu truly felt embarrassed.

Shen Jingshu hung her head down in apology, not daring to look at the other person’s face. But then she heard a somewhat familiar voice, “Miss Shen?” The tone was inquiring, but it also sounded almost certain. Shen Jingshu only felt that she seemed to have heard that voice somewhere before. She lifted her gaze and was met with the sight of a handsome face. That person’s face was a little chilly, his features picturesque, unforgettable at a glance. If this wasn’t Duan Wang shizi, then who?

“Duan Wang shizi?” Meeting Duan Wang shizi once again, Shen Jingshu looked into the other’s eyes that looked as deep as the night sky, and felt like she was being sucked in. After taking a quick glimpse at him, she again lowered her head. In her mind, she silently cursed herself for not being careful. Knocking into someone was already no good, why did she have to bump into this person?

From the first time she’d met this person, she’d had the feeling of not wanting to come into contact with him. She didn’t like how she felt like he could see right through her.

The eyes of the person before her truly made her not want him to look anymore.

“Why is Miss Shen in such a hurry?” He saw the surprise flash through Shen Jingshu’s eyes before she lowered her small head. Duan Wang shizi just thought that the girl in front of him was adorably nervous.

He vaguely remembered seeing her several times. This girl gave him a feeling of being different. She obviously looked to be only five or six years old, but she always seemed like an ancient spirit, sometimes even seeming a little mature, not at all like a five or six year old child. Rather, she resembled an adult. This kind of contradictory feeling made Duan Wang shizi remember Shen Jingshu, therefore he recognized her at a glance.

The eldest daughter of Magistrate Shen was really a cute girl. Every time she gave him a different feeling. Such a girl was the first! It was no wonder he remembered her!

Perhaps it was because Shen Jingshu was distinctive. Duan Wang shizi usually was not inclined to talk much or meddle in others’ business, so today’s inquiry was a rare thing. When he asked, Shen Jingshu subconsciously wanted to avoid him, but after all, one more person was that much more strength, so although she was not certain whether Duan Wang shizi would lend a hand, Shen Jingshu still spoke truthfully, “Duan Wang shizi, I went out to play with a few friends today, but just now there were a lot of people and we were separated. Now I’m looking for them but can’t find them, so I’m very worried!”

“Really?” Seeing the tension on Shen Jingshu’s face, Duan Wang shizi couldn’t help but say, “Do you need my help?” After speaking, he felt surprised with himself.

When did he become willing to help others? This was something that hadn’t happened before. Was it because the girl in front of him gave him such a good impression?

Hehe, it didn’t matter. Since he had run into her, he could go ahead and help. In any case, this person was Magistrate Shen’s daughter. Magistrate Shen was a good person, so helping out was all right.

“Shizi, won’t it be troublesome?” If Duan Wang shizi could help, then of course Shen Jingshu would be pleased, but his status was so high, how could Shen Jingshu easily accept his help?

“Of course not, I just came out to walk around. Running into you must be fated. Helping you requires only very slight effort from me, so there’s no inconvenience!”

“Then I must thank you, Duan Wang shizi.” Shen Jingshu would not be argumentative now. Finding her friends was important, so she said no more. Then Duan Wang shizi said with some surprise, “Oh, that’s right, what do your friends look like? What clothes are they wearing today? Tell me, it’ll make it easier to find them!”

“Huilan is wearing a peach-red coat, Xinhe is wearing a blue one, and Xueyan is wearing a green coat. They all each had a maid with them, and the maids’ clothing was…” Shen Jingshu’s memory was very good, and she reported it in great detail. Not only did she describe the color and style of the clothes, but she remembered everything so clearly.

To the side, Duan Wang shizi’s eyes were filled with a little admiration. “Miss Shen actually observed very carefully.” This girl, at such a young age, one did not expect that her mind was so meticulous. She really wasn’t simple, was she? She was worthy of being Magistrate Shen’s daughter!

“I looked at what they were wearing before we left for the festival, so I saw it a bit more and remembered it.” Shen Jingshu was actually very bright, and she was also working hard now, so her memory was very good. She only needed a glance to more or less remember.

“Altogether there are six people, right?”

“En, that’s right.” She hesitated for a moment, but then still nodded. She did not want to mention Qi Xueyan, but rather let the other party suffer. However, Shen Jingshu did not want to be caught up in this matter and have it used against her later.

“Okay, I understand.” He nodded his head. Shen Jingshu didn’t know if it was her own misconception, but she thought she saw a small smile on that cold face. She could not help but stare blankly for a moment as she watched him issue a command. “Shuang,[7] did you memorize everything?”

“I’ve memorized it, shizi!”

“Go search, be sure to bring the ladies back safely!”

“Yes, Master!” Shuang did not expect that Duan Wang shizi would really help, and his eyes showed a little surprise. However, he didn’t ask further, and he soon disappeared into the crowd.

“Miss Shen, you can rest assured. Shuang is very good at finding people. Your friends will be found soon.”

Seeing his smiling expression, Shen Jingshu couldn’t help but smile back, “Thank you shizi.” With Duan Wang shizi’s help, Shen Jingshu felt relieved.

She wouldn’t doubt this person’s ability. The other person had said so, so that person would definitely find them.

“It’s no problem. Today I just happened to meet you, and it’s great to be able to help. However, Shuang won’t come back that quickly. Would Miss Shen like to wait with me in the teahouse up ahead, or would you like to wait here?” He pointed out the teahouse. In the end, Duan Wang shizi was not suited for such a lively scene. Today, he’d felt a little gloomy, so he’d gone out for a walk. He hadn’t expected to encounter Shen Jingshu, nor to help her out. Duan Wang shizi felt it was all somewhat incredible, but he didn’t hate it, so he offered the invitation.

“Since shizi‘s subordinates have gone to search, let’s go to the teahouse and wait. Standing here is really cold.” After observing his attitude, Shen Jingshu was willing. Besides, Shen Jingshu understood the temperament of the person in front of her. There was no way he would actually let her wait here by herself.

She was grateful to receive the help of others, and thus must be more considerate.

“In that case, then Miss Shen, after you.” Although Duan Wang shizi was a bit aloof, but after coming in contact with him, Shen Jingshu found him to be humble, courteous and magnanimous, a genuine gentleman. His every movement contained a hint of nobility and grace, and made one feel at ease.

It was no wonder that so many women wanted to marry him. Such a man would indeed be a good candidate for a husband. It was just that he was born in the Duan Wang residence, his achievements would belong to Duan Wang residence, his failures, would also belong to Duan Wang residence…

It was a pity that such a man…

Shen Jingshu rarely went out in her previous life, and the matters regarding Duan Wang shizi were all only what she’d heard from others. What she’d heard was not detailed, but it was merely somewhat regretful. Now that she’d met him in person, Shen Jingshu felt a little strange in her heart. “Shizi, please.”

* * * *

The two people walked one in front of the other towards the teahouse, but then Shen Jingshu noticed that Duan Wang shizi moved to walk at her side to protect her from the crowd. Shen Jingshu didn’t know why, but when she saw it, she felt a little warmth in her heart. Shen Jingshu suddenly felt embarrassed about wanting to avoid him earlier because she felt he could see through her.

They finally arrived at the teahouse. After the tea arrived, Shen Jingshu held a teacup in her hands and saluted Duan Wang shizi. “Shizi, I cannot thank you enough for today’s matters. I am young and have nothing to give shizi in return. I substitute this tea for wine, and use this cup to salute shizi!”

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Translator’s Notes

[1] As has been mentioned before, shizi just means heir, so he’s heir to the Duan Wang title. Wang probably means he’s some kind of prince, but since I’m not clear on the rank or relationship to the royal family, and since this is how it was written out previously, I’m leaving it as this mouthful for now.

[2] To be clear, this is Chinese New Year/Lunar New Year, which marks the end of winter. Typically falls between January 21^st and February 20^th.

[3] I’m translating di children as “official” (children of the official wife) for now; unless a bunch of shu children pop up (making me write concubine-born every other sentence), that’s how I’ll be translating it.

[4] The Lantern Festival is held on the fifteenth day of the new year, and marks the final day of New Year’s celebrations.

[5] The dragon lantern dance is different from the dragon dance (with the acrobats sharing a dragon suit); the dragon is long and thin (may be made of lanterns), and held up on poles, which people move around in a lively manner. Here’s a video example.

[6] Isn’t he like, 9?

[7] Presumably the name of a guard. Shuang means Frost.

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Oof that was long. The next chapter will be split in two.