High-class maid

Seeing that her shopkeeper was clearly displeased, and that she had angered him twice in the short time it takes to burn an incense stick, Shan Tao's mother dared not bring up the matter again and turned to knead the dough, just as Shan Tao had said.

"Dad, don't be angry. My mother... well, she listens to you. If anything happens, you two can talk it over." Shan Tao didn't know how to evaluate her mother, so she could only comfort her father.

“Your mother does listen to me, but she also listens to your brother, and she listens to you! Your father has never taught you anything, but now that you're grown up, remember one thing your father said.” Chen Shan said solemnly to Shan Tao.

"Father, please speak, I'm listening."

"When you grow up, you'll eventually get married. Just keep your monthly allowance from the household. If your mother asks, just say it's your father's idea," Chen Shan whispered instruction.

Shan Tao glanced at her busy mother outside and felt a little sorry for her, but then she thought that her mother was easily swayed, so she might as well leave it at that and just buy her more nice things in the future.

After she figured it out, she nodded and said, "I understand, Father. I know what I'm doing."

"It's good that you know what's going on. Your brother... never mind, let's go help your mother." Chen Shan was still soft-hearted and got up to take Shan Tao to make dumplings together.

The next day, the winter sun was setting late, and just as dawn was breaking, there was a knock on Shen Xing'er's door.

"Coming, coming." Shen Kun put on a thick coat and hurriedly went to open the door.

"Who are you all?" Shen Kun looked at the people in front of him. Although their clothes were simple in style, the fabric was of the highest quality. Even the gold hairpin that the woman was wearing was enough to buy his house.

"I'm so sorry to bother you so early in the morning. Is this Shen Kun's house?" A man of similar age to Shen Kun took a step forward and asked.

"Yes, what brings you here?" Shen Kun tried hard to recall if he had offended anyone, completely forgetting that Zhang Yuzhu's family was coming to pick her up today.

"We've come to take Yuzhu home. We originally planned to visit you after you'd finished settling in, but we really miss our daughter, so we're bothering you," the man said politely.

Shen Kun suddenly cleared his mind and remembered what his daughter had said yesterday. He hurriedly invited them in and said, "I am so sorry for not welcoming you properly. Please come in."

The group entered Shen Kun's house together. The man secretly peeked around and saw that although the house was small, it was tidy and clean. Seeing this, he was even more satisfied.

"Meizhen, we have a distinguished guest! Hurry up and get ready!" Shen Kun called out to the house.

Wang, who was inside the house, had already guessed that Zhang Yuzhu's family had arrived when Shen Kun went to open the door. While the group was talking, she quickly put on her clothes, wearing brocade to show that she was taking it seriously.

"They've arrived, they've arrived. Please have a seat, everyone. I'll go wake the children." Madam Wang opened the door to the hall and welcomed everyone inside.

The eldest princess and her daughter-in-law, Huang, were observing Wang Shi discreetly. They were very pleased to see that Wang Shi was efficient and neither fawned over them nor was she overly indifferent.

"Xing'er, Yuzhu, wake up quickly. Yuzhu, your family has come to pick you up," Wang said gently as she woke the two girls.

The two young women finished dressing and were about to wash up. At that time, Shen Kun was receiving the Princess and her family.

"So, all three of you are working at the Minister's residence?" the Princess asked.

"Your Highness, that's right. We've been serving in the Ministry of Rites for over a decade," Shen Kun said, cupping his hands in greeting.

"I still remember the old Minister, who was upright and incorruptible. It's a pity he passed away so early. Fortunately, his son was capable and single-handedly carried the Minister's mansion." The Princess said with emotion, as if she were thinking of an old friend.

Shen Kun smiled but did not respond. Whether it was the old Minister or his son, they were his masters, and he could not speak of them casually.

Huang was already restless, looking towards the door again and again. If it weren't for the presence of other people, she probably would have already gone inside to look for her daughter.

Under Huang's expectant gaze, she finally saw the daughter she had been longing for day and night.

"Zhu'er! Mother misses you so much! Mother is so sorry!" When Huang saw Zhang Yuzhu's skirt, she couldn't help but cry. She rushed out and hugged Zhang Yuzhu.

Zhang Yuzhu was stunned at first, but when she was in her mother's warm embrace, all her childhood memories came flooding back, and she couldn't help but cry out in anguish, "Mother!"

Once the mother and daughter had calmed down a bit, Zhang Yuzhu's father stepped forward and cautiously asked, "Zhu'er, do you still remember who I am?"

Looking into his expectant eyes, Zhang Yuzhu burst into tears. How could she not remember? When she was little, he secretly gave her candy, carried her on his shoulders, and took her out of the mansion to watch the lion dance. She remembered everything.

"Father!" Zhang Yuzhu called out to him softly.

"Oh, Pearl, how much I miss you! It's so good that you're back, so good that you're back..." After saying that, he couldn't help but shed tears.

Shen Xing'er's family also cried and laughed along with her. What could be more touching than family affection?

"Alright, stop crying. Come on, wash up." Wang kindly handed them hot towels.

The woman was observant. Looking at the new towel in her hand, Huang guessed that Wang had just gone out to buy new towels for them.

"Young lady, please sit down. I've been busy all morning, I'm so sorry to have troubled you!" said Madam Huang.

"No, no, you mustn't! You are the wife of an official, while I am but a servant. Madam, you mustn't lower yourself to such a lowly position!" Madam Wang stammered in fear.

"Your family is so kind-hearted to take in Zhu'er. Judging from Zhu'er's condition, I know she hasn't suffered any injustice while she's with you." Madam Huang looked at her daughter's well-fitting clothes; the floral jacket was clearly newly made.

"These are clothes I made a few days ago. I originally intended for Zhu'er to wear them when she found her parents, but I didn't expect her to find them so quickly," Wang said with a smile.

"No matter what, you are our benefactors. Please accept this small token of our appreciation." After Huang finished speaking, Zhang Yuzhu's father took out a box from his sleeve.

“No, no, we brought Zhu’er back to the capital without expecting anything in return; we just wanted peace of mind,” Wang said, waving her hand in refusal.

“But you have truly taken good care of Zhu’er, so don’t be modest, just accept it!” Huang said.

"Meizhen, please accept it." Wang was about to refuse when Shen Kun interrupted her.

"Since my boss has spoken, I can't refuse." After hesitating for a moment, Wang accepted the box. It felt light in her hand, and she wondered what was inside.