High-class maid

Before they knew it, it was August. As if the heavens were infected by Shen Xing'er's good mood, the gloomy weather finally cleared up on the eighth day of the eighth lunar month.

Today, both Jinxiufang and Wangji Pickled Vegetables in the capital are closed. All the servants of the Shen family have changed into new clothes. The maids wear red ribbons on their heads, and the male servants wear red ropes around their waists. This way, the guests attending the banquet can recognize which ones are the master's servants.

"Fei Liu, go and hang up the lanterns."

"Jin'er, go and put the flowers I bought into the vase. Be careful not to fill it too full, and make sure the colors are separated."

“Fatty, you’re strong, move this coral tree to the east.”

Madam Wang directed the servants to complete the final decorations. Although the servants of the Shen family were used to hard labor, they were also very organized when it came to this delicate work. Although everyone was busy, not one of them held back.

Shen Kun, who came in from outside, nodded in satisfaction.

"You've all worked hard today. After I'm done, I'll treat you to a gathering at Zuixianlou! After the guests have left, each of you will receive a reward of two taels of silver!"

The crowd cheered in hushed tones. Two taels of silver! If spent frugally in the countryside, that would be enough for an ordinary family's expenses for a year. The master is truly generous!

Immediately, everyone quickened their pace, afraid of holding their masters back.

"Master, Madam, we've come to see if there's anything we can do to help." Yuan Dali brought his wife to the Shen residence. The two of them specially changed out of their patched clothes and put on a set of new clothes that they only wore during festivals.

"I gave you all a day off, why did you still get up so early? You don't need any help here, go and rest in the hall."

Wang felt touched when she saw the uninvited Yuan Dali and his wife.

She deliberately gave the workers in both shops a day off, unwilling to use them. Even if her own servants were a little tired, it wouldn't matter, as it would be perfectly legitimate to use them. She just didn't expect the couple to come anyway.

Yuan Dali shook his head. "Are you kidding? Everyone here today is either rich or noble. They're just country bumpkins. How dare they sit in the hall and get in the way?"

"Madam, we are here to help sincerely. How can such a large mansion like the Shen residence be adequately staffed with so many servants? What if we make a mistake and offend our distinguished guests today?"

"That's what Dali's family said."

"Alright, the screen is still in the courtyard. Dali, come with me and move it into the house," Shen Kun ordered without ceremony.

"Sister, go to the shop and bring over a few jars of pickled vegetables. We're having a feast today, how can we forget our signature dish?" Wang said.

"Hey."

Having received his instructions, Dali hurriedly headed out the door.

After the Shen family finished all their work, it was completely light when Song Wenyang became the first guest to arrive at the Shen family.

"Uncle, Aunt, I'm late," Song Wenyang said.

"It's not late, it's not late. Others are probably still having breakfast at home! Have you eaten yet? There are eggs at home, Jin'er, get one for Young Master Song to tide him over."

Wang said with heartache.

This child is honest; he must have missed breakfast to arrive so early today.

Song Wenyang smiled and looked down, feeling that it was good to be cared for.

“This is a housewarming gift from my father. He’s busy today, but he’ll definitely arrive by noon,” Song Wenyang said, pointing to a coral tree behind him.

Shen Kun followed his hand and saw a coral tree on the ground, as tall as a person. It was orange-red all over, and even the basin containing the coral was gold, so you could imagine how valuable it was.

“Your uncle went to the market a few days ago and bought a coral tree that was as tall as his calf. It cost him a full three hundred taels of silver. How much silver does such a big tree cost?” Wang asked.

“My father sent people to search for them in coastal cities the day he received the invitations. They finally arrived today after a long and arduous journey. I hope you like them.”

Song Wenyang rarely praised Song Yanjiang.

This father finally did something respectable for himself, which made him look good in front of his parents-in-law.

"Alright, alright, I like it, I like it. Come and sit in the hall. Feiliu and Pangya, quickly move this coral tree to the hall for everyone to admire," Shen Kun instructed.

In ancient times, when transportation was inconvenient, things from the sea were rare, let alone coral that grows on the seabed. Even the palace probably didn't have many potted plants this big. It has to be said that Song Yanjiang really put his heart into it.

Song Wenyang didn't stand on ceremony and followed Fei Liu into the hall.

"Kun'er, where is my room? I've brought all my luggage."

Master Hou slowly walked in, leaning on his cane, followed by a helpless steward carrying a large pile of luggage.

“Grandfather, I’ve already tidied up the east wing for you. I just set out your bedding. Please come back inside and sit down.” Madam Wang went over to help the old man.

Master Hou waved his hand gently and continued...

"Let me walk slowly. By the way, where's the housewarming gift for my nephew? Bring it out."

Master Hou turned and instructed Steward Cai.

Jin'er quickly took the bag from his hands. The housekeeper shook his sore arm and then took out a box from his chest.

Shen Kun and Wang Shi exchanged a glance. Another box? Last time, they accepted this old man's box and gained a large courtyard in the east of the city. Would they dare to accept it again this time?

dare not!

"What are you doing? Afraid there's poison inside?"

Lord Hou blew on his beard and roared with glaring eyes.

"Young master, please accept it. This was made by the master himself," the steward hurriedly explained.

He was afraid that if he explained too late, his master would get angry and leave.

Shen Kun hurriedly took it. Hmm, it was quite heavy, so it probably wasn't some kind of land deed or anything like that.

Sure enough, inside the box was a jade carving of a family portrait. The one holding the cane was Master Hou, and the girl holding the chicken leg was undoubtedly Shen Xing'er. But what about these two people?

“These are your father and mother,” Master Hou said awkwardly.

Shen Kun's eyes immediately welled up with tears; he never imagined that his family would reunite in this way.

"This took the master two months to carve, during which his hands were cut and bled several times," the steward said, like a straight man in a comedy duo.

"Shut up!" Master Hou scolded in a low voice.

However, the upturned corners of his mouth showed that he really enjoyed listening to it.

"Grandfather, I never knew you could make these things! They're so lifelike."

Wang sighed.

She looked at the girl holding the abacus above her. Was that her mother-in-law, whom she had never met before?

"Hmph, when I was young I could do anything, and I even taught myself this carving skill! Granddaughter-in-law, you think it would be a good place to put it. Make sure it's a safe and conspicuous place, and tell the servants in the mansion not to break it."

"Master, let's go inside."

The steward interrupted Master Hou and helped him back to the hall.

"Hey, hey, I haven't finished yet. I'm not going to the main hall. Take me to the east wing and see if I'm satisfied," said Master Hou.

The housekeeper smiled apologetically at Mr. and Mrs. Shen, and then dragged her husband away.

"Having an elder in the family is like having a treasure; our household will be lively from now on."

Wang said with a smile, teasingly.