High-class maid

"Lock this person up first and let the master decide what to do. I'll leave the matter of Jiang Mama carrying out the execution to you. Take the two young ladies with you and let them broaden their horizons as well."

The First Madam gave the instructions.

"Me? Sister-in-law, you..." The second wife couldn't believe that the first wife would ask her to do something, so she repeatedly confirmed it.

"Go ahead, and also summon the servants in the mansion, so they can see the consequences of embezzling silver."

"Okay! I'll go right away." With that, the second wife rushed off. This was the first time in so many years that her sister-in-law had asked her to do something, and she was determined to do it perfectly.

Back at the inn, after Shan Tao left, Shen Xing'er unpacked the things she had brought. There were various medicinal herbs and tonics, as well as some fruits and vegetables, and a few pieces of jewelry.

Shen Xing'er took out a gold bracelet from inside. The bracelet was exquisitely crafted, with a lifelike peacock on it. The peacock's eyes were inlaid with rubies, making it look magnificent and grand.

"I suppose this is the reward the First Madam gave you," said Madam Wang, walking to Shen Xing'er's side and looking at the gold bracelet.

"It must be. The First Madam is really generous. I just told her what I saw that day, and she gave me such a valuable gift." Shen Xing'er said, holding the bracelet, at a loss.

“The First Madam likes people who know their limits the most. Now that she’s in charge of the household, you didn’t go through her to tell the Old Madam about this matter, so she must be satisfied, which is why she’s being so generous,” Madam Wang explained.

"That's it."

A few more days passed, and Shen Xing'er's family had to return to the manor to work.

"Young Master Song, here are some medicinal herbs that will be good for your recovery. Please accept them." Before leaving, Shen Kun went to Song Wenyang's room.

"Thank you, Uncle, but there's just too much stuff. How can I possibly use it all by myself? Please take some," Song Wenyang declined.

"No need, no need. If we can't finish it, we can just leave it. It won't spoil anyway. Please accept it. Only if you accept it can we go back to our work with peace of mind," said Madam Wang.

Seeing that the couple were sincere, Song Wenyang readily accepted the gift.

"Are you and your aunt feeling better? Are you leaving today?" Song Wenyang asked politely.

"Yes, to be honest, Young Master Song, we were told to return from the manor. It must be something urgent, so we left after noon," Shen Kun said.

"In that case, Uncle, please pack up and prepare to return home. I'm much better now," Song Wenyang urged.

Shen Kun did have other things to do, so he didn't stand on ceremony, simply cupped his hands in greeting, and left.

After noon, the family prepared to return to their residence. While waiting for the carriage at the entrance of the inn, Shen Xing'er remembered that she hadn't taken her purse.

"Father, Mother, wait for me here for a moment. I forgot my purse at the inn." Without waiting for a reply, she hurriedly ran inside.

"Miss Shen!"

Song Wenyang called out to Shen Xing'er, who was about to leave.

"Brother Song, what's the matter? Are you feeling better?" Shen Xing'er saw that Song Wenyang was no longer as pale as he had been a few days ago, so she figured he must be much better now.

"I've been drinking Miss Shen's soup every day, and I'm much better now. Are you leaving?"

For some reason, Shen Xing'er felt that Song Wenyang looked pitiful at that moment, like a stray puppy no one wanted.

"Yes, I'm going back home now. Brother Song, please take good care of yourself. If you encounter any difficulties, I will do my best to help!"

After Shen Xing'er finished speaking, she felt that she had spoken out of turn. No matter how unfavored Song Wenyang was, his father was still an official, while she was just a servant.

Song Wenyang felt a warmth in his heart, moved by Shen Xing'er's genuine feelings. He mustered his courage, took out the peach wood hairpin he had been holding for a long time, and handed it to Shen Xing'er.

“Miss Shen, this is a birthday gift that I made for you a few days ago. Due to some reasons, I didn’t have time to give it to you before I came to Jinling. I thought I would never have the chance to give it to you in this lifetime. I never thought I would see you again.”

Looking at the exquisitely crafted peach wood hairpin in front of her, Shen Xing'er found it hard to imagine that someone who practiced martial arts could make such a delicate item. She was deeply moved, but dared not accept it.

“Brother Song, thank you for your kindness, but I cannot accept this gift without having done something for it. Besides, Xing’er owes you a lot, so I cannot accept this gift.”

Song Wenyang's ears turned red with anxiety, and he said...

"This didn't cost much money; it's just a small token of my appreciation. When I was little, my mother told me that peach trees ward off evil spirits. I just hope you stay safe and sound."

Seeing his disheveled state, Shen Xing'er felt a pang of sadness herself. She longed to take him, but their social statuses were too different…

Shen Xing'er felt a struggle within her. She looked up and saw Song Wenyang's deep, affectionate eyes. She had never seen him with such an expression before. Shen Xing'er, almost unconsciously, said...

"Okay, thank you, Brother Song." After saying that, she took the peach wood hairpin. Heaven knows, Shen Xing'er's heart was pounding wildly.

Song Wenyang's ears turned even redder, and Shen Xing'er had no idea that his own heart was pounding even harder.

"Brother Song, it's getting windy, you should go back now, I'm leaving too." Shen Xing'er waved to him and prepared to walk out.

Song Wenyang chuckled and said, "What? You still think I'm a frail woman after being sick? You should go back now. I'll watch you leave."

Shen Xing'er was stunned by his smile, only to see his bright eyes and white teeth. She quickly turned her head away and walked out, waving her hand.

"Xing'er, why are you taking so long? Hurry up and help me move these things up." Madam Wang asked once and then stopped asking, because she and Shen Kun were moving things onto the carriage.

"Oh, I'm looking for my purse," Shen Xing'er replied as she handed over the item.

After getting into the carriage, Shen Xing'er closed her eyes and pretended to rest, but her mind kept replaying what had just happened.

"Am I being a little ambiguous with Young Master Song?"

"What does he mean to me? How can I accept his gift?"

"It's alright, it's just a peach wood hairpin, not a very valuable item."

"Of course! Making it yourself is much more meaningful!"

"Does he have feelings for me? And what do I think of him?"

"Brother Song is just a good friend of mine, so why would I blush when I see a good friend?"

Lost in their thoughts, the three of them arrived at the back gate of the Xiao residence.

After thanking the driver and giving him silver, Wang unloaded her belongings. By the time she finished everything, it was already a quarter of an hour later.

Before the three of them could even greet the old lady, they arrived at the First Madam's courtyard, where Banxin welcomed them into the reception room.

The family of three was about to bow to the First Madam when Banxin stopped them. The First Madam smiled gently and said...

"Please sit down quickly. You have just recovered from a serious illness, and I should not have let you into the manor so soon. However, I have encountered a difficult matter, so I have no choice but to let you return to the manor quickly."

"I don't know what it is, Madam. Please give your instructions. This old servant is willing to help you." Madam Wang replied.

"That Granny Jiang has already been executed. It turns out that over the years she not only embezzled the mansion's silver, but also stole the mansion's ornaments and replaced them with fakes."