Chapter 3: The White Lotus Act No Longer Works

In the Hall of Enduring Pines, the old madam was already seated at the place of honor, with Shen Zhifeng and Shen Sisi beside her on the right-hand carved wooden chairs.

“Madam and Second Miss have arrived,” announced Zitan, the maid, as she drew aside the door curtain.

Shen Qingyun, arm in arm with Lady Han, entered the room, and for a moment, the three at the head of the hall stared in astonishment. She wore a white gauze robe fastened at the front, matched with a skirt of the same hue, and a pale pink embroidered sash that accentuated her slender waist. Over her shoulders draped a sky-blue wide-sleeved jacket. Her hair was styled in a flowing cloud bun, adorned with a gold hairpin shaped like a lotus with dangling tassels that swayed gently as she moved.

Gone was the former air of shabbiness and unease; a touch of powder now masked the sallow tint of her skin, lending her an added grace and beauty. Yet, it was her eyes that truly captivated—clear and luminous, glinting with unfathomable light, while their obsidian depths seemed to harbor secrets inscrutable.

Was this the countrified, awkward girl who had stood at the entrance only moments ago?

Unconsciously, Shen Sisi tightened her grip on her handkerchief, but soon composed herself and was the first to rise, greeting her with a smile: “Sister, you look so different that I almost didn’t recognize you.”

Shen Qingyun smiled shyly without replying, instead bypassing her to pay respects to the old madam, earnestly kneeling to touch her forehead to the ground three times.

In her past life, Shen Sisi had played the part of the gracious, caring elder sister at the door, leading Shen Qingyun straight to Enduring Pines Hall. The old madam, seeing the poorly dressed, timid Shen Qingyun, had taken an immediate dislike to her and never missed a chance to belittle her thereafter.

But now, confronted with this poised, respectful young woman, the old madam breathed a subtle sigh of relief and regarded this granddaughter, just arrived from the countryside, with new esteem.

After all, she was of noble blood. Even raised in obscurity, her bearing was different.

“So you are Qingyun. Good child, come closer and let Grandmother take a good look at you,” the old madam said kindly. “You’ve suffered so much. Tell Grandmother, how have you spent these years?”

Obediently, Shen Qingyun stepped forward, feigning to dab at tears that were not there. “Grandmother, seeing you today, you seem even kinder than the Bodhisattva in the paintings. Since I was young, I’ve had to work—up before dawn, chopping vegetables and feeding pigs. I remember at five, I couldn’t lift the big pot at the stove, scalded my leg, and instead of comfort, I was beaten and starved for three days. I never understood why my parents treated me so, but today, I finally feel what it is to have real family…”

In her previous life, Shen Qingyun had kept silent out of inferiority, but now she understood that the child who weeps is the one who gets the sweet.

As Shen Qingyun’s gentle voice unfolded her tale, the old madam could not help but weep; Lady Han was utterly overcome, clutching Shen Qingyun to her as if she were her very heart’s treasure. Even Shen Zhifeng’s eyes grew red with emotion.

Within the room, the maids and old servants all looked upon the second young miss with deep sympathy.

Though Shen Qingyun and Shen Sisi were born the same year, the difference was plain to see—Shen Qingyun was thinner by far, and half a head shorter.

Twice that day, Shen Sisi had been overlooked. Now the strange, pitying stares from those present became unbearable, and she finally choked out, “I never imagined my sister suffered so. My heart is breaking to hear it. It’s all my fault—I truly shouldn’t remain here any longer. Grandmother, Father, Mother, let me go. I’ll return my position as eldest miss to my sister.”

At these words, Shen Qingyun sneered inwardly. That position was hers by right—how could it be a matter of being “given” back?

But the old madam quickly comforted her, “Don’t say such things, Sisi. None of this is your fault. You are innocent, and for twelve years, you have been the proper eldest miss of the Marquis’s household. In the future, you sisters must support each other.”

Shen Qingyun widened her eyes, feigning innocence. “Where does Sister want to go? Is it that you want to find your birth parents?”

Her words were like a thunderclap, leaving even the old madam momentarily speechless.

Shen Sisi was at a loss. To say she wanted to find them was wrong, but to say she didn’t was also wrong. She had only feigned sorrow, certain her grandmother would never let her leave; she had no intention of going anywhere.

Shen Qingyun laughed inwardly. Sincerity was her weapon of choice.

Shen Zhifeng coughed lightly. “Enough. No more of this. Qingyun, from now on Sisi is your elder sister; you must respect her. If you don’t understand anything now you’re in the capital, you may ask her.”

Shen Sisi hurried to add, “Yes, Sister, don’t be sad. Now that you’re home, if you need anything, just ask me. I’ll see to it all and take good care of you.”

But Shen Qingyun did not demur in the slightest. “Thank you, Sister. On the road, Nanny Jiang told me that every young lady is supposed to have a nanny, two senior maids, and four junior maids, as well as a monthly allowance. Truly, it must be hard work for you to manage all that for me.”

Shen Sisi’s face froze with embarrassment, her anger barely contained. The arrangement of staff was the responsibility of the household’s mistress. By making it sound as if Shen Sisi were personally managing it all, Shen Qingyun overstepped her bounds—and if Shen Sisi failed to provide, it would seem as if she were making empty promises.

Lady Han glanced at her coolly, saying nothing, but that look was enough to make Shen Sisi flush with shame.

“Mother, I was merely overcome with emotion and spoke out of turn. I meant nothing by it, only that I wished to do all I could to care for my sister…” Shen Sisi’s tears threatened again, making her appear all the more pitiable.

Shen Qingyun, feigning confusion, added fuel to the fire, “What’s wrong, Sister? Did I ask for too much?”

Lady Han smiled and tapped Shen Qingyun lightly on the forehead. “Of course not. Tomorrow I’ll take you to choose your maids and nannies. From now on, I’ll teach you how these things are managed.”

Shen Sisi, humiliated and angry, longed to scratch Shen Qingyun’s cheek.

“Enough now. Sisi meant no harm—it was a slip of the tongue,” Shen Zhifeng interjected to smooth things over. “Now that Qingyun is home, there’s no need for small-mindedness. These arrangements are your mother’s concern. Don’t worry about lacking anything. It’s getting late; let’s have our meal. Today, we’ll dine together as a family.”

With that, he rose from his seat.

The old madam nodded with a smile. “Yes, yes, today is a great day—Qingyun’s return is a blessing. The kitchen has prepared a fine meal; you must eat more, child, you’re so thin.”

Though Lady Han felt uneasy, she kept the peace. Hearing the old madam lament Qingyun’s frailty, she was genuinely moved, ordering two more dishes to be added.

Throughout the meal, the old madam heaped Shen Qingyun’s bowl with food, leaving her both amused and touched.

Shen Sisi tried hard to maintain her composure, but dared not speak much for fear the little vixen would render her speechless again.

Thus, the evening passed peacefully.

After the bustle and her nightly ablutions, Shen Qingyun lay upon the carved wooden bed, gazing at the familiar pale pink canopy. She exhaled softly—she must rest well, for tomorrow, another drama would unfold.