“You are both young masters of the household. As the matriarch of the Sheng family, it is my duty to oversee your meals, studies, marriages… All of it falls under my responsibility. Please, take a seat.”
These words came straight from Sheng Minmin’s heart. Upon hearing them, Sheng Mingshu and the other boy visibly relaxed, their expressions filling with unmistakable gratitude.
Such clear, sincere eyes…
Though Sheng Minmin had her own motives—repaying a debt of gratitude and using the two boys to suppress Sheng Mingjian and his brothers—her fondness for them was genuine.
Especially for Sheng Mingshu. Despite his young age, he was remarkably composed and took good care of his timid, illegitimate elder brother.
If he could achieve something through his studies in the future, and with her backing, he would surely have a bright future ahead.
Sheng Minmin then asked if they had eaten breakfast and what kind of pastries or snacks they liked.
“Studying is hard work. Just let the head chef know what sweets you prefer, and I’ll have them prepared for you daily.”
Their smiles brightened even further, their joy so infectious that Sheng Minmin felt a pang of sympathy.
By the household rules, the main kitchen was supposed to provide each young master with tea and snacks every afternoon—Sheng Mingshu and Sheng Mingli were no exception.
But since neither they nor their concubine mothers were favored, they had likely never enjoyed such privileges before.
Now that she had given the order, the kitchen staff wouldn’t dare cut corners anymore.
This would also serve as a message to the servants: the mistress of the house valued her illegitimate sons.
From now on, the servants wouldn’t dare treat them too harshly, and their living conditions would improve significantly.
Seeing Sheng Mingshu about to stand up and bow in thanks again, Sheng Minmin quickly waved for him to sit back down. After chatting with them a while longer, she finally said:
“When your elder brothers began their studies, I gave them many gifts. Now that it’s your turn, I can’t show too much favoritism.”
With that, she signaled Qingying and Xiangxiang to bring out the prepared gifts.
The two maids emerged from the inner chamber, each carrying a tray. On each tray lay a roll of fine white paper, two brushes, two inksticks, an inkstone, and a piece of exquisite jade.
The writing tools were identical, but the jade pendants differed—one was a green jade carved with a vermilion bird, while the other was a white jade ping’an knot (a symbol of safety and peace). Both were of the highest quality.
In fact, everything on those trays had originally been prepared by Huang Yaning (Sheng Minmin’s previous identity) for her three biological sons.
For a moment, Sheng Mingshu and the other boy were stunned, their eyes reddening before they bowed deeply in gratitude.
Sheng Minmin let them choose for themselves.
Sheng Mingshu deferred to his second brother, Sheng Mingli, who in turn insisted his younger brother pick first. There was no trace of calculation or greed in their exchange—only sincerity.
Finally, noticing the amused smiles of everyone in the room, Sheng Mingshu blushed and chose the vermilion bird pendant, leaving the white jade ping’an knot for Sheng Mingli.
After a few more words of advice, Sheng Minmin sent them on their way.
Little did she know, years later, she would look back on this decision with immense relief.
Because of it, she would gain two filial “sons”… and a few unexpected female allies.
Sometimes, those who seem insignificant end up playing the most pivotal roles at the most crucial moments.
Fragrant Courtyard – Concubine Ruan’s Residence
The Fragrant Courtyard was small—just two sections, cramped and modest.
The front yard had two tiny rooms, while the inner yard was a narrow stone-paved courtyard, barely ten feet wide and seventy to eighty feet long.
On either side of the courtyard, small plots of land held two still-lush saplings.
The main quarters consisted of three connected rooms.
Concubine Ruan had been a beautiful concubine gifted to Sheng Yong (the family patriarch) by a subordinate. Rumor had it her father had once been a scholar, but after his family fell into decline, she was forced to become a concubine.
With her delicate features, knowledge of poetry, and gentle temperament, she had once enjoyed Sheng Yong’s favor—until Concubine Hong and Concubine Bai entered the household and gradually eclipsed her.
Thanks to Sheng Yong’s past affection, the Fragrant Courtyard, though small, was well-located, and its furnishings were decent.
Now, aside from her personal maid, Dousha (“Red Bean”), Concubine Ruan had two old servant women for rough chores.
Compared to the other neglected concubines, her living conditions were far better.
Standing anxiously at the gate, Concubine Ruan knew how fortunate she was.
She had encountered a kind-hearted mistress.
The madam had exempted her from the exhausting rituals of morning and evening greetings, allowed her to bear and raise her own child, and never deliberately made life difficult for them.
Every day, she could see her son and guide his upbringing.
These past few years had been the happiest of her life, and for that, she was deeply grateful to the madam.
But as her son grew older, her worries grew heavier.
The master of the house paid no attention to Mingshu and Mingli. She could only teach her son basic literacy, writing, and simple principles of conduct herself.
Her own knowledge was limited. If her son was to have a future, he needed a proper tutor.
She wasn’t expecting imperial honors or grand achievements—just that he could one day secure a decent livelihood, even without the family’s support…
Originally, she had planned to wait a few more years, until the three legitimate young masters had established themselves, before begging the madam to allow Mingshu and Mingli to begin their studies.
But then—a miracle.
The madam had taken the initiative to send them to school.
When she heard the news, she was overjoyed—but also fearful. Was it true? Could the madam, in a foul mood, take her frustrations out on the boys instead?
Just as these thoughts swirled in her mind, Dousha’s delighted voice rang out:
“Madam! Fourth Young Master is back—!”
In the distance, Concubine Ruan saw her son’s figure—whole, unharmed, and smiling.
Behind him, his young attendant Huaishan carried a tray of items.
Only then did her heart settle.
Once inside the courtyard, Sheng Mingshu—still a child at heart—excitedly showed off the gifts from the madam.
“Mother, look—this is Yuxuan paper! Pure white, smooth, and soft. They say it’s incredibly rare and expensive…
And this inkstick, it smells faintly of jasmine…”
His attendant Huaishan, just as young and just as thrilled, chimed in:
“Young Master, Madam, look at that vermilion bird jade pendant! This servant thinks it’s just as fine as the ones the eldest young masters wear…
And—the madam ordered the kitchen to prepare tea and snacks for the young masters every day from now on! The pastries from the main kitchen are even better than those from the shops outside!”
At the sight of Huaishan’s drooling expression, Dousha burst into laughter.
