Reborn in Each Other’s Bodies: A Mother and Daughter’s Deadly Revenge - Chapter 115

“Cousin… this pouch is lovely. Thank you.”

Huang Yaning looked at Xian’er standing before her, then lowered her gaze to the exquisitely embroidered orchid pouch in her hand. Struggling to suppress the surge of emotions inside, she thanked Xian’er with red-rimmed eyes.

“I’m glad you like it, cousin. My embroidery is just ordinary, so I’m relieved you don’t mind it. It didn’t take much effort to make…”

Huang Xianjing’s cheeks flushed slightly with shyness.

A few days earlier, everyone in the estate had sent gifts to her cousin, and she had sent one too. Actually, she had wanted to deliver it in person.

But since several male cousins had been acting awkwardly around their newly returned cousin, and no one else had visited personally, she didn’t want to stand out too much.

Afterward, though, Huang Xianjing grew increasingly uneasy.

Her cousin had suffered so much outside, and it had been incredibly difficult for her to return home.

It was only natural that she would be upset and take it out on Sheng Mingzhu. Who could have expected she would be punished with kneeling and then confronted by her older cousins?

Her cousin must have been deeply hurt. And what made it even worse was that her uncle hadn’t severely punished that woman, Tao Niang, afterward!

That Tao Niang was still out there, living happily without a care. Just thinking about it made Huang Xianjing grit her teeth in anger.

As her father, Uncle should have stood up for his daughter. But he did nothing, and her aunt was ill…

None of her older cousins showed any intention of seeking justice for their younger cousin either.

No wonder her cousin eventually snapped and went after Tao Niang herself.

Huang Xianjing felt her cousin was truly pitiable—returning home only to receive no warmth or care.

Aside from Sheng Mingzhu, she was the closest in age to her cousin in the household. So, Huang Xianjing felt she ought to visit Lihua Courtyard more often.

Otherwise, her cousin might think no one in the estate truly cared about her and end up crying alone under the covers…

Nanny Du said that based on her cousin’s behavior, she probably wasn’t the type to wallow in self-pity, but Huang Xianjing couldn’t help worrying.

Besides, Nanny Tong had started teaching her cousin for half a day today. She wondered how her cousin was handling it.

Was Nanny Tong too strict with her?

So, using the pouch as an excuse, she visited Lihua Courtyard that afternoon.

For the first time, Huang Xianjing felt that Nanny Du had been wrong—her cousin was actually a sensitive girl who yearned for affection.

Because the moment her cousin received the pouch, she looked so moved she was almost in tears.

It seemed she would have to visit Lihua Courtyard more often from now on.

“What kind of pastries do you like? I’ll have the main kitchen make some for you,” Huang Yaning asked, her voice slightly choked.

It suddenly struck her—in her previous life, after all those years, she had never even learned what Xian’er liked to eat.

She had neglected and mistreated Xian’er far too much.

“I have a sweet tooth—I like anything sweet,” Huang Xianjing replied with a sweet smile.

“Alright. Qingtian, go to the main kitchen and ask them to make some red date cakes, nut cakes, and layered pastries. Tell them to add extra sugar frosting on top.

“Also, have them prepare a milk pudding with a thick layer of honey drizzled over it…

“And some sweet glutinous rice balls with black sesame filling—make sure they’re extra sweet… What filling do you prefer?”

Huang Xianjing quickly shook her head. “Cousin, that’s too much—we won’t be able to finish it all.”

Even though her cousin was known for her “fierce” behavior and no one in the estate dared to openly cross her now, everyone had a fixed allowance for expenses.

Requesting so much food might not immediately draw complaints from the kitchen staff, but it could lead to gossip behind their backs later.

“Don’t worry. I’ll have them bring some silver. Even if we can’t finish, the young maids can have some—”

Qingtian quickly chimed in with a smile, “Miss, there’s no need for silver!

“You’ve just returned—the master and mistress are falling over themselves to make it up to you. The kitchen staff would be honored to prepare food for you. They’ll only be too happy to do it…”

Qingtian’s sister-in-law was in charge of pastries and snacks in the main kitchen.

Even if Qingtian went empty-handed, her sister-in-law would gladly prepare whatever was asked. So, Qingtian spoke with full confidence.

She also knew that saying this would please her masters.

Huang Xianjing seemed to remember that Qingtian’s sister-in-law worked in the kitchen and smiled sheepishly, not refusing any further.

“I appreciate your kindness, but I can’t let you cover expenses for me. Take the money pouch and go—just ask your sister-in-law to make everything extra delicious…

“And have her make plenty so everyone can have a taste!”

Qingtian responded cheerfully, and the other nannies in the room also laughed and expressed their thanks, filling the room with joy.

Huang Xianjing then asked Huang Yaning how her lessons had gone that day. Huang Yaning felt a warmth in her heart, thinking her niece was like a little sun.

Even though she hadn’t had an easy life herself, she always wanted to warm and help others.

She felt increasingly guilty about her past self and silently vowed to protect Xian’er properly in this life.

She would make sure Xian’er reclaimed her rightful dowry, married a good man, and lived a happy, fulfilling life with children of her own.

Meanwhile, Qingtian arrived at the main kitchen. The kitchen was bustling and smoky, so she stood at the entrance without going inside.

“Miss Qingtian is here!”

As soon as she arrived, several nannies greeted her with smiles.

“What brings you here in person, miss? Just send word if you’d like something—”

Qingtian smiled and greeted them in return. “Where’s my sister-in-law?”

“She just stepped out—went to the garden to pick flowers for making floral pastries. I’ll send someone to fetch her. Please rest for a moment, miss.”

One of the nannies brought a stool for Qingtian to sit on outside, while another handed her a bowl of chrysanthemum tea.

Yet another nanny brought over a bowl of fragrant snacks and said with a smile,

“You’ve come at just the right time, miss. We just fried some ‘cat’s ears’—crispy and fresh out of the wok. Would you like to try some?”

Qingtian didn’t stand on ceremony and picked up a piece to taste. It was indeed delicious.

“Not bad at all! Do you have more? I’d like to take some back for the young miss and her cousin to try.”

The nanny beamed with delight. “Of course, of course! I’ll fry some more later—they’re best served fresh and hot.”

Just then, Cuihua returned with a basket of flowers.

Qingtian relayed her young miss’s requests to her sister-in-law. Cuihua smiled warmly.

“The milk pudding takes quite a while to prepare—it’s hard to say how long it’ll take if we start now. But you’re in luck! I just made two bowls earlier today.”

She then busied herself with preparing the other pastries.

By now, the entire estate knew of the seventh young miss’s capabilities. Plus, thanks to her sister-in-law Cuihua, Qingtian was on good terms with everyone in the kitchen.

Naturally, they were all very welcoming to her.

Moreover, the seventh young miss was very proper—she always paid for whatever she requested—so the kitchen staff had no reason to neglect anyone from Lihua Courtyard.

The kitchen was a hive of activity, with several nannies gathered around Qingtian, showering her with compliments.

It was at this moment that Qingxin arrived and saw the scene. Fuming, she gritted her teeth and remarked sarcastically,

“No wonder the kitchen is so lively—it’s because you’re here. Anyone who didn’t know better might mistake you for a mistress.”

Wasn’t she implying that Qingtian was overstepping?

A mere servant daring to act like a master—if those in higher positions heard about it, they would surely be displeased.

Back when they were both in Mudan Courtyard, Qingxin and Qingtian had always been locked in a rivalry. Outwardly civil, their true relationship was known only to themselves.

Qingtian responded with a thin smile. “Oh, it’s you, sister. I didn’t recognize your voice at first—I thought it was some foul-mouthed low-ranking maid gossiping and stirring up trouble.”

“Good thing I didn’t say anything rash, or I would’ve embarrassed you.”

“Who are you insulting?” Qingxin snapped, her face darkening.

Qingtian rolled her eyes. “Who said I was insulting anyone? Are you getting old and dizzy, sister?”

The atmosphere in the courtyard grew tense.

One of these women was the seventh young miss’s trusted aide, the other was the first young master’s favorite.

Neither could be offended, and the surrounding nannies hardly dared to breathe.

Just as the situation was reaching a boiling point, a plump head cook emerged from the kitchen and interjected placatingly,

“Miss Qingxin, you’re here! The pigeon soup is ready—and we’ve just made some pastries. Why don’t you take some back to sweeten your day?”

Hearing this, Qingxin relaxed a little. With the seventh young miss currently in favor, she shouldn’t have picked a fight with Qingtian.

It’s just that lately, there had been too many frustrations, and she hadn’t been able to resist venting a little earlier.

The cook personally packed the soup and went to the pastry counter to prepare some snacks.

Qingxin’s sharp eyes noticed two beautifully prepared bowls of milk pudding there.

She loved the creamy, refreshing dessert and said, “Never mind the other pastries—pack some of the milk pudding for me.”