Reborn in Each Other’s Bodies: A Mother and Daughter’s Deadly Revenge - Chapter 135

“Rise—”

Sheng Minmin said indifferently, then asked with some feigned curiosity.

“Where is Master Dale?”

“I heard Master Dale came to the capital specifically to escort you home. He has worked hard; I must thank him properly…”

Sheng Minmin had already received news that Monk Dale had gone to the Third Princess’s residence. She said this deliberately.

Sheng Mingzhu had always boasted about being Monk Dale’s most cherished junior disciple, claiming he entered the capital just to see her home…

If you are so favored, then why did your master, after escorting you to your doorstep, not enter the Sheng residence but instead went elsewhere?

In other words, you aren’t as favored as you claim.

These words were both sarcasm and a probe.

She wanted to see what Sheng Mingzhu had truly learned these past years, and how cunning and capable she had become.

“Mother, the Third Princess’s close associate went outside the city to greet Master. It seemed there was an urgent matter requiring his assistance. Master felt he couldn’t refuse and had to attend to that first.”

“Master also said many other families would likely seek him out afterward, so he might be busy for a while—”

After speaking, Sheng Mingzhu offered a soft, slight smile.

“Please, Father and Mother, do not take offense. Master, in his wisdom, said we are family. Family doesn’t stand on ceremony or fear causing offense. He said he would come to our home after dealing with the matters outside…”

“Good, good!”

The phrase “family” greatly pleased Sheng Yong!

He was overjoyed, unable to contain his laughter as he exclaimed “Good!” twice.

“As the saying goes, ‘A teacher for a day is a father for a lifetime.’ The Master and we are indeed family—”

Sheng Mingjian and his two brothers were also very pleased.

Sheng Mingbo grinned from ear to ear.

“Sixth Sister’s leg has healed, and she has found a esteemed Master! This is truly wonderful!”

“It shows Sixth Sister is deeply blessed, protected by our ancestors and heaven itself!” Sheng Mingyi said with a smile.

The ecstatic expression never left Sheng Yong’s face. “Excellent! Truly worthy of being my daughter!”

“It is all thanks to Father and Mother’s guidance…” Sheng Mingzhu replied with a hint of shyness.

The joy of the family head and the several legitimate young masters was so palpable that it seemed to infect the maids and matrons, who all began to smile.

The concubines and illegitimate children also wore smiles, though how genuine they were remained unknown.

In short, everyone present appeared quite happy.

Only Sheng Minmin and Huang Yaning were different—one’s expression was calm, the other’s was icy cold.

From that brief exchange, Sheng Minmin could already tell that Sheng Mingzhu was now a formidable opponent!

Her words and actions were impeccable, revealing no trace of her true inner feelings.

Had Sheng Mingzhu received guidance from some expert today, or had she undergone some experience these past years that multiplied her cunning and tactics?

Sheng Minmin didn’t know yet; she needed to observe further.

Sheng Minmin and Huang Yaning looked down on Sheng Mingzhu, and their maids likewise showed no sign of joy.

The atmosphere in the room was sharply divided into two contrasting parts, opposing and counterbalancing each other.

At that moment, Sheng Mingjian spoke up, “Father, Mother, Mingzhu has had a long and tiring journey. Perhaps she should rest first.”

Sheng Yong quickly nodded, speaking to Sheng Mingzhu with affection.

“Your father was too carried away with joy.”

“Return to the Hibiscus Courtyard and rest properly. I’ve already had the place renovated, and all the furniture and decorations are new—”

“If you find anything unsatisfactory or lacking, come directly to me—”

“This evening, our family will hold a banquet to celebrate your return!”

“Thank you, Father. Thank you, Mother.”

Sheng Mingzhu expressed her thanks, performed a proper bow, and only then took her leave.

The others also gradually dispersed.

——-

The Hibiscus Courtyard was now completely refurbished.

Sheng Yong had genuinely put thought into this courtyard. He had craftsmen renovate it and sent Dongsheng daily to supervise the work.

Later, matching the standard of furniture Sheng Minmin had purchased for the Begonia Courtyard, he bought a new set for the Hibiscus Courtyard.

He seemed determined to create an impression of impartiality.

However, after the furniture was bought, Sheng Mingjian and his brothers felt the Hibiscus Courtyard’s location wasn’t as good as the Begonia Courtyard’s, worrying that Sheng Mingzhu might feel slighted.

They persuaded Sheng Yong to add a few more expensive items.

Finally, the brothers even dipped into their own pockets to furnish some additional things.

Thus, although the Hibiscus Courtyard still couldn’t quite match the Begonia Courtyard, it now appeared quite refined and elegant.

The maids of the Hibiscus Courtyard had prepared hot water in advance, so Sheng Mingzhu could bathe immediately upon returning.

Jixue attended to Sheng Mingzhu’s bath and helped her change clothes. Then, the main kitchen sent over a meal—three exquisite dishes and a soup.

Xiazhi arranged the food on the round table.

These past few years had been extremely difficult for Xiazhi.

Her birth mother, Tao Niang, hated her for causing her broken leg, which confined her to a wheelchair. Tao Niang never had a kind word for her.

Sometimes, she even treated Xiazhi like a servant…

And Sheng Mingzhu detested her!

Xiazhi knew it was because they were blood-related.

If others remembered they were sisters, they would surely mock Sheng Mingzhu behind her back.

Another reason was that she bore a slight resemblance to Sheng Mingzhu…

Actually, Sheng Mingzhu could have sent her away. Just sending her far off would avoid much awkwardness and keep her out of sight…

But Sheng Mingzhu insisted on keeping her.

Xiazhi didn’t believe Sheng Mingzhu kept her out of fear that the Madam or Seventh Young Miss in the mansion might inquire…

There must be another reason, though Xiazhi couldn’t figure it out.

Sheng Mingzhu had changed tremendously over the years, becoming profoundly cunning…

Sometimes, when Xiazhi thought about it, she even felt afraid. She had a persistent feeling that Sheng Mingzhu would eventually harm her.

Because once or twice, the look Sheng Mingzhu gave her was terrifyingly cold, as if she weren’t looking at a person but at some object…

Living in such an environment for five years, Xiazhi had been treading carefully, filled with constant fear.

These negative emotions had even eroded her former ambition of rising high and becoming a phoenix.

Her only wish now was to survive.

To stay alive, Xiazhi had honed the ability to read Sheng Mingzhu’s emotions from her subtlest expressions.

Now, noticing Sheng Mingzhu’s lips tighten slightly upon seeing the dishes on the table, she understood Sheng Mingzhu was displeased and quickly spoke up.

“Young Miss, I inquired earlier.”

“Currently, the meals for all the masters in the mansion strictly follow set standards. Legitimate young masters and young ladies receive three dishes and one soup per meal…”

To serve Sheng Mingzhu well and live longer, she needed to be not only clever and attentive but also make herself as useful as possible.

Therefore, immediately upon returning to the mansion, Xiazhi had quickly made rounds outside to gather some basic information about the household.

Sheng Mingzhu acknowledged this with a faint “Hmm.”

After a while, Sheng Yong sent someone over with gifts.

There were two chests of expensive fabric and several trays of tonics.

He said seeing her dressed so plainly and looking thin, she should have new clothes made now that she was home and nourish her body properly.

A young maid also brought a food box containing Shark Fin Soup and Stewed Duck Tongues, which were Sheng Mingzhu’s former favorites.

Sheng Mingjian also sent many things.

There was precious Blood Swiftlet Nest, jewelry, cosmetics, and some amusing trinkets…

The servant explained that these were items the Eldest Young Master had occasionally come across outside over the years, things he thought a young lady might like, so he bought them and stored them carefully…

Next came gifts from Sheng Mingyi: a chest of tonics, incense, and a large box of exquisite pastries…

When Sheng Mingbo heard that his eldest and third brothers had sent gifts, he was annoyed at himself for not preparing in advance.

He sent over an ornate, jeweled dagger and promised to send another gift later.

In short, although only four people in the mansion sent gifts, the commotion they caused was by no means small.