Reborn in Each Other’s Bodies: A Mother and Daughter’s Deadly Revenge - Chapter 27

Qingying’s words reminded Sheng Minmin of something.

“Nanny Du is a good one. With her by Xianjie’s side, I’m at ease. But I see her health is failing… I remember I have some sliced hundred-year-old ginseng. Wrap a few pieces for her…”

Xiangxiang tilted her head in thought before suggesting, “Madam, today I noticed a cracked earthenware pot in the side room where the young mistress and her cousin stay. They probably use it to make simple soups or warm food…”

“Perhaps I could get them a proper pot and a small stove? That way, they can prepare meals more easily in their quarters…”

Xianjie’s courtyard wasn’t particularly remote, but after years of neglect, it was unlikely they received decent meals from the main kitchen. Being able to cook simple dishes themselves would be much more convenient.

Sheng Minmin nodded in approval. “Good thinking. Also, pack some nourishing rice, millet, and fine charcoal. If there’s too much to carry, have Qingchi go with you.”

Qingying added thoughtfully, “Madam, Xiaoya is eight now—about the same age as the young mistress. If you have no other plans for her, perhaps after she finishes etiquette training, she could serve directly by Xianjie’s side. What do you think?”

Xiaoya was Qingchi’s younger sister, still learning proper manners.

Sheng Minmin thought this was an excellent idea. Xianjie had no companions her age, which was truly pitiful. Xiaoya, though simple-minded, was honest and kind—she’d get along well with Xianjie. Plus, with Xiaoya there, Qingchi would have more reason to visit frequently.

So, Sheng Minmin agreed readily.

“No need to wait until she’s fully trained. Send Xiaoya over now. Nanny Du has excellent manners—Xiaoya can learn directly from her.”

“Madam, I never realized you were this wealthy!”

Qingchi, who had been silent until now, suddenly snapped out of her daze, eyes wide with amazement. Then, as if struck by a thought, she pointed at herself excitedly and asked Qingying:

“Qingying-jie, does this mean I can eat as much as I want now without worrying about bankrupting Madam?”

“How many bowls can you eat now? And how many if you ‘eat as much as you want’?” Qingying asked seriously.

“Right now, I only dare to eat three bowls per meal. But if I really let myself go… maybe ten?”

“Pfft—” Xiangxiang couldn’t hold back anymore, clutching her chest as she burst into laughter.

Even Qingying’s lips curled in amusement as she tapped Qingchi’s forehead lightly. “What’s this ‘I’ business? You should refer to yourself as ‘this servant.’”

All of them could sense Madam’s care for Xianjie and her kindness toward the servants. Qingying and Xiangxiang felt they had chosen the right mistress, their hearts brimming with hope for the future.

With Qingchi’s silly antics, the room filled with laughter, the atmosphere warm and lively.

Even Sheng Minmin found herself smiling—until she abruptly caught herself.

What was she doing just now?

For a moment, she had completely forgotten the blood-soaked grudges of her past life.

Perhaps Xianjie’s plight reminded her too much of her own past suffering, making her want to extend the kindness she had never received. Helping Xianjie brought her joy, and for a brief moment, she had genuinely enjoyed the present.

No—

How could she forget those unforgivable crimes?

Her newborn child, who never even had the chance to open its eyes, had been brutally murdered.

There was also Nanny Wang’s death, her own miserable past life…

Until she had her vengeance, she could never let herself forget.

Qingying was the first to notice the shift in Madam’s mood, her own smile vanishing instantly.

Xiangxiang tensed, sensing the sudden chill in the air.

Even the usually oblivious Qingchi noticed the change, scratching her head and falling silent.

The room plunged into an oppressive quiet.

Just then, Qingtian rushed in, her face streaked with tears and snot, collapsing to her knees the moment she entered.

“Madam, it’s terrible! The young mistress fell during dance practice and injured her leg!”

Sheng Minmin hadn’t expected Sheng Mingzhu to get hurt before she could even lift a finger against her.

Sheng Yong had already been summoned back to the estate. Sheng Mingjian, Sheng Mingyi, Sheng Mingbo, the two half-transparent (translator’s note: likely implying neglected or overlooked) illegitimate sons Sheng Mingli and Sheng Mingshu, all five concubines, and Huang Xianjing had all gathered at Haitang Courtyard.

On the bed, Sheng Mingzhu lay deathly pale, her face drenched in cold sweat as if enduring torture.

Sheng Yong and her brothers looked as if they wished they could suffer in her place, hovering anxiously by her bedside.

With so many people crowding around, Sheng Minmin was pushed to the back.

Hiding behind a handkerchief as though wiping nonexistent tears, she inwardly rejoiced, wishing she could set off fireworks in celebration.

Sheng Mingzhu shrieked in pain: “Father! Eldest Brother! Third Brother! Fifth Brother! Nanny! It hurts so much—!”

Neither Sheng Yong nor the legitimate sons noticed anything odd about her words.

But the two illegitimate sons, the concubines, and Huang Xianjing all caught it—Sheng Mingzhu’s last cry wasn’t for her mother, but for her wet nurse…

Some exchanged mocking glances, others looked puzzled, a few watched with amusement, while one or two wore knowing expressions.

Huang Xianjing quietly moved closer to Sheng Minmin, taking her hand in hers. Her clear eyes brimmed with concern as she whispered, “Auntie…”

Sheng Minmin’s heart softened. She gave a slight shake of her head, signaling that she didn’t care.

“The imperial physician is here—!” Sheng Yong’s attendant announced from outside.

A moment later, Qingtian led in an elderly man with a white beard and a young apprentice carrying a medicine chest.

The crowd parted to make way. Sheng Yong clasped his hands in respect.

“Physician Shi, please! You must save my daughter!”