Late at night.
At this moment, Shen Layue was extremely confused.
She slowly sat up and looked around the room. The interior was exquisite and elegant, with several finely crafted wardrobes and a light pink canopy bed. To the left of the bed was a small kang (a traditional Chinese heated bed), not very large, and to the right was a dressing table with an exceptionally well-crafted mirror.
She gave a dazed smile.
Outside, there was a light drizzle. After a moment’s thought, she got up and slowly walked to the window, opening it to see the rain falling in fine threads, like silken strands.
Standing before the mirror, she saw a young girl no older than twelve or thirteen years old. Her skin was fair and delicate, her phoenix eyes slightly seductive, while her long lashes and pink, tender lips softened the allure of her eyes, making her appear even younger.
Shen Layue knew this was her at thirteen.
Gently touching her eyebrows and eyes, she couldn’t understand why she had returned ten years back.
There were many strange occurrences in this world, but the events of a few days ago were something she could never fully comprehend in her lifetime.
A few days ago, she should have perished in the Qingyou Palace. Yet, upon awakening again, she found herself back at the Shen residence, and everyone from the Shen family was still alive.
A single fire had sent her back to this moment in time, thirteen years old. Knowing everything as she did, she thought to herself: this time, she would no longer be foolish.
A shadow passed through Shen Layue’s eyes, but was quickly replaced by a bright smile. If this was an opportunity, then she, Shen Layue, would seize it.
Since she had been reborn, she was determined to walk a completely different path from her previous life.
Jinxin, the maid resting in the outer room, heard the noise from inside and wrapped her robe around her as she entered.
Seeing that the young lady was only wearing light clothing and had opened the window, she quickly went over and shut the window.
“My dear young mistress, please lie back down quickly. It’s so cold today; if you stay like this, you’ll fall ill again tomorrow,” Jinxin seemed slightly bold, but she actually knew how to maintain proper decorum and was the most considerate among the senior maids in the Shen household.
Her two personal maids, Jinxin was meticulous and clever, cautious and careful, while Jinling was simple-hearted, dexterous, and an excellent cook.
Seeing these familiar faces and surroundings, she smiled again.
Seeing her mistress suddenly smiling for no apparent reason, Jinxin was somewhat concerned: “Is the young mistress alright?”
“I’m fine. I’m going to sleep now.” Having thought everything through, her mood improved. What’s done is done; since she had been reborn, it was never too late to change things.
After a long night of turmoil, she finally drifted off to sleep, overcome by fatigue.
She awoke to find it a bright, sunny day.
Perhaps because of the previous night’s rain, today’s sun was especially warm, and the temperature seemed much warmer than the day before. The old saying that “each autumn rain brings more cold, while each spring rain brings more warmth” certainly held truth.
Letting out a yawn, Shen Layue got dressed with the help of Jinling.
At this moment, Jinxin entered carrying a basin of washing water.
“Jinxin, I fell into the water a few days ago and my head has been a bit foggy, but after being exposed to the wind last night, I feel much clearer now. Please help me get dressed properly; I want to go and pay my respects to Grandmother.”
“Yes, mistress.”
The Shen family was a noble household in the Nangin Kingdom, though it had already somewhat declined. After the death of Grandfather Shen several years ago, the Shen family had become even less prominent in the capital city, not even ranking among the third-tier noble families. This had also been the case in her previous life, which was why, despite Shen Layue’s beauty and talents, she had only been granted the title of “Wanshi” (a concubine rank) of the eighth grade during the imperial selection.
She chose a pink dress and put on a red cloak. Sitting in front of the mirror, she waited.
She picked up a golden hairpin from the tray held by Jinling, and Jinxin carefully fixed it into her hairdo.
Though this outfit was somewhat overly bright, it made her complexion look very good and gave her an air of nobility. Shen Layue naturally knew that Grandmother preferred her to appear slightly noble. Among the several young ladies of the household, Grandmother had always carefully nurtured them, hoping they would have good prospects in the future.
In her previous life, she had thought Grandmother was only doing this to use them to restore the family’s former glory, so she had always felt distant from her. But later, after a heartfelt conversation, she realized that Grandmother truly had their best interests at heart. The teachings she gave were extremely useful, even if they did not end up entering the palace.
The Shen family had three branches.
Shen Layue’s father was the eldest son of the Shen family, currently serving as a fifth-grade Reader in the Hanlin Academy, a true scholar. Shen Layue’s birth mother had died in childbirth when her younger sister Yiyi was born, four years ago. Her father later married Lin Shi, who was actually her maternal aunt.
Though not overly affectionate, their relationship was relatively stable.
Shen Layue had an older brother who was currently undergoing military training, and the Shen family’s misfortunes had actually stemmed from him.
Shen Er, the second son of the family, was a timid man who disliked studying and had no scholarly achievements. Years ago, he had purchased a position as an eighth-grade Reader in the Hanlin Academy, and had not been promoted since. He usually went to and from work with his elder brother, and the two brothers had a good relationship. His wife was a sharp-tongued woman who kept him under tight control, and she treated the children of the eldest branch rather coldly.
The second branch had one son and one daughter, both resembling Shen Er more than his wife.
In addition, Shen Er also had a pair of children born of a concubine, Wang Shi.
If there was one person in the Shen family who was the most undisciplined, it would have to be Shen San, the third son. He was frivolous and idle, spending his days in leisure, though he did have literary talent. However, he refused to pursue an official career, instead indulging in poetry, wine, and romantic pursuits. His wife was the庶 daughter of the Deputy Minister of Justice, and was rather quiet.
Despite Shen San’s reputation for romantic escapades, the third branch had only produced one son from his wife, with no other offspring in all these years, clearly indicating the wife’s scheming nature.
Currently, the household was still managed by Grandmother Shen, with the three daughters-in-law assisting in its administration.
Both she and her younger sister were raised under Grandmother’s care and lived in the same courtyard.
As Layue passed through the long corridor, she heard laughter and cheerful voices from within the room.
Hearing the sounds inside, she smiled genuinely—this was her younger sister, Shen Yiyi’s voice.
Among the children, Grandmother doted most on Shen Yiyi, always feeling that she was the most pitiable, having lost her mother at birth and with a father who did not favor her.
Before she could even call out, a woman in her fifties came out and, seeing the eldest young lady at the door, paused in surprise, then smiled and gave a slight bow.
“Old servant greets the eldest young lady.”
“Madam Song, please rise. Has Grandmother already awakened?” Shen Layue raised the corner of her mouth into a gentle smile.
The old nursemaid called Madam Song was also a perceptive person: “Of course she has. Let me go in and announce your arrival. Please wait a moment, young lady.”
“Alright.” She then stood properly at the door.
In theory, this nursemaid was a servant, while Shen Layue was the legitimate eldest daughter, their statuses worlds apart. However, Shen Layue knew that Madam Song had been Grandmother’s handmaiden since her marriage, sharing a deep bond with her. Moreover, she was extremely fair-minded and especially affectionate toward the younger generation—someone truly worthy of respect.
In her previous life, Shen Layue had also had a good relationship with Madam Song.
Inside the room, upon hearing that Shen Layue had come to pay her respects, the old matriarch nodded with a smile. This girl still remembered her manners.
“Quickly bring her in.”
“Yes.”
Hearing the summons, Shen Layue entered the room, gracefully kneeling in a bow: “Layue pays respects to Grandmother. I hope I haven’t worried you.”
Seeing Shen Layue dressed in festive and noble attire, and behaving properly, the old matriarch grew even more pleased, though she feigned scolding: “Has your body fully recovered? Already out of bed. Come quickly, sit here, let me have a good look at you.”
She then carefully examined her.
Shen Layue could naturally sense the goodwill others showed her. In her previous life, she had lived to the age of twenty-three and had seen too much of the palace intrigues. She could easily tell whether someone’s kindness was genuine or not.
Moreover, Grandmother had always been the one who cared most for her and her younger sister in the Shen family.
“Grandmother need not worry. Your granddaughter is very good at taking care of herself,” she said with a slight tilt of her head, teasingly.
Seeing her act in this manner, the old matriarch was momentarily taken aback, but then she laughed.
She gently tapped her head: “You, this little girl, actually becoming playful now.”
At this gentle tap, Shen Layue pretended to fall into her younger sister Shen Yiyi’s arms, giggling. Rather than being annoyed, Shen Yiyi laughed along and even poked her sister’s cheek, making the old matriarch laugh even more heartily.
When Shen Layue pretended to be angry at her sister, Shen Yiyi playfully hid behind Grandmother, and the room was filled with warmth and joy.
From the moment Layue entered, the old matriarch had been quietly observing her. Seeing her current demeanor, she was genuinely pleased. In a few months, the imperial selection would begin. If nothing unexpected happened, she would certainly be chosen to enter the palace. Although Layue wasn’t the most beautiful, her charming and sweet demeanor could easily capture hearts.
As for becoming the most favored, the old matriarch didn’t dare to hope for that. After all, the saying went, “The tallest poppy gets cut down.” Standing out too much often led to misfortune.
In the old matriarch’s eyes, Layue had advantages in beauty, talent, and wit. Her only disadvantages were the Shen family’s modest status and her somewhat childish romantic notions.
The palace was a place that devoured people without leaving a trace. As for the emperor himself, he was a rare beauty among men. If this girl Layue were to fall for him, she would likely end up heartbroken.
That was the imperial palace!
“Grandmother, Grandmother…” Shen Yiyi waved her hand in front of the old matriarch’s face. Seeing this, the old woman snapped back to reality.
“What are you doing, you little girl?”
Shen Yiyi had always lived by Grandmother’s side and was naturally closer to her, so she spoke without hesitation.
“Sister called you several times, but you kept spacing out. See? I’m the smart one.” She looked at Shen Layue proudly, her face clearly saying, “Praise me!”
Shen Layue couldn’t help but laugh, knowing that her younger sister was pointing out how she had captured Grandmother’s attention.
“You little monkey, if you keep acting like this, Grandmother might not like you anymore,” she half-jokingly said. In truth, she knew that Grandmother had always been very fond of Yiyi.
“That’s not true. Grandmother loves me the most. Grandmother, you love me the most, right?” Shen Yiyi threw herself into the old woman’s arms, her voice carrying a hint of uncertainty.
“Of course. Don’t listen to your sister. You little rascal is trying to come between me and our Yiyi. We won’t talk to her anymore, okay?”
“Okay, we won’t talk to her.”
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