Reborn: The First Rank 'Madam” – C87

C87 – This Servant Has No Ill Intentions

True to his expectations, Zuo Shaoqing spotted Jiang Che in the midst of the crowd. Sensing his gaze, Jiang Che turned around and flashed him a radiant smile, even raising his glass in a distant toast.

Zuo Shaoqing’s mouth twitched, and he averted his gaze, pretending not to have noticed.

Unbeknownst to him, Jiang Che’s smile widened upon seeing his reaction.

As soon as she entered the parlor, Mrs. Xue promptly recognized her own sister.

Had it not been for Zuo Shaoling’s incident, Mrs. Xue might have believed that she could rival her younger sister in terms of beauty. Sadly, in the short span of time since then, the trials and tribulations had turned Mrs. Xue’s temples gray and etched wrinkles at the corners of her eyes.

The two sisters embraced each other, shedding tears of joy. Some onlookers were curious, some surprised, and a few even recognized Mrs. Xue, offering their comfort.

After the initial round of introductions, Mrs. Xue swiftly introduced Zuo Shuhui to the other wives. In just a few words, they discussed their family’s circumstances, primarily the fact that two children were preparing for the Spring Festival and were highly cherished by Master Lu.

No one questioned this. After all, Duke Zhen Manor was not a place that just anyone could enter. Since they were here, the Zuo Family must have some remarkable status.

Regardless of their thoughts, everything appeared harmonious.

The hostess sat down briefly, exchanging pleasantries with the ladies and allowing them to begin their meal, promising that there would be entertainment later.

Many assumed that the hostess was genuinely intent on selecting a wife for Master Lu. As a result, they brought their young daughters, all of suitable age and fair appearance. In an instant, the hall was adorned with countless blossoms, bustling with chatter and excitement.

Zuo Shuhui covertly observed her potential competitors. Her vision was not as sharp as Mrs. Xue’s, and she had grown accustomed to being praised in her hometown. She believed herself to be an exceptional beauty, yet she was unaware that the capital was home to many outstanding individuals.

“Your attire is quite unique, dear sister. Whose craftsmanship do these clothes belong to?” A charming young lady with sparkling eyes tugged at Zuo Shuhui’s sleeve and inquired.

Zuo Shuhui responded with a modest smile tinged with pride, “I apologize for my presumptuousness, sister. These garments are of my own embroidery.”

“Oh, my sister is quite skilled!” The girl raised her voice to draw the table’s attention, giggling as she continued, “See, everyone? Sister Hui’s hands are incredibly deft. The peonies on her attire resemble real ones!”

Even Zuo Shuhui, not known for her intelligence, sensed a shift in the atmosphere. As she observed the praises pouring in from everyone and the scornful glances directed her way, a sinking feeling settled in her heart.

Amidst the impending internal discord, the current setting appeared significantly more harmonious. A few rounds of drinks quickly lifted the mood.

Zuo Shaoqing, still quite young, went largely unnoticed in the crowd. Consequently, he quietly indulged in food and drink. Occasionally, his gaze would drift towards Lu Zheng. However, considering the number of individuals surreptitiously eyeing Lu Zheng, Zuo Shaoqing didn’t stand out.

A serving girl holding a jug of wine accidentally spilled it. Zuo Shaoqing’s attention remained fixed on Lu Zheng, and he only registered a faint voice exclaiming, “Oh... Young Master, please forgive me!”

Zuo Shaoqing was momentarily taken aback. He hadn’t expected one of Wu Steel Manor’s servants to be so beautiful. It seemed like Lu Zheng had been deceived.

The woman curtsied gracefully, her melodious voice reminiscent of a songbird’s. “I heard that Young Master’s clothes got wet, so I brought some water for you to freshen up.”

Her open demeanor easily won a favorable impression from Zuo Shaoqing. He didn’t make things difficult for her and simply declined, “No need, my attire has already been changed. Please escort me to the main hall.”

The woman smiled once more, placed the water basin inside, and approached him with the handkerchief in hand. She blinked playfully and commented, “Young Master must not have glanced in the mirror recently. There’s a speck of dust on your face.”

Zuo Shaoqing instinctively touched his face, and the next moment, he felt a damp cloth covering his face. “Please proceed, servant. The young master’s visibility is currently obstructed.”

A subtle fragrance reached Zuo Shaoqing’s nostrils, easing his tension slightly. However, his eyes snapped open when he sensed something pressing against his body.

He forcefully pushed the woman who had leaned in too close away from him, taking a few steps back before sternly questioning her across the table, “What do you think you’re doing?”

The woman smiled and began to undo her belt. Zuo Shaoqing felt a surge of fear, his expression darkening. “Leave this instant!”

“Wouldn’t it be better to let this servant attend to the young master?”

He bit his tongue hard, the pain bringing clarity to his mind. In frustration, he kicked the table over. “I don’t care who sent you. If you wish to live, leave now!”

The woman hesitated for a moment and asked, “Young Master, am I not beautiful?”

Zuo Shaoqing didn’t know whether to laugh or cry. He was convinced that Madame Lu was behind this. She likely believed that if he were truly enchanted by this woman’s beauty and acted inappropriately, Lu Zheng would no longer want him, no matter how much he loved him.

No one understood better than him that Lu Zheng was deeply loyal to his partner. Likewise, he couldn’t tolerate any betrayal from his partner.

After piecing together the situation, Zuo Shaoqing retrieved a dagger from his boot. He pointed it firmly at the woman and issued a stern warning, “This is your last chance. Leave!”

The woman hadn’t expected a scholar to carry a sharp weapon, and the sight of the dagger seemed oddly familiar. Before she could ponder it further, a bucket of water was hurled in her direction.

She widened her beautiful eyes and swiftly dodged to the right before quickly bowing to Zuo Shaoqing. “Young Master, please forgive me. I have no malicious intentions.”

“Then depart immediately!” Zuo Shaoqing’s voice was filled with anger. How dare she claim innocence when she had clearly conspired against him? Did that mean they were meant to share a bed?

“I am prepared to accept any punishment for offending Young Master.” As she spoke, the woman actually knelt before him.

Zuo Shaoqing clenched his teeth and uttered with disdain, “There’s no need. Just make sure I never see you again!” It was best for such a seductive beauty to stay far away from Lu Zheng!

After the woman departed, Zuo Shaoqing sank wearily into a chair. He took several deep breaths and found no abnormalities in his body. His strength was gradually returning.