516 Invitation (5)
“Third Madam, don’t say that.” Chang Zaiqing quickly said, “I’m grateful that the Shen family took me in. Moreover, I went to see First Madam a few days ago. She’s a broad-minded person. I think she won’t take the misunderstanding to heart. I’ll go. If there’s a chance, I’ll definitely help you explain. Third Madam, I have been meaning to do it even if you don’t tell me.”
When Chen Ruoqiu heard that, she was very relieved. “I knew you were a good person.” As she spoke, she took off a bracelet from her hand and put it on Chang Zaiqing. Chang Zaiqing wanted to decline, but Chen Ruoqiu held her hand and said firmly, “This bracelet is not worth a lot of money, but it’s well-crafted. I know you’re not greedy for money, so you won’t accept anything expensive. Take this bracelet. General Shen might be at home today. It’s not wrong to dress up to see him. You can’t let people look down on the Chang family, right? You have to think for the Chang family.”
These words came from the bottom of her heart, and every word she said was for Chang Zaiqing’s sake. Chang Zaiqing did not decline anymore and only said, “I will remember Third Madam’s kindness to me.”
“What are you talking about? We’re family.” Chen Ruoqiu stood up and looked outside. “Miss Chang, dress up first. I won’t disturb you anymore. Go before it snows so that you can come back early at night.” She reminded the two maids who served Chang Zaiqing something before leaving.
After Chen Ruoqiu left, Nanny Zhao put away Chang Zaiqing’s invitation letter and said, “Miss, are you really going to see First Madam Shen?”
“Why not.” As soon as Chen Ruoqiu left, Chang Zaiqing’s smile faded, and she seemed to have changed into a different person.
“That First Madam Shen…” Nanny Zhao was a little hesitant.
“She’s a good person.” Chang Zaiqing sat at the table, opened a small box of rouge, and pursed her lips. The color of the rouge was light, looking like it was the natural color of her lips.
“In that case, I am relieved.” Nanny Zhao heaved a sigh of relief.
“That’s right.” Chang Zaiqing looked at herself in the mirror, but it was unknown if she was talking to herself or to others. “I’m also relieved.”
Outside, Chen Ruoqiu returned to the Autumn Water Garden and held the hand warmer in her hand. When she turned around, she met Shen Yue.
“Mother.” Shen Yue said, “Why do you keep going to see Chang Zaiqing? I’ve been looking for you.”
“Why are you looking for me?” Chen Ruoqiu stroked Shen Yue’s head. Shen Yue was getting older and older, but her standards were still high. Chen Ruoqiu couldn’t just keep her daughter at home like that. Chen Ruoqiu knew that her daughter liked Prince Ding, but why would Fu Xiuyi take a liking to her? Shen Yue would definitely not be happy with just being a concubine. Shen Wan had already flared up with Chen Ruoqiu a few times because she turned down all the people who came to propose marriage to Shen Yue.
“I just received new dresses from the embroidery workshop.” Shen Yue said, “I want you to see which one looks better.”
Looking at her daughter, who was like a flower, Chen Ruoqiu felt a headache coming on. She said, “What’s the use of these colorful patterns? You’re already beautiful. You might as well spend the time learning something from that person in the west courtyard instead of dressing yourself up.”
“The west courtyard?” Shen Yue was puzzled. “Mother, are you talking about Chang Zaiqing? What can I learn from her?”
Chen Ruoqiu shook her head. “There’s a lot to learn from her. If you have 30% of her ability, I won’t have to worry about you anymore.”
She knew what kind of a person Luo Xueyan was. Although Luo Xueyan was hospitable, it was never likely for her to invite someone she had just met once. Chen Ruoqiu knew that Chang Zaiqing was a person who made people feel comfortable but not hostile. However, it was really beyond her expectations that Chang Zaiqing could get Luo Xueyan’s trust so quickly.