DDR – Chapter 94

Chapter 94: Spring Happiness

All credit to original author: 独步云霄

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“Hurry! Stop her quickly, don’t let her mess around!” Guo Yuanshuang hadn’t expected Chun Xi to be courageous enough to run outside in her inner clothing. Seeing Chu Xi’s ruined appearance, she was anxious to get someone to stop her but it was too late.

“Second Madam, what’s going on?” Nanny Zhang had come running when she heard the commotion but stopped when she saw Chun Xi. She knew very well that this was the personal maid of Shen Jingshu and seeing her messy clothing, disheveled hair, face obviously flushed from sex, Nanny Zhang’s face went red. She understood what was going on the moment she saw her and couldn’t help but secretly sigh that she had come at just the wrong time to encounter such a thing.

This was not easy to handle. One was the eldest miss’ maid, the other was the second master. This…

She really wanted to find a hole to crawl into and forget she had seen anything. Seeing that Nanny Zhang did not want to wade into these muddy waters, Chun Xi grabbed her directly and cried: “Nanny, help me! I’m Chun Xi, the eldest miss’ personal maid! The second master forcibly took this slave, asking Nanny to speak for this slave!”

“You girl, what are you saying?” Nanny Zhang sighed. “Get up quickly, I can’t speak for you. This matter must be left to the old madam to decide.” She really didn’t want to get involved in this matter but now that she had come, was it possible not to know?

Although the second madam was the housekeeper, she wasn’t an impenetrable wall. Not to mention that now that the eldest master and eldest madam were back, she didn’t dare to be too partial.

This was the eldest miss’ maid and Nanny Zhang knew she would probably be held accountable if she said nothing, so she could only report the truth.

“Nanny! This matter is just a misunderstanding, I hope Nanny can wait to talk about it later.” Guo Yuanshuang said, gritting her teeth. She was helpless, there was nothing she could do.

If only Nanny Zhang hadn’t come! If she had come even a few minutes later, she could have handled this matter. Wasn’t she just a maid? At that time, only the heavens would know what happened to her and her death would have just been a trivial matter. Would Jingshu pursue things just for a little maid?

It was just a pity…

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Nanny Zhang nodded. “Of course, this slave will tell the truth. Second Master and Second Madam should go together, it happens that the old madam has something to speak about with Second Madam.”

“Yes, of course!” Knowing that she would be scolded for a long time, Guo Yuanshuang hated Shen Wenli in her heart. Even getting involved with his niece’s maid! This was so embarrassing! She didn’t dare to think how angry the old madam would be.

“Why do I need to go?” Shen Wenli grumbled. “My head is still hurting.” He hadn’t expected Nanny Zhang to arrive and had quickly tidied himself before going outside. He definitely did not want to see his mother at the moment. He knew without thinking about it that she would scold him.

There was a little bit of regret in his heart. Why had he felt so dizzy when he saw the maid? Although she was pretty, it was just a small loss. This was not good.

“This…” Nanny Zhang hesitated. After all, this matter directly involved Shen Wenli, so it wasn’t good if he didn’t go, right?

“Okay, okay, I won’t go. You go on your own.” Shen Wenli waved his hand. “Since this maid is now mind, you can just ask mother for her. I will take responsibility.” He didn’t want to face Old Madam Shen’s face and just wished to be finished with the matter.

“Second Master, you shouldn’t you go as well?” Nanny Zhang said anxiously. After all, this was not an ordinary maid and it wasn’t good for a matter involving the eldest miss’ maid to spread around. What could they do?

“That’s right! Husband, you need to go and make things clear to your mother. After all, this girl seduced you! If husband doesn’t go, won’t this girl just talk nonsense?” Guo Yuanshuang said quickly, winking at Shen Wenli. She had thought about it and decided that since it had already happened, it was best to pour this dirty water on Chun Xi to lessen the old madam’s anger.

She had no idea that even this would go against her.

Nanny Zhang nodded. “It would be good if Second Master could clarify in person. After all, Chun Xi belongs to the eldest miss. It’s best not to let people misunderstand.”

“Fine! I’ll go, just wait for me.” Frowning impatiently, Shen Wenli went to get dressed. Chun Xi also took the opportunity to tidy herself, as not to be too embarrassed.

…

When the group of people arrived at Old Madam Shen’s rooms, Old Madam Shen was chatting with Shen Jingshu. Seeing them, her complexion suddenly went dark.

“Old Madam! Old Madam, please speak for this servant!” Chun Xi cried immediately, kneeling down. Seeing Shen Jingshu, she sighed in relief and sobbed: “Miss, please speak for this servant!”

“What is going on here?” Looking at Chun Xi’s haggard face and the faint marks on her neck, Old Madam Shen was experienced enough to know that something had happened. Coupled with the uncomfortable expression on her son’s face, it was clear what that something was. Her complexion became very bad, thinking that her second son was becoming more and more disappointing.

Were there not enough maids for him in his own house? Why would he even make a move on Shu’er’s maid! What would they do if this matter spread out? Which uncle would touch his niece’s maid, how could this be allowed?

“Old Madam!” Chun Xi continued to weep. “The Second Master forced this slave, this slave had no choice! Now that this slave has lost her virginity to the second master, I hope that the old madam can speak for this slave!”

Her words were a cry for help and immediately pushed the blame off her. Seeing this, Guo Yuanshuang hurriedly jumped to explain: “Mother, this slave is speaking nonsense! Second Master was drunk, how could he force her? She clearly tried to seduce him!”

“Yes! You seduce me, why are you speaking nonsense!” Noticing Guo Yuanshuang’s wink, Shen Wenli immediately cooperated with her. Anyways, in front of Old Madam Shen, Shen Wenli always maintained his own image. Although he was a bit flirty, he never dared to go to far. He knew that his mother didn’t like these things.

“Second Master, how could you do this?” Chun Xi wept pitifully. “This slave has been obedient since I was a child, how could I seduce you? Obviously you were the one…” Her tears spilled out over her cheeks. Seeing that Guo Yuanshuang and Shen Wenli were working together, Chun Xi was a little anxious. Turning to Shen Jingshu, she cried: “Miss, you know this servant best! I hope you can speak for this maid! I am your personal servant, how could I seduce the second master?”

It as fortunate that Shen Jingshu was here, otherwise Chun Xi really would have wanted to cry!

The old madam loved her youngest son, Chun Xi knew this very well. She couldn’t let the second branch talk nonsense today, otherwise she really might have to give up her life.

“Old madam, Eldest Miss! This servant, this servant was really forced!” Her cries became sobs and she started to tremble. Although this was not the choice Chun Xi wanted, now that Shen Wenli had taken her, she could only follow it and become his concubine.

It was better to become a concubine than to die, Chun Xi knew this very well. Naturally she needed the protection of the old madam and Shen Jingshu.

“Grandmother, this…” Looking at Chun Xi, Shen Jingshu’s expression seemed unbearably anxious. Pleading, she said: “Grandmother, Chun Xi has been by my side for many years and I know her character well. I’m afraid there must be some misunderstanding in this matter.”

Chun Xi had never said that Shen Wenli was wrong, like Shen Jinshu, she knew that the old madam was partial to the second master and was not stupid.

“I understand, I will look into this, don’t worry!” Seeing her granddaughter’s bewildered expression, Old Madam Shen couldn’t help but glare at Shen Wenli, feeling that her son’s actions were getting more and more out of control.

The niece’s maid had been touched. Wouldn’t the Shen family be shamed when this matter spread?

This matter was serious, if they didn’t want it to get out, Chun Xi needed to be dealt with. However, her granddaughter was watching, so she had to give her an explanation.

“Mother, this son, this son really didn’t, it was all her…” Shen Wenli tried to explain but seeing Old Madam Shen’s expression, he didn’t have a chance at all.

The Old Madam glared at him and then smiled at Shen Jingshu: “Okay, since Chun Xi belongs to Shu’er, what does Shu’er think we should do?” If this hadn’t become a big deal, Old Madam Shen would have just solved Chun Xi directly but since it had come to this, Old Madam Shen only had a few options.

“I’ll leave everything up to grandmother.” Shen Jingshu said obediently. She didn’t want to interfere with her grandmother’s decision. When something like this happen, Old Madam Shen wouldn’t let Chun Xi go easily in order to protect the Shen family’s reputation.

Old Madam Shen nodded. “Something like this happening, it is really indecent. This girl has been indiscreet and should be punished with thirty boards. From now on, there is no person named Chun Xi in this house. You are called Chun Hua from now on, follow the second master!”

Not only was her name being changed to something so vulgar to hide her identity, after being hit thirty times, Chun Xi would be completely useless.

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“Old Madam, have mercy!” Chun Hua cried. Thirty boards, although she would survive, wouldn’t she become crippled?

“Take her away. It’s almost New Years, don’t be unlucky.” After the servants pulled Chun Hua away, Old Madam Shen frowned and gave Shen Jingshu an apologetic look. “Shu’er, in this matter it is your second uncle that was wrong. How about grandmother send you a new maid?”

Shen Jingshu shook her head. “It’s alright. Since Second Uncle likes it, it’s okay to give her to Second Uncle. It’s just, if she receives thirty boards, how will Chun Hua serve him?” Despite the look of pity on her face, inwardly Shen Jingshu was satisfied. If the second branch had succeeded today, who knew that kind of chaos their first branch would be suffering right now!

However, it could be seen that her grandmother was still too partial. Even after seeing her son like this, she still chose to push the blame onto Chun Xi and make her the scapegoat.

“That maid has committed a crime, so of course she should be punished. Second child! Why don’t you hurry up and apologize to Shu’er!” Old Madam Shen was very disappointed in her son but this matter could only be handled this way.

Shen Wenli forced himself to smile apologetically: “Jingshu, this matter is Second Uncle’s fault! How about Second Uncle find you a new maid?” He had been a little interested in Chun Xi at first but now that she was going to be hit with thirty boards, he had naturally lost interest.

“No, I don’t blame Second Uncle.” Shen Jingshu refused, feeling disappointed.

Even though she had won her grandmother’s favor, her grandmother was still too biased. But it didn’t matter, today was just the first step. Eventually she would destroy her grandmother’s trust and love for the second branch.

“How can this be, Jingshu!” Guo Yuanshuang cut in. “Second Aunt will give you a maid, this is our apology!” She was distressed that she had lost such a good chess piece but now that she had the opportunity to plant a new spy, of course she wanted to take it.

“It’s fine, Second Aunt! I just bought a few maids not long ago and I think they are very good. I will just promote one in a few days.” There was no way she would agree. It had taken her so long to solve Chun Xi, Shen Jingshu didn’t want more trouble.

“Don’t be embarrassed! We were wrong in this matter. If you don’t accept it, we will feel uneasy!” Seeing that Shen Jingshu continued to refuse, Guo Yuanshuang was not willing to let it go.

Getting his wife’s hint, Shen Wenli joined in to persuade her: “Yes, Jingshu. This matter really is Second Uncle’s fault, you have to accept our apology!”

Shen Jingshu frowned, looking uncomfortable. “It’s okay, Second Uncle. I really don’t blame you! I’ll give that maid to you voluntarily.”

“But—!” Guo Yuanshuang tried again.

Old Madam Shen cut her off. “Okay, since Shu’er doesn’t mind, just forget it. Second Child, don’t be so muddleheaded when doing things in the future.” Some things were not appropriate to say in front of her granddaughter, so Old Madam Shen could only say it like this.

Shen Wenli looked embarrassed. “Yes, mother.”

“Shu’er, you have been wronged in this matter. Grandmother is sorry and will make it up to you. How about grandmother send you a new maid in a few days?” Despite being biased, Old Madam Shen still felt a little guilty. But Shen Jingshu still refused.

“Grandmother, I understand! I understand grandmother’s painstaking efforts. I don’t need a new maid, granddaughter just bought a few smart maids. I will just train them up. There is still Chun Mei and the others to teach them.”

Old Madam Shen nodded, satisfied to see Shen Jingshu behaving so sensibly. “In that case, I won’t force you.” Instead, she gave Shen Jingshu a lot of good things as compensation. Although Shen Jingshu didn’t want them, since the old madam insisted, she could only accept. Shen Wenli and Guo Yuanshuang, who were watching from the side, were extremely jealous.

Shen Jingshu had her maid put away the things and seeing that the old madam had something to say to Shen Wenli, she found an excuse and left.

As soon as Shen Jingshu was gone, Old Madam Shen exploded: “You rebellious son! Kneel down for me!”

“Mother!” Unexpectedly, the mother who had just defended him had changed her face immediately and Shen Wenli didn’t have time to react.

The old madam sneered: “Not kneeling for me? Do you want to piss me off?”

Shen Wenli dropped to his knees: “This son doesn’t dare!”

Guo Yuanshuang immediately kneeled next to him. “Mother, please calm down!” Knowing that the old madam had been holding back her anger this whole time, not only was Shen Wenli scared but so was she. They knelt together, hoping that Old Madam Shen would not be so angry.

“Calm down? Don’t be angry? Are you trying to piss me off!?” The old madam shouted, slamming a hand down on the table. She was furious.

Shen Wenli cringed: “Mother, this son knows he was wrong.”

“Oh, so now you know you were wrong?” Old Madam Shen scoffed. “I know you’re romantic but you’ve always known how to measure. Why did you act so foolishly this time! That maid was not an ordinary maid, she was Shu’er’s personal maid! You, an uncle, behave like this, isn’t it a joke? The uncle snatches a maid from his niece, if this got out the Shen family would be shamed!”

Hanging his head, Shen Wenli cried: “This son doesn’t dare!” Seeing his mother like this, he actually regretted it a lot but now that it had been done, what could he do?

The old madam didn’t know whether to laugh or cry: “Don’t dare? I think you do dare!”

“Mother, don’t worry! Second Master will definitely not do this again in the future!” Guo Yuanshuang jumped in, also hanging her head.

Unfortunately, this just turned Old Madam Shen’s ire from Shen Wenli to Guo Yuanshuang. “And you! As a wife, you can’t even control your husband? What are you doing! How did that girl run into your yard?” There were still many doubts about this matter but when Shen Jingshu had been present, Old Madam Shen hadn’t been able to ask.

Guo Yuanshuang cowered: “Daughter-in-law, daughter-in-law doesn’t know! She was already like that when I arrived!” As she spoke, her eyes flickered a little.

Old Madam Shen knew that she was hiding something but all she said was: “Fine. This matter is finish. Pay more attention in the future, don’t make such mistakes again.”

Shen Wenli sighed with relief: “Yes, mother! This son will remember.”

“Learn from your elder brother and don’t always cause me worry!” Old Madam Shen sighed. Why was her eldest son so well behaved and sensible but her second son was so troublesome? But this was why she always favored her younger son. Her eldest could solve everything by himself but her younger son needed her.

Every time his mother compared him to Shen Wenhua, Shen Wenli would feel uncomfortable but right now, he could only accept it. “Yes, mother.”

Unknowingly, Old Madam Shen continued to salt the wound: “Think about it, don’t be lazy and not make progress. Now that your elder brother is back, as long as you work hard, your eldest brother will definitely find a way to promote you. Don’t do such a thing again and let your eldest brother be disappointed!” She desperately wanted to improve the relationship between the two brothers and hoped that her youngest son would be taken care of after she was gone, so of course she wanted to build a foundation.

Shen Wenli grit his teeth. “Yes, mother. This son understands.” Why did everyone tell him to rely on his eldest brother! Was he really so unreliable!

He was not reconciled!

His mother nodded. “Okay, go back and think about it. You have to be more disciplined in the future, don’t worry me anymore. It’s rare for your brother to be home, this year can’t be miserable.”

After all, even though Old Madam Shen had dealt with this matter and Chun Xi had been solved, she still felt that this matter was not good. “Go back. Don’t go out for a few days and take a good rest at home.”

“Mm, mother should rest too!” He went back, full of anger. Thanks to this incident, Shen Wenli loathed Chun Xi and when she was delivered to the Second Branch’s yard, beaten, he didn’t say anything and ignored her when Guo Yuanshuang punished her. If it hadn’t been for the New Year, Guo Yuanshuang would have killed her off long ago.

However, this also gave Chun Xi a chance. The package that Shen Jingshu sent her contained medical ingredient, touching Chun Xi’s heart. She no longer blamed Shen Jingshu for the past and her heart was now full of resentment toward the Second Branch. Naturally she wanted revenge! As soon as she recovered, the Second Branch was filled with smoke and there was no peace.

Of course, this was a story for later.

…

Chun Xi had changed her name and now belonged to Shen Wenli, which Shen Jingshu had expected from the start. When she returned to her yard, she ordered someone to pack up Chun Xi’s things and send them over.

Chun Mei and the others were filled with unwillingness. “Miss, the old madam is too eccentric! This matter is clearly the fault of Second Aunt but the old madam wants Chun Xi to carry the blame, isn’t this hitting your face, Miss?” The maid of an unmarried young lady seducing the young lady’s uncle? If outsiders found out about this, wouldn’t it ruin Shen Jingshu’s reputation?

Shen Jingshu smiled faintly: “This is why grandmother changed her name. Remember, Chun Xi no longer exists. She died of a disease long ago and all of her things were sent to her home. From now on, that concubine has nothing to do with our yard.

Chun Xi, oh Chun Xi… in your previous life, you were married to Second Uncle and he inherited all of my father’s property. Giving birth to his son, your life was prosperous! But in this life, you won’t have it so easy.

However, I won’t break up your marriage. What happens next is up to you!

Chun Mei nodded and they carefully packed up all of Chun Xi’s things as well as a few extra things that Shen Jingshu added. Seeing how valuable these items were, Chun Mei and the others suddenly felt that it wasn’t worth it. “Miss, why are you treating her so well and sending these good things over?”

Chun Xi was disloyal but their miss was too kind.

Shen Jingshu shook her head. “After all, we had a master-servant relationship. She’s been beaten and will suffer in the future. Let’s just treat it as a reward for her serving me for so many years. In the future, we will have nothing to do with each other.”

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 Letting Chun Xi die now would be useless. She was injured, with no medicine, no money, and no support. If Shen Jingshu didn’t help, how could she stand in the future?

“But aren’t these too much?” Chun Xiao insisted. When she thought about how Chun Xi had treated Shen Jingshu, Chun Xiao really felt that Shen Jingshu was being too kind.

“Alright, when you get married in the future, I won’t give you less than this, don’t worry!” Shen Jingshu laughed, her words making the maids smile shyly.

“Miss is making fun of me!” Chun Xiao blushed, embarrassed. Not only her but all of the maid’s had complicated expressions.

Shen Jingshu stifled her laughter: “Hehe, alright, don’t be so shy! Go on, pack it all up and send it over.”

“Miss! This servant is ignoring you!” Chun Xiao pouted. Taking the things, she left. She knew Shen Jingshu was embarrassing her on purpose.

Watching her go, Shen Jingshu chuckled and said to Chun Mei: “Isn’t that girl too shy? This is a common topic. Now that she’s grown up, she should be thinking about marriage.”

Chun Mei sighed: “Miss, don’t talk like that! You haven’t even gotten married yet, you’re making people laugh!”

This did not deter Shen Jingshu at all. “What are you afraid of?” She laughed. “There are only a few of us here and what I said was true. When you all get married in the future, I will definitely give you a generous dowry so you can get married with pride.” Chun Xi had been ruthless first, which is why Shen Jingshu took care of her personally. But her other maids were loyal, so of course she needed to protect them.

“Miss…” They knew that Shen Jingshu treated them well but they didn’t expect that she would be so good to them. How could Chun Mei and the others not be moved?

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Chapter 93