Chapter 135: Cold War (2/2)

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Who knew that Concubine Fang still underestimated the amount of concern Second Old Mistress Mi had for Second Old Master Shi’s concubines. After Concubine Fang and Nanny Ying returned from Sang Wan’s place, Second Old Mistress Mi had already sent head maidservant Xiao Shuang to invite her to have a word even before they had the time to settle down for tea.

Concubine Fang’s heart tightened and she quickly invited Xiao Shuang in for tea first. She smiled and asked, “Xiao Shuang, do you know why Old Mistress is calling for me?”

There was no way Xiao Shuang would expose anything to her, and she rejected the tea. She smiled and said, “This servant was only tasked with passing the word and does not know the reason why Second Old Mistress is looking for Lady Fang! Lady Fang, Second Old Mistress is waiting, please come with this servant!”

“Alright, but let me clean my hands first. Xiao Shuang, why don’t you take a seat for a moment and wait a while for me, just a while!” Concubine Fang quickly smiled and had someone take care of Xiao Shuang while she cleaned her hands uneasily. Her heart was pounding unceasingly.

Over at Mi Shi’s place, Mi Shi did not waste any time to riddle her and asked directly, “I heard that you went to Ning Garden?”

Concubine Fang’s heart jumped and she hurriedly nodded, “Yes. But this concubine did not go there on purpose. This concubine was only feeling a little thirsty during a stroll in the flower garden and decided to get a cup of tea to quench the thirst when this concubine happen to walk by Ning Garden. At first, this concubine only wanted to let the maidservants pour me a cup and leave right after, but who knew that Young Mistress was present so this concubine ended up going to greet Young Mistress! Young Mistress even gave me a small can of tea leaves!”

“Oh, so that’s why!” Mi Shi had some prejudice against Sang Wan and was not very willing to let the members on her side of the family associate themselves with Sang Wan. And so she said, “Pay more attention next time. Don’t roam about recklessly! There are some places that are not for you to go, lest others gossip about it. Do you hear me?”

“Clearly. This concubine will comply!” Concubine Fang was secretly relieved and she quickly replied submissively.

“Good!” Mi Shi nodded satisfactorily before waving her hand and saying, “Remember it! Don’t be like Concubine Shui and disobey me behind my back. You may leave!”

“Yes, Second Old Mistress! This concubine will never dare to disobey Second Old Mistress’s words! Then this concubine will be leaving now!” Concubine Fang bowed and left respectfully.

At the door, Concubine Fang and Nanny Ying looked at each other fearfully. Both of them were frightened out of their wits; it seemed Ning Garden was now temporarily barred for them! They could only wait for another opportunity to meet and discuss with Young Mistress.

“Lady Fang, let’s not be anxious. There’s still time! We can slowly plan and prepare ourselves first!” Nanny Ying consoled.

“You are right!” Concubine Fang nodded her head. Feeling indignant, she nibbled on her lips as she wondered who the spy for Second Old Mistress was; the news was quick to arrive at her ear!

Concubine Fang sighed to herself. But it was only just a sigh; she did not have any intention to investigate further. The reason being that even if she knew who the spy was, there was nothing she could do! Second Old Mistress Mi was the wife, and she was but a concubine. It was only right for Second Old Mistress Mi to have eyes on the concubines to know all their actions and to manage them. That was only natural; there was no way she could go against Second Old Mistress Mi!

Constrained by her status, she felt especially resentful towards it. No matter how she tried to obtain the love and attention of Second Old Master Shi, nothing would change!

She had no hope left for herself, but she could not allow her daughter’s life to be as grey as hers. She had to fight for her! Even if she had to give it her all! Only when her daughter lived comfortably then she would too!

Back at Ning Garden, seeing that Concubine Fang had finally left, Sang Wan was secretly relieved. She believed that Concubine Fang could not possibly come again in the next two or three days. At least, for now, she had handled the situation well. If Concubine Fang were to come again, at the most she would use the same tactic again. No matter what, she had to prevent Concubine Fang from speaking about the proposal because if she were to rejected, it would surely hurt Concubine Fang’s dignity, and even the Shi Second family’s dignity!

In the blink of an eye, November came. The weather got colder and the atmosphere of the young master and young mistress in Ning Garden remained lukewarm.

Sang Wan was determined this time. In front of Shi Fengju, she regarded herself as someone who served him, cared for his needs, and every other aspect. However, everyone could tell that something was off about her, including Shi Fengju.

At first, Shi Fengju thought that the resentment she harbored would be dispelled after a few days. But who knew that, after seven or eight days, Sang Wan still treated him with a respectful distance.

Shi Fengju began to feel uncomfortable and uneasy. He felt concerned and started to initiate a conversation every now and then, with some caution. However, Sang Wan did not warm herself up to him at all. Even though she was still gentle, answering him with patience and kindness, she never said more than she should; there were no emotions in her eyes. Shi Fengju did not know what to do and it was the first time he felt powerless.

“Sang Wan, if you have nothing to do tomorrow, why don’t we have a walk on the streets? Our family’s tailor shop just imported a new batch of leather and fur. They’re best used to make coats. I will go with you to pick a few, okay?” That evening when Shi Fengju returned, he asked Sang Wan with a smile on his face.

Without a change in expression, Sang Wan lowered her gaze to not look at him in the eyes before saying indifferently, “Thank you for your kind offer! A few days ago, the household has already ordered this year’s coats so the trip would be unnecessary! Even if Sang Wan has nothing to do, Sang Wan does not want to go out in this cold weather. Why don’t you ask your sister? Maybe she will want to go.”

Shi Fengju’s expression immediately darkened. There she went again!

“What do you want? Do you really have to talk to me in this way?” Shi Fengju asked unhappily.

Sang Wan’s eyelashes fluttered a few times and raised her eyes slowly. Her eyes remained as calm as still water when she gave a glance at Shi Fengju before she asked politely with a gentle voice, “Lord, what do you mean? Forgive Sang Wan for not understanding what you mean! If Sang Wan is not doing anything right, please tell me, and I will change!”