Chapter 173 Seeking benefits and avoiding harm is human nature
Chapter 173 Seeking benefits and avoiding harm is human nature
The next day, early in the morning.
Shen Shuyi first went to visit Zhang, the second wife.
"Sister Yi is here, please sit down." Zhang was quite enthusiastic towards Shen Shuyi. Regardless of how much she liked her, at least she had taught Qin Xuerong a lesson several times. Just for this reason, Zhang was particularly close to her.
"This time, I came mainly to ask my aunt if the guest list for grandma's banquet has been finalized. If it has been finalized, I can prepare the menu according to the guests' habits and tastes." Shen Shuyi said in a gentle voice.
Upon hearing this, Zhang Jinping immediately asked someone to bring over the half-prepared list.
"To be honest, it hasn't been decided yet. Your mother used to be the head of the family. This is my first time doing something like this, so I'm inevitably worried about some mistakes."
Having said that, Zhang Jinping handed the list in his hand to Shen Shuyi.
Shen Shuyi took a quick look and said gently, "Aunt, if you are worried, you can ask grandma for advice."
"Of course. I'll go over once the list is drawn up this afternoon. I just don't know...if there's anything else I need to pay attention to." Zhang Jinping spoke tentatively.
After all, in her opinion, Shen Shuyi was cautious and thoughtful.
He had been fighting with Qin Xuerong for so many years, but hadn't gained any benefit at all. On the contrary, since Shen Shuyi came back, Qin Xuerong had suffered several losses in a row.
So she didn't feel ashamed at all when she spoke to Shen Shuyi.
Shen Shuyi said in a gentle voice: "There is nothing wrong with the other things, but the arrangement of all the utensils must be in compliance with the regulations and not too much, so as not to spread a reputation of extravagance and affect the reputation of the mansion. In addition, the seating arrangement of the people, aunt will probably spend some time to avoid arranging people who are not compatible or have conflicts together."
After hearing these words, Zhang Jinping felt as if she had suddenly been enlightened, and the smile on her face became even more earnest.
"You are really thoughtful, kid. If you ask me, you are no worse than Sister Yu. Your future...will definitely be limitless."
Zhang is also a straightforward person, and she speaks her mind quite a bit.
At this moment, he was very happy and held Shen Shuyi's hand very affectionately.
"Aunt is the lucky one. Your cousin is dignified and virtuous, your two cousins are extremely intelligent, and your uncle is particularly respectful to you. The days to come will surely be filled with endless blessings." Shen Shuyi spoke softly, his eyes clear and sincere.
Zhang Jinping was so happy that she said, "Oh, you are such a lovely child. Madam Liu, go get those two pieces of fine fabrics I got a few days ago for Sister Yi, and also bring those two old ginsengs that my brother from my mother's family sent me a while ago."
"Aunt, you are too polite. Shuyi feels unworthy of it." Shen Shuyi spoke in a gentle voice, with a little more tenderness in his eyes.
In her previous life, although Zhang did not lend a helping hand when Qin Xuerong was targeting her, she also never added insult to injury.
On the contrary, she had heard Zhang several times secretly cursing Qin Xuerong for being a good-for-nothing.
Therefore, although Shen Shuyi did not have much feelings for her, he did not have a bad impression of her.
Zhang Jinping sighed and said, "It's not easy for you either. You and... Han Ge'er are both in poor health. Those two old ginsengs are not rare. Just take them back to replenish your body."
There was more sincerity in these words. Shen Shuyi was silent for a moment and did not refuse anymore.
Zhang Jinping is actually not a complicated person. If she can feel your kindness, she will not hesitate to give back while preserving her own interests.
Shen Shuyi didn't blame her for standing idly by in her previous life. After all, it is human nature to seek benefits and avoid harm.
What's more, Zhang Jinping is not alone. She has a family and children, and everyone can tell who is close to her and who is not.
"Don't worry, I went to the old lady this afternoon, and I will hand the list to you tomorrow at the latest." Zhang Jinping spoke again.
"Thank you Auntie."
*
Not long after Shen Shuyi left Zhang and returned to Yunshu Garden, the ten pieces of flowing brocade that Qin Guiqiong had agreed to order were delivered.
I have to say, this is indeed a good thing. I wonder how painful Qin Guiqiong must be feeling.
The colorful fabrics reflect flowing light in the room, and the exquisite silk embroidery patterns on them seem to come alive.
"Miss, this material is so beautiful." Holding the jade in her hand, she couldn't help but speak. She felt it was delicate and soft.
Shen Shuyi said in a gentle voice: "This one horse costs over a hundred taels, so it must be extraordinary."
Shen Shuyi picked out the fabrics and said, "Send the dark blue one to father, the purple one to grandmother, the red one to mother, the dark green and smoke blue ones to Qingyuan Marquis's Mansion, the crimson purple and rouge pink ones to Second Aunt, and the apricot yellow one to Aunt Wu."
Jade was stunned for a moment, then responded, "Yes."
In a short time, only two of the ten pieces of fabric were left, and Shen Shuyi only kept one piece of pearl pink and mist blue fabric for himself, which was simple, elegant and exquisite.
Not long after Jadeite left, Agate came in and reported, "Miss, the fifth lady wants to see you, and she doesn't look very well."
Shen Meiru?
Shen Shuyi's eyes showed some consideration, and he spoke softly, "Please ask her to come in."
After a while, Shen Meiru walked in slowly. Compared to her usual pretty and pretty face, there was a hint of sadness on her face and the corners of her eyes were red, as if she had just cried.
"Second sister, I'm sorry for coming here without your permission. I don't know if I have disturbed your rest." Shen Meiru said apologetically.
Shen Shuyi smiled and said, "You and I are sisters. There is no such thing as disturbing each other. Come and sit down."
Yuping served tea and cakes to the two of them.
After Shen Meiru thanked her, she finally had time to look around Shen Shuyi's boudoir: "Speaking of coming back from my second sister, this is my first time to visit."
Shen Shuyi said in a gentle voice: "I was negligent. I should have invited you to come over and sit down earlier."
Shen Meiru shook her head and looked around, a hint of envy flashing in her eyes.
The sea-blue hibiscus bed curtains, the gorgeous eight-treasure carved wooden bed, the exquisite smoky-colored screen, as well as all the objects placed on the table and in the corners, although not luxurious, are also very exquisite and definitely not ordinary items.
"Although my second sister has just returned home, this room is much more magnificent than mine."
Shen Meiru couldn't help but speak, but Shen Shuyi said nothing, just looked at her with a smile.
As if she realized something, Shen Meiru hurriedly apologized, feeling a little uneasy: "I'm sorry, second sister, I...I didn't mean that..."
"I know that I am a concubine's daughter and my aunt is not favored, so I should not be compared with my second sister."
Shen Shuyi poured her a cup of tea, which gave off a faint tea fragrance, and the whole room seemed particularly quiet: "If you have any grievances, I may not be able to help, but you can also tell me."
Upon hearing this, Shen Meiru's eyes instantly turned red and she seemed to want to say something but stopped herself.
After a long while, she smiled bitterly and said softly, "Actually, there is nothing else to say. It's just that Second Sister knows that my aunt used to be a maidservant beside mother. Although she was later promoted to aunt, over the years, my aunt and I have to live by mother's face..."
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