The next morning, Sang Wan was awakened by Shi Fengju.
It was not her fault. After marrying into the Shi family in her past life, she was soon sidelined and neglected. Her mother-in-law detested her, why would she need Sang Wan's formal greetings or services? As such, she had little sense of time! Her days were spent idly eating, daydreaming, or sulking, no one cared for her.
"Hmm?" Sang Wan rubbed her soporific eyes and looked puzzledly at Shi Fengju. The warm air from the brocade quilt imbued her pale cheeks with a flush of pink. A subtle, faintly alluring fragrance enveloped him.
"Get up quickly; the maids and older women will be coming in soon!" Shi Fengju was almost exasperated, gazing at Sang Wan discontentedly. Yet, seeing her in this state, he could not help but soften.
Sang Wan jumped up in a startle, hastily picking up the white ceremonial handkerchief thrown casually to one side and said awkwardly, "This, this--how should we handle it?"
Shi Fengju was also embarrassed, he scratched his nose, clenched his teeth, and silently fetched a sharp gold hairpin inlaid with ruby tassels from the dressing table. He pricked his middle finger and let drop his fresh blood on the handkerchief. In an instant, vivid red spots bloomed on the white handkerchief like a cluster of begonias, radiating in stark contrast to the white fabric.
"Enough! Enough!" Seeing Shi Fengju continuously dripping his blood onto the cloth as if in a daze, Sang Wan hurriedly snatched the handkerchief away. Bloodying the cloth was all that was necessary, there was no need to kill a chicken! What was he thinking, dyeing cloth?
Shi Fengju's face grew hot, and he did not dare meet her gaze. It was an awkward predicament.
"You, hurry down, soon we have to serve tea and pay respects to mother and the aunts!" Shi Fengju coughed, attempting to shift the awkward atmosphere. He succeeded, just as he finished speaking, there came the sound of knocking at the door supplemented with the calls of "Young master, Mistress".
Both heaved a sigh of relief secretly.
"Come in!" Sang Wan responded loudly after glancing at Shi Fengju.
The maids entered gently, paid their respects to the couple, and went about their designated chores: dressing them, bringing towels, preparing hair oils and jewelry orderly and efficiently. This left Sang Wan's personal maid, Liu Ya, standing to one side, uncertain of what to do
Two majestically dressed senior maids with neatly combed hair done up in hair rolls approaching from the front, picked up the blood-stained handkerchief, and noticed that both the young master and mistress seemed to be watching them anxiously. Understanding their nervousness as a result of this being new to them, the senior maids exchanged an amused look before they each kneeled and congratulated the couple. At this, the maids around also paused their chores and flocked towards the couple to give their congratulations. Shi Fengju summoned a weak smile, took a quick glance at Sang Wan who was also forceing a smile; weakly, he blessed them. Upon hearing his words, the cheering intensifies.
After cleaning up, it was time for them to serve tea and pay respects to their mother-in-law, Mrs. Wang, in the main courtyard.
They had to meet again! In Sang Wan's mind appeared an image of a round-faced woman with long eyes and thin lips, smiling kindly.
Also, Uncle Shi Guangyao, Aunt Mrs. Mi, the various younger brothers and sisters, and cousin, Gu Fangzi!
As she moseyed through the winding corridors and courtyards, Sang Wan continuously felt as if she was in a dream. The feeling of being in another era was so real and surreal at the same time. She should have been familiar with everything, being the mistress of the estate. But, living in seclusion for so long, never stepping out of the house, living a veiled life, aside from the secluded courtyard she resided in, she was unfamiliar with every corner of the estate except for the fragments of memories from years ago.
In the main hall of the main courtyard, her mother-in-law Mrs. Wang, Uncle, and Aunt had already taken their seats. Behind them were the children, including the maids and older women standing around, the room was buzzing with people. Everyone was present except the family of the third house who were out for work, including Gu Fangzi.
Upon entering, Sang Wan instinctively glanced at Gu Fangzi who was dutifully serving Mrs. Wang. Gu's delicate features were highlighted by her embroidered Begoina red Hunan dress which made her porcelain skin appear even more with her thin lips pursed, showing her soft lip line, her features were soft and sweet and her long lashes added to her grace and charm, making her extremely pleasant to the eye.
Gu Fangzi looked at Sang Wan as well, their gazes met in mid-air. Fangzi's warm eyes rippled a little, glowing distinctly, she flashed Sang Wan an almost imperceptible nod and smile.
At her smile, Sang Wan shivered and immediately lowered her eyes. In her previous life, Gu Fangzi's friendly manner and smile had eased her nervousness. This time, however, it only made her feel cold!