The speaker was Third Miss Shen Yurou from the eldest branch.
She and Second Miss Shen Yurong were twin sisters, but for some reason, the two did not look alike.
Sister Shen Yurong was among the most outstanding in the capital, both in appearance and learning; but younger sister Shen Yurou was relatively ordinary, at best merely delicate and pretty.
However, she had the advantage of fair skin, and being born in the Duke's residence, her noble demeanor and tasteful dressing made her quite remarkable as well.
The Old Madam had only given birth to four sons and was quite fond of girls.
All the granddaughters in the family were treated like treasures by her, always doted upon.
Hearing this, the Old Madam was delighted.
She smiled and shot Shen Yurou a playful glance: "Even food can't keep that little mouth of yours shut."
After saying this, she beckoned Liu Suisui to her side and pointed to the several young ladies seated below: "These are all your own sisters. Now that you've come to the capital, treat this place as your own home. If you lack anything, just ask your aunt, and don't hold back."
Liu Suisui nodded: "Yes."
Then the Old Madam asked her a few more questions before having her follow Madam Liu to meet everyone.
Everyone in the room was present except for Madam Meng from the third branch, all the other female family members had gathered.
Liu Suisui made sure to remember everyone clearly, fearing she might be impolite if she encountered them in the future.
After sitting for a while, Duke Shen Chang left.
Today, he was the only man in the room, and coupled with his usual sternness, his departure immediately livened up the atmosphere.
Shen Yuling tugged at Liu Suisui: "Come, let me show you around the garden."
Liu Suisui did not want to go.
From the moment she opened her eyes this morning until now, she had dealt with too many people and was somewhat tired.
Besides, she could sense that the young ladies of the Duke's residence did not particularly like her.
But the Old Madam spoke up: "Go on, go on. You children chattering away are giving me a headache."
Liu Suisui had no choice but to rise and follow Shen Yuling and the others out of Huichun Tang.
Once outside Huichun Tang, Shen Yuling, who had been tugging at her, immediately let go and stepped forward to link arms with Shen Yurong.
"Second Sister, why didn't you speak today? Are you in a bad mood?"
Shen Yurong's expression was indifferent: "Which eye of Fifth Sister sees me in a bad mood?"
"Then you must be in a good mood." Shen Yuling's eyes shifted slightly, and she feigned a sigh. "I thought Second Sister might feel uncomfortable because Cousin is prettier than you, but it seems I underestimated you."
Shen Yurong withdrew the arm Shen Yuling was holding.
She stopped walking, glanced back at Liu Suisui, who was a few steps behind—dressed plainly, yet unable to conceal her radiant beauty and delicate charm.
Women from Jiangnan are often enchanting.
Indeed, it was true.
Shen Yurong felt somewhat displeased.
She withdrew her gaze, too lazy to say another word, and was about to leave when Shen Yurou beside her objected.
She stepped forward, pushed Shen Yuling away, and said angrily: "Shen Yuling, are you blind? She's just a country bumpkin—how can she be compared to my Second Sister?"
How could Shen Yuling be afraid of her?
Hands on her hips, she retorted defiantly: "You're the blind one! What country bumpkin? That's Sucheng, the best prefectural city in Jiangnan…"
"Hah, prefectural city? An official's daughter from a prefectural city coming to our house to seek favors—in my opinion, she's just a beggar."
"You…"
Shen Yuling was furious, rolling up her sleeves as if about to step forward. Shen Yujiao was not afraid of her either, and the two looked as if they were about to come to blows. Liu Suisui grew anxious as well.
If a real fight broke out and the elders in the mansion found out it was because of her, they would likely take a dislike to her.
Liu Suisui had always known that the most basic rule of living under someone else's roof was not to incur the displeasure of the host family.
She hurried over, intending to intervene, when a sharp male voice came from not far away.
"What's all this noise?"
As soon as the voice sounded, Liu Suisui noticed that Shen Yuling and Shen Yurou, who had been on the verge of grappling with each other, immediately stopped.
If just a moment ago the two had been baring their teeth, ready to fight to the death, now they were like mice suddenly encountering a cat—instantly subdued.
Intrigued, she followed everyone's gaze and looked up.
A man walked through the courtyard gate, tall and long-legged, standing nine chi tall. He wore a black cloak over a dark red Feiyu uniform, and the silver-threaded Four-Clawed Feiyu Python Robe beneath it emitted a cold gleam with his movements.
Her gaze drifted upward unconsciously—his jawline was sharply defined, his lips thin and cold, his nose bridge high and straight, and his eyes deep and piercing.
Sensing her stare, he suddenly lifted his gaze toward her.
Their eyes met, and the man's face was fully revealed to Liu Suisui.
It was like a sudden clap of thunder on a clear day.
Her mind buzzed, and Liu Suisui froze in place. The surrounding sounds faded away as she stared at the man's face. Though she had only seen it once, it was unforgettable for a lifetime.
It was that scoundrel!
How… how could he be here?
Panic surged in her heart, and her face instantly turned deathly pale.
Shen Gongshen naturally noticed her as well.
But his gaze merely swept over her briefly before returning to Shen Yuling and Shen Yurou.
He stood before the two, expression cold and silent.
His overwhelming presence made everyone present hold their breath, their breathing growing faint.
Finally, Shen Yurong stepped forward, curtsying respectfully. "Rong'er greets Fourth Uncle."
Shen Gongshen gave a slight nod, waiting for her to rise before speaking slowly, "I could hear the commotion from afar. What's all the noise about?"
Shen Yurong remained silent but glanced hesitantly in the direction where Liu Suisui stood.
That single glance instantly made Liu Suisui the center of attention.
Shen Gongshen shifted his gaze back to Liu Suisui.
He looked at her, his thin lips slightly pursed, his facial contours sharp, his expression toward her utterly indifferent.
As if she were a stranger he was meeting for the first time.
Shen Yurong's address of "Fourth Uncle" sent a jolt through Liu Suisui, snapping her back to reality.
Fourth Uncle?!
The Fourth Master of the Duke's Mansion, Shen Gongshen, the cold-faced Yama of the Imperial Guard Commander?!
Liu Suisui's vision darkened, and she nearly fainted.
Suppressing the panic in her heart, she noticed everyone staring at her and instinctively looked toward Shen Yuling, but Shen Yuling turned her head away, avoiding her gaze.
Liu Suisui then met Shen Yurong's cool, haughty eyes, and in that instant, it seemed she understood everything.
She withdrew her gaze and turned to Shen Gongshen, about to explain, but he was a step ahead—his eyes shifted away from her as he addressed the Shen sisters calmly, "Mother prefers peace and quiet. Don't let this happen again!"
Shen Yurong lowered her head, her voice obedient. "Fourth Uncle is right to reprimand us. It was my fault for not keeping my younger sisters in check. It won't happen again."
Shen Gongshen said nothing, his imposing gaze fixed on Shen Yuling and Shen Yurou, who remained silent.
Feeling her fourth uncle's stare, Shen Yuling quickly admitted defeat. "Fourth Uncle, I was wrong. I won't dare do it again."
She feared nothing in the world except her fourth uncle, Shen Gongshen.
When he frowned and remained silent, it was utterly terrifying.
Finally, only Shen Yurou remained.
She was still quite defiant, stiffening her neck as she complained to Shen Gongshen: "This is all because of Fifth Sister. Who told her to compare her cousin with my sister? She said her cousin was much more capable than my sister. In my opinion, aside from her face, where could she possibly surpass my sister…"
"Yurou, shut your mouth!" Shen Yurong softly reprimanded her sister, looking at their uncle whose face was as still as water. "She has always been unrestrained in her speech, Uncle, please do not blame her."
Shen Gongshen spoke: "Take her back, copy a scripture to calm her mind."
Shen Yurou still refused to yield, about to protest, but upon meeting Shen Gongshen's gaze, she was so frightened that she immediately shut her mouth.
She finally obediently followed her sister Shen Yurong away.
Once the two sisters had left, Shen Yuling also stealthily slipped away.
Shen Gongshen only glanced at her and did not interfere.
After everyone had departed, the entire courtyard was left with only him and Liu Suisui.