Shen Mianmian immediately put on an expression of shock as well. Together with Bai Qingzhou, she hurriedly rose and paid their respects.
Nurse Li cast a worried glance at the heir.
Madam Ding, however, ignored the greetings entirely and walked straight to the table to inspect what the two of them had been writing.
The moment she saw it, the anger frozen on her face became confusion.
How could this be?
According to her expectations, if the heir had stayed up all night helping Concubine Shen copy scriptures, he should have been writing the Great Compassion Mantra.
So why was he copying the Heart Sutra instead?
Seeing his mother’s expression, cold sweat broke out down Bai Qingzhou’s back.
If Mianmian hadn’t talked him out of it yesterday—
if she hadn’t persuaded him to switch to the Heart Sutra—
and Mother had caught them red-handed today…
the consequences would have been unimaginable.
Not only might Mother have punished them severely and taken out her anger on Mianmian—
she might have become genuinely ill from repeated frustration.
He really had been too impulsive.
Both when he rushed to argue for Mianmian’s promotion…
and when he insisted on helping her copy the scripture.
Madam Ding asked,
“Qingzhou, why are you copying the Heart Sutra?”
The heir quickly composed himself.
“Mother.”
“Yesterday, I acted recklessly and argued with you.”
“Afterward, I deeply regretted it.”
“For all these years, you’ve managed the household and cared for me.”
“And yet I behaved so selfishly.”
“I am ashamed.”
He paused.
“Yesterday, Mianmian suggested that I copy the Heart Sutra as a prayer for your well-being.”
“She hoped you would calm your anger and take care of your health.”
Both Madam Ding and Nurse Li were surprised.
Nurse Li immediately seized the opportunity.
“Our young master copied the Heart Sutra for Madam’s blessing? What filial devotion!”
“I’ve lived all these years and never seen another noble young master in the capital so devoted to his mother.”
Madam Ding knew Nurse Li was exaggerating to make her happy.
Still…
there was truth in it.
Most young noblemen thought only of sightseeing, pleasure, status, or wealth.
Few would voluntarily copy a scripture for their mother.
Even those who did usually did so for birthdays or festivals.
Of course, Qingzhou hadn’t copied it entirely out of filial piety.
There was clearly an element of self-punishment involved.
But upon reflection, she herself had not acted fairly.
The one who demanded the promotion was Qingzhou.
The one who pushed him toward it was Jiang Yinjin.
Yet all her anger had landed on Concubine Shen.
Not only had Shen Mianmian managed to calm Qingzhou down—
she had even persuaded him to copy the Heart Sutra.
That was no small accomplishment.
For the first time, Madam Ding looked directly at Shen Mianmian without contempt.
The young woman stood with her head lowered.
Despite possessing beauty capable of captivating a nation, she showed no arrogance.
She seemed obedient, sensible, and aware of her place.
Madam Ding’s opinion of her improved considerably.
Her gaze shifted to the Great Compassion Mantra on the table.
Objectively speaking, Shen Mianmian’s handwriting wasn’t very good.
But every stroke was neat and earnest.
Then Madam Ding noticed another stack of discarded practice sheets.
Picking them up, she flipped through them.
To her surprise, the earlier handwriting was much worse.
Like a child who had only recently learned to hold a brush.
Comparing it with the page currently being written, she was astonished by the speed of improvement.
Satisfied, she nodded.
Then she asked,
“Shen.”
“When I punished you by making you copy the Great Compassion Mantra, did you resent me?”
Shen Mianmian answered respectfully,
“Madam, not only do I hold no resentment, I am grateful.”
“Ever since I began copying the scripture, my mind has become unexpectedly peaceful.”
“My perspective has broadened.”
“I thank Madam for her guidance.”
Madam Ding nodded with satisfaction.
“It’s good that you think that way.”
Then she turned to Nurse Li.
“Send word.”
“Reward Shen with three bolts of cloth and fifty taels of silver.”
“Yes, Madam.”
Nurse Li was delighted by the harmonious outcome.
Madam Ding continued,
“As for the scripture, I’m not in a hurry.”
“Copy some when you have time.”
“When you’re tired, rest.”
“There’s no need to force yourself.”
Shen Mianmian bowed again.
“Thank you for Madam’s consideration. This servant will act according to her abilities.”
Madam Ding nodded once more.
Then she turned toward her son.
“Qingzhou.”
“Come outside.”
“Yes, Mother.”
The two departed together.
The moment they left, Shen Mianmian didn’t even bother watching them go.
She sat back down immediately and cheerfully resumed practicing calligraphy.
Outside.
In the courtyard.
Nurse Li dismissed the servants, leaving only mother and son.
Madam Ding sighed.
“I know you like Shen.”
“I won’t stop you.”
“But you should also spend more time with Yinjin.”
“She’s your wife.”
Bai Qingzhou understood perfectly what his mother meant by “spend more time.”
She meant sharing a bed.
He remained silent.
He knew he had wronged Jiang Yinjin.
But he also felt wronged.
His mother had threatened her own life to force the marriage.
In truth, one reason he brought Shen Mianmian home was to discourage the Jiang family from proceeding with the engagement.
He had deliberately brought a courtesan into the household.
He had deliberately damaged his own reputation.
He had hoped the Jiangs would withdraw.
Even so, he still believed he owed Jiang Yinjin responsibility and respect.
Whatever she wanted to do, he would not interfere.
Madam Ding continued lecturing him.
Bai Qingzhou listened quietly.
Nodding.
Saying almost nothing.
Eventually, she grew tired of scolding him.
And perhaps a little heartbroken as well.
After a few final instructions, she departed.
…
News of the incident quickly reached Peony Courtyard.
When Jiang Yinjin learned that Bai Qingzhou had copied the Heart Sutra instead of helping Shen Mianmian copy the Great Compassion Mantra, she was utterly stunned.
“Why?”
“This shouldn’t have happened.”
“Bai Qingzhou and Shen Mianmian are supposed to be simple-minded and crude.”
“How could they predict Madam’s actions in advance?”
“Why?”
Chuxue and Chuyu stood nearby nervously.
Both were puzzled.
Before marriage, their mistress had never interacted with the heir.
Even after marriage, she’d only met him a handful of times.
So why was she always so certain about his personality?
Where had she learned these things?
Had she secretly investigated him?
But the two maids followed her every day and had never seen such inquiries.
Or perhaps…
their mistress was simply speaking in anger.
Chuxue shot Chuyu a meaningful glance.
You’re smarter. Hurry and comfort her.
Left with no choice, Chuyu cautiously spoke.
“Young Madam, please don’t be angry.”
“Perhaps…”
“It was simply a coincidence?”
“Maybe they weren’t anticipating Madam’s visit at all.”
“Maybe…”
At this point, she could barely continue making excuses.
Jiang Yinjin collected herself.
Looking at the two worried maids, she smiled faintly.
“You’re worried about me?”
“There’s no need.”
“I’m merely surprised.”
“To begin with, I wasn’t planning to do anything drastic to them.”
After a pause, she added,
“Besides.”
“The thing I truly wanted has already begun falling into my hands.”
That very day, Madam Ding had entrusted her with the management of three household shops.
The authority granted wasn’t extensive.
But it was a beginning.
Chuxue immediately said,
“Young Madam is absolutely right!”
“Success is already within reach!”
Chuyu joined in.
“When Young Madam was still in her maiden home, even Lady Jiang often praised your talent.”
“As long as you manage those shops well, Madam Ding will certainly give you more authority.”
“After all, nobody argues with profits.”
The two maids continued praising her in turns.
Jiang Yinjin nodded.
“Exactly.”
“One must rely on one’s own abilities.”
Even so, the unease in her heart refused to disappear.
…
Three days passed in a flash.
Main Courtyard.
Nurse Li entered the room while Madam Ding was reviewing account books.
The moment she saw her, Madam Ding asked,
“Any news?”
Nurse Li was all smiles.
“Indeed.”
“People from Bright Moon Courtyard reported back.”
“For the past three days, the heir has stayed there every night.”
“The two of them rise with the sun and retire at sunset.”
“Their routine is remarkably regular.”
“After breakfast, they take a walk.”
“When they return, they copy scriptures.”
“After lunch and a short rest, they either read books or continue writing.”
She paused.
“And over these three days, the heir’s appetite has become excellent.”
“He’s been eating two full bowls of rice at every meal.”
Madam Ding looked up in shock.
“Two bowls?”
Ever since childhood, Bai Qingzhou had been frail and had a poor appetite.
It had always been one of her greatest worries.
…
Noon.
Bright Moon Courtyard.
A certain young master stared at the rice bowl in front of him.
His brows were knitted together.
His face was slightly green.
“Mianmian…”
“I really can’t eat anymore.”
Meanwhile, Shen Mianmian was happily enjoying her food.
Without even looking up, she replied casually,
“That’s fine.”
“The rules have already been established.”
“If you can’t finish two bowls of rice…”
“Then don’t stay in Bright Moon Courtyard.”