High-class maid

Chapter 260 Entering the Song Mansion

“I heard from your mother that Wen Yang actually became the top scholar in the imperial examination, so I rushed off to buy him a congratulatory gift. You really are a very patient child, not even telling your father about such a big event.”

Shen Kun complained.

Shen Xing'er smiled shyly and said, "I was just so happy to see so much fabric that I forgot all about home. What did you buy, Father?"

"I bought a set of the Four Treasures of the Study, an ancient book from a previous dynasty, and a famous painting. I was afraid of buying fakes, so I specially asked Lao Ren to come with me."

Shen Kun put the items on the table for Shen Xing'er to see, but Shen Xing'er could only see the exquisite packaging and nothing else.

"Father's choice of congratulatory gift is excellent. It's neither stingy nor does it don't suit Brother Song's current status. But judging from the packaging, it must have cost you quite a bit of money, right? How much did it cost? Let your daughter reimburse you," Shen Xing'er said with a smile.

Unexpectedly, Shen Kun waved his hand and said nonchalantly.

"Hey, we're all family, why are you talking like that? As long as you don't embarrass my daughter, that's fine."

Madam Wang walked over with a smile and said, "There's no time like the present. Why don't we go tonight? No matter how reserved the woman is, Wen Yang has now become the top scholar in the imperial examination. It wouldn't look good if we went too late."

"Yes, your mother is right. Let's close early today, pack up and go." After saying that, Shen Kun went back inside to change his clothes.

Although he pretended not to care, his reaction had already betrayed him.

Shen Xing'er and Madam Wang exchanged a helpless smile. Men, indeed, are just as hypocritical.

As evening fell, the family of three changed into new clothes. Even Wang Shi wore a complete set of headdresses to show that she took it seriously. In order not to embarrass his daughter, Shen Kun specially hired a coachman.

"Why are there so many people at night?" Wang Shi lifted the curtain of the carriage. Before they even reached the Song residence, the street corner was already bustling with activity, and there were even some stalls set up.

"There are even more people during the day, it's so crowded you can't move an inch. It's better now, at least the carriages can get through." The coachman, who travels for others during the day, naturally knew what the situation was like at the Song residence during the day.

Shen Kun's heart sank upon hearing this, but he didn't show it on his face. He was actually quite uneasy. He was afraid that Song Wenyang, having risen to prominence, would forget about his daughter. Even if Song Wenyang wasn't that kind of person, what about the Song family? People in high-ranking families are all incredibly opportunistic; wouldn't anyone really mistreat his daughter?

With each person lost in their own thoughts, the carriage arrived at the gate of the Song residence.

Shen Kun carried the congratulatory gifts, and Wang Shi and Shen Xing'er got off the carriage. As soon as the three of them stood still, Shen Xing'er heard a familiar voice.

"Miss Shen has arrived! My young master instructed me to wait here for a long time. I stood guard at the door for a whole day and night yesterday, but I didn't see you at all. I knew you would come. Please come in with me quickly."

Seeing the Shen family members chatting excitedly, Xiao Tong walked up to them and led the way. The three of them entered the Song residence without any obstacles.

"Who are these three? The Song family hasn't seen anyone these past few days, why are they specifically targeting these three?"

"I don't know. The girl following behind is quite pretty. Could she be here for a matchmaking?"

"But I've never seen them before. Which household do they belong to?"

The heavy door slowly closed, blocking out the intermittent chatter of outsiders. Shen Xing'er steadied herself and continued to follow Xiao Tong inside.

"Is Young Master Song inside the manor?" Shen Kun asked.

"Reporting to Master Shen, I have already sent someone to inform him that my young master is out entertaining guests. Before he left, he said that he would rush back whenever you arrive at the manor," Xiao Tong said cheerfully.

"Where are we going now?" Shen Xing'er asked.

"I'll take you to see Concubine Sun of our household. There's no mistress in the house now, and this concubine has been managing the household all along," Xiao Tong said in a low voice.

Madam Wang nodded. "Let them see the aunt. It's better than leaving them all to sit on the sidelines."

“Mother, this Aunt Sun is an old servant of Brother Song’s mother,” Shen Xing’er explained in a low voice.

Upon hearing this, Wang was even more relieved, realizing that it was one of their own people!

She had come in such a hurry that she forgot to bring a gift for Aunt Sun. She should have secretly taken some pickled vegetables! Sigh! Wang was still thinking about her pickled vegetables.

The two walked around the Song residence for a short while before finally arriving at Aunt Sun's reception room. The courtyard was brightly lit, and the maids were all busy with their tasks in an orderly manner, none of them daring to look up at them.

"Aunt Sun, Miss Shen and her family have arrived," Xiao Tong called out into the house.

"Hey! Come in quickly! What are you standing there for? Open the curtain!" A warm female voice came from inside the room. As soon as she finished speaking, two maids opened the curtain.

As soon as Shen Xing'er looked up, a young woman supported her arm.

"You must be Xing'er, and this must be Sister Wang. I'm thick-skinned, so I'll call you Sister Wang."

Aunt Sun affectionately linked arms with Shen Xing'er, while also greeting Wang Shi, and finally winked at Xiao Tong, telling him to help Shen Kun.

"Oh dear, no, no, I'm just an ordinary person. How can I possibly be worthy of being called 'sister' by Madam?" Madam Wang said with a smile as she followed her into the house.

"I'm just a concubine who's temporarily in charge of the household; I don't deserve the title of 'Madam.' If you don't mind, please call me Sister Sun. Please have a seat," said Concubine Sun.

Wang didn't know what else to say, so she just nodded, smiled, and remained silent.

The three followed Aunt Sun into the house, where it was brightly lit. There was only an old nanny standing there, and steaming tea was on the table. On another table was a cup of milk tea, which was obviously prepared for Shen Xing'er.

"Xing'er, sit here and try the milk tea I specially prepared for you. See if it suits your taste." Aunt Sun looked at Shen Xing'er with shining eyes, expectantly waiting for her to praise her.

Shen Xing'er obliged and took a small sip: "It's really delicious, Madam is so thoughtful."

"What 'madam' or 'madam'? If Xing'er doesn't mind, just call me Aunt Sun like Wen Yang does," Aunt Sun said with a smile.

For some reason, Shen Xing'er saw a motherly smile on her face.

"Aunt Sun."

The word "Aunt Sun" bridged the gap between the two, and Shen Xing'er called out softly under her expectant gaze.

"Oh! Good boy." Aunt Sun wiped her eyes with a handkerchief. Heaven knows how long she had waited for this day. Her young master was finally not alone!

"Oh, right, this is a gift from Aunt Sun to you. Don't refuse it." As soon as Aunt Sun finished speaking, the nanny who had been standing silently to the side handed the small box to Shen Xing'er.

Shen Xing'er didn't take it immediately, but looked up at her parents. Only after receiving their permission did she reach out and take it.

“This is what Madam wore when she was alive. She said she wanted to pass it down to her future daughter-in-law as a family heirloom. It’s a pity she didn’t live to see that day. Now I can only offer it to you on her behalf.”

Aunt Sun breathed a sigh of relief and explained when she saw her catch the box.