The Good Concubine of the Qing Dynasty [Red Mansion]

As a mature office worker, Yun Shuyao knows that first impression is important.

Even if you don’t want a promotion or a raise, you can’t leave a bad impression at the beginning.

Therefore, her expressions and angles were specially practiced in order to create a standard ancient “lady” character.

She heard Nanny Wang say: “The ceremony is over——”

Yun Shuyao saw a hand—a slender, white hand—the kind of hand that would be licked by hand-obsessed people and praised as welfare when a picture of it was posted in the future.

He lifted the veil with the wedding pole, and the pink world in front of him suddenly became brighter.

Yun Shuyao raised her head slightly and looked up from the angle she had practiced. She saw a handsome young man in front of her wearing a red wedding dress and with an upright posture. Is this Lin Ruhai?

She took a look and then “shyly” lowered her eyes, while at the same time concealing the quick flash of amazement that passed through her eyes.

The man on the other side is as beautiful as jade, a gentleman unparalleled in the world.

Suddenly, this sentence popped up in Yun Shuyao’s mind.

He is worthy of being Lin Daiyu’s father.

Who isn’t obsessed with looks?

Absolutely.

If the initial score was 50 before we met, it has now soared to 70.

As for why it’s not 90 or 100… ahem, Yun Shuyao is aware that she is not a beauty lover. Appearance is important, but it cannot represent everything.

He still smelled faintly of alcohol.

It doesn’t smell bad; it has a light bamboo leaf scent.

She lowered her head but saw his expression out of the corner of her eye.

This is thanks to her excellent eyesight.

There was a faint smile on the jade-like gentleman’s face, like the bright moon hanging high in the sky, emitting a faint light.

With this appearance, in modern times, scouts would beg him to make his debut, and once he did, he would be immediately pushed to the top by fans.

She got the first impression points, and her hard work in communication and putting on makeup was worth it.

This was not a formal marriage, so there were not so many steps. After the process was completed, Lin Ruhai asked everyone else to leave. The door was closed by the last person to leave, and they were the only two left in the room.

Lin Ruhai sat down at the table and motioned for her to come over.

Yun Shuyao bowed and sat down: “Master.”

Lin Ruhai nodded and started talking to her: “You must be hungry. Eat something first.”

Yun Shuyao was indeed hungry.

She hadn’t eaten since she got into the bridal sedan. Before she went out, Song was afraid that she would need to go to the toilet, so she ate very little. When she came here, Nanny Wang gave her some easy-to-eat snacks. Yun Shuyao ate them all, but she was still hungry.

So now, when Lin Ruhai asked her to go over to eat, Yun Shuyao walked over without any hesitation and, at the same time, silently gave him 5 points in her heart.

It’s already 75 points.

Song repeatedly warned her to pay attention to her image, and Yun Shuyao also felt that her actions would affect her first impression, so she restrained herself and did not eat too much. She only ate the amount of an ordinary woman; this already made Lin Ruhai secretly raise an eyebrow.

This “lady” image did not last long before it began to crumble.

Lin Ruhai felt that Yun was a little silly.

It is rare to eat such delicious food in front of her at such an important moment in the bridal chamber.

It was easy to think the food was delicious just by watching her eat, and before he knew it, he had finished the whole bowl of noodles.

Lin Ruhai: “…”

He put down his chopsticks, cleared his throat, and started chatting.

“Your name is Shuyao; what a nice name. How is your father’s injury now?”

Yun Shuyao put down her chopsticks immediately, picked up a handkerchief, and wiped the corners of her mouth, revealing a somewhat surprised and shy smile: “Thank you for your concern, Master. The doctor said that it would be fine after a few months of rest.”

Lin Ruhai nodded and looked at the beauty under the lamp: “This way, it won’t delay the imperial examination in three years.”

Yun Shuyao’s brows relaxed: “My father also planned to go in three years.”

Lin Ruhai: “Well, can you read?”

Yun Shuyao: “I read a few books with my father.”

Speaking of this, Yun Shuyao had to be thankful that she had the original owner’s memories; otherwise, she really wouldn’t be able to write traditional Chinese characters and calligraphy, let alone needlework. Her original level was only being able to sew buttons, but now she could not only make shoes and clothes but also embroidery.

Lin Ruhai nodded.

He was a third-place winner in the imperial examination, so compared to Mei, who came in earlier and could barely read, he naturally admired Yun more.

After chatting for a while, the two of them got along much better. Lin Ruhai then took her hand, walked to the bedside, and lowered the curtain: “It’s getting late.”

He didn’t continue speaking, but the meaning was self-evident, and then they got to the topic of tonight.

Yun Shuyao’s cheeks flushed, and she followed shyly.

After the conversation, the two became more familiar with each other. It must be said that if the original owner was here tonight, Lin Ruhai’s considerate behavior might have greatly relieved the girl’s mood.

The girl’s heart is different now, but she also gives a thumbs-up to her new superior.

So far, her superiors are not difficult to get along with.

One piece of clothing after another fell down, and the two figures were also covered together, and it was impossible to tell you from me…

Outside the house, Nanny Wang looked at the closed door, then raised her head at the bright moon in the sky and smiled with relief.

She hopes Guanyin, the Goddess of Childbirth, will bless the Lin family and let a little master be born soon.

She was relieved, but someone else tossed and turned in bed.

After hearing from the little maid that the master had stayed with the new bride all night, Jia Min tossed and turned all night and could not sleep.

She looked at the bright moon outside the window with a sad face.

This is the second one.

The old lady has a cruel heart.

The master is so cruel.

But because she had no children, she couldn’t speak with a straight back.

Thinking of what the master was doing now, Jia Min sighed, dozed off for a while near dawn, then got up quickly and asked someone to dress her up, especially to cover up the dark circles under her eyes.

Today, she must not lose her momentum.

When Lin Ruhai woke up, he found that Yun was also awake.

It was just dawn, and through the dim light coming through the window, he could clearly see Yun’s delicate skin so close to him and the bodies of two people tightly leaning against each other.

They looked at each other, and seeing Yun shyly burying her head in the quilt, Lin Ruhai cleared his throat and patted her shoulder gently.

As soon as there was a noise, someone knocked softly on the door.

Lin Ruhai: “Come in.” After saying that, he stood up, and Yun Shuyao also got up in her pajamas.

As soon as he finished speaking, a group of people came in one after another.

There were maids who took care of his daily life, and there were also maids in Yun Shuyao’s courtyard.

Each of them held a towel, washbasin, and other things in their hands and went forward to help the two masters wash and change their clothes.

Yun Shuyao had been thinking about finding an opportunity to show off, so she went forward to change Lin Ruhai’s clothes.

It doesn’t matter whether you change or not; what matters is your attitude.

As soon as she stepped forward, she was stopped by Lin Ruhai: “No, just sit there and don’t move. Just sit still.”

It won’t be too late to do the thing of having a red-sleeved lady another day. He got up a little later than usual today as he had a lot of things to do in the yamen. In addition, Yun had to offer tea and pay respects to his mother and wife today, so his time was tight.

“Madam Yun, what are you wearing today?” The head maid, Hongxiu, asked softly.

Two sets of clothes, one pretty pink, the other atmospheric purple.

Yun Shuyao took a look and pointed at the pink one.

Her current position is that of a concubine, so she should not wear this eye-catching purple-red color to offend her direct superior, Jia Min. This is obviously asking for trouble.

Soon, they both changed their clothes. Yun Shuyao was a little slower because she still had to comb her hair. Fortunately, Hongxiu was deft and quick and finished it in no time.

Lin Ruhai drank a cup of tea, took a look at Aunt Yun’s neat and pretty hair, and nodded secretly: “Let’s go.”

The two of them walked towards the main courtyard together.

Yun Shuyao should go to the main room to serve tea to Jia Min, which would be justified.

After serving tea, you go to pay your respects to the old lady.

Along the way, Yun Shuyao restrained her gaze, staring only at a spot in front of her, and followed Lin Ruhai slowly.

Perhaps he sympathized with her because it was her first time last night and she was not walking very fast.

Yun Shuyao secretly raised her impression of her superior by 1 point, to 76 points.

The courtyard where she lived was named Lanxinyuan because of the orchids planted there. The courtyard where the main wife lived was called Bitaoyuan. Along the way, there was a corridor, two fish ponds, and a garden planted with many exotic flowers and plants.

When they arrived at the Bi Tao Courtyard, before they reached the gate, a little maid waiting at the gate cleverly lifted the curtain, and another one went in to announce, “The master is here.”

As soon as he entered, Lin Ruhai walked forward very naturally, took Jia Min’s hand, who came towards him, patted it gently, and then sat down in the right seat.

Jia Min smiled because of his actions, and her smile was as beautiful as a flower against the backdrop of the round and smooth South China pearls on her head.

She sat down next to him.

Then she looked at Yun Shuyao, who was waiting; her eyes lost their original warmth; the curve of her mouth did not move at all; and she turned to her: “You are Sister Yun; you are really a good person. Now that you have entered the Lin family, you must abide by the rules of the Lin family in the future.”

At this time, someone came out from the side and brought a mat and a tea bowl.

Yun Shuyao took the tea bowl and knelt down: “Yes, Madam, I will serve you well.”

Jia Min nodded, took the tea bowl, touched it lightly with her lips, and put it on the table.

An old maid behind her came forward a few steps, carrying a tray with a heavy gold bracelet on it.

Anyone who sees this will have to say that this principal wife is generous.

Yun Shuyao thanked her, and Hongxiu stepped forward to take it.

The process is complete.

Yun Shuyao couldn’t help but be surprised. How could it be so smooth?

No trouble at all.

The kneeling cushion is not thin.

The tea bowl is not hot.

There was no long speech or intentional making her kneel for a long time.

Yun Shuyao glanced at Lin Ruhai, who was sitting above her.

Was it because of his presence?

Or does Jia Min really not mind?

At this moment, clear and crisp laughter like a silver bell sounded from the side: “Madam, our family has a new good sister. You must introduce her to us and let us get to know her well.”

Hearing this voice, the smile on Jia Min’s face faded a little: “Madam Yun, this is Madam Mei; she is the same age as you, and she came into the family a little earlier than you.”

This person noticed Yun Shuyao when she just walked in. Now, looking at her directly, she saw that she raised the corners of her lips. The bright red color on her lips echoed with the golden jewelry on her head, which made Yun Shuyao squint her eyes subconsciously.

So dazzling.

With this color combination, doesn’t she think she’s too bright when she looks in the mirror?

Doesn’t she feel heavy wearing so many jewels on her head?

As for whether it looks good or not… apart from the eye-catching color combination, it is an absolute beauty.

However, her charming appearance was not appreciated by the elders at that time.

Looking at Jia Min, who was sitting above, and thinking about the gentle and quiet personality she saw in the mirror, she could only say that it was fortunate that the three people had different styles; otherwise, this Shura scene would be even more exciting.

After a brief introduction, Jia Min looked at these two beauties, who were like flower buds. The smile on her face became uncontrollably stiff, and her heart ached. She was no longer young.

However, she still has no children and has never even been pregnant, which makes her wonder if there is really something wrong with her. If that is the case, how can she feel?

Thinking about it, she felt a little bored. She didn’t want to say more, nor did she want to look more: “Let’s go; let’s go pay our respects to the old lady; don’t waste the time.”

She walked in front with Lin Ruhai, looking straight ahead.

Only she can walk side by side with the master.

No matter how young and beautiful these two people are, they are still just concubines.

Thinking of Mei’s flamboyant dress, Jia Min’s eyes became more determined.

Yun Shuyao was walking behind her, seeing Lin Ruhai and Jia Min walking together in front of her, she couldn’t help but feel a little excited.

These are Lin Daiyu’s parents!

Jia Min is worthy of being Lin Daiyu’s mother. She is graceful and elegant, like a willow in the wind. However, the term “weak willow” also shows that her health is indeed not very good, which can be seen even with heavy makeup.

The old lady lived in the deepest and quietest Songbai courtyard.

As soon as they enter the yard, they can smell the faint scent of Buddhist incense.

The old lady looks very kind, and you can see many things related to Buddhism here, such as the Buddhist beads on her wrist, the necklace around her neck, and the Buddha statues hanging on the wall.

Is this a true believer in Buddhism?

Yun Shuyao guessed in her heart that it did not prevent her from paying her respects to the old lady, and she accepted a very symbolic statue of Guanyin, the Goddess of Fertility.

Yun Shuyao: “…”

What she didn’t know was that both Mei and she were brought into the family at the old lady’s insistence and that she had obtained their birth dates with great difficulty. She then found them based on their birth dates and forced her son to take concubines, and she had high hopes for them both to be pregnant.

The Lin family’s incense cannot be cut off, so for this reason, she even lets her son leave the capital and leave the Jia family’s base in Jiangnan to come to Jiangbei to serve as the prefect, just to leave the Jia family’s sphere of influence and let her son take a concubine and have children.

A mother is honored by her son, and likewise, a son is honored by his mother.

She didn’t want her grandchildren to have a mother who was a maid.

Now that both of them had entered the house, she repeated what she had said to Mei Shi at the beginning, with the key point being: “In the future if you do your best to expand the Lin family and give birth to meritorious officials, the Lin family will not treat you unfairly.”

Jia Min could hardly maintain the smile on her face.

The old lady said this once when Aunt Mei came in.

Now Aunt Yun came in and said it again.

But she hasn’t told her about it for a long time.

Has she given up on her?

Think she can’t have children?

Jia Min took a deep breath, secretly placed one hand on her lower abdomen, and made up her mind that she would be able to give birth!

After greeting, it was time for breakfast.

There are only three main masters in the house, namely the old lady, the master, and the mistress. These three people can sit down.

Among them, Jia Min only sat down after picking up a few pieces of food for the old lady.

From this point of view, the old lady is not someone who likes to make trouble for her daughter-in-law; otherwise, it would be easiest for her to set rules by asking her daughter-in-law to serve her at meals.

Jia Min didn’t want to bother the two concubines, so she let them establish the rules for a while and then sent them back.

Their meals are delivered directly to their yards.

After leaving Songtao Courtyard, Yun Shuyao and Hongxiu slowly walked towards their own courtyard.

Mei walked with her and lowered her voice so that only the four of them could hear her words: “Sister Yun, when I first entered the family, the old lady also gave me a fertility-giving Guanyin statue, but I heard that the old lady didn’t give it to Madam. What do you think the old lady meant by this?”

Yun Shuyao blinked her eyes and looked curious: “Sister Mei, there is such a thing.”

Mei didn’t expect her to say anything, and just laughed twice as if she was just saying it casually: “I don’t know either.” Then she looked at the plain jewelry on her head with contempt, raised her chin slightly, quickened her pace, walked in front of Yun Shuyao, and left.

Like a proud peacock.

This expression is quite vivid. If it were put in a TV series, she would be a standard cannon-fodder female supporting role.

She is a standard cannon fodder female supporting role, and as for herself, she just tries to be an ordinary passerby.

Yun Shuyao was not angry, and there was even a hint of a smile on her lips.

Hongxiu watched everything from the side in silence.

Is her master…sick in the brain?

Aunt Mei looked down on her because she had a plain head without much gold or silver jewelry.

She had seen Aunt Yun’s dressing box. There was indeed not much jewelry in it. The one she was wearing on her head was already the most expensive set. But Aunt Mei was different. She was well-known for being wealthy. She was lucky. Her family had been in business for generations, and she married into a wealthy family with a generous dowry.

Aunt Yun is just an ordinary daughter of a poor scholar; how much dowry can she have?

The kingfisher hairpin on Aunt Mei’s head was worth as much as Aunt Yun’s entire dowry.

But in the final analysis, once they enter the Lin family, their fate is no longer determined by their parents’ family.

It seems that the master is in a good mood today, and when Aunt Mei came in, the master did not accompany her to complete the tea-serving ceremony. Perhaps… Aunt Mei was upset about this and deliberately gave Aunt Yun a bad look.