Qingshi County.
Zhang Residence.
As the wealthiest household in the county, the Zhang Residence is built remarkably large, occupying half a street, with its location being in the best area of the county.
The Zhang Family is an object of envy for everyone in Qingshi County, not just because of their wealth, but also for the powerful backing behind them, to the point where even the County Magistrate dares not provoke them.
More than ten years ago, the Zhang Family was far from being so renowned in Qingshi County, at best a second or third-rate rchant family.
However, since Master Zhang remarried, the Zhang Family rose at a speed that left everyone speechless. In a short decade, their business spread not only throughout Qingshi County but also into the provincial and capital cities, opening shop after shop.
There are rumors saying that the new wife of Master Zhang is the daughter of a noble family in Beijing, with extrely strong connections.
Opinions on this matter are varied.
Those who believe feel that it must be true, otherwise, how could the Zhang Family rise so quickly?
Others doubt that a noble family’s daughter would take a fancy to Master Zhang, born from rchants, especially as a second wife.
Strangely, the Zhang Family has never formally responded to this debate.
...
Xiangxie Pavilion.
Within the inner courtyard of Zhang Residence, ranked among the top three in intricacy.
The sky was barely lit, yet noises arose from the main house.
"Miss, sleep a while longer. It’s terribly cold in the dead of winter. It wouldn’t hurt to get up a little later."
Senior Maid Caiwei whispered to the slender shadow behind the embroidered curtain.
Unfortunately, the shadow did not halt its action of rising.
Seeing this, Caiwei felt slightly helpless and quickly stepped forward to lift the curtain.
Soon, a fourteen-year-old, graceful girl sat up with her clothes on.
Worried that her young mistress might feel cold, Caiwei swiftly helped the girl with her dress.
After dressing, the young girl sat at the vanity.
Caiwei first placed a hand warr in the girl’s hands before picking up the comb to brush her hair.
Zhang Huahan looked through the mirror at the diligent and faithful Caiwei.
She knew that lately, the family had been busy with her elder sister’s marriage arrangents. Since ti was tight, many people from the courtyard were called to help.
Although Caiwei was her Senior Maid and wouldn’t be reassigned, with fewer maids in the courtyard, Caiwei had more tasks to handle, inevitably leading to so oversight. Hence, Zhang Huahan said, "Today is Laba Festival."
On hearing this, Caiwei’s complexion changed imdiately, and she earnestly knelt to apologize: "It’s my fault, I forgot that Miss needs to pay respects to Madam today. Please punish , Miss."
Zhang Huahan did not bla her: "Get up. I know you’ve been very busy lately. Quickly finish my hairdo, so we don’t fall behind schedule."
Caiwei hurriedly stood up and continued brushing Zhang Huahan’s hair, occasionally glancing at her mistress’s eternally serene face.
Thinking of Madam, Caiwei felt indignation for her young mistress.
The Madam had an eccentric personality, never appearing in public or eting anyone, remaining cold towards everyone, including Master Zhang and her own daughter.
She had been serving since the young mistress was three years old.
Now, with the young mistress no less than a year away from reaching maturity, the Madam had never stepped foot into Xiangxie Pavilion, let alone nurtured her daughter, leaving a chill in one’s heart.
Yet, her mistress remained devoted and filial, persistently visiting Madam to pay respects on the first and fifteenth of each month and during every holiday, undeterred by repeated rejection and dismissal.
Despite Madam never seeing her, the young mistress went past every event just like any other day for years.
She simply couldn’t comprehend how there could be such a heartless mother in the world.
After tidying and grooming, Zhang Huahan ate so pastries and donned her cloak before heading out.
The first stop was the courtyard of Old Mistress Zhang.
When Zhang Huahan arrived, Old Mistress Zhang had just gotten up not long ago.
Seeing Zhang Huahan arrive so early, Old Mistress Zhang smiled and had a maid pour her a cup of hot tea: "Bless you for being so filial, coming this early despite the cold weather. But you are a tender young girl; your health is most important. You can co later in the future."
Zhang Huahan’s lips subtly curled up, her smile neither excessive nor insufficient: "Thank you for your kindness, Grandmother."
Just then, laughter ca from outside the door, and shortly after, the eldest girl of the Zhang Family entered with a smile. Seeing Zhang Huahan in the room, she cheerfully remarked: "I thought I was early, but I didn’t anticipate Fifth Sister arriving before ."
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