After taking a bite of the bird’s nest porridge, Qing Shu’s emotions were mixed. She had eaten bird’s nest when she was in the Zhongyong Marquis’s mansion, and the bird’s nest she was eating now was just as good as what she had in the Zhongyong Marquis’s mansion back then. 

Looking at her current life and comparing it to the days that followed, it truly felt like a bitter experience! 

Seeing her lost in thought, Gu Xian reached out and gently touched her head, asking with concern, “Hongdou, what are you thinking about?” 

“Bird’s nest is delicious. I want to eat it every day.” This statement slipped out without her even thinking. 

Gu Xian smiled and turned to Chen Mama, asking, “How much bird’s nest do we have at home?” 

“Madam, when the Old Madam went to the capital city, she sent a package of bird’s nest. It’s enough for some time.” 

The Old Madam of the Gu family and the wife of the Qi family’s doctor in the capital city were as close as sisters. A few days ago was the 50th birthday of the Qi family’s doctor’s wife, so the Old Madam went early to attend the celebration. 

Qing Shu knew very little about the Gu family’s affairs and had no impression of her maternal grandmother, the Old Madam Gu. 

Gu Xian furrowed her brows and said, “How many times have I told you? Without my permission, you shouldn’t accept things sent to our home.” 

Qing Shu found it strange that her mother was so angry about her maternal grandmother sending things. However, she didn’t dare to inquire, fearing it might lead to suspicion. She just silently kept this matter in her heart. 

Seeing that Qing Shu had finished the bird’s nest porridge in the blink of an eye, Gu Xian’s heart softened, and she asked, “Do you want more?” 

Qing Shu shook her head and said, “I’m full.” 

Gently stroking Qing Shu’s head, Gu Xian lovingly said, “Then lie down and rest.” 

Qing Shu obediently lay down on the bed and soon fell asleep. 

Hearing Qing Shu’s even breathing, Gu Xian’s expression turned cold as she said, “This time, I’ll let it go. But if there’s another time, Chen Mama, you can return to your own family.” 

This statement was not to be taken lightly. 

Chen Mama’s heart trembled, and she replied, “Madam, don’t worry, I won’t dare again.” 

Having served Gu Xian for nearly twenty years, Chen Mama understood her temperament well. It seemed that something must have happened at today’s chrysanthemum banquet to make Madam so angry. 

Gu Xian’s complexion improved slightly as she said, “How did Hongdou fall ill? After falling ill, how did she end up with stomach troubles? Did any of the third sisters-in-law say anything?” 

After taking her medicine and falling asleep, Zhang Qiaoniang had left. Her excuse was already prepared – there were too many matters at home and she couldn’t spare any time. 

Chen Mama nodded and said, “Third Madam said that the young lady caught a chill at night and fell ill, but she didn’t mention how she got stomach troubles. If I’m not mistaken, this matter probably has something to do with the Old Madam.” She was the only one who could make Zhang Qiaoniang keep silent. 

Gu Xian was furious, but thinking of Lin Chengyu’s admonitions before he went to the capital city, she hesitated. 

Before Lin Chengyu left for the capital city, he urged her to treat Old Master Lin and Old Madame Lin well. 

If she were to confront her mother-in-law, the people from the Lin family would write a letter and let her husband know. He might not be able to focus on his studies anymore. 

After struggling for a while, Gu Xian ultimately decided not to pursue the matter further, so as not to affect Lin Chengyu: “Mama, don’t tell my mother about this. Based on how much she dotes on Hongdou, knowing about this would only cause more trouble.” 

Qing Shu’s eyebrows twitched slightly. 

She had just spoken up to advocate for her, but in the blink of an eye, her mother’s attitude had changed. Qing Shu felt an inexplicable sense of disappointment in her heart. 

Chen Mama was becoming anxious and said, “Madam, how can this be…” 

All those past matters that Madam had brushed aside could be overlooked. However, now that the Lin family’s actions had nearly caused the young lady to lose her life, and Madam wasn’t even investigating further, it was truly beyond her understanding. 

Gu Xian waved her hand and interrupted Chen Mama, “No need to say more, my decision is final.” 

Seeing the incredulous look on Chen Mama’s face, Gu Xian continued, “Rest assured, I won’t let Hongdou go to Taohua Village alone again in the future.” Even if they had to go, she would accompany her. 

Having grown up in the county town, she wasn’t used to Taohua Village. Therefore, when Lin Chengyu went to the capital city to take the imperial examination, she didn’t return to Taohua Village but stayed here instead. 

Chen Mama couldn’t persuade Gu Xian and could only say, “Madam, since the young lady is in this state, the Old Madam will surely notice as soon as she returns.” The “Old Madam” referred to here was Gu’s maternal grandmother. 

Gu Xian said, “Just say that I didn’t take good care of Hongdou and that’s why she fell ill.” 

Saying this, even if her mother pitied Qing Shu, she would at most scold her a little and then take Hongdou back to the Gu family’s residence for a few days. This matter would then be resolved. However, if her mother knew that Hongdou had fallen ill at the Lin family’s residence, she would likely get angry again. 

Chen Mama had no choice but to agree, “I’ll instruct everyone to be careful with their words.” 

Gu Xian nodded. 

Chen Mama supported her and said, “Madam, you’ve been busy all day today. Rest in the west room, I’ll stay here with the young lady.” 

Gu Xian was indeed tired at the moment and didn’t insist. She was assisted by a maidservant to the west room to rest. 

Chen Mama touched Qing Shu’s head gently and let out a soft sigh. Fortunately, the young lady was still ignorant. Otherwise, knowing that Madam wouldn’t stand up for her would have made her even more heartbroken. 

Qing Shu wasn’t heartbroken, but she found it difficult to understand. The Lin family had treated her so miserably, yet her own mother didn’t stand up for her. Thinking back to when she was at the Zhongyong Marquis’s mansion, even if there was no one backing her up, her mother wouldn’t have spared anyone who bullied her. She used to think that having her biological mother alive meant having a powerful support, but now she realized that she had been too optimistic. 

Lost in her thoughts, Qing Shu fell asleep again. She woke up hungry in the middle of the night. 

As soon as she opened her eyes, she saw Chen Mama kneeling by the bed. A warm feeling bloomed in Qing Shu’s chest. No matter what, her current situation was much better than in her previous life. 

Chen Mama was very attentive. As soon as Qing Shu moved, she woke up: “Young lady, is there something wrong?” 

Qing Shu shook her head and said, “I’m hungry.” 

Chen Mama’s face lit up with joy: “Alright, I’ll go get you some porridge.” 

The porridge was already heating on the stove, waiting for Qing Shu to wake up and eat. 

Qing Shu didn’t want to eat porridge. She pitifully said, “I want clear soup noodles.” She had been drinking porridge for the past couple of days, and it had killed her appetite for it. 

She also knew that Chen Mama cared for her, otherwise she wouldn’t have voiced her preference. 

Chen Mama said, “It’s too late to make noodles now. I’ll have Aunt Li make you some clear soup noodles tomorrow morning.” 

Noodles had to be made fresh to taste good. 

Chen Mama went to the kitchen and brought back a bowl of millet and red jujube congee. This congee was not only easy to digest but also nourishing. 

After finishing the congee, Qing Shu lay back on the bed and asked, “When will my maternal grandmother return?” 

Chen Mama’s expression turned sour and she said, “Did that old woman make you change how you address her?” She had no respect for Old Madame Lin, and even when speaking privately, she referred to her as an old woman. 

Qing Shu remained silent. Sometimes, silence was a form of agreement. 

Chen Mama sneered, “She’s just a country bumpkin pretending to be cultured. Don’t pay any attention to their nonsense.” They were just making a big deal out of having a successful candidate in the family, acting as if they were from a scholarly family. Their arrogance was over the top. 

Qing Shu suddenly realized her mistake. She should have referred to her maternal grandmother as “Grandmother” and not by her name: “Chen Mama, I miss my grandmother.” 

Chen Mama’s face lit up with a smile: “Don’t worry, the Old Madam should be back in a couple of days.” The Old Madam would surely feel sorry for the young lady in her current state. 

Note from No touchy-touchy:
Zhup, guys. This your translator, No touchy-touchy. This is a new novel I picked up, hope you guys like it.
This is my schedule for posting (link) in case you want to stay updated to the novel. I will be posting 3x a week (but can be subject to change).
If you want to support this poor translator, you can avail to my patreon (link) (and get some advanced chapters!) or buy me some ko-fi. ehe.
As a form of thanks, I will be posting 1 extra chapter for every $3 met. Yeya!
Anyway… hope you like the story. Kaching.