Doted By The Regent King
Chapter 399 Lan Shu

Chapter 399: Chapter 399 Lan Shu

Lan Shu returned to her own room and wept on her bed.

Given to Wen Congrui by the Old Madam of the Wen Family since she was young, she had loyally served him for seven years and had risen to become his Chief Maid, greatly trusted and valued by him. Therefore, in front of those she served under, she was highly respected, not only did the people inside and outside the estate give her some face, but even outsiders like Shopkeeper Lin currently would respectfully call her Miss Lan Shu, wouldn’t they?

Although it was never explicitly stated at home, everyone knew what role a man’s maid played. If the master was willing, she could become Wen Congrui’s concubine and, after the Matriarch entered the marriage and bore a Legitimate Son, perhaps out of favor, she might even become a secondary wife with a son or daughter to elevate her status. With that, her life would be complete.

Lan Shu had waited for many years, and this year she could wait no longer. She was already eighteen; if she waited any longer, she would be past her prime. In a couple of years, she might be given away in marriage to some mere steward, and what hopes could she have for her life then?

Not to mention, she had long harbored deep feelings for Wen Congrui, serving him with utter loyalty because she had long considered herself belonging to Wen Congrui.

Now, as Wen Congrui served as magistrate in Huayang County, she had spent ages persuading the Wen Family, exerting all her effort, and spending no small amount of Silver, only to finally obtain the Old Madam and Lady’s permission to be sent here to serve him.

This was her opportunity.

Having arrived in Huayang, just as she had hoped, the young master had yet to be betrothed, and the men by his side were merely servants like Nan Shan. She was the first Chief Maid, still trusted and valued, and at present, she practically managed all the affairs of the Rear Government Office, assuming the role of the Matriarch, didn’t she?

Lan Shu for the first time in her years of servitude felt like she was the mistress. The master trusted her, those below her treated her with respect, and given time, even when the Matriarch entered the household, they could not easily erase her presence.

Yet unexpectedly, the young master, who had always treated her with kindness and consideration, had scolded her today because of some wild maid.

Lan Shu felt as though her heart had shattered into pieces, her tears falling thick and fast onto the bedding.

She had only been trying to help, worried that the maid would botch such an important matter and cause the master to be scolded by the lords. But he...

Lan Shu cried for a good while until her eyes were swollen, then wiped away her tears, biting her lower lip.

"Cui Zhi," she called out loudly.

There was immediately movement at the door; a girl of about twelve or thirteen years lifted the curtain and came in, bowing to her: "Is there anything you need, Sister Lan Shu?"

"Fetch some hot water for me to wash my face, and boil two eggs," Lan Shu instructed while laying on her side. In her current state, there was no way she could attend to the young master.

"Right away."

Soon enough, the hot water was brought over. Lan Shu cleaned her face with a clean handkerchief and then applied a hot handkerchief to her eyes. When the boiled eggs were brought to her, she peeled them and wrapped them in the handkerchief to massage her eyes and reduce the swelling.

As she rolled the eggs over her eyes, she suddenly stopped, remembering the box in Wen Congrui’s study and the Jade Hairpin inside. Could it be that it was indeed carved by Wufu?

Lan Shu’s expression immediately soured. If it was true, what did the young master intend to do with that hairpin? Was it to reminisce over someone, or to give it away to someone else?

Whichever it was, it made Lan Shu extremely angry. She cursed that damn Wufu for not knowing his place, not knowing what demonic arts he had used to befuddle the young master and Shopkeeper Lin alike.

Lan Shu, seething with rage, smashed the egg on the ground, bit her lip, and stood up abruptly. No, she could not let the young master be so bewitched. She had to let the Old Madam know of this.