Shen Xi's father, Shen Zhuang, held the position of the second master within the prominent Shen clan, and was the son of the current patriarch. Li Ning, her stepmother, initially entered the family as a concubine and was later elevated to the status of the first wife after her mother's passing. Shen Xi had two siblings: Shen Miao, eight , and Shen Ming, six.
Shen Xi walked with poise, holding her head high, surprising the household servants. They couldn't help but wonder, 'Wasn't the fifth miss usually very timid and low-key? How could she have such a demeanor ?' However, Shen Xi paid no attention to their quiet musings and continued her way towards the second house.
Just before entering the room, a maid, whom she had seen often with her stepmother and held an unfavorable opinion of, intercepted her. The maid asked, rather rudely, 'Fifth Miss, what are you doing here? Why did you leave your courtyard?'
Nanny Ma swiftly intervened, defending Shen Xi, "Na Bao, the young miss is here to have lunch with her family. How dare you question her?" Taking advantage of this diversion, Shen Xi slipped into the dining room. The moment she stepped inside, all eyes were fixed upon her.
"Greetings, Father. Aunt Li." Shen Xi respectfully greeted the individuals present, bowing her head slightly. Shen Xi did not know much about etiquette so she decided to just do things simply.
Shen Zhuang gazed at his daughter in astonishment. She bore an uncanny resemblance to her mother, if only her intellect matched her appearance. A flicker of tenderness flashed across his eyes. Sensing an opportunity, his wife quickly sought his attention.
"Husband, you see that." she interjected urgently, "Xi'er referred to me as Aunt. She does not see me as her mother at all, despite all the care I have provided her all these years."
Upon hearing this, Shen Zhuang felt a wave of dissatisfaction toward the girl. "Shen Xi, where are your manners?" he exclaimed, looking displeased.
Shen Xi remained silent but thought inwardly 'If that woman's so-called care was to give her poison then she dare not receive it'.
Just then, Nanny Ma entered the room and attempted to diffuse the tension. "Second Master, please don't be angry. The young miss just missed you and wished to accompany you for lunch," she explained.
However, Shen Xi halted her with a gesture.
"Nanny Ma, I will explain it myself." She then turned to her father.
"Father, the reason I can't call Aunt Li 'mother' is because I don't want to upset my real mother." she calmly stated.
Shen Zhuang stared at her incredulously. "What nonsense are you talking about?"
Shen Xi observed her stepmother. The latter looked a little shocked as if she had seen something impossible. Her thoughts were written on her face 'Why can this little girl speak so well? Did she recover from her stupidity?'
Shen Xi ignored her and turned to her father.
"Father, I have been sick for the last three days, and last night, I fainted due to a high fever. During my unconscious state, I had a dream. I saw Mother, and we talked and she also cured me."
"What? You were sick for three days and fainted? Why wasn't I informed of this?" her father exclaimed, shocked by this revelation, throwing a disapproving look at her nanny.
"Second Master, I came to inform you and Second Madam two days ago, and requested a doctor be summoned to examine the young miss. However, the maids prevented me from entering the courtyard and said they would relay the message to the second madam. " Nanny Ma explained.
Shen Zhuang directed a pointed gaze at his wife. "What is the meaning of this?" he demanded.
Second Madam Shen's expression turned unpleasant. "'Husband, I was not informed of this matter. I will ensure the maids are punished immediately."
However, Shen Xi stopped her and replied with a radiant smile.
"No need for that. Actually, I am good. If I had not fainted, I would not have encountered Mother. "
In this world where magic existed, it wasn't entirely unheard of for people with abilities to manifest in dreams after they passed away, but it remained an exceptionally rare occurrence. Typically, the individuals involved would either have been very close in life or had a deep-rooted enmity. Shen Xi's mother was an ability user and her ability was 'Sword resonance'.
Despite this, Father Shen was profoundly taken aback to learn that his late wife appeared in their daughter's dream.
"What did your mother tell you?" he inquired.
"My mother told me that she became a star in the sky and will always watch over me. Since my mom is still there, I don't dare to call someone else Mother."
Her excuse was reasonable and no one could find fault with it.
The smile on his daughter's face brought back memories of his late wife's youth. Witnessing his daughter's enduring connection with her mother, Shen Zhuang's stern expression softened. Yet, he couldn't help but ponder, 'Why didn't she appear in my dreams too? Weren't we close enough? After all, we've been husband and wife for so long. Does she still resent me for the past?'
Father Shen and Shen Xi's mother, Mo Yiniang, were childhood sweethearts. Their love was so strong that when they married, everyone believed they would have a blissful life together. However, four years into their marriage, Mo Yiniang had not conceived. This led to criticism from the family and society, but she endured it with the support and love of her husband.
During a banquet, Shen Zhuang was intoxicated and had a regrettable encounter with Li Ning, which forced him to accept her as a concubine. This marked the first significant conflict between the couple. The revelation drove Madam Shen into a deep depression. Some months later, Concubine Li became pregnant, and Mo Yiniang's condition worsened. Then, almost miraculously, when Concubine Li was nearly due, Mo Yiniang became pregnant. This pregnancy gave her the motivation, strength, and resolve necessary to walk out of her depression and she gave birth to Shen Xi. However her health deteriorated further postpartum due to some old injuries, and she fell seriously ill.
Until her last day, Mo Yiniang did not forgive Father Shen's betrayal and didn't allow him to see her during her final moments.
Li Ning's expression contorted into a grimace, reflecting her inner turmoil. Despite all her efforts, she knew her husband would never hold her in the same regard as his late wife. She was acutely aware of his lingering resentment and blame towards her for his first wife's passing. The only way she had managed to earn a semblance of his affection was by bearing him a son.
Had it not been for her deliberate machinations, painting young Shen Xi in an unfavorable light compared to her own daughter, Li Ning understood that Shen Xi would have been doted upon by her father out of guilt for her late mother. However, now that Shen Xi displayed a noticeable change, Li Ning had to reconsider her plans.
Quickly composing herself, she extended an invitation to Shen Xi to join them for the meal.