While Qin Liu Xi was administering acupuncture to Gu Shi, Wang Shi gazed at the assortment of colorful pastries before her for a long while before heaving a soft sigh.
"Wang family indeed enjoys some blessings." Otherwise, how could they have this residence and raise such a delicate and clever girl?
"Madam, are you referring to Miss?" Wang Shi's trusted servant, Shen Mama, offered her a cup of tea.
"Isn't it?" Wang Shi took the tea and asked in return, "Leaving aside everyone in this household, just considering the Third Household, if it weren't for her intervention, how could this house, with its red lanterns, still be standing?"
Shen Mama discerned the underlying meaning and knew she was referring to Gu Shi and her two sons. If it weren't for Qin Liu Xi's intervention, the situation could have been perilous for both mother and sons, if not worse.
But now, both mother and sons were safe, which was indeed fortunate.
"Miss is indeed extraordinary. It's no wonder that the Old Master insisted on placing her under your name back then." Shen Mama wore an inscrutable expression. "Madam, considering the current situation, could it be that the Old Taoist had foreseen the troubles in the household?"
Wang Shi remained silent, absentmindedly stroking the edge of the teacup.
"If the fortunes and misfortunes were foreseen, why didn't he mention it? If he had, our eldest master wouldn't have..." Tears welled up in Shen Mama's eyes.
When she mentioned the eldest master, she naturally meant the eldest son of the main branch, the only legitimate son born from Wang Shi, the rightful heir. Now, he was suffering in exile with the older generation in that harsh and desolate place.
Just the thought of it made Shen Mama feel as if her heart were being torn apart.
She had served Wang Shi her whole life, without children of her own. She treated Wang Shi like her own daughter, so naturally, she treated Wang Shi's children like her own grandchildren. But now, the child who should have been living a life of luxury and privilege, was suffering in exile. Who knew if he was sick, in pain, or injured?
Shen Mama couldn't help but shed tears.
Wang Shi, equally heartbroken, turned away and wiped the tears from her eyes, saying, "What's the use of mentioning it? Whether it's fortune or misfortune, we can't escape it. Even if we avoid the troubles of today, can we still avoid those of tomorrow? Mama, people are the hardest to contend with. No matter how much we calculate, we can never outsmart fate!"
"That's true, but this old servant can't help but feel sorry for the young master." Wang Shi whispered, "You feel sorry, but as his mother, I feel even more sorry. If only I could take his place and endure that suffering instead."
Shen Mama looked at the young lady she had watched grow up, unable to hide her sorrow. Under the lamplight, she seemed even more lonely and forlorn, her appearance wan and tired.
Yes, she was a mother, but she was also the principal mistress of the Qin family. No matter how painful or difficult it was, she had to persevere.
"It's my fault. I shouldn't have made you sad." Shen Mama stepped forward and hugged her, patting her gently.
Wang Shi wiped her tear-stained eyes and said, "Don't blame yourself. If you can endure this suffering with me, how could I blame you? Mama, you shouldn't have followed me back then."
"This old servant has no children of her own and only this one life. It doesn't matter where I go; it's all the same. Even if it's eating coarse grains and drinking sour soup with you, I have no complaints or regrets."
After hearing these words, Wang Shi's lips curved up. "Don't worry, I will take care of you until your old age."
"Alright."
Only then did Wang Shi look at the pastries, rallying her spirits. "Divide these pastries and give a portion to Aunt Wan and Chun'er, and another portion to the Old Madam. Also, send a portion to the Third Young Master's side."
"What about you?"
Wang Shi shook her head. "I'm not that interested. If the Second Young Madam and the others find out, they might have something to say."
Shen Mama thought of the temperament of the Second Madam and remained silent.