The Valued Lady is Truly Dominant

Chapter 842: Chapter 842: Comparing People Only Makes You Want to Throw Things Away

Song Zhiqing was awakened from his sleep, and upon seeing the charming face before him, he experienced a moment of disorientation. Once his memory returned, he sat up from the bed.

”What time is it?”

”It is already a quarter past the early morning hour; you should get up and wash to attend the court,” Shen Shi said with a smile.

Upon hearing this, Song Zhiqing immediately got out of bed. Seeing that she was already dressed, he couldn’t help but say, ”Why did you get up so early? You were also tired yesterday; you could sleep a little longer.”

Shen Shi took the clothes to assist him in dressing, replying as she went, ”Since you must attend the court, how can I be lazy and stay in bed? I should get up to serve you. Besides, after you leave for the court, I must also go to Madam’s courtyard to greet and serve her.”

Song Zhiqing paused for a moment.

Bai Shuilian, after entering the household, also served him in this manner, but later, feeling distressed for her, he did not let her get up. Only the maid and servant served him for dressing to attend the court.

As for visiting the Lu family to pay respects, apart from the first and fifteenth days of the month, it was never done.

It was Lu Shi who did not allow visits, and Song Zhiqing could only make excuses for Bai Shuilian.

Although he thought this way, he couldn’t help feeling a bit guilty; what he considered natural might violate palace etiquette.

It truly isn’t easy to compare people; comparing just leaves one frustrated.

Song Zhiqing lowered his head, seeing Shen Shi half-squatting to tidy his official robe, then took a new belt, and wrapped it around his back with both hands.

This feeling was somewhat unusual.

Song Zhiqing deliberately ignored the faint ripples in his heart, looking at the purple-red belt embroidered with Qing Zhu, he couldn’t help but be surprised: ”This belt?”

Shen Shi raised her head, smiled, and explained: ”Upon knowing I would be sent to your side, I quickly made a pair of shoes for the Grand Madam, a headband for the Madam, and a belt for you. I specially embroidered Qing Zhu on it, wishing for your continuous promotion and success.”

Feeling comforted, Song Zhiqing couldn’t help but grasp her hand: ”You’re thoughtful.”

Blushing, Shen Shi completed dressing him, gently clapped her hands, and the maid brought water and some warm breakfast.

”This.”

”To prevent you from feeling faint, I didn’t prepare porridge, but something solid to warm your stomach so you’ll have the energy to attend court, isn’t it?”

Song Zhiqing sighed lightly, indeed, she was the Chief Aunt from the palace; this thoughtfulness, this attention, was impeccable.

After the busy morning, Song Zhiqing left for court. Shen Shi remained standing at the courtyard gate until he turned away, then returned to the house for a cup of tea and a small snack. After observing the time, she was led by the maid to Plum Garden.

Lu Shi had just gotten up and was in the midst of grooming when she heard the maids say that Shen Shi had come to pay respects. She paused, looked at the time, thought for a moment, and said: ”Invite Shen Yi Niang in.”

With graceful steps, Shen Shi came forward and performed a ceremonial squat to greet Lu Shi.

”You may rise. Why did you come so early?” Lu Shi examined her complexion and noticed a hint of lingering spring color in her eyes, feeling a twinge of bitterness in her heart, yet she smiled as she asked.

Shen Shi stood up, smiling: ”I came early to greet and serve Madam, as I ought to do.” Seeing Lu Shi’s hair let down, she offered: ”If Madam doesn’t mind, I could help comb your hair?”

Lu Shi was moved: ”Sure, I’ve heard you even combed the Empress’s hair.”

Shen Shi took the ivory comb from the maid, applied some hair oil, and gently gathered a lock of hair, combing as she spoke: ”In the palace, if one wants a position rather than hard labor, one must learn a skill or two. I was fortunate to follow a good aunt and learned the art of hairstyling.”

As she spoke of the past, her hands skillfully twisted the hair into a bun, soon forming a Suiyun bun for Lu Shi, and personally selected two decorative hairpins to secure it.