coobybook Chapter 123 Shen Yanchu Reunited
Chapter 123 Shen Yanchu Reunited
Jeju City covers a vast area with two main streets stretching approximately four kilometers. Along these streets are over 30 alleyways and gates, filled with people from all over the country, both north and south. The people here come from all corners of the world, and shops and caravans throng the streets.
In the early morning, sunlight streamed into the ancient alleyways, awakening the slumbering city. The aroma of breakfast filled the streets and alleys, and people began their busy day.
By day, Jeju City is bustling with activity. Merchants set up stalls in the alleys, hawking their wares, their dazzling array of goods a feast for the eyes. Travelers from all over stroll through the city, experiencing its unique charm.
As evening falls, the afterglow of the setting sun illuminates the ancient buildings, adding a touch of mystery to Jeju City.
Wang Fu drove the carriage and brought it to a steady stop outside the villa. Qianhua, the maid at the gate, immediately instructed someone to place a footstool beside the carriage. The maids and servants behind her bowed and placed the footstool, not daring to look directly at the distinguished guest.
"Young Master Li, Miss Shi, and your maid Qianhua are here on the orders of my young lady, Young Master Cui, and Young Master Shen to welcome our distinguished guests."
Miss Shi nodded slightly, signaling Qianhua to rise. She moved gracefully into the courtyard, followed closely by the others. The room was elegantly and warmly furnished. Shi Wanxia sat down at the table, while Qianhua and two other maids stood on either side.
Miss Shi said softly, "I am new here, and I hope you two will take good care of me." Qianhua quickly replied, "You flatter us, Miss. It is our honor to serve you." The others nodded in agreement.
Qianhua bowed to the young lady, her intellectual and gentle demeanor making it hard not to feel a sense of goodwill. She smiled gently and said, "Miss Shi, you must be tired from your long journey. I have already instructed someone to prepare hot water. I will take you to bathe and change your clothes now. After you have finished washing up, I will take you to see Young Master Shen and the others."
Shi Wanxia nodded in agreement, and Qianhua immediately gestured for the other maids to help the young ladies with their grooming and dressing. She went to the kitchen first to supervise the preparation of tonight's dinner; they still had a lot to do.
In the kitchen, Qianhua methodically directed the chefs in preparing dinner. She carefully checked the ingredients and cooking process of each dish to ensure the quality and taste of the meal.
The young ladies, adorned and dressed by their maids, were all radiant with beauty. Shuyun and Qinxin were originally slaves, but it was the kind-hearted young lady who restored their status to that of free people.
Wealthy families are very particular about etiquette, and the two women, fearing they would embarrass Miss Shi, were restless ever since they began their grooming. After all, Young Master Cui had redeemed them to serve Miss Shi. Now, this…
Shi Wanxia and the others entered the living room together. A young, graceful, and beautiful girl immediately stood up to greet them. Her gentle and lovely smile further accentuated her beautiful face and elegant, noble demeanor. Before Shi Wanxia even noticed, the girl was already beside her.
"This beautiful young lady must be Miss Shi! I am Jinqian from the Wang family of Langya. Thank you for saving me."
Wang Jinqian gave a slight bow to thank her. Judging from her appearance, this young lady was literate and well-mannered. Petite and lovely, she was instantly endearing.
Shi Wanxia awkwardly helped her up. She was just helping out casually. Besides, she had saved Brother Shen and Young Master Cui, not this girl. She didn't deserve the thanks.
"Miss Wang, I only saved them by chance. It was just a small favor, nothing to mention. By the way, Miss Wang, my name is Shi Wanxia. I've met you before. I apologize for bothering you today."
Before Shi Wanxia could finish speaking, Li Changyu and the others entered the living room. She also noticed Shen Yanchu and the others, and immediately helped Miss Wang towards them.
"Brother Shen, Young Master Cui, it's so good that you're alright. By the way, has the poison you were poisoned been cured?" She remembered that they had gotten separated because of the poisoning, and it had been a month. She wondered how their injuries were healing.
Shen Yanchu's eyes were filled with gratitude and tenderness. He looked at the girl in front of him, a rare smile appearing on his lips. His voice was deep and magnetic as he said, "Don't worry! Wenzhu and I were able to recover from the poisoning thanks to the antidote herbs you picked. Thank you very much."
A blush rose on the girl's face. She lowered her head and said softly, "Young master, you flatter me. This is what I should do." Her voice was as clear and melodious as a nightingale's song.
Seeing the girl's shy expression, Shen Yanchu's heart stirred. He gently took her hand and said, "I have no way to repay your life-saving grace. If you don't mind, I am willing to marry you and take care of you for the rest of my life."
Cui Yu'an and Shi Wanxia were stunned by his sudden marriage proposal, their mouths agape as they stared at him blankly. For a moment, Miss Shi was at a loss for how to react. Before her stood Shen Yanchu, handsome and refined, his eyes filled with sincerity, which stirred a ripple in her heart.
Upon seeing her like this, Shen Yan realized he had been somewhat presumptuous and immediately withdrew his hand, a hint of apology on his face. "Miss Shi, I am sincere," he emphasized again, his tone full of earnestness.
A blush rose on Miss Shi's face. She lowered her eyes and said softly, "Young Master Shen, this matter is too sudden. I... I didn't think about these things. Besides, it was just a joke that day, asking you and Young Master Cui to repay your kindness." Shen Yanchu nodded. He understood Miss Shi's concerns and was not in a hurry.
"Miss Shi, I will await your reply." After saying this, Shen Yanchu bowed solemnly to her. He had indeed been a bit rash and impulsive today, causing trouble for his aunt, but he also intended to marry her.
Although Miss Shi's status was too low to convince her mother to agree to make her her principal wife, she thought her mother would agree to make her a concubine, since the girl had been kind to her.
Seeing that things were not going well, Cui Yu'an immediately spoke up to interrupt the somewhat awkward scene.
"Alright, let's not talk about that anymore. Now that you and the others have finally arrived in Jeju, you must be starving. Miss Wang, why don't you have dinner first, and then we can chat slowly, shall we?"
Wang Jinqian smiled gently, a smile as warm and intoxicating as the spring sun. She softly instructed someone to serve the meal, her voice clear and melodious, like a mountain spring flowing through the air.
Before long, Qianhua arrived with a dozen or so maids, carrying exquisite dishes in their hands. Their movements were graceful and elegant, as if they were performing a beautiful dance.
Soon, dinner was prepared, and the table was laden with delicious-looking and fragrant dishes that made one's mouth water. Miss Wang warmly arranged for Shi Wanxia to sit at the table, and looking at the food, her heart was filled with joy.
She picked up her chopsticks, and a lively and adorable little maid gently picked up a piece of fish and placed it in her bowl. Shi Wanxia knew that this wealthy family had many rules, so she couldn't refuse and picked it up and savored it.
The fish was tender and juicy with a delicate texture, prompting her to exclaim, "It's so delicious!" She then tried other dishes, each with its own unique flavor, which thoroughly satisfied her appetite.
Cui Yu'an stared at the maid he had specially bought for the girl, who was now eating at the same table with them. This was far too impolite! When he bought them, the brokerage firm had said that they had been taught etiquette and manners!