Chapter 472: Feeding Her is a Waste of Food

Chapter 472: Feeding Her is a Waste of Food

Though feeling wronged, Shen Yuanyang didn’t dare to argue back to his elder sister. He muttered, "Sister, I know I was wrong. But I’m never going to call that woman 'sister.'"

When the family finally reunited, Madam Fang wanted to avoid any mention of the unwanted child. She quickly interjected, "Alright, with everyone here, let’s not bring up unimportant matters. I’ll have the nannies bring Xiao Wu over later. Today, we’re going to have a family reunion meal."

The family cheerfully instructed the servants to arrange the meal.

In the back courtyard, Mother Liang, having understood the masters' attitude toward the newly returned Miss, gradually reverted to her previous cold demeanor.

"Miss, you will be staying here from now on. If there’s anything you need, there’s no need to disturb Master, Madam, or the young masters and misses. Come to me, and I’ll take care of it."

Seeing Su Youyue nod in response, Mother Liang continued, "Also, Master said that the blind guard by your side is not suitable to stay. Miss should send him away as soon as possible, lest he tarnish the Shen family’s reputation when you go out..."

Before she could finish, Su Youyue had already started walking toward the inner room, leaving Mother Liang with a slightly displeased look. *How dare she treat me with such disrespect!* She’s just a girl from the countryside with no manners.

"Since Miss already knows, this servant will take her leave," Mother Liang said with a fake smile before turning around and leaving.

"Mother Liang... You didn’t tell us where to get Miss’s meals?" Qingluo quickly called out to her.

By now, it was already noon, time for the meal. They hadn’t even had breakfast because they were in a hurry to get here. Qingluo was hungry, and so was her Miss.

A flash of coldness passed through Mother Liang’s eyes. "Go two roads ahead from the courtyard, and you’ll find the kitchen."

With that, she left without saying another word.

Qingluo noticed her expression and felt angry. *Is this the family Miss dreamed of?*

In Qingluo’s eyes, this place was clearly not Miss’s home. It was the home of Master Shen, Madam Shen, and the Shen young masters and misses. Even the servants seemed to belong here more than Miss did. The courtyard had clearly been neglected for years. It was in a remote location, overgrown with weeds, and the rooms carried a stale smell. A thick layer of dust had accumulated on the furnishings.

Qingluo returned to Su Youyue, her face showing guilt. "Miss, I’m so sorry you have to suffer here..."

Su Youyue shook her head.

"This bit of hardship is nothing. It’s fine. Later, I’ll have Ah Ying and Jin’er clean up. Go to the kitchen and fetch some meals for now."

Knowing that she was pregnant and easily hungry, Qingluo quickly agreed and headed out.

Unbeknownst to her, as soon as she left, Zhe Ying signaled, and over a dozen people quietly entered the courtyard.

"Clean this place thoroughly."

With that command, the dozen people began to silently and orderly clean the courtyard. Some pulled weeds, others wiped tables. When Jin’er tried to help, Zhe Ying gently but firmly dismissed her. Seeing how efficient they were, Jin’er didn’t insist on helping anymore.

"Miss, what did the Shen family young master say today? Why was he so fierce to you?" Knowing there were people on watch outside, Jin’er spoke without restraint. "The Shen family doesn’t seem to like Miss at all."

Su Youyue nodded. "It’s nothing, just a few unwelcoming words."

Jin’er was indignant. "Miss sacrificed her own marriage to help their family, and yet they treat her like this. How ungrateful they are."

"If they cared, they wouldn’t have abandoned Miss in the borderlands for over a decade without a single word," Su Youyue said calmly, her eyes showing little emotion. "It’s better this way. If they were the ones behind the attack on Miss, I won’t need to hold back when it’s time to take revenge."

She wasn’t the real Shen Nan. While she felt it was unjust for Shen Nan, she harbored no illusions about finding familial warmth from the Shen family.

Jin'er realized she had a point, and her indignation finally subsided a little.

By the time the shadow guards had cleaned the courtyard spotlessly and slipped away, Qingluo had still not returned. Rubbing her growling stomach, Jin'er said, "Why hasn't Qingluo come back yet, Miss? Should I go check on her?"

Su Youyue thought for a moment, then stood up. "Let's go check together."

She hadn't paid much attention to what Mama Liang said while inspecting the courtyard earlier. But now, reflecting on it, since the masters of the household ignored her, Miss Shen, how could the servants not take advantage and make things difficult for her?

Before leaving, she casually hung her whip at her waist.

Zhe Ying and Jin'er followed behind her.

As soon as the three of them found the kitchen of the Shen residence, they heard cold sarcasm.

"What 'Miss'? There's only one Miss in our household, and that's Miss Zhuyu. If Miss Zhuyu wanted to eat, even bear paws and camel humps would be prepared for her. But your so-called 'Miss' wasn't born from the Great Elder Lady. What kind of delicacies does she expect to eat? What we've given you is already more than enough. If you don’t want it, then starve!"

"Exactly. These meals were prepared for my lady and master. How could we let a country bumpkin eat them? Would she even be able to appreciate fine cuisine? It would be a waste. This is all we have; if you don't want it, then don't eat!"

"You all!" Qingluo's voice trembled with anger.

"Let me give you and your Miss some advice," one of the women sneered. "The Great Elder Lady is in charge of this household now. If you anger her, you'll be in for a world of trouble!"

"Really, does she think she's a Miss of this household? Everyone knows she was born outside the manor. It's not even certain if she's truly of the Shen bloodline..." someone muttered quietly.

Unable to hold back any longer, Qingluo rushed forward, intending to fight them. But two burly women suddenly changed their expressions, smashing a porcelain bowl at her feet, which shattered into pieces. The kitchen staff quickly gathered around.

"Oh dear, Miss Qingluo, why did you break your Miss's meal? What should we do now? We don't have any extra food prepared for your Miss. Your Miss will just have to endure her hunger a little longer. But it's not our fault, is it?" The older woman said sarcastically.

Qingluo gritted her teeth so hard that she tasted blood.

So, this was their plan all along—to humiliate Miss Shen?

Seeing the smug expressions on their faces, Qingluo could no longer contain her rage and was about to charge forward and confront them head-on when a cool voice behind her suddenly brought her back to her senses.

"I didn't realize that this is the kind of food the household intends to give me."

Su Youyue’s gaze turned cold as she stepped into the kitchen.