Quick Transmigration: The Villain Is Too Pampered and Alluring - Chapter 60

The reception hall was quiet, with only Sheng Nuan’s cautious sobbing breaking the silence.

The Old Madam’s had a complicated expression. On one hand, it didn’t feel right to keep making things difficult for her, but on the other hand, she also felt a sudden wave of sentimentality: when her time came, would any of the younger generation remember her like this?

In addition, Sheng Nuan actually compared herself to a deceased impoverished old woman… clearly, this girl wasn’t too bright

In the inner courtyard, the ones without brains weren’t a concern. The real trouble lay with those who were full of calculations and liked to stir up trouble.

The Old Madam sighed softly. “Alright, stop crying. Anyone who doesn’t know better might think this old woman did something terrible to you.”

Sheng Nuan quickly wiped away her tears, forcing a smile. “The Old Madam is kind and benevolent. It was I who did not understand proper etiquette.”

“Alright, I’m going to recite scriptures now. You may leave,” the Old Madam said coolly.

Customer service was filled with awe: Just by performing all these acts—chanting, reciting, and doing… the crisis of copying Buddhist scriptures for half a month was resolved?

What it didn’t expect was that its host wasn’t ready to leave yet.

“The Old Madam is compassionate and devoted to Buddha. My grandmother used to pray often as well, and I copied many Buddhist scriptures with her. I wonder… might I be allowed to accompany the Old Madam in her prayers?” Sheng Nuan asked with a smile.

At Sheng Nuan’s words, a cold light flashed in the Old Madam’s eyes.

As soon as she mentioned she wanted to worship Buddha, Sheng Nuan claimed that her own grandmother had also honored Buddha and that she often copied Buddhist scriptures herself… The Old Madam had seen many people from noble families; Sheng Nuan was merely trying to ingratiate herself.

“If you’ve copied scriptures so often, you must be very familiar with them… Gui Momo, take Madam Sheng to the small prayer room and have her recite the Diamond Sutra from memory.”

Then she looked at Sheng Nuan and added coolly, “You’re not allowed to come out until it’s done.”

Gui Momo, with a stern face, replied respectfully, “Yes.”

If Sheng Nuan wanted to curry favor with the Old Madam, she’d have to see if she had the ability to do so…

And just like that, Sheng Nuan was led to the small prayer room. Once the brushes, ink, paper, and inkstone were prepared, the door was shut, and silence fell around her.

Sheng Nuan wasn’t worried. She knew the Old Madam assumed she was only pretending to be familiar with Buddhist scriptures to win her favor and was certain that Sheng Nuan didn’t actually know the Diamond Sutra, let alone how to recite it from memory.

The purpose of bringing her here and locking her in the prayer room was to teach her a lesson: not just anyone could win the Old Madam’s favor.

Customer service was confused, “Host, why are you doing this?”

The crisis had clearly been resolved, and she didn’t need to worry about being punished with copying scriptures for half a month. Yet she refused to leave and had even caused this scene…

Sheng Nuan smiled softly and said, “This crisis may be over, but what about the next one?”

She didn’t know how long she would have to be a shield, and she couldn’t count on always having a chance to escape. Now that there was a powerful thigh here, if she didn’t seize the opportunity to hug it tightly now, when would she?

If she kept playing defense, her situation would remain difficult. Only by taking the initiative to attack can she open up more opportunities.

Customer service, not fully understanding the situation but not daring to interject further, obediently pulled up the text of the ‘Diamond Sutra’ for Sheng Nuan.

The original host’s father had been a struggling scholar for many years, and the stories she’d told about being raised by her grandmother and copying Buddhist scriptures were all true. The original host had copied many scriptures, and in order to climb high, she had also painstakingly practiced music, chess, calligraphy, and painting.

Skills like zither and chess required good teachers, but practicing calligraphy did not. As a result, the original host’s small, intricate  zanhua regular script¹ was quite impressive… As for painting, that was Sheng Nuan’s own talent.

With that, Sheng Nuan sat down at the table and began copying the Buddhist scriptures… and, truth be told, seeing the neat, beautiful zanhua regular script characters come to life on the paper under her hand, row after orderly row, was quite satisfying.

However, it didn’t take long for her to get bored of writing, so she simply had customer service take over for her… she put on a show, but she actually didn’t have to do anything at all.

While Sheng Nuan was copying scriptures in the small prayer room, over at Feixu Courtyard, Xiao Dingcheng was sitting with Liu Rumian, watching her embroider.

They had already heard that Sheng Nuan had been left to copy Buddhist scriptures by the Old Madam.

At this moment, Liu Rumian suddenly put down her needlework and sighed.

Xiao Dingcheng looked up, “What’s wrong?”

Liu Rumian said with some embarrassment, “Just thinking that Sister Sheng is suffering on my behalf makes me feel guilty.”

Liu Rumian initially thought Xiao Dingcheng would brush it off, perhaps even reminding her that Sheng Nuan’s role was to protect her. But to her surprise, Xiao Dingcheng seemed to fall into a deep thought.

The next moment, she heard Xiao Dingcheng say, “No matter, just treat her better in the future.”

Liu Rumian’s hand tightened slightly around her needle, her expression growing colder, though she managed a faint smile. “Yes, I’ll be sure to show more concern for Sister Sheng in the future.”

Just then, the maid Wen’er approached them. “Your Lordship, Lady, dinner is ready…”

“It’s already time for dinner, and she still hasn’t come out?” The Old Madam’s expression was indifferent.

The head maid Du Juan respectfully answered, “Replying to Old Madam, Gui Momo has gone to check on her.”

The Old Madam hadn’t really intended to keep Sheng Nuan locked up, she merely wanted to give her a small punishment as a lesson…

At that moment, footsteps sounded from outside, and soon Gui Momo entered with Sheng Nuan in tow.

The Old Madam frowned slightly and was about to speak when she saw Gui Momo step forward, holding… the Diamond Sutra that had been memorized and written out.

The Old Madam paused and glanced at Sheng Nuan with some surprise before taking the Diamond Sutra. As she opened it, she saw the exceptionally neat and beautiful zanhua regular script and her eyes lit up. Flipping through the pages, she found that there wasn’t a single mistake or omission.

This girl, Sheng Nuan, really did know the Buddhist scriptures…

The Old Madam’s expression visibly softened, and just then, the servants finished setting the dinner table.

The Old Madam set the Diamond Sutra beside her and looked up. “You’ve been copying the sutra for four hours. You must be tired.”

Sheng Nuan smiled and shook her head, “Not at all. I’m quite happy to do it.”

Customer service secretly complained: Of course you’re happy—once you’ve latched onto this thigh, it’s a one-time effort for a lifetime of ease

The Old Madam gave a soft hum of approval before adding, “Today, you saved me and also copied the sutra on my behalf. Tell me, what reward would you like?”

Customer service interrupted again: A big gold bracelet!

Sheng Nuan ignored the dog customer service. She pursed her lips, shaking her head. “Having the opportunity to meet the Old Madam is reward enough for me. I wouldn’t dare accept any further gifts.”

But the Old Madam was insistent. “I’ve never been one to shortchange those who serve me. Speak up.”

Sheng Nuan pursed her lips, her gaze flickering with uncertainty… After a pause, she cautiously said, “Then, may I be so bold as to ask the Old Madam for the favor of granting me permission to visit my family once a month?”

She explained carefully, “My parents are already old, and I am their only daughter. Now that I am part of the Duke’s household, I would be deeply grateful if the Old Madam could grant me the favor of allowing me to visit them each month.”

The Old Madam was a little surprised, and even Gui Momo looked taken aback.

So many concubines in the household tried their hardest to flatter the Old Madam, hoping to gain some favor and improve their standing in the household, making their lives easier… Yet this young lady Sheng only wanted to visit her family.

Even the more prominent maids by the Old Madam’s side were granted the privilege of visiting their families, so this request was truly not a big deal.

The Old Madam glanced at Sheng Nuan and said lightly, “Granted. But when you leave the manor to visit your family, you must inform the heir.”

Sheng Nuan’s face lit up with joy, and she quickly bowed, “I understand. Thank you, Old Madam.”

“Alright, you may go now.”

The Old Madam waved her hand dismissively, and Sheng Nuan immediately bowed again before being led out of the courtyard by a maid.

As she walked back, Sheng Nuan couldn’t help but feel happy.

Customer service was baffled…

How had something that would terrify most people turned into such a favorable situation for its host? Not only had she smoothly gotten out of trouble, but she had also gained favor with the Old Madam and more importantly, secured permission to visit her family.

This meant that the task of taking care of the original host’s parents could now be carried out…

Sheng Nuan hummed a little tune and said to customer service, “Tomorrow I can finally go out and wander around… How great.”

Before she even finished speaking, she noticed someone standing at the entrance of Tangnuan Courtyard. Her steps immediately slowed, and she saw that it was Su Lan, Princess Lin’an’s maidservant.

Sheng Nuan smiled and asked, “Su Gugu, it’s getting dark. What brings you here?”

Su Lan looked at her and said coolly, “Miss Sheng, Her Highness the Princess requests your presence…”

1. zanhua regular script – zanhua refers to hairpin flowers indicating an intricate, decorative style. ↵