To Hold One's Joy / Happy - Chapter 6 : To Lower Alertness

The orange trees around Funing Hall were illuminated by the warm hues of sunset, their vibrant green leaves kissed with a hint of red.

The large red lanterns swaying beneath the eaves had been lit, infusing the courtyard with a spirited ambiance.

Luo Sheng's arrival startled the maid stationed at the door for a brief moment before she announced, "Miss Luo has arrived."

As Luo Sheng entered, she sensed the palpable silence that enveloped the room.

The family dinner was set in the flower hall, and aside from the four young masters who were scared away by Luo Sheng, everyone else was present.

In the somewhat tense atmosphere, Luo Sheng bowed to Old Madam Sheng, who occupied the seat of honor, and remarked, "Sheng'er apologize for being late."

Old Madam Sheng's eyes momentarily flickered with suspicion, but she greeted her with a smile, "Please, have a seat, Sheng'er."

The Eldest and Second Madams exchanged glances, both feeling a sense of unease.

Miss Luo had never participated in family dinners before; what prompted her to attend today? Was it possible she had her sights set on their sons?

Keeping an eye on the empty chairs, the Eldest and Second Madams couldn't help but feel relieved that their sons were absent, avoiding any potential crisis.

Suddenly, Old Madam Sheng inquired, "Where are the First Young Master and the others?"

The Eldest Madam forced a frown, pretending to be displeased, "Who knows where they wandered off to? Don't be upset; when they return, I'll give them a piece of my mind."

"They're becoming more outrageous." With that, Old Madam Sheng lifted her chopsticks and began to eat.

Noticing her move, the others quickly followed suit.

During a family dinner, the unspoken rule of silence while eating wasn't very strict, leading to a warm and lively atmosphere.

Given her special status, Luo Sheng found herself the focus of questions from Old Madam Sheng and several elders, who were eager to show their concern. However, as they observed her poised manner while dining, they felt somewhat out of place and ceased their inquiries.

Just after a brief meal, Luo Sheng set down her chopsticks and regarded the group with a cool gaze while holding the tea poured by the maid.

Though Old Madam Sheng was advanced in age, her appetite remained hearty as she skillfully ate a piece of smoked duck.

Her Eldest Uncle, scholarly in appearance and lively in spirit, indulged in more drink than food, his cheeks already flushed.

Next to the Eldest Madam sat the Eldest Miss, Sheng Jia Yu, the source of the piercing glance Luo Sheng received upon her entrance.

Beside Sheng Jia Yu was the Second Miss, the concubine-born daughter, Sheng Jia Lan, with willow-like eyebrows and almond-shaped eyes.

Luo Sheng deliberately directed her gaze at Sheng Jia Lan a few extra times.

Sheng Jia Lan kept her eyes demurely lowered while she ate, appearing gentle and composed.

"Sheng'er, do you find the food to your disliking?"

Luo Sheng turned to meet the grin of the Eldest Madam.

"Just let me know what you enjoy, and I can have the kitchen make it up for you later." Although the Eldest Madam smiled, annoyance and anxiety bubbled underneath.

Could this Miss Luo be stirring up trouble again?

Just as the Eldest Madam mulled over this thought, she noticed Luo Sheng placing her teacup upon the table.

The blue and white porcelain cup made contact with the mahogany surface, producing a faint sound.

Though it was slight, it captured everyone's attention, prompting them to look over.

Finally, the moment was here, the onlookers in the room thought.

How could Luo Sheng, known for her boldness, sit quietly while eating?

Luo Chen frowned and gripped his chopsticks tightly.

Under the weight of everyone's gaze, Luo Sheng remained expressionless as she stated calmly, "There's something I'd like to discuss with my grandmother."

"What is it you wish to say, Sheng'er?" Old Madam Sheng asked, intrigued.

"I didn't intend to hang myself."

A slight sound broke the silence as one of the silver chopsticks slipped from the Second Miss, Sheng Jia Lan's hand.

The noise was louder than the sound Luo Sheng had just made, but it was soon overshadowed by the mocking laughter of the Eldest Miss, Sheng Jia Yu.

"Haha, everyone knows my cousin sister doesn't really want to hang herself," she remarked.

It was the first time Luo Sheng had heard Sheng Jia Yu refer to her as 'cousin sister' since waking up, and the sarcasm was evident.

"Jia Yu, stop spouting nonsense!" the Eldest Madam snapped at her daughter, although her gaze remained calm.

She certainly wasn't angry at her daughter. Despite the unpleasantness of her words, it was clear that Miss Luo was just being overly dramatic.

Luo Sheng was causing turmoil for the entire Sheng family.

With a father that the Sheng family couldn't afford to upset, the elders found it hard to voice any objections. A few arguments among young people wouldn't trouble the family too much.

The thought of her own daughter behaving like Luo Sheng made the Eldest Madam feel a surge of panic.

She could never raise a daughter in such a manner!

Old Madam Sheng often praised Luo Sheng's mother for her gentleness and politeness.

Wasn't the Old Madam feel ashamed to have such a granddaughter?

Lost in these thoughts, the Eldest Madam glanced at Luo Sheng and was taken aback.

The girl sat straight, her eyes steady, completely different from the impression she had left before.

Luo Sheng didn't even acknowledge Sheng Jia Yu and asserted seriously, "What I meant to say is that I didn't hang myself."

She kept her eyes on Sheng Jia Lan, whose face had drained of color, and her lips were pressed tight, losing the graceful demeanor she had just displayed.

Old Madam Sheng's expression turned serious as she fixed her gaze on Luo Sheng, asking in a low voice, "Sheng'er, what do you mean by that?"

Could it be that someone was trying to harm her?

Luo Chen's expression shifted as well.

It was one thing for Luo Sheng to attempt suicide, but quite another for someone to threaten her.

"Miss Luo, some things shouldn't be spoken of so lightly," the Eldest Madam cautioned, attempting to suppress her racing heart.

Luo Sheng smiled slightly.

Her bright eyes and fair complexion were striking, yet her face remained serious, giving her an imposing aura like that of a beautiful jade statue.

This inexplicable coldness made people pay attention to what she was going to say next.

Luo Sheng continued, "I didn't plan on hanging myself, but that's what happened. In retrospect, I believe it was my habit of sleepwalking that led me to act foolishly without realizing it."

"Sleepwalking?"

Everyone was taken aback.

Luo Sheng nodded gently: "I didn't want to bring up my hidden illness, but the incident three days ago alarmed my elders, so I thought it best to clarify today."

The tense atmosphere lightened as Luo Sheng spoke.

Old Madam Sheng exhaled in relief and asked with concern, "Is the illness serious? Has your father called a doctor yet?"

"I requested it myself. I used to have these episodes quite often as a child, but they faded away as I got older. Maybe my adjustment to this new environment triggered it again."

"Well, let's have a doctor come see you tomorrow," Old Madam Sheng insisted.

Luo Sheng shook her head in refusal. "No need; Hong Dou used to make me medicine, and I still remember the recipe."

Old Madam Sheng opened her mouth to protest but Luo Sheng cut her off, "I prefer not to let more people know about my hidden illness."

Finally, Old Madam Sheng relented.

Luo Sheng glanced over at the Second Miss, Sheng Jia Lan, and noticed her color returning.

She smiled slightly and took a sip of her tea.

As the family dinner wrapped up, the waning moon hung in the sky, casting a delicate glow.

Luo Sheng chose to walk the bluestone path without having Hong Dou carry the lantern, moving calmly along the way.

Luo Chen hurried after her and stepped into her path.

Beneath the glow of the moon, the boy's face held a deep, curious look. "So, you really do sleepwalk?"

Luo Sheng nodded in response.

"Why would you want to hang yourself in your dreams?"

Luo Sheng found the boy's question rather pointed. After a moment of reflection, she replied, "Maybe I'm too afraid to try it when I'm awake?"

"That's just not reasonable!" The young man's complexion paled with frustration as he turned away angrily.

Luo Sheng stood by the roadside, watching the slight figure of the boy disappear, feeling a strange sense of calm.

She would be leaving this place soon, so she didn't have the energy to forge meaningful connections with anyone.

The road was lined with lush flowers and trees, their shadows darkening the fabric of her clothes.

Suddenly, a distant man's voice broke through the quiet.