Matriarch Rules, Scumbag Begs - Chapter 28

Chapter 28 Unrecognized

Shen Qiuci’s brows furrowed in concern, and she asked in surprise: “What’s wrong?”

Fang Mama quickly explained: “Three years ago, the master and the eldest young master both died in battle, and the family suffered a sudden and severe change. The Madam hadn’t recovered from her grief when she heard that the eldest young lady had fallen from the building and was critically ill.”

“Over the years, the Madam has been suppressing her emotions to take care of the eldest young lady. After you returned, the Madam felt some comfort, but then came the devastating news of the eldest young lady’s passing.”

“Later, when you returned to the mansion, the Madam’s mental state became increasingly distraught. On the day of the eldest young lady’s burial, Dr. Xu’s visit caused such a commotion that the Madam became enraged and fainted. When she woke up again…”

She carefully observed Shen Qiu Ci’s expression, her voice growing softer: “The Madam seemed to have lost her memories of that period after she woke up again. She forgot about the eldest young lady’s death and also forgot about you. She thinks that the eldest young lady has recovered and returned to the mansion…”

“This old servant had a doctor examine her, and the Madam has developed a condition called ‘lost heart syndrome’ due to extreme emotional fluctuations… She unconsciously forgets things she doesn’t want to face.”

In other words, Madam Shen had forgotten about Shen Qiuyu’s death and Shen Qiuci’s return to the mansion, and completely mistook Shen Qiuci for Shen Qiuyu.

Shen Qiuci knew about ‘lost heart syndrome’, but she still had doubts: “But just now, Mother clearly recognized me.”

Fang Mama explained: “The doctor said that people with ‘lost heart syndrome’ might temporarily recall forgotten memories if they experience a strong stimulus. Perhaps it was because of Dr. Xu’s commotion today that the Madam remembered.”

“However, forcing the Madam to recall those painful memories is extremely taxing on her mind.”

She looked at the dark broth in the bowl and said softly: “Fortunately, the doctor has prescribed a medicinal soup to help her recover. If she takes it three times a day for about a month, she should gradually recover and remember the second young lady.”

Shen Qiuci listened to Fang Mama’s words with a calm expression, then turned and walked towards the inner room: “I’ll go see Mother.”

In the inner room, Xia Shang was squatting by the bedside, adding charcoal to the warming stove, while Madam Shen was lying quietly on the bed, already asleep.

Although she was asleep, her brow was still slightly furrowed, and her face was etched with worry.

Shen Qiuci walked quietly to the bedside and gently reached out to feel Madam Shen’s pulse. Her pulse was disordered, and her mind was restless, which was a typical sign of ‘lost heart syndrome’.

Shen Qiuci withdrew her hand and sat down beside Madam Shen, watching her quietly. Her fingertips lightly touched Madam Shen’s brow, gently smoothing out the furrowed wrinkles.

After a long time, she looked up at Fang Mama and said calmly: “Aunt Fang, take the medicine away and pour it out.”

Fang Mama was taken aback: “Second young lady?”

Shen Qiu Ci said: “Not just today, but from now on, there’s no need to send these bitter medicines to Mother’s room.”

Fang Mama was even more puzzled: “Second young lady, are you sure you want to do this?”

Shen Qiuci nodded: “‘Lost heart syndrome’ won’t affect Mother’s health. Instead, it will allow her to forget those painful memories and make her mind more open, avoiding worries and illnesses.”

She gently stroked Madam Shen’s face and said resolutely: “Mother took ten years to accept my departure. How could I bear to make her endure the pain of parting with my sister for countless years again?”

“The departure of loved ones is a torment for the living every moment. I couldn’t bear to make Mother suffer such pain.”

Fang Mama said anxiously: “Second young lady, have you thought this through? If we don’t use the medicine, it’s likely that the lady will never know your identity and will always think you’re the eldest young lady.”
“It’s okay.” Shen Qiuci’s eyes were firm: “Forgetting me might be the best outcome for Mother.”

As she spoke, Madam Shen’s eyelids fluttered slightly, and she slowly opened her eyes. When her gaze met Shen Qiuci’s, her face lit up with joy, and she reached out to grab Shen Qiuci’s hand.

Madam Shen smiled and said: “Ah Yu, you’re back?”

The name “Ah Yu” made Fang Mama and Xia Shang’s expressions complicated. Only Shen Qiuci smiled and nodded, tightly grasping her mother’s hand and responding softly: “Mother, I’m back.”

—

Later that day, Shen Qiuci stayed by her mother’s side, accompanying her on leisurely walks, chatting with her, and eating with her, just like when she was a child and her mother would spend all day with her.

In Shen Qiuci’s memories, she used to cling to her mother, following her everywhere and asking questions, full of curiosity and chatter. Now, it was her mother who was the talkative one.

She said: “Ah Yu, look, the red plum blossoms are blooming beautifully this year. You always liked them, and they’re a good omen for you.”

She said: “Ah Yu, Mother remembers that this dish is your favorite. You look so thin and pitiful, so eat more of it.”
She said: “Ah Yu, your father and brother know that you’re doing well now, and they’ll be at peace in the underworld.”

She said: “Ah Yu, Mother misses your sister…”

Shen Qiuci tightly hugged her mother, just like when she was a child and her mother would comfort her. She gently patted her mother’s back and said softly: “Mother, don’t think about these sad things. Father and brother’s greatest wish was for us to be well.”

She paused slightly and added: “And sister too.”

After dinner, the sky grew dark. Shen Qiuci sat quietly by her mother’s bedside, chatting with her about everyday things.

Madam Shen said with emotion: “You’ve been ill for two years, and now you’re recovered. It must be because your father, brother, and sister were watching over you from the other world.”

“Tomorrow is the anniversary of your father’s and brother’s death. Every year, the eunuch Feng from the emperor’s side comes to our mansion to represent the emperor and burn incense for them.”

“You were ill for two years, and the emperor was very concerned about you. He even sent people to deliver precious medicinal materials. Tomorrow, you should see Eunuch Feng and express your gratitude to the emperor in person.”

Shen Qiuci obediently agreed: “Don’t worry, Mother. Of course, I’ll do that.”

Only after Madam Shen fell asleep did Shen Qiuci quietly exit the room.

Outside, the snow was still falling. Shen Qiuci walked in the snow, and the moonlight shone down on her face like silver yarn, making her skin appear even paler and colder, like a fragile piece of jade.

Xia Shang looked at her and felt a pang of sorrow: “Miss… you’re finally reunited with Madam Shen, but she doesn’t recognize you…”

“People should be foolish sometimes,” Shen Qiuci said with a smile, interrupting Xia Shang.
“As long as Mother is healthy and happy, whether she recognizes me or not doesn’t matter.”

The cold wind blew, swaying the new branches of the plum tree and reddening Shen Qiuci’s eyes. Xia Shang understood that Shen Qiuci wasn’t indifferent, but because she cared too much, she chose to bear all the pain silently.

Xia Shang said with compassion: “If Miss feels sad, maybe crying would be a good way to release the emotions? It’s better than keeping it all inside.”

“Crying?” Shen Qiuci lowered her eyes and smiled coldly: “Tears are only meaningful when they come from the eyes of our enemies.”

When she opened her eyes again, the redness had disappeared. She looked straight ahead, her steps firm, and her red dress stood out against the snow behind her, like a fiery plum blossom blooming in the snow.

“I want to smile and watch all those who have wronged the Shen family cry until they’re blind and regret their actions.”