Chun Tao spotted Shen Miao and quickly approached the carriage, whispering something to those inside. Immediately after, the carriage curtain was lifted.
Inside were Shen Yue, Shen Qing, Ren Wanyun, and Chen Ruoqiu. The four of them were taken aback at the sight of Shen Miao. Chen Ruoqiu’s gaze flickered, while Ren Wanyun frowned. "Xiao Wu, why are you dressed so plainly?"
"Exactly," Shen Qing chimed in eagerly. "It looks quite unflattering. You should wear something brighter. I have a new bright yellow dress in my room—Chun Tao, take Fifth Sister to change out of that outfit. And the jewelry—why aren’t you wearing any? People might think the General’s Manor has mistreated you."
She suppressed the jealousy in her heart.
Truth be told, Shen Qing was quite a delicate beauty herself, and her usual lively and poised demeanor made her appear every bit the refined noble lady. But there was one thing she cared about deeply—her complexion wasn’t particularly fair, leaning more toward a wheatish tone. What young woman didn’t wish for snow-white skin? She dared not complain about Shen Yue’s fairness, but Shen Miao’s pale complexion, accentuated by the lotus-blue dress she wore today, made her skin appear even more radiant. Among the three daughters of the Shen family, Shen Qing now looked the dullest, which naturally displeased her.
Shen Yue scrutinized Shen Miao carefully, noting how the Hanging Cloud Hairbun she wore was exquisitely delicate, complementing the lotus-blue dress in a dignified manner. Without the usual gold and silver ornaments, Shen Miao had an understated yet naturally noble air. She smiled gently. "Fifth Sister, let’s not speak of the dress for now, but you must wear jewelry—it reflects the face of our household. Grandmother would be displeased to see you dressed like this. And why this hairstyle? You’re still young—the twin-loop buns you used to wear were much better."
Gu Yu’s face paled with anger, but as a servant, she couldn’t openly defy her masters. She gritted her teeth in frustration—the second and third branches of the Shen family were clearly scheming against their own niece, eager to see Shen Miao dressed as plainly as possible.
Shen Miao sneered inwardly. Shen Yue had even dragged Old Madam Shen into this, knowing full well that Shen Miao had once feared the old lady’s authority the most. As for the hairstyle, Shen Yue was barely a year older—where did this talk of youth come from? Shen Yue herself wore a Flying Immortal Hairbun with a gossamer pink dress, aiming to look like a peerless beauty. Why should Shen Miao have to play the plain foil?
After they finished speaking, Shen Miao remained silent, simply smiling at them, her thoughts unreadable. Finally, Shen Qing grew uncomfortable under her gaze and snapped at the maid standing by the carriage, "Chun Tao, what are you standing around for? Hurry up and take Fifth Sister to change!"
"No need," Shen Miao interrupted, adopting a sorrowful expression. "There’s a reason for today’s attire. The jewelry Second Aunt gifted me—I truly adore it. It’s not that I chose not to wear it."
The group exchanged puzzled glances, unsure what Shen Miao meant. Gu Yu and Jing Zhe also looked at each other in confusion, their eyes fixed on Shen Miao."My father is currently far in the northwest, leading the troops in bloody battles. The Huns have yet to retreat, and our soldiers are clad in cold armor. Yet here I am in the capital, dressed in fine silks and indulging in leisure, admiring flowers and reciting poetry—it truly fills me with shame." Shen Miao lowered her head slightly, her voice softening: "Last night, a bodhisattva appeared in my dream, urging me to pray devoutly. So I've made up my mind to wear plain clothes without adornments until my father returns victorious."
No one expected Shen Miao to suddenly speak like this. Normally, she could barely stammer out timid words, let alone articulate such refined sentiments. Both Shen Yue and Shen Qing were too stunned to speak, while Chen Ruoqiu touched her temple thoughtfully. Ren Wanyun, however, looked somewhat awkward. If Shen Miao was piously praying for her father, what did that make the rest of the Shen family? Yet she would never allow her own Qing'er to dress so plainly for the Chrysanthemum Banquet. Gritting her teeth, Ren Wanyun coaxed kindly, "Even so, you're still a young lady. Why burden yourself so? At the banquet, you should relax and enjoy—"
But Shen Miao suddenly bowed deeply to Ren Wanyun. "I beg Second Aunt to honor my filial devotion."
They were standing right at the entrance of Shen Mansion, with passersby coming and going. Shen Miao's bow drew curious glances from the crowd.
Ren Wanyun could have forced Shen Miao to wear bright clothes to maintain the family's dignity—but how could she dare refuse such a display of filial piety?
If her elder brother was fighting in the northwest, and she herself wasn't praying for him, how would it look if she even denied his daughter's devotion?
Ren Wanyun's face turned ashen. She hadn't anticipated this response, and what frustrated her more was that she couldn't refuse. Hurriedly, she had Chun Tao help Shen Miao up, saying, "Silly child, of course your Second Aunt honors your filial heart. It's remarkable that one so young thinks this way. Very well, plain clothes it is."
Shen Qing still seemed discontent but couldn't openly contradict her mother. Shen Yue and her mother, however, seemed to realize something, their gazes toward Shen Miao shifting subtly.
"However," Ren Wanyun smiled, "our carriage is already full. The steward has prepared another one just for you, Xiao Wu. It’s more spacious—you may follow behind our carriage, and we’ll enter together later."
Every year at the Chrysanthemum Banquet, Shen Miao rode in the same carriage as these two. There was always room for one more—this was clearly deliberate.
Ren Wanyun had her own calculations. Shen Qing was now of marriageable age, but since Shen Xin held a higher official rank than Shen Gui, prestigious families might consider Shen Miao first. Shen Miao was dull-witted; without guidance, she would likely make a fool of herself. Only this way could Shen Qing's grace and poise shine.
Hence, she had arranged two carriages. Chen Ruoqiu and her daughter shared the same intention and naturally didn’t object.
"Very well, as Second Aunt wishes." Shen Miao smiled faintly.
Ren Wanyun was taken aback—she hadn’t expected Shen Miao to agree so readily. Shen Miao had always been timid, clinging to Shen Yue and Shen Qing before. She’d thought forcing her into a separate carriage would be difficult, yet Shen Miao didn’t resist at all.
Now, all her prepared words seemed unnecessary."If there's nothing else, Shen Miao will go to the carriage first." She bowed to the four of them and went straight to her own carriage.
The carriage was quite spacious, though not as refined as Ren Wanyun's.
Gu Yu said angrily, "Not only do they make the young lady ride alone in a carriage, but they also make her sit in the back. What are they trying to do?"
Jing Zhe glanced at Shen Miao with concern, sighing inwardly.
Shen Miao stared darkly at the candied fruits on the small table, her hands gradually clenching.
Trying to humiliate the main branch, deliberately creating distance to make her a laughingstock and bring disgrace to Shen Xin?
She would see who would end up causing trouble for whom.
...
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