On the carriage ride back to Shen Mansion, Shen Miao was once again seated alone in her own carriage. Beside her, Gu Yu and Jing Zhe were both deeply worried for her. Prince Yu's notorious reputation was well-known throughout Ming Qi, yet he had sent Shen Miao an invitation. Not only was it highly inappropriate for a young lady like Shen Miao to attend, but anyone with eyes could see the ulterior motives behind Prince Yu's actions.
If Shen Xin were present, he would have risked everything to refuse. But now that Shen Xin was away, the two sisters-in-law of the Shen family harbored their own schemes. When Shen Miao was younger, it hadn’t mattered much, but now that she was of marriageable age, they naturally turned their attention to her.
Jing Zhe struggled to hold back but finally couldn’t resist speaking up: "Miss, that Prince Yu... What should we do about today’s matter? Should we send a letter to the master? If he knew about this, he would surely rush back."
"Yes," Gu Yu also fretted. "That man has ill intentions, and now the inner courtyard is... Moreover, today you stood out, so I fear there will be more trouble in the mansion." She sighed.
When Shen Miao was younger, she hadn’t noticed much, but Gu Yu and Jing Zhe, the maids specially chosen for her by Madam Shen, saw everything clearly. The second and third branches of the family were clearly jealous of the first branch’s reputation, which was why they openly and covertly set obstacles for Shen Miao. Given their narrow-mindedness, now that Shen Miao had shone so brightly today, she would undoubtedly become their target again. Other troubles were manageable, but if Prince Yu got involved... If he had any wicked ideas, Shen Miao would find it hard to handle. After all, most of the first branch’s people had already been replaced by the other two branches.
Shen Miao said calmly, "What is there to fear? Whatever schemes he has, he’ll need the capability to carry them out."
Her composure was unshaken, and her words carried a faint authority, along with a barely detectable ruthlessness. Gu Yu and Jing Zhe exchanged glances. Somehow, their earlier panic dissipated, and they gradually calmed down.
Upon returning to Shen Mansion, Shen Miao claimed she was tired and needed rest, saying she would retire to the West Courtyard first. Ren Wanyun and Chen Ruoqiu smiled and exchanged a few words with her, urging her to rest well. Perhaps because they knew Shen Miao would suffer if Prince Yu took a liking to her, their smiles couldn’t hide their schadenfreude. Ren Wanyun even patted Shen Miao’s head affectionately and said, "Look at our fifth girl, already grown so beautiful. It won’t be long before she’s married."
"Indeed," Chen Ruoqiu added meaningfully. "A girl like our fifth sister can only be matched with someone of noble status. Ordinary families could never hope to marry her."
A flicker of delight crossed Shen Yue’s face, while Shen Qing couldn’t resist chiming in: "Of course! Fifth Sister will surely get a very ‘distinguished’ husband." She covered her mouth and giggled, casting a knowing look at Shen Miao.
Yet, even under such suggestive gazes, Shen Miao’s expression remained unshaken. Shen Qing’s smile stiffened—the more indifferent Shen Miao seemed, the more infuriated she became. Everyone knew what Prince Yu’s invitation implied: he had taken a fancy to Shen Miao. But since Shen Miao showed no reaction, she probably didn’t understand the gravity of the situation. A mocking glint flashed in Shen Qing’s eyes—what a fool.
"Aunties and sisters overpraise me," Shen Miao said mildly. "In terms of age, Eldest Sister and Second Sister are slightly older than me. When it comes to finding husbands, naturally, it’s not my turn yet."
The others’ expressions froze. Ren Wanyun laughed and said, "Silly child, it’s just that your father is rarely in the capital. Your aunties only care for you. As for your elder sisters, since your third aunt and I are in Fixed Capital, there’s no need to worry about them."
"Is that so?" Shen Miao countered softly. Her clear eyes seemed devoid of emotion, yet they made one’s heart tremble, as if her gaze could pierce through all pretense. She smiled faintly. "Since my aunties are so concerned for me, I’ll surely repay their kindness in the future."
Her tone was light, but for some reason, Ren Wanyun and Chen Ruoqiu felt a flicker of unease. However, they quickly dismissed the absurd thought. Though Shen Miao had grown cleverer, she was still just a fourteen-year-old girl—how much trouble could she possibly cause? Besides... Thinking of Prince Yu’s matter, both women felt a surge of satisfaction.
"Ah, Fifth Sister, no need for such formalities. We’re family," Ren Wanyun said cheerfully. "Since you’re tired, go and rest. Your second aunt and I still have matters to attend to. Gu Yu, Jing Zhe, take good care of Fifth Miss."
Gu Yu and Jing Zhe acknowledged the order and followed Shen Miao out.
Once they left, Ren Wanyun and Chen Ruoqiu exchanged glances, each seeing the calculation in the other’s eyes.
Half an incense stick’s time later, Old Madam Shen in the Hall of Glory and Scenery frowned and asked, "You say Prince Yu has taken a liking to Fifth Girl?"
Shen Yue and Shen Qing had been sent to the inner hall, as such matters were unsuitable for young girls to participate in. Nevertheless, the two sneaked behind a screen, ignoring Zhang Mama’s protests, to eavesdrop on the conversation.
"Indeed," Ren Wanyun said with a smile, her words dripping with false propriety. "Fifth Girl performed exceptionally well at the Verification ground today, earning Prince Yu’s admiration. Since he sent an invitation, it’s clear he intends to take her. This humble wife believes our Shen family may soon have a Royal Consort."
Hearing this, Chen Ruoqiu’s lips twitched. Ren Wanyun’s words sounded lofty, but Prince Yu’s interest in Shen Miao didn’t necessarily mean a formal marriage. Even if he did take her, given Shen Miao’s fate, who knew how long she’d last? She might not survive long enough to enjoy the title of Royal Consort. After all, Prince Yu’s infamy was common knowledge in Fixed Capital.
Old Madam Shen’s expression darkened. In her heart, she had no wish for the first branch to prosper. Why should the son of that long-dead woman outshine her own offspring? The old general had always favored the first branch during his lifetime, and now they might produce a Royal Consort—this displeased her greatly. She said coldly, "Fifth Girl’s temperament is hardly fit to be a Royal Consort. Eldest Girl or Second Girl would be more suitable."
Old Madam Shen spent her days secluded in the inner quarters, indulging in comforts and ignorant of the outside world. At her words, Chen Ruoqiu and Ren Wanyun’s expressions changed. Behind the screen, Shen Yue and Shen Qing were equally startled. They knew what Old Madam Shen didn’t—entering Prince Yu’s Manor was akin to stepping into a living hell, where one would only meet a tortured end.
Ren Wanyun hurriedly interjected, "Mother, that’s not the case. Of course, we want the best for Fifth Girl. Though Prince Yu is a widower, older, and his reputation is... less than ideal, his family background is impeccable." A sly smile curled her lips as she added, "When Seventh Young Master grows up, having Prince Yu’s patronage will only benefit him. And if anything were to happen to Fifth Sister, the prince, out of guilt, would surely take even better care of Seventh Young Master."
So she was trading Shen Miao’s life for Shen Yuanbai’s future. Chen Ruoqiu shot her sister-in-law a sidelong glance—what a cunning scheme.
...
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