Before Tao'er could give the picture album to Su Miao, Su Miao was summoned to the Duke's mansion by Old Madam Shen.

Because the Emperor bestowed many gifts upon Shen Xing, including some tonics.

Old Mrs. Shen remembered Su Miao's kindness, so she invited her to come and pick out some things to take back, and to see her again.

Yesterday, Su Miao heard from Shen Changji that Old Madam Shen had been feeling unwell recently, so she specially prepared a medicinal meal before going to the Duke's Mansion.

Su Miao had no idea that Meng Ying was also in the Duke's mansion.

The second wife knew that Old Madam Shen had feelings for Meng Ying, so she kept trying to find topics to talk to Meng Ying about, worried that Meng Ying would feel uncomfortable and afraid that she would make the conversation awkward.

After all, Shen Changji deserves the most credit for her family's success in getting to where it is today.

Meng Ying might become Shen Changji's legal wife in the future, so she needs to seize the opportunity to get to know Meng Ying better. Once they become family, their relationship won't be so distant.

If she needs Shen Changji's help in anything, she can ask Meng Ying for assistance.

When Su Miao arrived, she happened to hear laughter coming from the main hall.

At first glance, the atmosphere inside is very peaceful.

Grandma Shen sat in the main seat, looking at Meng Ying and the second wife with a loving expression.

The second wife chatted happily with Meng Ying.

Meng Ying would occasionally cover her face with her handkerchief, chuckle softly, and a faint blush would rise on her jade-like cheeks.

Today she happened to be wearing a light green dress and a few simple jade hairpins in her hair, giving her a serene and elegant air.

Most importantly, when she smiles, she exudes a particularly approachable, gentle, and obedient aura.

"Miao'er is here?"

Seeing that Su Miao had been noticed, Old Mrs. Shen called out softly.

"Yes, I specially made medicinal cuisine for Grandma."

As she spoke, Su Miao gave a slight bow and then handed the food box in her hand to the aunt next to Old Madam Shen.

"You're such a thoughtful child!"

The imperial family bestowed some gifts today, and Grandmother noticed you haven't looked well lately, so she specially picked out some things for you. Take a look and see if there's anything else you'd like.”

Grandma Shen handed the booklet to Su Miao.

"Miao'er won't be picky anymore, Grandmother has already given us more than enough," Su Miao said with a smile.

"The old lady truly dotes on Princess Su," Meng Ying said softly.

"We're all family, and besides, I really like Miao'er."

As she spoke, Grandma Shen pulled Su Miao's wrist and made her sit down next to her.

As soon as Su Miao sat down, she could feel Meng Ying's gaze.

Perhaps it was because Meng Ying's face was naturally gentle, so Su Miao didn't feel any strong aggression in her gaze.

But—one should always be wary of others.

Meng Ying looked at Su Miao and smiled gently.

Actually, she didn't really want to visit the Duke's mansion, but she couldn't dissuade her mother.

If she could, she would like to stay in her own yard and do what she likes.

Unfortunately, that was beyond her control.

The moment Meng Ying saw Su Miao, she understood why Aunt Fang, who was beside Old Madam Shen, had told her that she had a high chance of marrying into the Duke's mansion.

It turns out... it's because her eyes bear a resemblance to those of this Lady Su.

After all, Su Miao was Shen Changji's beloved.

However, Su Miao's status was not yet suitable for her to be Shen Changji's legal wife.

Even if General Shen likes her very much, she can probably only be a concubine at most.

If General Shen insists on marrying Su Miao as his principal wife, he will face criticism from his clansmen, and if the matter escalates, he will also incur the displeasure of the Emperor.

Therefore, after weighing the pros and cons, General Shen's wife must not have a poor background.

When Meng Ying thought of this, she scoffed inwardly.

If she had a choice, she would never choose to be born into the Meng family!

She preferred to be a simple, unpretentious peasant girl.

Seeing that the weather was nice, the second wife couldn't help but suggest, "It's rare to have such a sunny day, and everyone's here, why don't we all go for a walk in the yard? I heard the flowers in the yard are all in bloom."

After thinking about it, Grandma Shen agreed.

Su Miao and Meng Ying helped Old Lady Shen walk towards the courtyard, one on each side.

The four had barely left when they ran into Shen Changji, who had just returned.

Su Miao remembered that Shen Changji had never met Meng Ying before, so he didn't believe what she said. But now... he could meet her.

"Ziji, you're back?"

"Grandmother, you're back," Shen Changji greeted respectfully, speaking in a calm voice.

"Meng Ying greets General Shen. General Shen is indeed a man of extraordinary bearing." Meng Ying gave a slight curtsy, a polite smile on her face.

"Ziji, this is the Meng family girl that your grandmother mentioned to you," Grandma Shen introduced.

He looked toward the source of the sound in a long silence.

Upon seeing him, Su Miao couldn't resist her curiosity and secretly peeked at him.

Shen Changji's gaze remained fixed on Meng Ying.

She frowned subconsciously and immediately looked away.

But Su Miao didn't notice that Shen Changji had been watching her from the corner of his eye the whole time.

He had noticed every subtle expression Su Miao had just made.

His deep, silent eyes shifted slightly, and the corners of his lips curved into a slight smile.

"Just as Grandmother said, Miss Meng is indeed beautiful and dignified."

Meng Ying blushed slightly, looking very shy, and said softly, "General Shen is too kind."

"It's rare for you two to be able to meet, so I won't disturb your business any further."

"Ziji, take Ying'er around to familiarize her with the Duke's mansion," Old Madam Shen instructed.

"Madam, I..." Meng Ying instinctively wanted to refuse.

But when Old Mrs. Shen gave her a look, she had no choice but to shut her mouth.

After a long silence: "Okay."

As he spoke, he looked at Meng Ying.

Meng Ying couldn't refuse, so she could only leave with Shen Changji.

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