Thinking of her lying on the couch like a kitten, Jiang Wang's heart tightened. So thin and frail, could it be that she was unhappy in the Shen family? Or did she harbor resentment because he personally ordered the disaster at the Grand Tutor Shen's mansion...?

Thinking of all the possibilities, he couldn't help but feel anxious and needed to find a reason to bring her into the palace as soon as possible.

Spring is fading, the warbling of orioles is growing old, the red petals have all fallen, and the green plums are small.

At the end of May, Pei Jingzhou finally sent some news. Man Huan mysteriously took out a letter from her sleeve and handed it to her. "This was sent by Qing Luan, the servant boy who was with the young master at the double-eaved pavilion in the Pei residence the other day. He said that I must give it to you personally, Miss. He seemed to be taking it very seriously."

Manhuan was confused and somewhat worried; what would Young Master Pei write in the letter...?

Perhaps it was because she had read too many storybooks, but when she heard that the young master of the Pei family had written a letter to his young mistress, Manhuan's mind was filled with those stories of lovers exchanging feelings on red paper, having secret rendezvous in ancient temples, and being caught in the act by a tragic couple.

After quickly reading the letter, Shen Mingzhuang's expression darkened. Pei Jingzhou had actually invited her to meet at Daci Temple.

Wasn't Pei Jingzhou supposed to be a gentleman? Why would he suddenly say something like that? Or perhaps he still doesn't believe the information he found and wants to further verify her identity?

After reading the letter, Shen Mingzhuang burned it completely with a tinderbox.

Seeing her young mistress burn the letter with a cold face, Manhuan was even more certain that there were no kind words in the letter.

She wouldn't go to the appointment at Daci Temple, even though the messenger was Pei Jingzhou's personal servant.

Shen Mingxi can only go home for a few days each month. With the end of the month approaching, Lin Shi instructed her to tidy up the house for Shen Mingxi in advance.

Shen Mingshu had recently been learning etiquette from the newly arrived governess, practicing the manners of a young lady every day. Her bones ached from exhaustion. Lying in Lin's inner room, she couldn't help but complain, "Mother, when will this etiquette training ever end? This governess, Liu, is so arrogant because she comes from the palace. She often uses the names of those noble ladies in the palace to pressure us, as if we are inferior in blood if we don't listen to her!"

Lin was lost in thought and didn't heed her daughter's words. Instead, she asked, puzzled, "What exactly is your cousin doing back this time?"

"How would I know? She only plays with that sickly Mingrong. Fifth Sister doesn't like to play with us usually. Who knows why Xianglian came back with Aunt?"

Seeing her daughter's nonchalant attitude, Lin's anger flared up instantly. She pointed a finger at her daughter's forehead and said with exasperation, "How old are you? Can't you speak and act with some dignity? If all goes well, you'll be married in a year or two at most. But if you don't improve, you'll be eaten alive by your husband's family!"

Her mother rarely spoke to her so sternly. Shen Mingshu drawled out a "I know," and then muttered, "I still have my brother, who dares to bully me!"

Then she brought up Shen Ming'e's matter and asked her mother with some confusion, "Mother, do you think Aunt Liu said something to Shen Ming'e? Now, apart from going to Second Aunt's place, you can't see her anywhere else. Before, she would follow Seventh Sister around like a little tail, whether there was something to do or not."

Lin ignored her daughter's words. Her fourth aunt had been back in the capital for some time, but she hadn't made preparations for the Huiming Lake event as early as before, which made her feel uneasy.

Just as she had instructed Granny Jiang to inquire, Qiuyue entered the courtyard and said, "We received word that Madam Wen has come to the mansion to deliver an invitation, and she plans to visit the old lady and you tomorrow."

Madam Wen had inquired about Shen Mingxi's marriage before, and now she has sent an invitation to visit the mansion. Could it be that she wants to bring up the matter again?

However, it makes sense. The eldest son of the Wen family is already seventeen years old, and Shen Mingxi will be of marriageable age next year. If the two families arrange this marriage now, then Shen Mingxi can come to the mansion next year when she turns seventeen.

Since the news of Shen Mingxi entering the palace to serve the Empress Dowager spread, the Shen family's gatekeepers have received many invitations, almost all of which are for marriage proposals for their children.

The old lady probably shared the same mindset as her, comparing different options and repeatedly turned down suitors who wanted to marry Shen Mingxi, saying that the seventh young lady still had several older brothers and sisters who were not yet married, and that she had not yet come of age, so there was no rush.

If that's the case, then why did Madam Wen come over? She couldn't possibly have not inquired about these matters. And if she did, she should know that the Shen family would not agree to these marriage proposals now.

Contrary to popular belief, Shen Mingxi was not living a glamorous life, spending her days appreciating flowers, listening to music, and strolling through the garden with the Empress Dowager. Her days were filled with torment.

It was said that she was to enter the palace to serve the Empress Dowager, but in reality, she was to serve Princess Jiayuan at her side.

She was born into a scholarly family and had a certain arrogance in her bones, yet she spent her days like a little maid serving Princess Jiayuan tea and water. It was called being a servant, but in reality, she was a lowly servant who was not valued by anyone.

At first, she thought it was a great job, but after entering the palace, she realized that things were far from what she had imagined.

Thinking that he could go home in the next few days, he would try to beg his father to see if he could avoid going to the palace.

"Hey you, why isn't the tea I asked you to pour ready yet? Are you trying to make Princess Jiayuan wait for you?!"

The speaker was Aunt Yu, who was beside Princess Jiayuan. She raised her chin as if she were ordering a lowly palace maid around, and spoke to Shen Mingxi without any politeness.

Everyone in the palace knows that the princess dislikes this illegitimate daughter of the Shen family. How dare she offend the princess with her lowly status? She doesn't even know her own worth. Now that she's in the palace, the princess can do whatever she wants to her, and she can only obediently accept it!

However, compared to others, this Miss Shen is already considered lucky. If the princess were in a bad mood, not to mention being made a maid, there would be even more torturous things to do, as evidenced by Princess Huirong.

*

"Mother, who is that Madam Wen? I don't seem to recognize her at all."

Shen Pinzhen tilted her head, trying to find out who the lady who delivered the invitation was. The old lady was drinking her medicine when she heard this. She glanced at her daughter with a half-smile on her lips.

"You don't even know that Lord Wen is now a favorite of the Emperor?"

Shen Pinzhen thought for a moment, then shook her head. "I don't know, I've never heard of it."

"Hmph, I don't know if it's because Mingsheng Lake is too far from the imperial court, or if you're just oblivious to what's going on outside. Lord Wen, Wen Rucheng, got the lucrative position of salt inspector by offering advice to His Majesty. He's been thriving these past few years, enjoying the Emperor's favor!"