The death of the third prince caused a great uproar. Emperor Chongde's temperament became increasingly unpredictable, and officials were frequently dismissed or executed, creating a climate of fear and unease.

After handling several major events, Chi Yan gradually rose to prominence and became a rising star in the court.

In order to socialize, Shen Tangning has to frequently attend various social events.

She was also keeping an eye on the Shen family's movements. When Madam Shen said she was going to add new people to the household, she was not joking. Not long after, two beautiful concubines were added.

Shen Chang initially refused with a sanctimonious air, appearing uninterested, but men all crave novelty. In the past, Aunt Fang had always been clinging to him, and he didn't have the energy for that.

Now that Aunt Fang is gone and Madam Shen doesn't care about him, and he has no intention of keeping himself pure, it's inevitable that he'll be tempted over time.

Shen Xiwei was quite angry. Her mother was suffering on the estate while pregnant, while her father was indulging in pleasure with a beautiful woman in his arms. If feelings were to develop, would he still remember her aunt?

She dared not approach Madam Shen, so she came to Shen Tangning instead, and began with a sarcastic remark: "Mother is indeed virtuous and magnanimous, allowing those two vixens to bewitch Father. Isn't that tarnishing Father's reputation?"

Since Yun Que ran away, no one competed with her for her life, and her complexion has improved. She is now quite beautiful, like a peach blossom, but her eyes and brows are always clouded, unlike her former delicate and graceful self.

Shen Tangning scrutinized her, her gaze turning slightly cold: "Second sister, watch your words. If Aunt is indeed a vixen, where do you place Aunt Fang?"

Shen Xiwei's face suddenly turned ashen. She continued lightly, "We children shouldn't interfere in our parents' affairs. If you have any objections, you can go to Father. Why take it out on me? Do you think I can stop Father from letting him go to his aunt's courtyard?"

Shen Xiwei's expression was uncertain. If she dared to argue with her father, she wouldn't have come to Shen Tangning's place.

Although her father loved her, he was selfish and self-centered at heart. If she dared to disobey him, he would probably not get the better of her.

"Eldest sister is so carefree. What good would it do for eldest sister and third brother if there were more younger brothers and sisters?"

Shen Tangning's eyes flickered slightly, and she smiled sweetly: "Unfortunately, I just like lively atmospheres, and I think Aci won't mind either."

"You!" Shen Xiwei suddenly stood up. She narrowed her eyes and forcibly suppressed her anger. "Eldest sister is always like this, indifferent to things that don't concern her. If one day trouble were to befall her, I wonder if eldest sister would still be able to remain so composed?"

Shen Tangning's heart stirred slightly, and she stared at her thoughtfully: "Second sister seems to be implying something?"

Shen Xiwei smiled meaningfully: "It's just a sigh. It's getting late, so I won't bother you any longer, elder sister."

She got up and left. Xueqing frowned: "Miss, what wicked scheme is the Second Miss plotting now?"

"Who knows?" Shen Tangning's eyes were deep and mysterious, then she suddenly changed the subject, "Don't you think Shen Xiwei has become more beautiful?"

Xue Qing's eyes widened slightly: "Now that you mention it, Miss, it seems like it might be true?"

It's not that the second young lady wasn't pretty before, but her appearance was more delicate and pitiful. But today, she seems to radiate beauty, and her complexion is fair and rosy.

She miscarried only three or four months ago, so even with proper care, she shouldn't be able to recover so quickly, right?

Shen Tangning lowered her dark eyelashes and her eyes darkened: "I have heard of a medicine that can make women more beautiful."

Xue Qing's eyes lit up upon hearing this: "There's such a miraculous medicine?"

“However, there will be a price to pay.” She raised her eyes, her voice full of meaning, “Long-term use of this drug will lead to infertility, and if the man has physical intimacy with her, he will also become childless over time.”

Xueqing froze for a moment, then covered her mouth in astonishment: "Has the Second Miss gone mad? If she really took this kind of drug, wouldn't she herself be unable to..."

A playful glint appeared in Shen Tangning's eyes: "What if she couldn't get pregnant in the first place?"

When Shen Xiwei had her miscarriage, she was already quite far along in her pregnancy, and it was highly likely that she would be unable to conceive again due to the injury. Naturally, she would not let such news leak out.

She was unable to have children and worried that if Chi Jingyu married another woman and had children in the future, her position would become increasingly precarious.