Shen Ning: "The matter is settled, it doesn't matter whether you understand it or not, you have to look forward."
Princess Qi frowned: "You're still thinking about that brat from the Wei family?"
The son of a third-rank censor may seem quite outstanding to others, but in front of these true imperial relatives, he is probably no different from a servant at the gate.
Shen Ning slightly raised her eyes: "Shen Ning does not understand what Your Highness means."
Princess Qi slammed her hand on the table: "I'm asking if you still have feelings for him? He's determined to marry your sister, you wouldn't still be thinking about your engagement with him, would you?"
It gives off an impression that if you dare to say "yes," I'll look down on you.
Shen Ning chuckled: "Your Highness is joking. Shen Ning was willing to marry him only because the marriage was arranged by my father before his death and could not be disobeyed. Although it has become a joke, he and my sister are already husband and wife, so why would I keep pestering him? There are many men in the world who are better than Wei Congwen."
Princess Qi was satisfied: "That's true."
With a wave of his hand, he said, "Alright, go see the Princess Consort."
Stepping out of the princess's residence, Shen Ning didn't feel hot under the sunlight; instead, she felt a chill on her back from the sweat that had just broken out.
Sure enough, a pie falling from the sky isn't tasty; you might choke to death.
The person leading Shen Ning was one of the Princess Consort Qi's trusted confidantes. She told Shen Ning to just call her Aunt Fen. Aunt Fen's attitude towards Shen Ning wasn't particularly warm, but one could sense a hint of affection.
No one is kind to you for no reason; they must have something in mind.
“Chen Ning”.
Princess Chang Le, dressed in her finest attire, came around the corner and stopped Shen Ning: "Aunt Fen, you go back. I'll take her there."
Aunt Fen smiled and squinted, "Then I'll have to trouble you, Princess."
Princess Chang Le walked proudly forward, while Shen Ning followed half a step behind. When they reached a less crowded area, she lowered her voice and asked, "Do you know why my mother sent you an invitation?"
It turns out the post was made by Princess Qi.
Shen Ning: "I don't know, please enlighten me, Princess."
Princess Chang Le snorted coldly and said arrogantly, "You're quite good at pretending to be innocent."
He paused for a moment before continuing, “My brother returned from the southwest half a month ago with a commoner woman. The two not only got married, but she also became pregnant. The whole family disapproved of the marriage, but my brother was so determined that he would rather die than not marry her.”
"My parents had no choice but to come up with a compromise: they would have my brother marry another woman as a secondary wife. My brother argued for a long time, but finally compromised. The woman would remain the primary wife, and they would marry a woman who could manage the household as a secondary wife."
“My mother originally considered several candidates, but felt that none of them met her standards for a daughter-in-law. Then someone mentioned you. It would be a bit of a waste for you to be a concubine, but your reputation has been damaged recently, so it's perfect. Plus, you have the ability to manage the household, you're decisive and efficient, yet you love your younger siblings. You're simply the only choice for her daughter-in-law.”
Everything in the world has two sides. Shen Ning needs those noble ladies to help spread her reputation and promote her shop. Naturally, this promotion has both good and bad aspects, with benefits and risks coexisting.
It's not a bad thing that Princess Qi chose her; at least in Princess Qi's eyes, she has many merits.
She naturally didn't want to enter the Prince's mansion as a concubine for the young master, but she couldn't refuse directly, otherwise she would ruin a good hand.
Seeing Shen Ning's calm expression, Princess Chang Le was dissatisfied: "What kind of attitude is this? Are you happy or not?"
Shen Ning looked at her and smiled faintly: "Thank you, Princess, for helping me with my doubts."
Her expression made Princess Chang Le feel uneasy: "Is that all you wanted to say?"
Shen Ning: "It is my good fortune to be chosen by the princess."
Princess Chang Le glared at her: "You're willing to be my brother's concubine? Do you even know my brother? Have you ever met him? And you're willing to do this?"
Shen Ning raised her hand and grasped Princess Chang Le's hand, patting it affectionately: "That's another matter. Besides, the Princess hasn't said anything yet. If I were to refuse directly, I would be being disrespectful."
Princess Chang Le was conflicted; it seemed to make sense.
Shen Ning said softly, "That woman must have some merits to be valued and deeply loved by the young master. Besides, she is pregnant, and too much stimulation would not be good for the child."
"Although the prince and princess do not think highly of this girl, the young master must think she is wonderful in every way. If the princess really forces him to marry someone else, he will resent his family and even more so the girl who married into the family. What should have been a good match will end up as a tragic one."
"Everyone has a rebellious streak. When someone is convinced of something, the more others oppose it, the more they will insist on it. Even if they know it is wrong, they will still insist on going against the wall. At this time, using forceful means will only hurt others and themselves. It is better to leave everything to time."
“Since ancient times, deep affection has been short-lived. Romantic love is nothing more than a fleeting moment, but kinship and family are etched into our bones. Rather than stubbornly insisting that he take a concubine, we should give the young master some time.”
Princess Chang Le nodded in agreement. By the time she realized what was happening, Shen Ning had already led her all the way.
The closer they got to the garden, the more people there were. Princess Chang Le's appearance naturally attracted everyone's attention. Looking at Shen Ning holding her hand, who wouldn't think that they had a very good relationship?
“You…” Princess Chang Le glared: “What a scheming person.”
Shen Ning smiled innocently and naively: "I like the princess very much. Doesn't the princess like me?"
Princess Chang Le was furious. This person had such a thick skin; it infuriated her.
Shen Ning pulled out a piece of candy and stuffed it into Princess Chang Le's hand: "Don't be angry, don't be angry, have some candy."
"......"
What kind of candy does she eat? You can't just give her candy to appease her; she's not a little kid!
Shen Ning had already gone to pay her respects to the Grand Princess, while Princess Chang Le held the candy, trying to throw it several times without success. Finally, she smelled it and thought it actually smelled quite nice...
Shen Ning was pulled to sit down by the Princess Consort. Having been reborn, she was now a shrewd and cunning woman. She was adept at coaxing people, knew how to advance and retreat gracefully, and spoke appropriately. Coupled with her dignified appearance, which was naturally pleasing to elders, and the occasional act of cuteness, she quickly became friends with a group of old ladies.
Princess Chang Le stood not far away with her arms crossed, feeling furious. She had kindly gone to remind him, but this person didn't need it at all and was enjoying himself.
Wow, this candy is pretty good, but why is it so sticky?
---
Meanwhile, Shen Ning's conversation with Princess Chang Le had already been relayed word for word to Princess Qi.
Princess Qi exclaimed in amazement, "This girl is indeed exceptional; she would be more than qualified to be Kun'er's heir apparent's wife."
She is sensible, capable of managing the household, and loves her younger siblings. What a perfect candidate for eldest daughter-in-law!
She didn't tell anyone outside the family about the concubine she chose for her son; only her daughter knew. She was surprised that Chang Le went to tell her, but her daughter's answer was even more unexpected.
In terms of the outcome, this could be considered a rejection, but her reasoning was so convincing that it instantly relieved a lot of the frustration that had been building up inside her for the past few days.
"She's a wonderful person."
Aunt Fen smiled and said, "If the Princess Consort likes it, why not make it a date first? If she can become the Crown Prince's wife in the future, that would be a wonderful thing."
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