Shen Muzhi did not believe in ghosts or gods, but he was extremely worried about his younger sister's marriage. He even said, "As long as my younger sister is happy, I am willing to be a vegetarian and chant Buddhist scriptures for the rest of my life."
He went up the mountain at night and came down at dawn, his face full of sorrow and his expression haggard.
Seeing this, many pilgrims could guess what was going on.
As he rode his horse near the Duke's mansion, he saw the Regent's men delivering betrothal gifts. The carriages, laden with gold and silver, stretched for half the street, attracting many onlookers.
"The Regent is truly generous, sending so many gifts as a betrothal gift."
"I heard that His Majesty and the Empress Dowager also bestowed many gifts."
"After all, she's going to marry into the family and live as a widow, so we naturally need to comfort her more."
...
When Shen Muzhi entered the mansion, Kong Qing was directing the servants to carry the betrothal gifts. Upon seeing him, Kong Qing politely greeted him, "Second Young Master Shen."
"The imperial decree for marriage was just issued, and they came to propose marriage the very next day. Your prince is quite anxious."
Kong Qing smiled sullenly: "My lord really can't wait."
"By the way, His Highness knows you like horses, so he specially found a fine steed for you, which is perfect for you."
"A green horse?" Shen Muzhi raised an eyebrow, his heart skipped a beat, but he quickly regained his composure. "This young master doesn't like horses!"
After saying that, he turned and headed straight for the main hall.
Upon entering the room, he said, "Our regent is quite cunning. He's so ill, yet instead of seeking medical help, he actually thinks a marriage of convenience will cure all his ailments? He actually wants to bribe me with a horse? No way—"
"I do like horses, but I won't bow down to a horse!"
As soon as he finished speaking, he saw his father stroking a long sword in his hand.
"Father, where did you get this sword? It looks pretty good."
"It was a gift from the Prince."
"..."
Shen Muzhi was speechless. "You've been bought off with a sword? In your eyes, my little sister's happiness is less important than a sword? Are you really going to watch her jump into a fire pit?"
"Second brother, this matter is settled."
As they were talking, Shen Zhiyi entered the hall. Shen Muzhi looked at his younger sister and saw that she seemed perfectly normal, even...
There was also a sliver of joy.
He sighed:
My little sister is so sensible; she must be forcing a smile.
When he entered the temple, he naturally heard some Zen sayings:
Everything in the world has its own destiny and fate. We should not interfere too much or be stubborn and demanding. Everything is predetermined.
So Shen Muzhi comforted his younger sister: "Actually, marrying into the royal family may not be a bad thing."
"Second brother?" Shen Zhiyi frowned. Yesterday, upon hearing about the arranged marriage, her second brother was the one who was most anxious and upset.
Why did she suddenly change her mind?
"Think about it, the late emperor has passed away, and his birth mother also died young. Now that you've entered the Prince's residence, unlike in the Song family, you don't have to deal with the conflicts between your in-laws and sisters-in-law."
"He must have accumulated a lot of wealth over the years. When he kicks the bucket, it will all be yours."
"No husband, no in-laws, and richer than a country, what a carefree life!"
Shen Zhiyi was stunned for a few seconds.
Hearing that...
There is actually some truth to that.
"You scoundrel!" Shen Chongde kicked him angrily. "As your older brother, what kind of nonsense are you spouting? The people from the Prince's Mansion are right outside. If they hear this, or if it reaches the Emperor's ears, you'll be in big trouble."
"Father, I just wanted to comfort my little sister."
"Look at her like this, does she need your comfort?"
"My sister was just putting on a brave face; she didn't want us to worry."
"..."
Shen Chongde had suspected more than once that this idiot was not his biological son.
In addition to the betrothal gifts, Zhou Xuance sent many things according to the preferences of each member of the Shen family. For example, the eldest son received a black iron armor, the youngest son received a vast collection of books and treatises, and even his wife received a set of jewelry. His daughter-in-law received a lot of medicines to help with pregnancy and nourishment.
Including the longsword in his hand, sharp enough to cut through iron!
Shen Chongde had seen many fine things, and ordinary objects were not worthy of his attention.
Finding good items naturally requires a lot of time, effort, and energy.
This can't be prepared overnight, this kid...
This was absolutely premeditated!
Shen Chongde couldn't help but doubt the authenticity of his illness.
Speaking of which, ever since he was poisoned by the Gu, the attacks have recurred repeatedly, and each time he was on the verge of death, but in the blink of an eye he would be alive and kicking again. In addition, when he first returned to the capital, this kid took advantage of the life-saving grace to show his goodwill in various ways.
Shen Chongde is old, not stupid.
He has reason to believe:
This kid is setting a trap for His Majesty and the Empress Dowager.
Could it be that he's been eyeing his daughter for a while now?
This matter...
It needs to be verified.
Shen Muzhi absolutely did not want his younger sister to marry the Regent, and was still jumping up and down in frustration.
Kong Qing, representing the Prince's Mansion, came to propose marriage, but he didn't give her a kind look at all.
The news quickly reached the palace, and His Majesty, through the Empress, used the pretext of adding to the dowry to send many rare and precious antiques.
——
Looking at everything in the room, Shen Zhiyi felt as if she were in a dream.
She always felt that a relationship with Zhou Xuance was impossible.
The result was:
The Emperor personally bestowed the marriage upon them, and the Empress added to their dowry.
This treatment even surpasses that of the Crown Prince's wedding in previous years.
“Miss, this is a wedding dress sent over by the Regent’s Palace. It’s made of the finest materials. They said you should try it on as soon as possible, and if it doesn’t fit, they’ll have it altered overnight,” Hongrui said.
Shen Zhi nodded.
This was not her first marriage.
In a daze, she recalled that when she married Song Yuxiu in her previous life, her wedding dress was prepared by the Marquis's mansion. They said they had hired the best embroiderers, but the fabric was actually ordinary and the workmanship was rough. Her mother was angry and said that the Marquis's mansion was negligent.
But she was blinded by greed and thought Song Yuxiu was perfect in every way.
When she put on her wedding dress and stood in front of the bronze mirror, she was still a little dazed.
“Miss, I didn’t expect it to fit so well.” Hongrui straightened her dress. “If the Regent is in good health, he would be a good match for my young lady. Although time was short, at least we didn’t neglect you.”
Shen Zhiyi just smiled.
As the master and servant were talking, someone knocked on the door; it was Shen Jingchuan.
"Brother, why are you in my room instead of staying with your wife?"
"She and her mother are sorting out your dowry list. I'd like to have a private chat with you."
Hongrui and Lvhe served tea to the two of them before leaving.
Shen Jingchuan sipped his tea, scrutinizing his sister's wedding dress, before slowly asking, "What are your plans regarding Xiao Zhongxuan?"
Shen Zhiyi was taken aback.
"Don't blame me for being nosy, but I can tell that you have special feelings for Xiao Zhongxuan. Now that you are about to marry into the royal family, what if he comes back to find you and you rekindle your old flame?"
"Brother, you're overthinking it." Shen Zhiyi pursed her lips.
"I'm afraid I haven't thought about it enough."
"..."
"In short, if you marry into the Prince's mansion, cut ties with him completely. If he comes back, don't look back." Shen Jingchuan took a sip of tea.
"Now that everyone knows you've married into the Prince's mansion to bring him good luck, as long as he's not dead, he'll definitely know about it. So, he can't do anything about it."
"It's clear that he may not have much sincerity towards you."
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