Shen Zhao and Li Chaoyun walked in side by side, with Li Chaoyun slightly behind by half a step.
Although she was the legitimate daughter of Princess Yongjia and a princess personally appointed by the emperor, she did not dare to act like a princess in the Shen family. So whether she was walking or bowing, she followed the rules for the daughter-in-law of the Shen family.
After entering, the two of them first bowed to the old lady and several elders. Li Chaoyun lowered her eyebrows and looked submissive, like a well-behaved daughter-in-law. The old lady took her hand and talked to her for a long time.
Li Chaoyun was the new bride, dressed in a long, red dress woven with gold thread and featuring irises. Her makeup was exquisite and gorgeous, and the old lady was delighted. After all, there was a new member of the family, and the previous depression caused by Chen Ying's suicide had also been alleviated.
A maid brought a cushion and tea, and Li Chaoyun greeted them one by one.
When he arrived in front of Shen Zhixiu and Su Qingyu, Li Chaoyun's expression and posture did not change at all.
"Greetings to Third Uncle and Third Aunt. Third Uncle, Third Aunt, have some tea."
Su Qingyu and Shen Zhixiu took the tea and took a sip, and Feicui handed over a jewelry box.
"This is a gift for the princess." Su Qingyu handed over the jewelry box, which contained a set of Dongzhu head ornaments, which was considered a standard gift.
"Thank you, Auntie San."
The maid helped Li Chaoyun up, and the younger brothers and sisters came to meet their eldest sister-in-law, and Li Chaoyun gave them gifts.
Throughout the morning, whether chatting or eating together, Li Chaoyun behaved modestly and appropriately, without any arrogance.
Even when facing Su Qingyu, he could not show any other emotions.
The more she acted like this, the more prepared Su Qingyu became to respond. Princess Yongjia was a thoughtful woman, and her daughter always inherited some of her true skills.
After everyone had a reunion breakfast at Qingyuanju, they returned to their respective courtyards. Shen Zhao and Li Chaoyun followed them to Chen's courtyard.
After entering the main banquet room, Shen Zhao waved away the servants.
Chen was confused and didn't know what the young couple was talking about, why they were being so mysterious.
"Mother, the princess has something to tell you." Shen Zhao said in a low voice, and helped Chen sit down at the kang table by the window.
Li Chaoyun also sat opposite Chen, but Shen Zhao did not sit down, but stood beside Li Chaoyun.
"If you have anything to say, Princess, just say it." Chen's tone was kind, but she was a little flustered. Could Li Chaoyun be questioning her about Shen Ying?
Li Chaoyun didn't say anything polite and said directly: "Mother, I discussed it with the eldest young master all night last night."
Chen was stunned. Why didn't they discuss serious matters on their wedding night?
Then Li Chaoyun continued, "The eldest young master has told me all about the family affairs. What I mean is that the stewardship of the inner house must be taken away from Third Aunt. As for the court... I will arrange a good position for the eldest young master."
"He's a Jinshi (Jinshi) and has spent over a year in the Hanlin Academy. With proper planning, it's only a matter of time before he's one of the Nine Ministers."
Li Chaoyun's expression was serious and solemn as she spoke. It didn't sound like a conversation between a mother-in-law and daughter-in-law, but more like a discussion between colleagues.
Chen was at a loss for words. What did Li Chaoyun mean by this? Replacing Shen Zhixiu and Su Qingyu?
Su Qingyu was fine, it was just a matter of housekeeping authority in the inner chambers. However, Shen Zhixiu's position in the court and in the Shen family was not something that could be easily replaced.
Seeing Chen frowning and dazed, Li Chaoyun continued, "Third Uncle is very powerful in the court now, and Third Aunt is in charge of the household affairs. Mother, do you think the eldest wife still has a say?"
"The first wife has only one way to go, and that is to replace the third wife. The inner house and the imperial court are the same. Whatever we get is ours."
Chen naturally knew the current situation and shook her head. "The Third House is so powerful now because of your Third Uncle. How can Zhao'er surpass him?"
"Forget replacing your Third Uncle. It's even questionable whether he can stay in the capital. Your Third Uncle said he wants to send Zhao'er out."
Li Chaoyun smiled disdainfully. "He hasn't taken control of the cabinet yet, and he doesn't have the final say in the Ministry of Personnel. Mother, don't worry. As long as you do everything I say, the young master will be able to replace him step by step."
Seeing Chen's doubts, Li Chaoyun said nothing more, but only mentioned, "The Crown Prince's cousin has had feelings for him for a long time."
These words made Chen's eyes light up. If there was a rift between the prince and Shen Zhixiu, then there might be a chance for things to turn around.
Given the relationship between the Li family and the prince, if Li Chaoyun is willing to help Shen Zhao, it would be Shen Zhao's good fortune.
"Then where do you start, Princess? If you want to take over the stewardship of the inner house first, I have an opportunity." Chen said in a low voice.
The mother-in-law and daughter-in-law discussed the matter for half an hour before Li Chaoyun left with Shen Zhao, feeling satisfied. Before marrying into the Shen family, she had already prepared herself to fight for her place. So, after they consummated their marriage last night, they spent the rest of the night discussing these matters.
Fortunately, Shen Zhao was no pushover; he had some insight into the court situation, and he had ambition and means. With her and the Li family's support, she doubted she could defeat Shen Zhixiu.
For several days, Li Chaoyun behaved well in the mansion, visiting his parents every morning and evening, and being respectful to his elders.
Even Su Qingyu, who had been staring at her, couldn't find any fault with her.
But the more she did this, the more Su Qingyu became more cautious and didn't dare to be careless.
Ever since Li Chaoyun married into the family, Chen Wu has been coming home more often. She would come back twice every three days, and her relationship with Li Chaoyun has become increasingly close.
A few days later, after Su Qingyu finished her morning work, she asked Feicui, "Is today the fourth day of the seventh lunar month?"
Emerald nodded and replied, "Yes."
Su Qingyu ordered Feicui to prepare the carriage as she was going to Ruyi Tower.
In his previous life, Mr. Qian's son had injured a young master from the Yang family's branch at Ruyi Tower. This young master was a distant nephew of Yang Wenshi, the Minister of War.
She wanted to see what was going on and whether she could bring down the Chen family. Mr. Qian was the key. Using this dispute to get Mr. Qian to change sides was a time-saving, labor-saving, and risk-free method.
The master and servant got on a carriage and went to Ruyi Tower. The carriage stopped at the entrance of the alley diagonally opposite Ruyi Tower.
Su Qingyu thought for a moment and told Feicui, "I'll wait for you in the car. Go in and pretend to eat. If there's any fighting or trouble, come out and call me."
Many people in the capital knew her now, and if she went in like this and was recognized, it would easily affect what happened later. So she asked Feicui to go first, and she would go in after the matter was settled.
Although Feicui didn't understand how her wife knew about the fight, she was used to her wife knowing everything. Sometimes she even wondered if her wife was a fortune teller. How could she always predict everything?
Taking Su Qingyu's instructions in mind, Jade disguised herself as a diner and entered Ruyi Tower.
After almost an hour, Feicui hurried out and quickly got on the carriage.
"Ma'am, something really happened."
"Did a fight really break out? Who were they?"
Jadeite evened out her breathing and explained.
"One is called Young Master Qian, and the other is called Young Master Yang. Young Master Qian beat Young Master Yang up, and the beating was pretty severe."
"Young Master Yang's servant said he was going to... the Ministry of War to call for help."
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