Jiang Qi replied, "This is not a secret. It was found out without much effort."
"It all started when Madam Chen praised you in public and said how hard it was for you to take care of the Third Master all by yourself."
"Later, the virtuous concubine said that it was Lord Shen's loyalty that kept him from taking a concubine, and she even mentioned the last time the Third Master drank with Elder Chen. Madam Chen, however, said that was because it was given in person, and Lord Shen would find it difficult to accept. If it was a reward from the virtuous concubine, it would be different."
"And Princess Chaoyun was also drumming up support on the side, and only then did Her Majesty the Concubine issue the decree."
Su Qingyu wasn't surprised. Li Chaoyun and Madam Chen had entered the palace this morning, and Jiang Chenyue had arrived at the mansion at noon. She had long suspected that it might have something to do with these two people.
As for Jiang Chenyue's martial arts skills, it might be a backup plan left by the virtuous concubine. If Shen Zhixiu is unable to serve the Crown Prince, or if he leans towards another prince, Jiang Chenyue will be the knife to eliminate him.
After Jiang Qi left, Su Qingyu thought for a while before instructing Feicui, "Find an empty courtyard in the main courtyard and settle Jiang Chenyue there. She can't stay in the west courtyard."
Feicui is right. If the person stays in the west courtyard, even if the Third Master doesn't touch her, she will still get into trouble.
"Just tell others... the Shen family is planning to set up a dance and music troupe, and we'd like Miss Jiang to help with the preparations."
Many families in Beijing maintain dance and music troupes; it's not uncommon. When families hold banquets or important festivals, the troupes come out to liven up the atmosphere and add to the fun.
The Shen family had one before, but when the old man passed away, they were dismissed during the mourning period. After the mourning period was over, Shen Zhixiu took over the family and the matter was never mentioned again.
Just as she finished giving the order, Zhenzhu came in and reported, "Madam, Miss Han Cui came to tell her that the old lady wants you to go to Qingyuan Residence."
Feicui looked at Su Qingyu and said worriedly, "Madam, will the old lady ask you to come over for this Miss Jiang?"
"If the old lady wants to leave the person to the Third Master..."
It’s no wonder that Feicui is worried. As a mother, who doesn’t want her son to enjoy the happiness of having many wives and many children and grandchildren?
Su Qingyu shook her head and said, "The old lady wouldn't be so confused."
Even if they really wanted to arrange a concubine for Shen Zhixiu, it would be a girl with a clean background, not someone sent by the virtuous concubine who could betray the Shen family at any time.
Su Qingyu stood up, combed her hair again, put on the new cloak she had made in spring, and led her people towards Qingyuanju.
Feicui went to find an empty yard and moved Jiang Chenyue out of the west yard.
Su Qingyu walked through the moon gate between the west courtyard and the main courtyard, and within a few steps, she met Chen Zhao.
Su Qingyu muttered to herself, what bad luck.
She wanted to walk around him, but unexpectedly, when Shen Zhao saw her, his brows lit up and he walked over quickly.
"Aunt San doesn't look very good. Is she angry?"
"No matter how proud a woman is, she can't escape the drama of competing for favor with concubines. My nephew is really worried about Third Aunt."
Shen Zhao stood with his hands behind his back, speaking in a serious tone, as if his attitude could hide his dirty thoughts.
Su Qingyu raised her eyelids slightly and glanced at him with contempt.
"Your Third Uncle is indeed not as good as you in this respect. He is a clean man. Unlike you, even after your wife had a miscarriage, you still didn't forget to climb into the maid's bed."
Su Qingyu despised this kind of meaningless verbal battle, and it would be better to seize the opportunity to stab someone in the back.
Chen Zhao stepped forward, but when he was about an arm's length from Su Qingyu, he was stopped by Zhenzhu, "Young Master, please respect yourself."
Chen Zhao ignored Zhenzhu and stared at Su Qingyu with a sinister look, saying in a deep voice.
"Keep oneself clean? Third Aunt is really stupid. Where in this world can there be a man who keeps himself clean?"
"I'm a man, I understand. No man can control someone like Jiang Chenyue."
Su Qingyu was suddenly stunned, and a thought flashed through her mind.
Then, she rolled her eyes at Chen Zhao and walked away directly past him.
Shen Zhao stood there, clenching his fists. Sometimes being ignored makes people even more crazy.
When Su Qingyu arrived at Qingyuanju, Li Chaoyun was also there.
On the nanmu table on the big kang next to the window in the banquet room, there was a snack box that looked like it came from the palace.
Su Qingyu guessed that Li Chaoyun had returned from the palace and brought snacks for the old lady.
"Hello, Third Auntie. You don't look well. Please take care of yourself."
Li Chaoyun and Shen Zhao actually agreed with each other. No one knew how they could tell that she looked unwell.
The old lady heard the hidden meaning in Li Chaoyun's words and said, "You must be tired after entering the palace. Go back and rest. I will talk to your third aunt."
Li Chaoyun pursed her red lips. Although she was unhappy, she didn't dare to say anything.
After Li Chaoyun left and only Nanny Hua remained to serve, the old lady motioned for Su Qingyu to sit closer and asked, "What are your plans for that person from the palace?"
The old lady had a smile on her face and a calm expression, and her eyes were full of love when she looked at Su Qingyu.
Su Qingyu didn't hide it and said, "My daughter-in-law plans to find a vacant courtyard in the main courtyard and let her settle down first. Later, she wants to organize a dance and music troupe in the mansion, and it's a good opportunity for her to be in charge of this matter."
The old lady nodded slightly, "This idea is not a good one. It won't hurt Concubine Xian's reputation, and it can also help Zhixiu get out of this matter."
"You're right. This person can't stay in the West Courtyard. Firstly, Zhixiu's status is special, and the court has been a bit turbulent recently due to the issue of the crown prince. It's better not to cause any more trouble. Secondly, it will eventually affect your relationship as husband and wife, so it's better to move him out."
The old lady had been worried that Su Qingyu would have reservations and really keep her. After hearing her plan, she felt relieved and even more satisfied with her daughter-in-law.
Su Qingyu couldn't help but say, "Mother, I see other mothers-in-law are eager to give their sons more concubines, so that they can have more children and more blessings. But you are only thinking about me, afraid that I will be wronged."
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