Chapter 81 The Abandoned Eldest Daughter Makes a Comeback (5)
Xiao Chengxu only realized later that his actions might have put Shen Yunzhen in danger, but at that time he had already been summoned to the palace by his father, the Emperor.
He had no choice but to patiently report back to his father before hurrying off to the estate.
At the time, he never expected that he would invite Shen Yunzhen to stay at his house.
At the First Prince's residence, Xiao Chengjin was pressing a spy for answers: "Are you telling the truth? Did the Second Prince really bring a woman with him?"
The scout confirmed, "Your Highness, it is absolutely true. When we were heading to the capital, the woman even opened the carriage window a crack, and I saw the woman's clothes inside with my own eyes. Moreover, His Highness the Crown Prince personally rode alongside the carriage to escort it."
Xiao Chengjin stroked his chin: "Do you know where he brought this woman back from?"
"I heard it was brought back from a manor, that manor..." The scout glanced cautiously at Xiao Chengjin: "That manor seems to be the property of the Left Vice Minister of the Ministry of Revenue."
Xiao Chengjin's eyes deepened: "The Left Vice Minister of the Ministry of Revenue, Shen Zhengde?"
He had tried to win over Shen Zhengde, but the other party skillfully deflected his advances and didn't engage at all.
Is he now siding with the second son?
"Go and find out the woman's exact identity."
"Yes, sir."
Similarly, someone from the Third Prince Xiao Chengze's side also brought him this news.
The person who brought the news was his uncle, Xu Lin.
Xiao Chengze was a little surprised: "Second Brother brought a woman back? Is that true?"
He knew very well that his second elder brother, the Crown Prince, was proud, unromantic, and had no interest in women; he didn't even have a single concubine in his household.
"It's true, the news has spread throughout the capital city by now."
As the crown prince, his every move attracts attention.
The rumors of a talent selection were already circulating, and many families with daughters of marriageable age were making preparations in earnest. Now that the Crown Prince had brought back a woman, it caused even more excitement among the people.
Some families are even considering sending their daughters into the Crown Prince's harem.
Xiao Chengze asked curiously, "Do you know whose daughter this is?"
Xu Lin sneered: "I know, it's from Shen Zhengde's family."
Unlike others who were still guessing who the woman was, the Xu family knew her true identity very well.
Not long ago, this man surnamed Shen came to have tea with him, and in his conversation, he mentioned that the Third Prince and his daughter were of similar age.
Although a crown prince has been established early on, there are only three princes. Who says there is no chance?
Those with ambition also want to go further, and the Xu family is no exception.
Shen Zhengde is a capable man, and His Majesty values him highly. The Minister of Revenue is getting old and recently submitted a memorial requesting to retire.
After the old minister retires, Shen Zhengde is very likely to be promoted further.
Therefore, the Xu family accepted the offer without hesitation.
However, they were also well aware that among the three princes, the third prince was the weakest. Shen Zhengde bypassed the eldest prince and the crown prince and chose the youngest third prince, which seemed rather strange.
However, they couldn't let a minor setback deter them from refusing Shen Zhengde's offer of refuge.
Therefore, the Xu family went to great lengths to investigate the Shen family, and naturally they also found out his attitude towards his first wife's daughter.
Of course, this can only be considered a breach of personal morality, and is not a big deal.
Apart from that, they did not find anything alarming.
Therefore, the Xu and Chen families have reached a tacit agreement, and Shen Yunzhen will become the third prince's princess consort once the imperial concubine selection is held.
What does Shen Zhengde mean now?
Why give the second legitimate daughter to His Highness, but give the eldest legitimate daughter to the Crown Prince?
Xu Lin had new thoughts about Shen Zhengde's actions.
Perhaps he's not just betting on two fronts, but on three?
He gave his two daughters to the Crown Prince and the Third Prince, but secretly he was actually working for the First Prince. No matter who came to power, he would not lose out.
No wonder Xu Lin thought that way; Shen Zhengde's actions were simply too strange, and only this explanation made sense.
Xiao Chengze asked in confusion, "The daughter of Lord Shen? Shouldn't Miss Shen be at home? My cousin said yesterday that she sent her an invitation."
"It's not Miss Shen the Second, it's his eldest daughter."
"Eldest daughter? Lord Shen has another daughter? Doesn't he only have one legitimate daughter?"
Shen Yunzhen has been sent to the estate for ten years, and Liu Ying is also intentionally erasing her existence, so many people have forgotten that Shen Zhengde had such a daughter. Xiao Chengze has not deliberately looked into it, so naturally he does not know.
The Xu family had no intention of telling Xiao Chengze about these matters; he was unaware that his prince consort had already been chosen in advance.
Xu Lin then gave a brief explanation.
Xiao Chengze showed a hint of sympathy on his face: "Miss Shen is too pitiful."
Xu Lin was helpless; he hadn't come to him to hear these things.
His nephew was simple and honest, and very soft-hearted. He had no desire for power and was nothing like a member of the royal family.
Xu Lin coaxed, "Your Highness, don't you have anything else to say?"
Xiao Chengze propped his face up with his hand: "I wonder what rank Second Brother will give Miss Shen, but whatever the rank, it should be better than her life on the estate. She suffered a lot in the past few years, and now she's finally reaping the rewards."
Xu Lin: "..."
He persisted, saying, "Aren't you curious why His Highness the Crown Prince brought Shen Zhengde's daughter back to the mansion?"
"Isn't this a bad idea?"
Xiao Chengze gave Xu Lin a strange look.
"This is my second brother's private matter, and it also concerns the reputation of our daughter. Uncle, let's not discuss this anymore."
He was naturally curious, but he couldn't bring himself to ask anyone about it, and he was even too embarrassed to say more than a few words.
Regardless of how Second Brother met Miss Shen, or what Miss Shen did to get Second Brother to take her away, it is ultimately their private matter.
He also felt it was understandable; Miss Shen was having a really tough time.
How could Lord Shen do such a thing?
Miss Shen was pampered and spoiled in the mansion, while the original wife's legitimate daughter was sent to the estate.
Xiao Chengze's impression of the gentle and refined Shen Zhengde was greatly diminished.
Xu Lin: "..."
Never mind, they'll take care of everything, so my nephew doesn't need to worry about these things.
Besides... there's nothing wrong with his personality.
Everyone else received the news, and Shen Zhengde, as the person in question, naturally received it as well.
"Bang!"
The teacup in Shen Zhengde's hand was slammed to the ground.
"Useless! All of you are useless!"
Liu Ying, carrying a specially prepared ginseng soup, was about to knock on the door when she heard the sound and pushed the door open and went in.
She walked around the broken teacup on the ground, came behind Shen Zhengde, and slowly pressed down on his shoulders.
"Sir, what happened? Why are you so angry?"
Her voice was gentle and soft, carrying obvious concern.
Normally, Shen Zhengde would have been pleased, but the news just now was so unexpected that it made him furious.
"Shen Yunzhen has left the estate and been taken back by His Highness the Crown Prince!"
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